Thursday, May 2, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
πHave you ever daydreamed about walking down the aisle… to the ABSOLUTE PERFECT MUSIC?
πΆThis afternoon was about arranging a processional of the beautifully joyful, elegant and delightful piece entitled "Summer" by
β¨I just love imagining how each note will punctuate the bride’s beautiful moment for the couple’s unforgettable day!!
π€What song would YOU want to arrange for a special event?
π§Do you know how to get started? What's your process?
β‘Let me know in the comments!!
Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
How to learn the “Don’t Stop Believing” riff, in 5 minutes, learning by ear.
Mayana did it last week in our online piano lessons! Incredible.
1. We got the chords. (E, B, C#m, G#m; E, B, G#m, A)
2. We learned the pattern. (3 solid chords x 3 bass notes, alternating)
3. We mastered the twist at the end! (3 slow solid chords)
Want to see the riff for yourself? Comment RIFF to get an overhead view of the riff, live from class.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Community Highlights from Winter 2024 in the Studio.
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
ποΈποΈLast week’s open mic was 100% a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Take a peek!!
π Want to be on the list for next time? All ages, levels, styles & instruments are welcome.
πΉ This time we had all piano-players.. and check us out! So fun!! π€©
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
π€ Imagine your kid sitting down for piano lessons... and literally π¨π₯ππ‘π‘ππ£π π©ππ ππππ£π¨ on "how practice went" this week. π€― Believe it or not, it’s possible!
The catch --- it's not like kids already "know" how to do this. They have to be taught. Here's how I do it!
Sunday, June 16, 2019 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Improvising is a great way to develop self-expression at the piano, while also freeing spontaneity and sensitivity for playing composed music. If you are new to this it can feel uncomfortable, but the only way to learn to improvise is to just do it... and often!
HOW TO START?
1) Begin with any note.
2) Listen to the sound you made and ask, "what do I want to hear next?" (i.e. move up/down, close/far).
3) Make your move!
4) LISTEN, RESIST the urge to FIX.
5) Repeat and loop steps 2-4.
This is teaching you to listen and respond through trial and error --- much like how we learn a new language. You are training your ears, eyes, fingers and inner ear to speak "piano" extemporaneously! Do this every day for a few minutes.. maybe first thing in the morning or last thing at night... and you will soon see yourself feeling more comfortable to just "play" what you feel.
I started solo improvising (i.e. not within a band) mid-way through my Master of Music degree in classical piano performance. Daily (or most days) pre-practice improv became a ritual... albeit not always satisfying... that made me feel more in tune with myself personally and musically. Ultimately, it has definitely made me a freer and better musician. Here are links to the first and last improvs of my master's degree:
What are your tips for improvising?I'd love to hear from you! :)