Author Archives: rileylaurie

Personal Style Whether you’re aware of it or not, you have a personal style of playing (in addition to the genre of music you play). Your personal style is not necessarily something you develop on purpose, and though many musicians do make conscious decisions in that realm, your life experiences in general seep into yourContinue reading “Styles – Regional, National and Personal”

(Part 4 of “The Teacher-Student Relationship”) What “qualifies” one to teach? Well, no one wrote a rule book on it, and in very real ways we are all teachers. So there’s no definitive way to answer the question. But if you’d like to be teaching and aren’t sure if you’re qualified, perhaps a few of theseContinue reading “How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Teach?”

First, many thanks to my readers for all your supportive comments! I’m glad you enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy writing them. I’d like to diverge from the current series on the teacher-student relationship (will resume with next post), to comment on the tempos at which we play our music. The tempoContinue reading “How Fast is Too Fast?”

The Five Ways of Learning It’s well known that individuals learn in at least one of five ways: Aural Verbal Visual Experiential Tactile Aural learners retain what they have heard. If they have only read it, they may not retain it. I had a history teacher who was wise enough to have us read aContinue reading “Part 3: The Student-Teacher Relationship”

This is the second of a series of posts on the teacher-student relationship. If you haven’t seen Part 1, it’s below. Your Energy Level  It’s been said that a performer uses as many calories on stage in an hour-long concert as a runner does in ten miles. Any performer can tell you this must beContinue reading “Part 2: The Teacher-Student Relationship”

We are all teachers and we are all students, whether or not we realize it. We are each an example to others whenever we play, and whatever we say. And we are constantly learning. Sometimes we teach or learn on purpose; sometimes just by being who we are. Learning requires as much integrity as teaching.Continue reading “Exploring the Student-Teacher Relationship”

What exactly is excellence? Webster’s Dictionary gives these synonyms: “distinction, greatness, perfection, preeminence, superiority”. But these definitions seem unfair, since one can achieve excellence without being “the best”, or greater than, or preeminent. Excellence really is being the best you can be. We do, however, need the inspiration of good example so we can strive to reach certainContinue reading “Your Relationship with Excellence”

It’s been requested that I write about how to understand, find and use harmony. First, let’s look at what it is: how do we define harmony? Essentially, it’s the simultaneous sounding of two or more notes that sound pleasing together. Of course, what sounds good to one person can differ from what another finds pleasing.Continue reading “The Sense of Harmony”

Margi wrote: ” I have one further question. For me there is a big difference between what I can memorize for my left and right hands (I am right handed, mostly). Whereas I can easily memorize the melody I play with my right hand, I am totally hesitant and unsure about what I play withContinue reading “Reply to Second Comment”

Cherie said, “I like your suggestion to practice “known” songs on a rotating basis (1, 2, 3 on day 1; 2, 3, 4 on day 2; and so on). How many times do you recommend playing each one? I find that when I play a tune I haven’t played in a week or so, oftenContinue reading “Reply to Comment”