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Articles For Piano Students Or Hopeful Piano Players
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Picture this: you're sitting at the piano, playing through a beautiful piece, but something feels missing. Those block chords sound perfectly adequate, yet somehow flat and lifeless compared to the flowing, sophisticated sounds you hear when professional pianists perform.
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Your intermediate students are ready for four-note chords, but are you ready to teach them in a way that actually sticks? If you've been struggling to make four-note chords engaging for your intermediate piano players, you're not alone. After 20 years of teaching and nearly as long composing educational piano music, I've discovered that the…
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Have you ever wondered what makes some piano pieces sound instantly more sophisticated and professional than others? The secret often lies in four-note chords – those rich, full harmonies that transform ordinary progressions into something truly captivating. Whether you're working through intermediate repertoire or exploring your own musical creativity, understanding these chord voicings will elevate…
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Mixo-what-ian? If you've ever wondered what this mysterious mode actually sounds like and why it's worth learning, you're about to discover one of music's best-kept secrets. Mixolydian mode might sound intimidating with its ancient Greek name, but for intermediate piano players, it's actually one of the most rewarding and accessible modes to explore. This beautiful…
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The intermediate Circle of Fifths isn't just about identifying key signatures or understanding relationships between major and minor scales. When you understand how to apply it practically, this powerful tool becomes your gateway to musical creativity, allowing you to transform any piece you're playing into something uniquely yours.
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Have you ever wondered why some piano performances move you to tears while others, though technically perfect, leave you feeling nothing? The difference often lies not in which notes are played, but in how the musician manipulates time. Mastering tempo changes in music might be the missing ingredient that transforms your playing from mechanically correct…
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Have you ever wondered why some piano pieces sound deeply emotional while others, even when played correctly, just don't move listeners in the same way? The difference often isn't about technical skill but rather about understanding a few key techniques that professional composers use to create emotional impact.
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Have you ever wondered why your piano playing sounds flat compared to professional recordings, despite playing all the right notes? The difference often lies not in the fingers but in a powerful expressive tool that many early intermediate players overlook or misuse: the sustain pedal.
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Have you ever wondered what gives Latin jazz piano that irresistible groove that makes listeners want to move? The secret lies in distinctive rhythmic patterns called claves, and among them, the rumba clave stands out as particularly captivating. In this article, we'll explore how even late beginner pianists can harness the power of rumba rhythms…
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When it comes to Latin jazz piano, rhythm is everything. While complex chord voicings certainly have their place, it's the rhythmic patterns—particularly the montuno—that create that irresistible Latin groove. In this article, we'll explore what makes montuno rhythms special, how they differ from other claves, and provide a step-by-step approach to incorporating them into your…
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