Joe’s Blog
Welcome to my blog!
A reminder that these blog entries are not ‘timely.’ They do not address issues that relate to the present news of the world. They address perennial issues faced by most pianists when striving to excel in their playing. I encourage you to search through the posts to find the ones that will yield the greatest benefit to you.
You can also use this list of all blog posts in order of keyword, which you can also sort by title.
You are also welcome to contact me to suggest a topic that you would like to see appear on the site, or ask questions or comment below each entry. Enjoy!
The Principle of Nested Parentheses
July 9, 2019
In simplifying algebraic expressions, one starts with the innermost pair(s) of parentheses, simplifies and reduces it, then works gradually outwards to the outermost parentheses, i.e. the full expression.
Today, I want to advocate the opposite process for piano practicing, one that begins, figuratively speaking, with the outermost parentheses and works inwards until all the details are presented.
When Practicing is Emotionally Painful
June 27, 2019
S.B.’s lesson on 6/25/19
S.B. is sensitive to good music, his soul clearly derives sustenance from it. Part of him loves being at the piano. The fly in the ointment is his sight reading.
An Unbroken Persistence or Continuity of Sound
June 25, 2019
J.M’s lesson around Friday June 14, 2019 on the Beethoven “Andante Favori”
#1. The beginning of the piece.
Two or More notes by the Application of a Single Motion Through Time
June 23, 2019
Heel-Toe:
In today’s earlier blog post (6/23/19), about Albeniz’s Orientale, reference is made (see footnote three, ***) to a forthcoming blog: two or more notes from one single continuous gesture through time. This is it. The specific gesture referred to is one I refer to under the nickname of “heel-toe” (a borrowing from organ foot technique).