Classical musicians are cover artists. We play the scores of composers from long ago, and we get to put our own spin on the music. But what about creating our own from scratch? It's not always easy to start off. Compare it to writing in your own native language (English for the sake of the …
Ravel: Rigaudon from Le Tombeau de Couperin
You made it to the weekend! I wanted to share one of my favorite pieces as a fun way to start the weekend. The "Rigaudon" from Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin is one of the pieces that made me fall in love with piano, and it's just a fun piece to both listen to and play …
Continue reading "Ravel: Rigaudon from Le Tombeau de Couperin"
Deliberate Practice
Practicing hours a day can be tedious. And disengaged practice isn't helpful. Thus, serious musicians all have little tricks to help them stay engaged for so much time. I cannot stress enough how important it is to take breaks when your concentration fades. Breaks can be as simple as standing up and taking a sip …
Book Reviews: Jane Eyre
This is another book that helped shape me. In some ways, Jane is the typical heroine: she grows up in hardship and develops a strength that can only be grown from that kind of upbringing. Then a mysterious man who also needs healing crosses paths with her, and they complement each other. She saves him, …
Tale as Old as Time
It's an oldie but a goodie, truly a "tale as old as time." This arrangement and performance is from my early days of arranging and performing, but I still love the simplicity of the song, and I hope you do too. Have a great Valentine's Day, everyone!