Music

20 Piece Polishing Challenge Video #2: Bourée in F Major

20 Piece Polishing Challenge Video #2: Bourée in F Major

For the second piece in my challenge, I chose a piece that would juggle nicely with Easter Triduum music and getting speed and memory secure in Typhoon. I picked Telemann's Bourée in F Major.

Repertoire Exploration Project: Conservatory Canada Pre-Grade 1 Repertoire

Repertoire Exploration Project: Conservatory Canada Pre-Grade 1 Repertoire

When I was growing up, we had to go to the library to hear various recordings of our pieces. With technology, it is much easier to access various performances of pieces - but only some pieces. I have decided to record my exploration through student repertoire that hasn't received as much screen time (or any at all)...First up: Conservatory Canada's Pre-Grade 1 repertoire.

On Becoming a Bulletproof Musician

On Becoming a Bulletproof Musician

The theme at last week’s group classes was becoming a bulletproof musician. The idea has been percolating in my mind ever since I discovered Dr. Noa Kageyama’s blog on performance anxiety and mindful practice, called The Bulletproof Musician.

New Site, New Blog

New Site, New Blog

Sometimes, we just need a fresh start. Managing a Wordpress multsite with several blogs while juggling music teaching, freelancing gigs, and trying to get Maestro's Music Tricks off the ground simply wasn't working. 

Music Practice Tip: All Musicians Should Sing the Music

This music practice tip is something I should get my students to do more regularly: sing the music. Too often, we get hung up on the mechanics of music, that is, the notes and the rhythm. Well, that’s all good and dandy, but we’re not robots. When we bring music to life, we are telling a story through sound and silence.