New Town Piano Lessons

"Why Learn Popular Music?"

"Why Learn Popular Music?"

My college piano teacher, Leonora Suppan, was a strong proponent of classical music. She was, after all, a professional, playing solo, with a string quartet, and a performer with a small but excellent symphony. She played classical, and she taught it.

Nervous When You Perform?

Nervous When You Perform?

Some people get very nervous when they perform. I'm one of them. My hands usually sweat a little, and often shake. My stomach churns. Two hours before the performance, I start asking myself why the heck I ever decided to play publicly, especially for all my students and their parents. 

To Improvise, Or Not To Improvise

To Improvise, Or Not To Improvise

Listening House Studios believes in teaching a wide variety of music and music techniques. In November and December, for example, I concentrate on playing lead sheets. Our students learn to read a melody line written as notes, with their right hands, and play chords from chord symbols with their left hands. Eric focuses on this throughout the year.

The Value Of A Great Teacher

The Value Of A Great Teacher

A few blogs ago, I mentioned my perfectionist college piano teacher, Leonora Suppan. I may have given the impression that I didn’t like her. In reality, she was one of my mentors and a great inspiration.

Three Ways To Keep Your Student Practicing

Three Ways To Keep Your Student Practicing

How does a parent deal with a child who’s resisting practicing? Here are some tips that may help.