Creative Musicianship
How to Create a Simple Improvisation Using Just One Chord
If you learned piano through traditional classical lessons, you were probably trained to read, interpret, and reproduce music exactly as written. Improvising can feel like stepping into a world without instructions — uncertain, exposed, and a little intimidating. Although building a foundation in music theory and understanding harmony is vital to becoming a confident improviser,…
Read MoreWhy understanding harmony makes you a better pianist
If you’ve ever watched an experienced pianist sight-read effortlessly, play by ear, or improvise freely, you’ve probably wondered — how do they do that? The secret often lies in their understanding of harmony. When you understand how chords fit together to create movement and emotion, everything you do at the piano becomes easier, more connected,…
Read MoreGetting started on a composition
Getting started on a composition assignment is much easier if you’ve already got an idea that you want to write about. Having a reason to write a piece of music helps you set up the mood of your piece right from the start, ensures that you have something to communicate in your music and can…
Read MoreHow we’re using Noteflight
Noteflight is an online tool that you can use to write and playback music over the internet. It’s reasonably priced and is a great tool for music students. It’s possible for music teachers to set up a safe space on Noteflight where their students can share music and access online resources. This year, I’ve started…
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