Daughter of the Piano Man

I Always Wanted To Play The Piano! Make 2012 The Year!

2011-12-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

Is this something you have said in the past? Well get on with it! How long have you been saying this? Can you imagine how well you would be playing if you just started after one of those times you said "I always wanted to play the piano"

Here are some things to thinks about:

There is no reason that learning should be restricted to childhood. In fact, psychologists have discovered that the learning capacity is the same for an eighty year old as the rate of a twelve year old. Individual differences in intelligence and experience account for greater discrepencies than age.

The Piano was really designed for adults. Its large dimensions and the weight of the keys are more suited to a grown person. While other stringed instruments come in small sizes to accomodate small persons, one must grow into the piano.

Adults who study piano do so because they are self motivated. They sincerely wish to make music. This gives them an advantage over most children who are oftern scheduled into lessons by their parents.

Play for the Health of it!

Playing music helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

Playing a musical instrument exercises the brain and helps to fight memory loss.

Making music can help reduce job burnout and improve mood, according to a study exposing 112 long-term care workers to six recreational music making . (Advances in Mind-Body Medicine)

Check Back I have Many More Reasons.....

Now is the Time! Book your Piano Lessons for the Fall!

2011-05-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking: its the end of May! I am planning the summer holidays, school is not even finished yet! A little time and research now will save you possible big scheduling headaches later.

Some general advice for the returning students:

Parents: ask yourself these questions before re-registering the student for the Fall.

Was the time convenient for us?

Most schools offer anywhere from 0 to 3 make-ups lessons a year. Make sure you can attend most Lessons. For example, avoid Saturdays if you have other activities, such as skiing, or playing hockey, or the children just enjoy sleeping in or watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Was the progress made this year adequate?

Talk to the teacher. What is good progress? For some it is as obvious as advancing a piano grade. But for others it could be practicing more or having a repertoire they are proud to play.

Does the parent and the student have a positive relationship with the teacher?

Communication is an integral part of this relationship. With communication we can set appropriate goals for the student and understand the expectations of the teacher and the parent.

Discuss these things with the music school! The office staff can offer you many different options for lesson times, as well as advise you on the teacher they think will work best with your child. Remember - their goal is to have a happy confident student who wants to take lessons.

If the Piano Has Not been Tuned in a Year Its out of Tune No Ands Ifs or Buts

2011-05-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Piano tuning is adjusting the tension of the strings.

The strings are wrapped around tuning pins that are set in the pin block. There is a special wrench to tune the pins.

Observing a piano technician tune a piano is pretty dry. But what magic the tuner performs!

Years ago a technician told me a story about tuning a piano in a seniors residence. The piano was in the main room and he proceeded to do his work. At the end, like most tuners, he played a short piece of music just to confirm his overall work is complete. (they all do it, its like making the first snow angel after a fresh snowfall). As the technician is putting away his tools , a beautiful lady with a conspiratorial
look on her face enters the room and slowly approaches him, she leans down and whispers in his ear; "Thank God you took over, the fellow who was playing for the last hour was horrible!"

Do not try tuning your own piano yourself. Tuning is a very complicated process, it is an art practiced by skilled professionals. I know there are lots of tutorials on the internet that might make it look easy but please save your money: IT IS NOT EASY!

Have a qualified piano technician tune your piano, one who is a Registered Piano Technician. (they have the letters RPT after there name.) Check out this website to find one near you.
http://www.ptg.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/directory/RPT/person.html

Running a Music School Is One of My Jobs

2011-05-06T17:09:00.001-07:00

I run a music school. We teach piano. We only teach piano; no saxophone or voice lessons here, sorry no guitar, drums or even math lessons. Piano is our forte (pun intended). Why only piano?
Have you ever heard the expression "jack of all trades but master of none"? I want to offer the best quality of instruction in piano. Piano is our thing, piano is our specialty.

Why should I take piano lessons instead of another instrument?

The piano is the least abstract instrument.
The piano is far more versatile than many instruments.
The piano has a larger repertoire of solo literature than any other instrument.
The piano produces tone on pitch by the mere striking of a key.
The piano is THE harmonic instrument. You can hear several notes played at once.

But that is just my opinion.

Let Me Introduce Myself

2011-05-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

My name is Carmen and I really am the Piano Man's Daughter! Let me explain; I grew up in a piano store. For the last 42 years I have been surrounded by piano teachers, piano technicians, piano movers, piano consultants and of course musicians.

ottawapianolessons.ca

ottawapianos.com

This is the ultimate industry to be part of! There is nothing negative about this industry. Oh sure, there is one or two in every crowd who can find faults. But lets be reasonable; My day does not include refusing people loans, notifying next of kin or discussing a terminal diagnosis. Music makes you happy! Music feeds the soul. Music is fun, yes it can be serious but I promise not to get too serious. In the coming days I will give you a peek into this wonderful world.