General Tips
Q&A: When do you move up to the next grade level?
For those of you following a graded approach, whether you’re doing ABRSM/RCM/other exams, taking my classes, or simply using it to add some structure to your private lessons or self-exploration, a question comes up: When do you move up to the next grade level? In my studio lessons, we would often begin a grade level…
Read MoreMemorizing a Piece: Building Muscle Memory
Memorizing a Piece: Building Muscle Memory We’ve talked about four different types of memory on this channel before: tactile, aural, visual, and analytical. Today, I wanted to hone in on a specific discussion of tactile memory, which we also typically refer to as “muscle memory”. When I think of muscle memory and music, I think…
Read MoreHow long should you practice a piece? And other piano questions
Today’s episode of PianoTV is a Q&A session where I go through the many, many questions I’ve had. We’ll talk about how long you should practice a piece, and four other questions to boot. (If you’re a beginner, consider joining our Complete Piano Path For Beginners group, as registration closes this week and won’t open…
Read MoreThe Best Way to Learn is in Layers
We learn naturally in layers. When we learn to walk, we don’t master walking right away. We learn to walk alongside other skills like eating and throwing balls (or food). As we age, we get better and better at walking – and then later on, we’re able to run and jump. If we just laser-focused…
Read MorePractice with no progress? (Four reasons and remedies)
Hey friends! It’s been a while since I sat down and chatted with you about piano player problems and challenges that adult learners in particular tend to face. Today I want to talk about the very common problem of practicing without feeling like you’re making any progress at all. Here are four reasons you might…
Read MoreThree Things That Are Keeping You Stuck (on Your Piano Path)
Hey all! Have you signed up for my free webinar “Six Steps to Designing Your Own Piano Path” yet? If not, hop on the bandwagon and join us for a live, fun and educational experience! The webinar will be on Saturday, February 22nd at 3pm EST. Looking forward to seeing you there! I’ve taught students…
Read MoreThe 4DX Practice Framework (The Four Disciplines of Execution)
For today’s video, I was inspired by reading (as is often the case). I’ve been re-reading Cal Newport’s Deep Work, in which he mentions the “4DX practice framework”. This is from a book called the Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney and Sean Covey. So why is this important to you, as a piano…
Read MoreSelf-Discipline is One of the Best Skills You Can Have (And How Practicing Piano Helps You Get It)
I’ve been in the midst of some heady books this summer, and I’ve been thinking about everything from boredom, genetic engineering and free time to piano practice and self-discipline. (In case you’re a book nerd as well, I’ve been absolutely devouring everything Yuval Harari has written, in addition to “Hacking Darwin”, “Abundance: The Future is…
Read MoreWhy the morning is the best time to practice piano
In today’s quick video, I just wanted to share a simple but powerful idea as to why the morning is the perfect time to practice piano – and it might not be what you think! Enjoy, -Allysia
Read MoreI’m Studying for my RCM Grade 10 Again!
Hey friends! Those of you who’ve been following me for a while know that I took my RCM Grade 10 exam a while back, and got a pretty brutal mark. I’m finally getting back into the swing of things and I’m aiming to re-do the exam in January 2020 – about half a year from…
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