General Tips
How to Find a (Good) Piano Teacher
Hey friends! In today’s conversational video, I share with you some ideas on how to find a piano teacher. I’ve taught at music schools and independently, and I’ve taught in big cities and small towns, so – in theory – I have a good perspective on this topic. Hope you find it helpful, and I’ll…
Read MoreHow to Ace your RCM History Exams
Today’s episode of PianoTV is all about how to ace your RCM history exams. I’ve personally aced them, so I’ll walk you through my study process. I’m not a piano whiz. I used to do well in competitions as a child, but my playing marks have generally been average, and I’ve needed to clock a…
Read MoreAm I Too Old to Learn Piano?
I get a decent amount of emails from hopeful piano students (and some not-so-hopeful). One question that I’m asked again and again is, “Am I too old to learn piano?” Or, if they’re not specifically asking me if I think they’re too old, they express concern about their advancing age getting in the way of…
Read MoreThe Complete Guide to Dynamics on the Piano
In today’s video we’re going to address the topic of dynamics on the piano. We’ll talk about what dynamics are, the differences in dynamics across musical eras, and some tips on how to play dynamics more effectively. As far as I know there isn’t a “do-this-and-achieve-awesome-dynamics” lesson out there – if there is, please let…
Read MoreInstagram Q&A! Your Questions on Music and Life, Answered
Hi friends, Today’s video is an Instagram Q&A. I was home with Jane for a week while Mike was off on a work trip, so we decided to do a spur-of-the-moment type video. Follow me on Instagram if you want to catch the next one, or just follow my stories! Take care, Allysia
Read MorePractice Piano With Me: Zapping My Brain to learn Marching Season
Hey friends, In today’s “practice piano with me” session I’m trying something a little different. I put on Halo Sport headphones to zap my brain and (hopefully) help me re-learn this piece faster and easier. Check out the video for my experiences, and be sure to check out the previous comparison video where I learned…
Read MorePractice Piano With Me: February Sea by George Winston
Hi friends, We’re back for another installment of “practice piano with me” – this time with a modern composition by George Winston called “February Sea”. There’s also a twist with this one – but you’ll have to wait until the next video to see what it is. 🙂 In this video, I’ll make comments about…
Read MoreJoin the 30 Days of Piano Group!
Hey friends, Due to the success of the “30 days of piano” course from September, we’ve made it permanently available for purchase. You can still participate in the active Facebook group and go through all of the videos at your own pace! Please visit this page for more details, and check out the video update.…
Read MoreGrade 5 RCM Technique Requirements
Today’s video covers the RCM’s grade 5 piano technique requirements (updated for the 2015 syllabus). This includes scales, triads and arpeggios. I’ll be playing with the metronome in this video at the MINIMUM required speeds (feel free to go a little faster), and will label each technique on the screen as I play them. Coming…
Read MoreHow to play cadences (level 5-6)
In today’s video I wanted to discuss how to play cadences. We’ve talked about cadences before on this channel – what they are, what the point of them is – so check out that video for more information. Today is going to be about the practical application of cadences. This is going to be especially…
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