Practicing Piano
Memorizing 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 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 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 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 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 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 More9 gorgeous piano works I would love to learn (eventually)
For today’s Q&A, I decided to learn in a personal direction and talk about the 9 gorgeous piano pieces I would eventually like to learn. These are the pieces for when I’m truly great at piano – a time that might be 10 or 30 or 50 years away. The pieces that I’m willing to…
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