The ability to read music is of course very important and useful, but it is merely a tool, a means to an end. Especially during the early years of piano study, reading music tends to bog down the player, contributing to a wooden unnatural sound. So whenever we do use written music, we’ll continue to focus on hearing, making sense of the music, and feeling it - as outlined above.

           PLAYING PIANO  WITH  KEN MUIR

Studying piano with me, you’ll develop your abilities in the following areas:

These skills apply to whatever styles of music we explore:


~jazz~classical~pop~

You’ll learn to notice and understand patterns/structure/form in music. Music “theory” will be used practically, to help you make sense of what you’re playing. This will help you remember music, be less glued to the individual notes on the page, and improvise more easily. You’ll sound better and have more fun.

making sense of the music

You’ll learn to make much better use of your ears. You’ll refine your sense of rhythm, pitch, timbre and nuance through exercises and games, many of which can be done away from the piano.
We’ll make sure that feeling doesn’t get lost in the process! You will hum, sing and move to all music you learn. Our goals here: to feel the music emotionally and physically, and to have fun with it. Your playing will become more expressive, fluent and natural.

feeling

With my help, you’ll search for and discover comfortable ways of getting the piano to do what you want it to. This process -the mindful development of coordination- can be surprisingly interesting and satisfying. Instead of merely “putting in time” with dull, inattentive repetition of material, you’ll learn efficient practice routines which emphasize self-awareness.

physical coordination

ken muir © 2009

hearing

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reading