No openings for 2024/25 school year
Welcome to my website! While taking a break from in-person teaching for the upcoming school year, I will be adding online resources useful for intermediate, advanced, and adult students.
Although there are no firm boundaries, I consider a student to be upper intermediate once they have mastered the basics of note reading, know scales and arpeggios in all keys, and have a basic grasp of intervals and chords. Technique work continues of course, but the focus moves towards interpretation and performance concepts including:
- how to read and interpret a score (beyond correct notes and rhythms)
- how to choose phrasings and articulations
- how to use physical gestures to clarify and/or magnify a musical gesture
Artistry
Developing an artistic frame of mind goes beyond hours spent in the practice room. Having contact and exposure to a wide range of perspectives and ideas from a variety of disciplines is essential to unlocking the imagination. For example, in order to learn how to produce a warm, singing line in a Chopin Nocturne, there must be some concept of what a “bel canto” singing style is all about. I recommend:
- Attend live concerts whenever possible, and if you can’t, no worries, YouTube is here to help!
- Listen to a variety of genres, including non-classical and non-western (there is a whole world of Indian Classical Music that is fascinating!)
Beyond this, I encourage making connections beyond the world of music. Go sailing! Go hiking! Pet a baby goat! Whatever intellectual or physical activity might interest you will likely bring something positive that will transfer to your piano world.
–Margaret Denton, D.M.
NEW! Piano Flashcards with 6 levels to work your way from beginner to advanced.
