Author Archives: hannahannika

Jan Lisiecki concert review

(I will be continuing the posts on “The Inner Game” in a few days) On Saturday, June 2, I was fortunate enough to get tickets at the Orpheum Theatre for the highly publicized young pianist, Jan Lisiecki.  At only 17 years old, he has already accomplished many things: an orchestral debut at 9 years old,Continue reading “Jan Lisiecki concert review”

How to conquer the inner beast – Part 1

This is the first of a series of blog entries about the techniques and tips from “The Inner Game of Music” by Barry Green and Timothy Gallwey.  I have summarized the findings from this book – personal thoughts will be in brackets.  The author’s website can be found at http://www.innergameofmusic.com .   The Performance of anContinue reading “How to conquer the inner beast – Part 1”

How to win the game of music

Some of you may be familiar with the “Inner Game” books by Timothy Gallwey.  His books focus on ways to win the “game” whether it’s for work, sports or music. Gallwey believes there are two factors that affect your performance : your potential and your interference.  Simply put, your potential is your innate talent orContinue reading “How to win the game of music”

Dropping out of music lessons

Many scientific studies have shown how learning how to play a musical instrument improves a child’s personal and social development.   Music students tend to score higher in subjects such as math, and tend to be less disruptive in classes (see http://www.encoremusiclessons.com/benefits-of-music-education/success-in-school) However, student drop-out is often a reality.  Theresa Chen has an excellent blog postContinue reading “Dropping out of music lessons”

But I don’t like to practice….PART2!

Continued from the previous discussion on practicing… This blog focuses on the PARENT: 2. The Parents Although the teacher is the main motivating force, the student only sees the teacher once a week for 30-60 minutes at most.  It is impractical to assume the teacher alone will be the driving force for a student’s dailyContinue reading “But I don’t like to practice….PART2!”

But I don’t like to practice….!

How many times have parents heard that phrase, as they exasperatedly prod their child for what seems like the hundredth time in the day. Sometimes, as parents or teachers, we wonder why our child is not more grateful of all the time and money we have spend on their piano lessons.  Why they get boredContinue reading “But I don’t like to practice….!”