Piano Teacher’s Blog

World Jam Club-New CD “Sundance”

June 18th, 2008 Chris Almond

This is a nice CD out from my wife’s sister. It is very peacefull and the kind of music almost anyone would like. Very good compositons and musicainship. You can hear parts of it on their page. I have copies here at the studio if anyone would like to purchase, the are $15.

http://www.myspace.com/worldjamclub

Giles Apap Special Listening 5-5-08

May 5th, 2008 Chris Almond

Long, but really good and varied enough that your brain can survive it…Remarkable Musician, his name is Giles Apap…Keep in mind, this is in the middle of a Mozart Violin Concerto and this is the Cadenza(Improvized part)…You will be able to see him going back into the classical at the end.

Teaching the Presidential family

April 28th, 2008 Chris Almond

Greetings all,

 Today, the owner of Little Rock Jams in Arkansas(Jason Priest), has offered free lessons to any presidential candiadate in exchange for his vote this fall.  I thought this was particullarly clever considering I actually know someone who has done that. (Ronda Cole who taught Amy Carter  Violin).  Jason’s Blog is very popular on the internet and it has great content for students interested in non-classical western music(Jazz, blues, Funk, fusion, rock, etc.) , so I invite everyone to take a look at it sometime.  It is guitar oriented so especially if any moms and dads out there play guitar they may enjoy some of the material.    And ofcouse if any of you work for Obama, Hillary, or Mccain, please make it a point to let he or she  know about the great opportunity to help him win the state of Arkansas this fall.

http://blog.littlerockjams.com/2008/04/28/free-guitar-lessons-for-presidential-candidates–hillary-barack-and-john.aspx

S.L. Week of 4-14: Nessun Dorma - Placido Domingo

April 16th, 2008 Chris Almond

Try not to cry for too long…This represents a wonderful example of the power of music to change the heart and bring out feelings from within.

S.L. for week of 4-8-08

April 9th, 2008 Chris Almond

Just for Fun, Enjoy…A survey of music throughout time.

Special Listening 4-1-08

April 1st, 2008 Chris Almond

It is O.K. to enjoy yourself while playing classical music.

For Everyone-Great Event

March 21st, 2008 Chris Almond

Everyone, please click on the link under my pages section.

 ”One of our very best teachers” 

for more info about an important event in the area.  This would be about as ideal of a student concert as I could imagine. 

Friday, April 4th in Vienna, see page post for more details.

Clavoniva Music Festival

March 21st, 2008 Chris Almond

Hello friends,

I just wanted to introduce everyone to the program that I will be organizing for area teachers and students.  Much more to come.

Clavinova 409

http://www.yamaha.com/clavinovafestival/

I have done several of these events over the years, and the students absolutely love it.  The program benefits teachers as well as students:

  1. Participating teachers receive Clavinova festival loaners in order to prepare students for this exciting workshop.
  2.  Students get a rare,non-competitive,fun opportunity to play the piano in a way they enjoy.
  3. Teachers receive training on using Clavinova technology to enhance the quality of their student’s musical experience.
  4. Teachers and students jointly benefit from the naturally increasing practice time afforded through this fun program. 
  5. We all feel better when you start enjoying practicing!

Horowitz - Scarlatti Sonata L23

March 21st, 2008 Chris Almond

This is such a wonderful piece of music, one of my favorites.

Welcome to Novapiano’s Blog

March 21st, 2008 Chris Almond

The intention of this blog is to:

  1. Share information with students and their parents.
  2. Share studio arrangments and recordings.
  3. Share Media (Video and Audio), relevant to Music Education.
  4. Inform students and Teacher Friends about upcoming events of signifigance.
  5. Write about music.
  6. Share Philosophy of why we study music and the piano.
  7. Encourage listening to music and attending concerts.