Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, First Movement, Amplified
The Beethoven Moonlight Sonata's first movement is not as simple as it seems; find historical context and tips on ways to interpret the piece with rubato.
View ArticleOde to the Piano, a Poem
Mary Jo Balistreri, who has a hearing loss, writes of the piano as an honest friend and lifelong teacher in this uplifting poem dedicated to Nancy Williams.
View ArticleSatie Gnossienne No. 3 Amplified
Gain perspectives on interpreting Satie's Gnossienne No. 3, with its flexible sense of rhythm, lack of measure markings, and colorful written indications.
View ArticleBach French Suite No. 4 Amplified
The Bach French Suite No. 4's Allemande is relatively short, making its contrapuntal demands on the player manageable; get tips on how to play the piece.
View ArticleAmerican Grand, PBS Documentary, Created by Amateur Pianist
A film director and amateur pianist describes the making of American Grand, a documentary depicting the drama of taking apart and rebuilding a grand piano.
View ArticleThe Chopin Prelude in A Major Amplified
The Chopin Prelude in A Major is a very short piece that offers a wonderful study in dynamics, color, and rubato. Find tips on how to achieve these effects.
View ArticlePlaying Scared: Getting Over Stage Fright
An adult pianist who suffered from stage fright since childhood, Sara Solovitch, author of Playing Scared, decides to take her performance anxiety head on.
View ArticleCast a Spell with Schumann’s Album for the Young
Tips on how to play and interpret the contemplative No. 30 from Schumann’s Album for the Young, and create variety to avoid monotony in the repeating motif.
View ArticleThe Gift of Arranging
Although she didn’t have typical classical piano lessons, Gail Fischler learned chords. She went on to arrange music, including a book of Christmas carols.
View ArticleAn Inside Look at the Life of a Professional Musician
These excerpts from Marcia Butler's memoir The Skin Above My Knee show that even for a professional musician, preparing a new piece can be frightening and all-encompassing.
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