Monthly Archives: August 2009

A Closer Look at MuseScore: FREE music notation software

By joy (admin) | Published: 31 August 2009

Move over, Finale and Sibelius!  There’s somebody new in town.  MuseScore is a music notation software available FREE online for anyone to download.  After doing a brief test drive last spring (mentioned here), I decided to take a closer look now that it’s available for Mac users. I’ve been a faithful Finale user since 2005, [...]

Posted in composition, improving as a teacher, resources / links, technology, what I'm up to | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

MuseScore: free music notation software

By joy (admin) | Published: 28 August 2009

Have you heard about the new free music notation software called MuseScore?  I have heard nothing but favorable reviews about it thus far.  Personally, I do not currently have a great need for it, since I use Finale software at college.  But this may very well be a great resource for teachers who do not [...]

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Strep throat may have killed Mozart

By joy (admin) | Published: 27 August 2009

Check out this interesting news article: Strep throat may have killed Mozart – Yahoo! News Source: news.yahoo.com The death of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the age of 35 may have been caused by complications stemming from strep throat, according to a Dutch study published on Monday. Since the composer’s …   click here to read [...]

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Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

By joy (admin) | Published: 26 August 2009

“What I have in my heart and soul must find a way out. That is the reason for music…” – Ludwig Van Beethoven Every Wednesday brings Words of Wisdom here at the Color in my Piano blog…in the form of a musical quote or joke, intended to bring inspiration or humor to the middle of [...]

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“New” works by Mozart

By joy (admin) | Published: 25 August 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-eTAwCT86I”

Perhaps you’ve heard some of the commotion about the discovery of some “new” works by Mozart.  Pretty exciting stuff! Check out the movie below:    I enjoyed hearing this piece played on an instrument from the time period.  It really changes your perspective on the music. In addition: Listen to “the premiere” of a Mozart chamber [...]

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Photos demonstrating Proper Posture at the Piano

By joy (admin) | Published: 24 August 2009

Over at The Well-Balanced Pianist website, Dr. Tereasa Dybvig has some wonderful before-and-after pictures of students demonstrating posture at the piano.  Let me tell you, a picture truly tells a thousand words!  I’ve never before seen such a clear demonstration of the effects of incorrect posture.  Bench height, distance from the piano, and having feet flat on [...]

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Some updates

By joy (admin) | Published: 21 August 2009

I have updated the post Printables for Interviewing Students, so that the documents included in the post are larger and easier to read.  Thanks to Julia for the suggestion!  While I was at it, I also updated this post as well: Example Studio Policies handout.

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A Comparison of 5 different Piano Methods

By joy (admin) | Published: 20 August 2009

I found a very interesting chart at musicedmarket.com today, comparing what are probably the top 5 most popular piano methods: Alfred’s Basic Library Bastien Piano Basics The Music Tree Piano Adventures Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Although this chart is probably somewhat outdated (for example, Alfred has recently introducted their new Premier series), there is still valuable [...]

Posted in music camps, repertoire / methods, resources / links | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

By joy (admin) | Published: 19 August 2009

“Music hath charms to soothe a savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” – William Congreve, in The Mourning Bride Every Wednesday brings Words of Wisdom here at the Color in my Piano blog…in the form of a musical quote or joke, intended to bring inspiration or humor to the middle of your [...]

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International Day of Collaborative Music: January 22, 2011

By joy (admin) | Published: 18 August 2009

Doesn’t seem like there’s a holiday for every day?  You know, we all hear about days like Chocolate Day (July 7).  And don’t tell me you missed National Creamsicle Day (August 14).  It’s true.  You really can find a holiday for every day.  (Check out this website, for starters).  It’s getting kind of ridiculous.  But [...]

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Top 10 Issues for Music Teachers in 2009

By joy (admin) | Published: 17 August 2009

I just finished reading the August/September 2009 issue of American Music Teacher.  Perhaps you’ve already read it too, if you’re a member of MTNA.  I was struck by an article written by Lezlee Bishop, 2009 Top Issues Project (pg. 27).  Her article presents the results of a survey run from February 1 through April 30, [...]

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Free Easy Piano Arrangements for Students

By joy (admin) | Published: 16 August 2009

Have you ever had a student who has a particular interest for learning familiar tunes?  The internet is becoming a wonderful resource for easy piano arrangements – which you can commonly download and print for free.  One site in particular that I have turned to frequently for my students is a site called G Music [...]

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