Performance attire for pianists

Saks Fifth Avenue decked out for the Holidays ~ Image via Wikipedia Have you performed on occasion having made unfortunate clothing choices? I’d guess that most of us have, at least once or twice. There are a few things we need to consider so we can perform without our clothing being the cause of a [...]

7 Stretches to beat “Piano Back”

Image via Wikipedia This post is for computer users, too. On days when I practice for a long time and/or use a computer, I stretch when I’m done. (OK, I stretch every day.  It’s easy, it works, and it doesn’t take long.) We have all seen people’s necks set forward, head in front of their [...]

Happy Thanksgiving

Image by Getty Images via @daylife Photo:  “Beverly Romack, 80, waits in line to receive a free turkey and a box of food at the annual Thanksgiving Banquet in a Box distribution November 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado….” www.daylife.com On this Thanksgiving I am thankful for: my friends past and present my health my sight [...]

Sally Venman’s Memorial Service

Image by Umang Dutt via Flickr S​ally Venman passed away on Saurday, November 13th.  The service to celebrate her life was held a week later. For me, it was a week highly charged with emotion. When someone I care deeply about dies, the previous loss of family and friends always surfaces in a way I [...]

Piano Shoes

Image via Last.fm ~ Dinu Lipatti Organists often purchase shoes worn only for organ playing. You can read about them here: http://store.organmastershoes.com/ http://www.organ.byu.edu/ORSHOE.html http://www.tictactoes.com/ http://www.bachorgan.com/Shoes.html This one’s hysterical!  The Organ Shoe Hall of Fame, with pics of the most-used shoes. A search for “piano shoes,” however, resulted in a link to Keds® sneakers sporting novelty [...]

Bach-Busoni “Ich ruf’ zu dir”

I discovered something this week.    A few years ago, I learned this piece, then put it away. Along the way, I practiced it from time to time, but still didn’t feel ready to perform it. Motivation Last weekend, a friend passed away.  I had wanted to offer to play for her service, but didn’t [...]

Vision correction, music edition

Image via Wikipedia Did you know that shipbuilders’ bifocals have the reading prescription on top? Did you know that you can ask for what you want in a prescription? After seeing several ophthalmologists, I may have figured it out… for now. A doctor I saw recently really didn’t “get” it.  I was discussing what I [...]

Update: James Levine

Image via Wikipedia In response to a search on this blog for “James Levine,” here are links to some recent articles.  Enjoy! James Levine withdraws midway through performance at Metropolitan Opera LA Times “Culture Monster” blog article by David Ng, 10/10/2010 James Levine expected to return to Metropolitan Opera by Saturday LA Times “Culture Monster” [...]

Goal-oriented Practice

Give the gift of music! PayPal and credit cards accepted. via E-junkie E-book $19.95 via PayLoadz Buy Now E-book $19.95 Print version $24.95 available in Amherst at Collective Copies, Amherst Books, Food for Thought Books, and Amherst Music House Goal-oriented Practice How to Avoid Traps and Become a Confident Performer by Gretchen Saathoff Welcome! My [...]

Pothole Insurance!

Is there such a thing? While living in New York City, I worked in  law firms for awhile (backup jobs).  All employees were provided with a car service home after a certain time at night (I think it was after 8:30, required by Federal law). One night, en route from Wall St. to the West [...]