What is a “bad” practice day?

Yes, I do think “bad” practice days exist. Take today, for example. For reasons I won’t discuss here, today found me “off my game.” Has that happened to you? Why? Even while warming up with finger exercises I am completely used to, I couldn’t feel my hands or fingers in the usual way. That may [...]

What does your music say?

Often when we are tired, the music disappears from our playing.

Don’t drown out the organist!

This, for me, is right up there with “Don’t shoot the piano player!” Background Often when people get together for a church service, they are seeing each other for the first time in at least a week. It’s only natural that they want to greet each other and catch up. At the church where I [...]

Listen first, learn later?

When is it acceptable to listen to a recording before learning a piece? Most of the time, I am strongly against this as a learning method.  For purposes of interpretation, copying someone else’s recording will always sound like a copy.  It will never sound like you. One scenario I heard of two pianists who played [...]

Poll: would you like to see detailed practice notes?

The question is, how many readers would be interested in detailed, play-by-play (sorry!), down-to-the-wire practice notes?  These would pertain to the program I will be performing 3 times in November. Please vote! Your suggestions are always welcome.  Please leave any and all in the comment section below! Thank you!

Almost concert time!

2 days to go! My detailed post about preparing for my upcoming concerts is is my head and my practice log, but doesn’t seem to be making it into written form.  It will, hopefully, after Saturday’s concert! I can tell you what I did on Wednesday and Thursday, though. After being home with the latest [...]

What Irene can teach us about learning music

How prepared were you for Hurricane Irene? How do you prepare for the unexpected when you practice?

Trying something new? Proceed with caution!

My students, as well as contributors to a piano discussion forum in which I participate, often talk about the same dilemma.  When trying something new, they have physical pain!  This should not be the case. People’s first reaction, and I include myself, is that the pain will go away.  It doesn’t.  Don’t ignore pain! I [...]

How Decision Fatigue Can Affect Musicians

We are faced with so many choices every day, we are constantly making decisions. How does decision fatigue affect our practice sessions, rehearsals, and auditions?

E-book available in print, too!

Goal-oriented Practice How to Avoid Traps and Become a Confident Performer by Gretchen Saathoff Welcome! My E-book shows you how to make steady progress starting right now! Eliminate negative self-talk, overwhelming feelings, and practicing with little improvement. Written in plain English, no musical jargon. Shows step-by-step actions you can take. The print version is produced [...]