Tag: Musician

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How to Practice Piano with Modacity: The Ultimate Guide

by amandakaybradley1 Comment on How to Practice Piano with Modacity: The Ultimate Guide
How to Practice Piano with Modacity: The Ultimate Guide

Are you confused about how to practice the piano?

I was for longer than I’m comfortable admitting.

Sure, the concept of sitting down and playing through each practice item on your list sounds easy.

But does endlessly repeating something guarantee that you’ll eventually master it?

Or is there a better way to approach practice?

And just how much time should you set aside each day for practice sessions?

When it comes to practice, it can seem like there are more questions than answers.

But today’s post answers your burning practice questions. It also introduces you to a revolutionary deliberate practice tool that will revolutionize how you approach practicing the piano.

And it will help you prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to your practice routine.

If you’re ready to dive deep into the practice world, let’s start with an introduction to the Modacity app.

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

What is Modacity?

Modacity is an app that was initially created by Marc Gelfo.

As a lifelong lover of music, Gelfo eventually became a professional French horn player performing with international symphonies, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Aside from his work in classical music, Gelfo studied at Northwestern University, eventually earning a cognitive science degree and a computer science degree.

His passion for developing a tool to help himself practice more effectively and in line with how the human brain learns eventually led to the creation of Modacity.

My Experience with Modacity

I discovered Modacity several years ago after hearing Marc Gelfo on a podcast.

And I was immediately drawn to his message of how to be more intentional with practice.

Although I had already graduated with a baccalaureate degree in music by this point, my practice habits left something to be desired.

I wanted to be a goal-oriented musician but needed to figure out exactly how.

My primary learning method was endlessly repeating things until muscle memory took over, an approach I later learned was one of the most reliable ways to bring on a memory lapse.

The other practice sin I regularly committed was inconsistent practice.

Inspiration would strike, and I would practice for hours one day but then wouldn’t practice again for several days or weeks.

When I sat back down at the keyboard, I had forgotten everything I had worked on during the previous session.

I wanted to improve my piano skills but wasn’t sure how.

Changing my practice ways felt like a truly daunting challenge.

Until Modacity.

Structured Piano Practice

Modacity has several unique mastery features that have helped me improve how I approach piano practice, and it all starts with practice lists.

Practice Lists

The first step in being more deliberate with your practice involves creating a practice list.

You can create a separate practice list for each day of the week or create a list with a specific goal in mind.

I recommend you start by listing out each piece you’re currently playing.

  • Bagatelle in A Major
  • Waltz in A Minor
  • Prelude in C Minor

The next step is figuring out what specific thing(s) you’re trying to improve in each piece.

If you’re taking lessons, ask your teacher what specific items you need to improve. Examples may include:

  • Maintaining an even tempo throughout
  • Coordinating your hands together
  • Making a distinct change in dynamics
  • Note accuracy

And if you’re learning on your own, this is where the magic of Modacity comes in.

The app gives you suggestions from various categories, including

  • Notes
  • Rhythm
  • Emotion
  • Phrasing

You can then decide what specific practice item will improve your performance of the piece.

Once you’ve figured out your specific goals for each piece, you can separate them into different days of the week.

Organizing Your Practice Lists

Once you’ve created the practice lists, you can add each song from your practice repertoire.

And from there, add notes about areas where you seek improvement.

Another unique feature is the ability to add a timer to each practice item in the list.

This feature is a godsend if you, like me, spend too much time on one song, and your precious practice time suddenly slips away, leaving everything else incomplete.

When it’s time to practice, select the appropriate practice list. Click on the first song, and the timer will start counting down, alerting you when it’s time to switch songs.

Deliberate Practice

Another valuable feature of Modacity is the focus on deliberate practice over mindless repetitions.

Key components of deliberate practice include figuring out what you want to improve, trying something to fix it, and then listening back to see whether there was an improvement.

Deliberate practice is not repeating something 10,000 times and then calling it good.

Efficient practice requires thought and being intentional about improvement. It requires listening to yourself to see whether your goals were met.

Modacity supports mindful practice by giving you ideas about musical areas to explore improving upon.

And it also has a recording feature so you can record a measure or two or an entire sonata.

Regularly recording trains you to listen to your playing and helps you figure out whether your practice tactic achieved the result for which you were looking.

It’s also very motivating to go back through and listen to old recordings because you realize how far you’ve come!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Modacity offer customer service?

I can tell you from personal experience that Modacity has exceptional customer service.

If you’re stuck during a practice session, hit the Ask Us button on the lower right-hand of the screen to chat with the team.

I’ve always gotten great responses from the team when I’ve run into issues. The Modacity team is passionate about the art of music practice and wants you to have a great experience with the app!

How long should I practice?

It’s different for everyone and depends on your goals and what else is going on in your life.

Generally speaking, it’s ideal to practice in shorter bursts of time more frequently in comparison to marathon sessions.

Modacity helps you stay on task with the timer feature. You can set a timer, and it will alert you when it’s time to move on.

If you’re trying to establish a daily practice routine, aim for 10 minutes a day.

As you practice more, you can gradually increase this time, but aiming for 10 minutes is a great way to start.

And it’s even better if you can fit several 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

Can I use the Modacity app with any instrument?

Absolutely! The app also features a drone generator and metronome.

Think of Modacity as the Swiss army knife of music practice. It has all the features to help you succeed in the practice room, regardless of your instrument.

Do I have to practice every day?

If you want to make progress, it’s best to practice daily.

And for optimal results, keep those sessions short. It will be easier to get yourself to sit down when you know you only have to do it for 10 minutes versus forcing yourself to play for 2 hours.

Modacity helps you stay motivated by sending you practice reminders and keeping track of your practice time.

The app also tallies up your consecutive days of practice, a feature that encourages you to keep returning to the keyboard day after day.

Is Modacity a practice journal?

You can think of Modacity as an electronic practice journal or even a music practice assistant.

Musicians of all backgrounds will appreciate the Modacity system for its focus on helping you make the most of your practice time.

It can also reduce your random combination of music practice apps by replacing your metronome app.

Modacity helps you cut down on the list of things floating around in your mind by sending you reminders to help you stick with a practice schedule.

All this without any pesky papercuts.

Are there other resources for learning about the art of practice?

My favorite practice resource comes from The Bulletproof Musician, a blog and podcast by Noa Kageyama.

Noa regularly features professional musicians with their best practice advice for mastering the art of practicing.

He also features various research studies to uncover the best way to approach more effective practice in a shorter amount of time.

His blog and podcast are a wealth of information on the art of practicing and performing, so the next time you’re looking for inspiration, check out The Bulletproof Musician.

The Modacity blog also offers information about practice techniques, including interleaving strategies and the link between neuroscience and effective practice.

If you want to learn more about practice, the Modacity blog is worth checking out.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out with the piano or are a seasoned professional, Modacity is the perfect practice partner!

This amazing app is designed to help you focus on deliberate practice so that you can make the most of your time in less time.

And it’s loaded with features that support this type of practice, including timers, recording capabilities, and performance analytics.

Thanks to its all-in-one design, you can delete all the other different apps you’re currently using to manage your practice needs.

If you’re looking for a practice partner to help you stay on track and achieve your most significant success as a musician, Modacity is definitely worth checking out!

Happy practicing!

And if you found this post helpful, check out my other piano-inspired content!

Piano

Playground Sessions Review: Waste of Time or Worth the Hype?

by amandakaybradley2 Comments on Playground Sessions Review: Waste of Time or Worth the Hype?
Playground Sessions Review: Waste of Time or Worth the Hype?

If you’re a music lover interested in learning the piano or an experienced player wanting to sharpen your skills, you might be considering an online piano learning platform.

And among the jungle of music learning websites and apps, you may have heard of Playground Sessions.

Developed by legendary producer Quincy Jones and renowned pianist David Sides, Playground Sessions is an online program that uses real-time feedback and interactive lessons to help people of all levels improve at playing the piano.

In this blog post, I will review Playground Sessions and provide an in-depth look at its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall value.

So whether you’re just learning the piano or want to take your playing skills up a notch, read on to find out why Playground Sessions might be right for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

What is Playground Sessions?

Playground Sessions is an interactive online piano learning platform for desktop and Apple devices that helps people learn to play the piano.

It includes lessons, challenges, and exercises tailored to your level. It also has an extensive song library of over 2,000 songs that can be played with or without accompaniment.

Playground Sessions offers real-time feedback, which helps users improve their playing as they proceed through the lessons.

The platform also has a community of like-minded users to learn from and connect with via discussion boards and a Facebook group.

And if you don’t have a keyboard, you can bundle a keyboard with a membership.

It’s a great option if you have no idea what kind of keyboard to buy and don’t want to spend time researching different models!

How is Playground Sessions organized?

Playground Sessions is divided into 3 distinct sections.

Bootcamp

The bootcamp section is where you’ll start. This section offers instruction at 3 levels: rookie, intermediate, and advanced.

If you’re brand new to the piano, start with the very first lesson in the rookie section. This video features Phil Anderson explaining the notes on the keyboard and how to find middle C, both concepts geared toward complete beginners.

The next several lessons allow you to practice playing along with the background track before diving into basic rhythms, time signatures, and the staff.

Each of the 3 bootcamp sections is broken down into separate lessons to allow you to learn and practice the material.

The rookie section includes over 90 lessons to help you learn and refine the basic concepts.

The intermediate and advanced sections continue expanding on the basic ideas introduced in the rookie section.

You’ll find over 60 lessons in the intermediate section, while the advanced section contains between 20 and 30 lessons.

Courses

The courses section includes focused piano learning topics.

One of the courses includes a collection of songs perfect for beginning piano learners. Another consists of the Hanon exercises.

Yet another course comprises advice on playing from Mike Garson, David Bowie’s pianist.

Many other courses are designed to help you improve basic skills, such as reading sheet music and playing with both hands together.

The courses section is also where you’ll find special challenges organized by levels. Challenges are a fun way to learn popular repertoire at an attainable level.

As a rookie, try The Entertainer or Fur Elise challenges and impress your friends with your keyboard prowess!

Songs

The third and final section comprises a vast library of songs under many different genres, including holiday, film music, pop, and Christian.

Songs are additionally organized by levels; most pieces are available at different difficulty levels.

Membership plans come with a certain number of songs per month. And if you want additional songs, you can purchase them separately.

Benefits of Playground Sessions

Song Selection

If you want to learn to play the piano but are completely repulsed by beginner songs such as “Hot Cross Buns” or “Merrily We Roll Along,” I have fantastic news for you!

Playground Sessions takes a pop music approach to teach you the basics.

You’ll be playing along with background tracks to hit songs by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Celine Dion from the very beginning of your studies.

Although most of the songs in the rookie section will only be recognizable by your friends and family with the accompanying backtrack, it provides very engaging piano practice!

Slow it Down … Or Speed it Up!

You can control the speed of all lesson materials within the bootcamp section.

You can slow down the backing track or play it at tempo with a simple button click.

Start each new lesson at a slow tempo and gradually increase it once you’ve got it under your fingers.

And you’ll know you have the lesson mastered when you can play the song at tempo with zero mistakes!

Jamming with Others

One of the hardest things to learn as a beginner is how to keep playing, even when you make a mistake.

As a beginner, it’s easy to get into the habit of stopping with each and every mistake.

But consistently stopping makes it challenging to learn to play something from beginning to end. And this habit makes it nearly impossible to play with others.

But one of the great things about Playground Sessions is that the songs all have a backing track, so you learn to keep playing no matter what happens.

You can slow the song down for practice at all 3 bootcamp levels, and I recommend starting out slowly and building up the tempo as you learn the song.

Piano Learning in a Video Game Format

One of the more gratifying features of Playground Sessions is its similarity to a video game.

When the app or desktop version is connected to a keyboard, you get immediate feedback on the accuracy of what you just played.

Take a minute or two to review the feedback and try again for a perfect score.

Although it’s fun to see your score, the ability to review what you played and make corrections is a crucial skill that can be difficult to master in other learning formats.

The program also keeps track of your total score and the amount of time you’ve spent in the app.

And it’s addicting to see your score, practice time increase, and overall piano skill level!

Note Map

If you need clarification about which notes you should be playing, click the button at the upper right-hand of the screen, and the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the screen will light up with the correct notes.

You can choose the right hand, left hand, or both hands.

This feature is helpful if you need help determining where on the keyboard you should be playing.

And you can even watch it through a couple of times and then try playing along.

Emphasis on Playing by Ear

One of the more impressive aspects of Playground Sessions is the early introduction to how to play a song simply by hearing it.

This is a valuable skill that helps all areas of musicianship. It’s helpful for sightreading and even for memorization.

Sometimes it’s a skill that gets bypassed in more traditional methods of learning the instrument because not all teachers have mastered or are comfortable teaching this skill.

Playing by ear is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve recently been working hard to foster it.

And in fact, I was first introduced to one of the instructors in the course, David Sides, through his piano solo version of “Apologize” on my favorite Pandora station.

I fell in love with his piano solo and immediately began working on learning it by ear.

And I was very excited to watch David’s video tutorials on playing by ear in the rookie section because he uses “Apologize” as an example in his lessons.

Watching David’s ear training videos gave me insight into how he translates a song into the keyboard.

It also reassured me that I’m on the right path to improving my ear training skills!

How to Practice

Although Playground Sessions doesn’t specifically tell you HOW to practice, it divides each lesson into small sections.

It guides you through playing with each hand separately before putting your hands together.

And in some cases, the course has you work through only a few measures of a song at a time.

Breaking a piece into smaller parts is precisely how piano practice sessions should be approached.

At its core, piano practice is about learning to identify WHAT you need to improve and then figuring out HOW to improve it.

When you take piano lessons, the teacher guides this learning process. Eventually, the goal is for the student to learn how to manage this learning process independently.

And although Playground Sessions doesn’t specifically address these fundamental rules to practice, it does break each lesson into small and manageable sections.

This approach teaches you how to approach new songs by breaking them into smaller sections and mastering those skills before putting them together.

And if you’re interested in diving deeper into piano practice, check out my review of the best piano practice app!

Midi Keyboard Bundle

If you’re brand new to learning the piano, finding an instrument is intimidating.

Playground Sessions removes this barrier by offering a variety of keyboards at different price points, all less than $1,000.

It’s a great way to get started if you have no idea what to look for and don’t want to do much research.

The prices are also very reasonable, especially if you’re still determining whether you’ll want to stick with the piano.

Drawbacks of Playground Sessions

Lack of Instruction on Piano Technique

Correct technique is everything when playing advanced classical piano repertoire.

Incorrect body positioning, holding tension in your forearms, and poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal issues over time.

Although there is a brief discussion about technique at the very beginning of the rookie section, correct technique isn’t emphasized much during Playground Sessions.

If your goal in learning the instrument is to have fun and play a few songs to impress your friends, the lack of instruction on technique isn’t a dealbreaker.

And if you want to become a classical pianist, I recommend one-on-one lessons over learning online anyway.

Instructor Bait and Switch

Many of the Playground Sessions ads I’ve seen feature Harry Connick Jr. or Quincy Jones, but I have yet to encounter them in the lesson materials.

Most instruction in the course comes from Phil Anderson and David Sides rather than Connick or Jones.

In other words, if you hope to learn from Harry Connick Jr., you will be disappointed.

Despite the lack of Connick’s presence in the course, the videos are very high quality. Both Anderson and Sides are relatable and enjoyable to watch.

No Feedback for Acoustic Pianos

Maybe it’s my strong classical piano background, but I’m a diehard acoustic piano fan.

I love how acoustic pianos sound and how they feel to play. I’m fascinated by how they work and have even dabbled in learning how to tune and repair them.

Although I’ve warmed to keyboards and digital pianos over the last couple of years, acoustic is still my ultimate preference.

And this leads me to my biggest issue with Playground Sessions and other online learning programs: the lack of feedback with acoustic instruments.

I understand there’s no way to plug an acoustic in to get the perfect feedback. However, it’s still disappointing to be unable to take advantage of the highly-addictive points system.

And even if you have an acoustic piano, I wouldn’t discourage you from this learning platform because I have yet to find one that gives the same feedback given to digital instruments.

One way to get around this issue is to record yourself while playing. You can then play it back and compare it with the sheet music to determine your accuracy.

Although the program itself won’t track your score, you can learn the fundamental skills of listening and providing your own feedback.

Lack of Advanced Level Material

Playground Sessions is geared towards beginning and intermediate piano students.

Although there is a bootcamp section for advanced students, the material is intermediate level.

Even though there isn’t much explicitly geared toward advanced students, you can still find value in the material, especially if you have a classical background, because of its emphasis on listening and playing by ear.

This is especially true if you hope to play pop music.

But if you want to play advanced classical repertoire, Playground Sessions isn’t your best bet.

Check out this post for the all-time best course on learning classical piano!

Consider Playgrounds Sessions If You:

  • Want to learn to play the piano but don’t have the time to invest in weekly in-person lessons.
  • Love pop music and want to learn how to play your favorite songs.
  • Are interested in learning to play by ear.
  • Need to take learning the piano at your own pace and have previously excelled in online courses.
  • Eventually want to play with others or in a band.
  • Think you want to learn to play but aren’t sure and don’t want to make a huge investment until you know whether you’ll enjoy playing.

Skip Playground Sessions If You:

  • Want to learn classical piano and aren’t interested in learning pop or rock hits (check out this course instead).
  • Are an advanced player looking to further your skills in playing classical music.
  • Want to learn from Harry Connick Jr.
  • Need accountability from others to keep making progress in your learning.
  • Are looking for more of an in-depth course on reading sheet music.
  • Want to learn music theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Playground Sessions offer a free trial?

Yes. You can try it free for 14 days. And the best part is that you can sign up without providing your credit card!

Do you have to know anything about music to sign up for Playground Sessions?

No. The rookie bootcamp lessons begin by assuming you have no previous knowledge of how to play the instrument.

Does Playground Sessions work with an acoustic piano?

Although you can play any of the lessons with an acoustic piano, the program won’t be able to give you feedback on whether the notes are correct.

Playing with an acoustic piano removes the gaming features. However, playing along with the lessons is still entertaining, thanks to the fantastic song selection!

Can piano teachers use Playground Sessions with their students?

Yes! You can create a piano teacher account and track your student’s progress.

Is Playground Sessions geared toward kids or adults?

Although Playground Sessions can be used by kids, it’s designed for ages 12 and up.

You can certainly monitor your kids’ learning while they use the app, but your kids may need your help understanding the lessons.

And unless you also play the piano, it may be challenging for you to give them the help they need.

If you want your kids to learn to play the piano, get them into piano lessons. Find out how to find a great teacher by checking out this post.

Can you use Playground Sessions alongside piano lessons?

I highly recommend signing up for Playground Sessions even if you’re taking private piano lessons.

Playground Sessions is a great way to develop your ear and practice playing different types of songs than you’re likely to play in private lessons.

You can also play for your teacher and get the type of feedback you won’t get from the program. And as an added bonus, you can get feedback from your teacher on technique.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has played piano almost their entire life and as someone who has also given piano lessons, it’s one of the best online piano courses around.

The videos are high-quality, and the lesson materials are helpful. Although you won’t learn from Harry Connick Jr. himself, the instructors are fun and easy to listen to.

Their passion for the instrument is evident and shines through in the course.

Playground Sessions offers an easy-to-follow curriculum and exciting song selections with the added bonus of fun gaming elements.

Plus, it’s completely free to try out!

Give it a try, and let me know your thoughts!

And if you’re looking for more great piano-inspired content, check out the following posts:

Piano

The 30 Most Famous Classical Piano Pieces of All Time

by amandakaybradley1 Comment on The 30 Most Famous Classical Piano Pieces of All Time
The 30 Most Famous Classical Piano Pieces of All Time

Classical music is some of the world’s most beautiful and timeless music. It has been around for centuries, and countless pieces could be considered “famous.”

In this blog post, we will look at 30 of the most famous classical piano songs of all time.

I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I loved putting this list together! These pieces come from different musical periods, each unique in its own way.

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of Amazon, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

A Note

Although this post includes famous classical pieces written for piano, only some of them are from the Classical period in musical history.

For this post, “classical” means a piece written for solo piano.

This post will inspire you to explore picking up a few new pieces and expanding your musical horizons!

Baroque Pieces

Pieces within this period include those written between 1600 and 1750. Johann Sebastian Bach is arguably the most famous composer of this period.

This period saw rapid change in how music composition was approached, and the common practice of writing music in a specific key signature was born.

Prelude in C Major (BWV 846): Johann Sebastian Bach

Bach’s Prelude in C Major is one of the most popular pieces from the Baroque period. It is often one of the first pieces from the classical repertoire that beginners learn, as it is relatively simple compared to many of Bach’s other keyboard works.

This prelude is included in Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier. It’s a cheerful and upbeat piece, and its simplicity makes it incredibly charming.

Minuet in G Major (BWV Anh. 114): J.S. Bach

The Minuet in G Major is another of Bach’s most popular pieces. It is a dance piece part of the more extensive volume of work known as the Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook.

This minuet is in the key of G major and has a light and airy feel. The piece is relatively short, but it is charming and very accessible for beginning pianists.

Italian Concerto: J.S. Bach

The Italian Concerto is one of Bach’s most well-known keyboard works. It is a three-movement work demonstrating Bach’s mastery of the keyboard delightfully.

Classical Pieces

Pieces written between 1750 and 1820 are considered part of the Classical period in music. Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are two of the most famous composers from this period.

The Classical period saw a move away from the complex counterpoint of the Baroque period and towards simpler harmonies and melodies.

Moonlight Sonata (Op. 27, No. 2): Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata is one of his most popular piano pieces. Moonlight is the nickname given to the first movement of Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, five years after Beethoven’s death.

The nickname came about because music critic Ludwig Rellstab described the piece as “like moonlight shining on a lake.” 

This piece is written in sonata form. The first movement is known for its beautiful melody. It is considered one of the most famous classical piano pieces ever composed.

Sonata in C Minor (Op. 13, No. 8): Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata is one of his most well-known and beloved piano sonatas. It is known for its expressive and emotive character.

Für Elise: Ludwig van Beethoven

Für Elise is one of Beethoven’s most popular pieces. The formal name for the piece is Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor. Interestingly, the music was not even published until after Beethoven’s death.

It is one of Beethoven’s most famous piano pieces and has been learned by many beginning pianists throughout history.

Rondo Alla Turca (K. 331): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca is one of his most famous pieces. It is a fast and lively rondo in the key of A minor, inspired by Turkish music.

This piece is the 3rd movement from Sonata in A Major, K. 331. Although the entire sonata is technically challenging, this movement is considered the simplest of the three.

Sonata No. 16 in C Major (K. 545): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart’s Sonata No. 16 in C Major is one of his most famous and well-loved piano pieces. It is a three-movement work, and the first movement is considered one of the most famous classical piano pieces of all time.

Although Mozart considered this piece attainable for beginners, it was never even published during his lifetime. It remains a suitable piece for beginner and intermediate pianists.

Fantasia in D Minor (K. 397): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart’s Fantasia in D Minor is a dark and emotional piece. It is one of his later works and remained unfinished upon his death.

One of the exciting aspects of this piece is the key signature. Mozart typically composed in major keys, which included upbeat and optimistic melodic lines. The Fantasia is, therefore, a break from his usual compositional style and is an attainable piece for the late intermediate, early advanced pianist.

Impressionism

The Impressionist period in music lasted from approximately 1890 to 1920. Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel are two of the most famous composers from this period.

Composers of this period were influenced by the art movement of Impressionism and sought to create music that evoked emotion and captured a mood or feeling.

Clair de Lune: Claude Debussy

Clair de Lune is the third movement of Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque. The Suite Bergamasque is a set of four piano pieces, and it was written between 1890 and 1905.

Clair de Lune is one of the most popular pieces from the Impressionism period. It is known for its beautiful, ethereal melody.

Arabesque No. 1: Claude Debussy

Arabesque No. 1 is the first movement of Debussy’s two Arabesques. These pieces were written between 1888 and 1891 and are both short works for solo piano.

Arabesque No. 1 is a flowing, lyrical piece with a light and airy feel. It is an approachable piece for intermediate pianists.

Trois Gymnopédies: Erik Satie

Erik Satie was a French composer who lived in the lat 1800s to early 1900s. And Trois gymnopédies are some of his most famous pieces, with the first being one of the most recognized pieces of this period.

They are slow, delicate piano pieces that evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.

Romantic Pieces

The Romantic period in music spans from approximately 1820 to 1910. Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt are two of the most famous composers from this period.

Composers of this period sought to create emotionally charged and expressive music.

Prelude in C# Minor (Op. 3, No. 2): Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp Minor is one of his most famous works for the piano. It is known for its dramatic and emotional melody.

The piece is the second in a series of five collectively known as Morceaux de Fantaisie, composed in 1892.

The prelude is in the key of C-sharp minor and requires much control and precision from the pianist.

Elegie in Eb Minor (Op. 3, No. 1): Sergei Rachmaninoff

Although not as widely known as the C# minor prelude, Rachmaninoff’s Elegie is my favorite piece from the entire piano repertoire. 

Rachmaninoff is a master of dark, melodic themes, and this piece is no exception. This piece is just one example of why I consider him one of the greatest composers of all time. The melody has a haunting quality that is achingly beautiful.

If you’ve never heard this piece, take a few minutes to listen to my performance. I guarantee you’ll immediately become obsessed with this piece!

Prelude in G Minor (Op. 23, No. 5): Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G Minor is exciting and intense. It contains yet another example of how brilliantly he handled melodic lines.

The piece begins with a thrilling march which transitions into an exquisite melody in the middle section. Rachmaninoff finishes the piece with a return to the first section.

The prelude is a complex piece to perform due to its tempo and the need to balance the perfect execution of strong rhythmic lines with the subtle beauty of the middle section.

Yuja Wang’s is the absolute best of all the recordings out there. Check it out for yourself!

Nocturne Op. 6, No. 2: Clara Schumann

Schumann was a German composer, pianist, and performer of international renown in her day. Unfortunately, she did not compose as prolifically as other composers of her day. Although she was a gifted composer, her life was also marked by personal tragedies of various sorts.

But the F Major Nocturne is a beautiful piece that conveys a sense of peace. It also leaves one wondering about the musical ideas lost forever at her untimely death.

Piano Concerto in A Minor: Edvard Grieg

Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor is one of the most famous piano concertos of all time. It is known for its beautiful melodies and Norwegian folk influences.

The piece is divided into three movements and features virtuosic piano solos throughout. Performing the concerto in its entirety takes about 30 minutes, and one of the best recordings features Arthur Rubinstein.

Ballade in G Minor (Op. 23, No. 1): Frederic Chopin

Perhaps the use of this piece during a dramatic climax of the movie “The Pianist” made me fall in love with this ballade. Still, it’s a fantastic piece that epitomizes music during this period.

The piece is technically demanding due to the extensive ornamentation and rhythmic challenges, not to mention the musical expression of emotional intimacy.

For all these reasons and more, the G minor ballade is one of the most famous piano pieces.

Nocturne in E-flat Major (Op. 9, No. 2): Frederic Chopin

Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major is one of the most famous piano pieces ever written. It is known for its romantic and dreamy melody.

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor (Op. 35): Frédéric Chopin

Chopin’s “Funeral March” Sonata is one of his most famous piano pieces. It is a dark and somber work that features the famous Marche funèbre in the third movement.

The entire sonata takes about 30 minutes to perform, and it is considered one of the repertoire’s more technically challenging piano compositions.

Waltz in A Minor (B. 150): Frederic Chopin

This quaint waltz was published posthumously and initially attributed to Charlotte de Rothschild instead of Chopin. It was in 1955 that he was finally given recognition for composing the piece.

The Waltz in A minor is a beautiful piece approachable for beginner pianists.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2: Franz Liszt

Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies are a set of 19 pieces influenced by Hungarian folk music. They are known for their gypsy-inspired melodies and virtuosic piano writing.

The second Rhapsody is the most popular of the set, and it features a wide range of emotions, from lighthearted and playful to dark and brooding.

La Campanella: Franz Liszt

La Campanella is one of Liszt’s most famous piano pieces. It is known as a virtuosic and technically demanding piece.

Liebestraum No. 3: Franz Liszt

Liebestraum means “dreams of love” in German, and this piece is a beautiful and romantic work for solo piano. It is one of Liszt’s most popular piano pieces.

Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major (Op. 90, D. 899): Franz Schubert

Schubert’s Impromptu No. 3 is a beautiful and haunting work for solo piano. It features a delicate and ethereal melody that is both sad and sweet.

20th Century Pieces

The 20th century was a time of significant change in the world of classical music. New compositional techniques and styles were developed, and many famous classical pieces were written during this period.

Sonata in E Minor: Florence Price

Florence Price was a prolific composer. As an African-American woman, she earned recognition as a symphonic composer. She was also the first to have her works performed by a major orchestra.

Aside from symphonies, Florence composed chamber music and works for organ and solo piano. Her sonata is a stunning example of her talent as a composer.

Rhapsody in Blue: George Gershwin

Originally composed for solo piano and jazz ensemble, Rhapsody in Blue took the world by storm at its debut in 1924.

The Rhapsody features many emotions and styles, from playful to melancholy. It is one of the most popular and recognizable pieces of American music.

Ragtime Pieces

Ragtime is a genre of music that was popular in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and often uses jazz-like chords.

Scott Joplin is one of the most famous ragtime composers. His pieces remain some of the most famous piano pieces ever written.

Maple Leaf Rag: Scott Joplin

Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag might be one of the most famous piano pieces ever written. It is a lively ragtime piece that features syncopated rhythms and jazz-like chords.

The piece was first published in 1899 and quickly became one of Joplin’s most famous compositions. Performing the music well requires excellent coordination and the ability to navigate octave leaps.

The Entertainer: Scott Joplin

The Entertainer is another of Scott Joplin’s most famous compositions. It was written in 1902 and remains one of the most popular ragtime pieces ever.

Like Maple Leaf Rag, The Entertainer features syncopated rhythms and jazz-like chords.

Garden of Eden: William Bolcom

Contemporary composer William Bolcom brings the story of Adam and Eve to life in this piece originally written for two pianos.

The entire work is a fun ragtime take on the story. Still, my favorite movement is the 3rd movement, entitled The Serpent’s Kiss.

Final Thoughts

There are so many unique classical piano pieces, and these are just a few of my favorites. I hope you have been inspired to learn one of these fantastic pieces!

Do you have a favorite classical piano piece, and what pieces are you working on right now? Let me know in the comments below!

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Your Ultimate Guide to The Perfect Piano Practice Routine

by amandakaybradley6 Comments on Your Ultimate Guide to The Perfect Piano Practice Routine
Your Ultimate Guide to The Perfect Piano Practice Routine

Do you struggle with getting into a piano practice routine?

Are you confused about how much time you should be spending on practice?

Do you feel confident about how you spend your practice time? Or does it feel like you’re not getting the results you want enough though you put in practice time?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by your current piano practice habits, this is the perfect blog post for you!

Whether you’ve been playing for 1 week or 10 years, you will find helpful tips and resources to make your piano practice time effective.

We will cover when to schedule your practice sessions, what you should be working on, and how you can stay motivated.

Ready? Let’s go!

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of Amazon, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

Why should you take my advice about how to practice piano?

The short answer is that I’ve been where you are right now. Although I’ve played piano for 30 years, I haven’t always had good practice habits.

And even though I studied piano in college, I firmly believed that talent, not effort, was the key to excelling at the keyboard.

I absolutely loved to play piano but had so much imposter syndrome around the instrument for most of my life. This led to anxiety and depression about my skills as a pianist.

And believing in talent over effort led to inconsistent practice as a form of self-sabotage.

It wasn’t until several years after I graduated with a music degree that I realized how hard work trumps talent every time. I began spending my free time researching ways to improve my mindset around practice.

And I started focusing on establishing good habits to support a regular practice routine despite a busy schedule.

With consistent practice, my skills improved, and I started looking forward to my daily piano practice routines. Most importantly, my love and passion for the instrument intensified.

My transformation inspired me to share what I learned about practicing mindset and establishing an effective routine with others.

The Myth of Motivation

The first thing you need to know about effective practice is that mindset matters. If you don’t manage your thoughts around practice, it will be easy to talk yourself out of it.

Other than the lie about talent versus hard work, I used to believe that motivation comes before action. I can’t tell you how many times I missed a day of practice because I didn’t feel like practicing.

But the truth is that you’ll never feel like putting in the work. Your brain will always try to trick you into believing the effort isn’t worth it. And one of the most effective ways it does this is by getting you to believe that you have to feel motivated to do something.

Although I love the thought that practice makes me a better player, I still don’t always feel like putting in the work.

The only way to get around the tricks your brain plays on you is to set a practice schedule and stick with it. Whether you feel like practicing or not, keep the commitment you’ve made to yourself to improve your piano skills.

Action creates motivation. The more action you take, the more your motivation will grow.

How much should you practice?

One of the first questions that come up around practice is how many minutes of practice you should log.

Although many people will tell you that you should plan for a 30-minute practice session daily, I disagree.

I have minimal time available for my various pursuits on any given day. And between a full-time job, husband, kids, dog, horse, and multiple side gigs, there’s NEVER a perfect time to practice!

Setting a specific amount of time for daily practice was ineffective for me because of my busy lifestyle.

I’ve experimented with many ways to develop a solid piano practice routine. The most successful has been committing to daily practice.

One of the best things I did was release myself from the prison of 30-minute practice sessions.

I stopped setting a specific number of minutes because I started feeling guilty whenever I didn’t hit my goal number of minutes. And I learned that the best way to progress was to be flexible.

Some days, I have enough time for 30+ minutes of practice. But on others, I have only 5 minutes.

And that’s ok.

If you’re serious about working on the necessary skills to become better at the piano, I highly encourage you to be flexible in how you get there.

When should you practice?

The easy answer is whenever it’s easiest to fit practice in as a part of your routine. Some adult piano students find that morning is the best time to fit a session in.

Others swear by practicing late at night. I’ve found that fitting a piano playing session in before I pick my kids up from school works the best.

The first step in planning your practice routine is considering what time of day is best for you.

When are you most mentally engaged in tasks? And when do you seem to accomplish the most?

Although it’s not always possible to schedule practice sessions at your peak productivity time, awareness is the first step.

Try to avoid practicing at those times of the day when your brain is on autopilot because your progress will be slow. Those are the times when you’re most at risk of picking up bad habits.

Practicing at night is the hardest because I’m a morning person. And there are times when I practice under less-than-ideal circumstances. But I try my best to coordinate practice when I’m most alert.

What should you practice?

Coming up with a practice plan is crucial whether you are studying with a piano teacher or taking online piano lessons. Coming up with a plan before you practice makes your practice much more efficient.

Start setting small goals because you’ll feel even more motivated to practice as you accomplish them.

And being clear on a specific goal ensures you will spend the time needed to achieve that goal.

Piano Practice Routine: The Warm-Up

The warm-up is a great time to set your intention for the practice session.

There are many different ways to warm up. But think of this as a time to prepare your brain and body for what’s coming.

You could spend some time working through small sections of difficult passages in your music. Separate the left hand from the right hand and focus on pinpointing the exact spot where you struggle.

Technical exercises are another fantastic way to warm up. I recommend the Hanon exercises because they have patterns that aren’t terribly difficult but get your fingers moving. Czerny and Brahms also have books on finger exercises to improve your technical skills.

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Scale practice is a popular warm-up. You can choose one major scale and its relative minor scale to work on per week. Working on scales strengthens your music theory knowledge and finger technique.

I enjoy spending some time sight reading during my warm-up sessions. It helps with my note reading and playing confidence when performing a somewhat unfamiliar piece.

Piano Practice Routine: New Pieces

After my brain and muscles are warmed up, I like to tackle whatever requires the most effort. Examples include working on a new piece of music or memorizing something you’ve already learned.

It’s at this point in your practice session that everything is primed and ready to go. This is why it’s best to tackle whatever needs the most work. I like to use this point in my practice session to practice whatever I want to practice the least.

There are always practice tasks that are difficult or boring. It’s easy to skip right over them, but it’s often these areas in which you can make the most improvement.

Other ideas for filling this part of your practice session include:

  • Focusing in on any hard parts in your music
  • Working with the metronome to solidify rhythms
  • Engaging in slow practice

In any given practice session, there will be things you NEED to work on and things you WANT to work on. The best sessions are a balance between the two.

Piano Practice Routine: The Fun Stuff

And once you’ve tackled the work, it’s time for some fun! I always save the last part of my practice session for the pieces I’m dying to play. It could be stuff that I’ve already mastered or fun projects.

If you love to improvise, save your noodling for this part of the session. I love to work on playing by ear, so I will spend the last part of my practice playing whatever pop or country song I’m obsessed with.

You could also work on accompanying yourself while singing. Try to find piano-related activities that drew you to the instrument in the first place.

Saving the most fun and exciting activities for the end ensures you leave the keyboard on a high note. And that way, sitting down the next day will be easier.

What if you only have 5 minutes to practice?

My advice is to take what you can get. Prioritize what you want to work on and get to it!

Even 5 minutes of focused practice is better than nothing.

Do you have to practice every day?

Getting better at anything requires consistency. I’ve found that practicing daily keeps everything fresh and makes it easier to progress. But consistency is different for everyone.

And making time every day helps me establish piano practice as more than a habit. It’s not as easy to talk myself out of practice when it’s part of my daily routine.

Are there tools you can use to help make your piano practice routine more effective?

Absolutely! One of my favorite tools is an app called Modacity. It tracks your practice time and keeps a daily log, so you can see your practice streak when you log in.

This app has been pivotal in helping me establish the perfect piano practice routine. Aside from the practice log, Modacity can give suggestions for improving your practice. You can also track improvements you’ve made on individual songs.

I’ve been using Modacity for the past 3 years and can’t say enough good about this app!

If you’d like to try it, take advantage of a special deal for readers by clicking my affiliate link here.

There’s a fantastic book by Gerald Klickstein called The Musician’s Way, which breaks practice down into individual components. It resets any negative thoughts you may have about practice. And it helps you form new patterns of more positive thinking that you can use in the practice room.

The Musician’s Way revolutionized how I approach practice, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to do the same.

What about tools to improve your mindset around practice?

Aside from The Musician’s Way, there are a few other books that I have found helpful in reframing a more positive mindset. And with a positive mindset, you can excel in practice and life.

One of the most inspirational books I’ve read is called Relentless. The book is written by Tim Grover, athletic trainer for the biggest names in athletics, including Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. If you struggle to stay motivated about your goals, reading this book will revolutionize your approach to goal-setting!

Indistractable is another essential read for transforming your mindset. It helps you identify distractions in your life and take steps to improve efficiency. This translates into practice that is infinitely more effective.

And if you’re interested in learning how the best in the world become the best, you have to read Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. The book explores the traits that the most successful people in the world share. And more importantly, it gives you the tools to transform your own skillset.

Are there tools specific for classical pianists?

If you love playing classical pieces but struggle with finding a piano teacher or attending weekly lessons, I have an incredible resource to recommend!

I discovered the ProPractice course by Dr. Josh Wright several years ago while on the search for ways to improve my playing. Dr. Josh Wright is a world-renowned pianist and put together a fantastic set of resources to help pianists who may struggle with regular lessons.

ProPractice is a course that includes tutorials for some of the most well-known pieces in the classical repertoire.

And he walks you through each piece, guiding you on fingering and interpretation so you can improve your ability to play each piece from the comfort of your home.

Dr. Wright has an active YouTube channel with helpful resources for everything from keeping pieces fresh to dealing with performance anxiety. He is the absolute best if you’re interested in improving your classical skills! You can check out his YouTube channel here.

And if you’re interested in learning about his ProPractice course, click this link.

If you want to see how the course has improved my playing, here’s a recent video of me playing two different pieces for the ABRSM Grade 5 exam. The second piece played in the video, composed by Friedrich Burgmuller, is included in Dr. Wright’s ProPractice course.

By following his suggestions on this piece and others, I completed the Grade 5 exam with distinction. Again, it’s a fantastic resource for anyone who doesn’t have time for regular lessons with a piano teacher.

Two pieces from the 2021-2022 ABRSM Grade 5 Exam: La Huerfana and The Storm

Final Thoughts on Developing the Perfect Piano Practice Routine

I hope this blog post helped outline the perfect piano practice routine! Remember, it’s all about approaching practice with flexibility and a positive mindset.

Regardless of whether you aspire to play at church on the stage at Carnegie Hall, keep at it and never give up on your dreams!

And if you loved this post, please help me by pinning it or sharing it with a friend. And check out more of our unique piano-related content you’re guaranteed to love!

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An Authentic Review of the Modacity App

by amandakaybradley12 Comments on An Authentic Review of the Modacity App
An Authentic Review of the Modacity App

Are you a musician who loves to play but struggles with practicing? Maybe you understand the basic concepts of effective practice but staying organized is challenging. It’s hard to focus on the music itself between the tuner, metronome, and your practice journal.

Or perhaps you love practicing but always seem to lose track of time or can’t stay focused. In other words, it’s challenging to identify your practice goals.

Maybe the entire concept of practice mystifies you a bit. I will be the first to raise my hand to that one!

Although I began playing piano at the age of 7 and continued through college, I struggled with practice. My sessions were inconsistent and sporadic. Despite having weekly lessons, I was always unsure how to effectively apply information from my lessons to the practice room.

Unfortunately, I was also too embarrassed to ask tough questions. The type of questions that would have transformed my concept of practice and elevated my playing.

Having a poor grasp on practice ultimately contributed to performance anxiety, frustration, and low self-confidence.

After college, I started getting serious about practice. I began searching for ways to practice more consistently and effectively. And my search eventually led to the Modacity app.

Read on for both my experience with and my review of the Modacity app.

This post may contain affiliate links, and as an affiliate of both Amazon and Modacity, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. All images courtesy of Canva.

What is Modacity?

Modacity is an app designed to promote thoughtful practice over meaningless repetition.

You start by entering the names of pieces you’re working on into the app. The pieces can then be arranged into playlists. I’ve seen people organize playlists by upcoming audition, recital, or even according to the day of the week.

The act of creating a playlist fosters intention by allowing you to plan out your practice session in advance. You can set specific goals for each piece. And if you’re unsure of how to improve a piece, it gives you a wide range of suggestions to try.

The app also enables you to set a timer for each piece, so you know exactly when to move on.

Modacity allows you to save practice notes with each piece. It also provides convenient access to a metronome and tuner. The app then saves the settings under each piece so you can always pick up exactly where you left off.

The app also comes fully equipped with a recording feature that permanently saves recordings to the app.

One of my favorite features of the app is the practice counter. It adds up the number of consecutive practice days and total minutes spent practicing. It’s a highly motivating feature for those out there who find motivation in statistics.

Although there are ways to piece together the various elements of effective practice, there are no other apps out there quite like this one!

And to prove the point, let’s dive into principles of genuinely effective practice.

What are the principles of effective practice?

I’m fascinated with the topic of effective practice! And I’m passionate about unlocking the secrets of the most effective and efficient practice. How do musicians (or anyone else) improve at their craft and rise above the rest?

This question led me to a book called Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise written by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. Ericsson spent his life pursuing that very question and documented his findings in the book.

And after researching the world’s best athletes, musicians, and memorizers, he had several striking revelations. One is the importance of deliberate practice.

In other words, simple repetition is not enough. When trying to improve at anything, you must have a deliberate plan for improvement. And ideally, the plan includes immediate feedback of attempts. At the bare minimum, deliberate practice consists of a shot at something, analysis of whether you hit the mark, and a plan to modify as needed.

The second striking revelation resulting from Ericsson’s research is that practice is anything but fun most of the time. Truly effective, meaningful practice is tedious and not inherently motivating.

And thirdly, excellence requires you to leave your comfort zone. You can’t expect to get different results from doing the same things you’ve always done.

How does Modacity support effective practice?

Although the topic of effective practice is enormous, let’s consider how Modacity fits into the above three principles.

Review of the Modacity app: Deliberate Practice

Effective practice requires a plan. It requires intention and a deliberate approach to improvement.

Through the creation of playlists, Modacity encourages you to make a practice plan. And it helps you move efficiently through the plan with the timer function.

The app also helps with feedback by encouraging you to record yourself. In other words, Modacity provides you with a framework for deliberate practice.

Review of the Modacity app: Practice is Tedious

Practice will never be exciting 100% of the time. Repetition can be monotonous. But Modacity encourages you to put thought into each repetition. It does this by providing you with ideas for positive change. The app then prompts you to consider whether you achieved your goal.

Modacity helps you avoid mindless repetition and keep things as efficient as possible by providing a framework for analysis.

And the practice counter gives you extra incentive to put in the practice time.

Review of the Modacity app: Leave Your Comfort Zone

If you’re stuck in a practice rut, Modacity helps you break free. It does this by combining a range of tools and concepts into one helpful app.

Similar to a new recipe for an old favorite, Modacity calls for a unique combination of flavors. It includes all the old ingredients but adds that little touch of something extra to spice things up.

The app invites you to consider practice from a new perspective. It proposes a thoughtful, deliberate approach to improvement over the black hole of mindless repetition that leads nowhere.

Are there drawbacks to using Modacity?

This review of the Modacity app wouldn’t be authentic without the addition of a few drawbacks. And the biggest one for me is the inability to export your recordings out of the app. Once you record something within the app, it’s stuck there.

I get around this by simultaneously recording practice sessions, complete with video, on my computer. Using both recording modalities offers the benefit of alternate feedback. The app is typically easier to use for immediate feedback on small chunks of music, such as one or two measures.

On the other hand, going back through and watching my entire practice session enables me to take a larger view of my sessions. It helps me determine whether I’m using time efficiently or whether my posture is relaxed.

Although slightly annoying, the inability to transfer recordings off the app isn’t a dealbreaker for me.

Another drawback I’ve heard about the app is the poor recording quality. My response to that is sound quality is only as good as the device on which you’re recording. If you’re looking for high quality, I suggest buying a microphone to sync with your computer rather than relying on Modacity. By doing so, you have the bonus of capturing both audio and video.

Again, in terms of forming the habit of listening back to yourself while practicing, this app can’t be beaten.

Click here for the affordable and effortless microphone I use.

Who should try the app?

I believe there is a wide range of musicians who would benefit from using Modacity. From beginning musicians learning how to practice effectively to adults struggling to grasp the concept of practice, there is value in this app.

Whether you are a high schooler preparing for a jazz band concert or an adult amateur serious about upping your piano game, this app is for you!

Is the app for a specific instrument?

Modacity is an app that can be used with a wide assortment of instruments. As mentioned above, it comes with a variety of built-in tools useful for an array of instrumentalists. The tool I use most frequently is the metronome which also can subdivide beats.

As a pianist, I don’t use the drone function, but I can see how it would be helpful for instruments that require tuning.

Beyond the tools are the features that promote effective practice and are beneficial to anyone.

Is there a cost to using the app?

One could categorize this next one as another drawback in this review of Modacity because there is an associated cost to using the app. On the other hand, I’ve had terrible experiences with free apps, so having an associated cost often means a higher value product.

Modacity recently changed their payment systems and you can now choose between a monthly or an annual membership. The monthly cost is a very reasonable $8.99 while the yearly cost is normally $107.

But thanks to my partnership with the app, you can save $42 on a yearly membership and pay only $65 by clicking here. It’s a pretty sweet deal for such a transformative practice tool!

Is there access to an expert if I get stuck during my practice session?

Although the app itself cannot tell you whether you played something correctly, it does have access to expert musicians. I have yet to submit a question, but according to their website, you can ask general questions and expect feedback from someone knowledgeable in that area.

Are there similar music practice apps out there?

The short answer is that, yes, other music practice apps exist. Unfortunately, I had been searching long and hard for an app to promote better practice habits when I stumbled across Modacity.

That was over two years ago, and I still use the app daily. From the instant I downloaded Modacity, I recognized its value and never bothered to check out any other apps.

I was so impressed with the positive changes I saw in my practice sessions that several months ago, I became an affiliate partner with Modacity because I wanted to share the app with the world.

Although you could say I’m a bit biased, believe me when I tell you that I’ve never been more motivated to practice. And that includes my college years when I had access to the best practice and performance instruments out there. Not to mention a mountain of free time and very little daily responsibility.

It’s a huge accomplishment to be at a place where you prefer practice to Netflix and are seeing almost unbelievable results from your efforts. All thanks to a shift in practice mindset triggered by an app.

In summary, I hope you found this review of the Modacity app useful. If there are additional questions, please leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to update this post accordingly.

I will leave you with a few additional resources to further your musical journey!

  1. Interested in learning to play piano as an adult? Check out this post.
  2. Curious about whether there are benefits to learning piano? Browse this post.
  3. Ready to leap into piano lessons? Read this post.
  4. Inspired to transform your habits? You’ll love this post.
  5. And don’t forget to take advantage of this exclusive offer from Modacity!
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The #1 Piano Practice App to Skyrocket Your Success!

by amandakaybradley5 Comments on The #1 Piano Practice App to Skyrocket Your Success!
The #1 Piano Practice App to Skyrocket Your Success!

Are you looking for ways to improve your piano practice sessions but aren’t sure how? Do you want to make the most of your time in front of the keyboard? Does the whole concept of practice secretly mystify you a bit, but you don’t want to admit it to anyone?

I completely understand because I’ve been there before too. Despite having studied piano since the age of 7 and obtaining a baccalaureate degree in music, practice baffled me.

And maybe it’s the analytical side of my brain trying to control the creative side. After all, I have a doctorate in nursing (emphasis on science) and a passion for playing piano and writing (focus on creativity). My life, therefore, often feels like a constant battle between the scientific and the innovative.

Still, I consistently had this nagging feeling that I wasn’t practicing the “right” way. This feeling stemmed from the fact that my performances were hit or miss. There were times when I performed brilliantly but others when I questioned whether I was sight-reading in front of an audience rather than performing a piece I had practiced a billion times before.

The seeming unpredictability of my playing inspired a deep dive into the art of practice. And although the concept of effective and intuitive piano practice is a puzzle I’m still piecing together, I’ve discovered a mind-blowing piano practice app that changed everything for me.

This post may contain affiliate links, and as an affiliate of both Amazon and Modacity, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. All images courtesy of Canva.

The #1 Piano Practice App

My desire for a better way led me on an exhaustive search for reputable resources on effective practice techniques. Eventually, I discovered podcasts. More specifically, I stumbled upon an interview with Marc Gelfo.

Although I don’t remember the specific podcast, I do remember Marc, a French horn player, discussing his passion for the art of practicing. He also talked openly about his challenges with practice. These challenges led Marc on a journey of discovery. And eventually, the development of an app to help other musicians improve their practice techniques.

The app is called ‘Modacity,‘ and after hearing how it came about, I was intrigued. I was so fascinated by Modacity that I decided to try it for myself.

It’s been over two years, and I continue to use the app on an almost daily basis. And thanks to Modacity, I’ve overcome several key practice challenges which previously held me back. Such challenges include what to do when motivation fails and establishing better practice habits, active listening during practice sessions, and being more intentional when practicing.

Read on for all the juicy details and an exclusive offer from Modacity, hands down the best piano practice app out there!

Motivation

If there’s anything that being a working mom of 3 has taught me, it’s that sometimes putting the “I should” in front of “I want” is all too easy. I’m not saying this is entirely a negative quality. After all, our kids need our love, attention, and their physical needs to grow and thrive.

But there comes a point at which self-sacrifice becomes a narrative that carries you off into a sea of obligation and resentment.

And becoming a mom did not diminish my passion for the piano or the desire to improve my pianistic skills. Yet shuffling aside my desire for quiet practice time was starting to become all too routine.

Although I love practice time, my tendency to prioritize it behind other activities (including Netflix bingeing) proves passion isn’t enough. And neither is motivation because it fails to inspire regular practice sessions.

I needed something else entirely to up my practice game. Something that would help me overcome my tendency to put everything else first.

My desire to establish a more regular practice routine eventually led me to a deep dive into habits. And I ultimately discovered four essential books which answered my questions about why motivation isn’t the key to consistency. And, most importantly, how to achieve consistency in whatever it is you’re trying to do.

From Motivation to Habits

The four highly thought-provoking books that revamped my thoughts on motivation include Indistractable by Nir Eyal, Do Less by Kate Northrup, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin.

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Although each author addresses habits from a slightly different angle, my main takeaway was how individualized habit formation could be. And for me, tracking is critical.

Tracking wasn’t an entirely new concept to me. An avid runner, I’ve consistently tracked both my time and distance, finding satisfaction in making comparisons between days, weeks, months, and even years.

Being able to input my time and distance to increase my overall mileage encourages me to get out of bed in the morning. It makes those early morning workouts entirely worth it!

And so, when I discovered that Modacity tracks statistics, including the number of consecutive days and hours, as well as the number of improvements made thus far, I was ecstatic! Tracking offers the perfect incentive to sit down at the keyboard even when my kitchen is a disaster or I have five baskets of laundry to fold.

The small endorphin rush I get from ticking those stats upward is enough to overcome the excuses I constantly conjure up about why I shouldn’t practice. Even if I only have 5 minutes to practice, it feels worth adding to my total practice tally.

If you also struggle with motivation, I highly recommend checking out the tracking feature on this app!

Plan Your Practice

How many times have you sat down to practice with zero plan for how you will spend your time? You then find yourself aimlessly playing repertoire you’ve already mastered or sight-reading whatever random music is near your piano.

Or maybe you don’t have the opportunity to practice until late in the day when you’ve already made 15,362 decisions, and your brain is tired of critical thinking. And by this point, you can’t bring yourself to organize a productive piano practice session thoughtfully.

Both scenarios have the potential to send you to frustration and burnout over a lack of progress. This is especially true if you are at a stage in life when you’re working without a teacher.

Although I am a strong advocate for working one-on-one with a teacher, there are simply times when it’s not feasible. Life gets busy! Between work, family life, and all the other demands of daily living, finding time to focus on improving at the keyboard is challenging.

But having a limit on your time is the exact reason that practice needs to have focus. But having a limit on your time is the exact reason that practice needs to have focus—the type of focus that guarantees improvement and piano success.

Fortunately, Modacity has a solution.

If you’re looking for a piano teacher, check out this list of teachers currently accepting students.

Organize Your Repertoire with a Piano Practice App

This piano practice app can save the titles of each piece you’re currently practicing. Each piece also has its own screen, complete with a readily accessible metronome.

I love this feature because I never have to remember the speed I practiced during my previous session.

You can also organize playlists for yourself which contain everything you need to work on at any given time. I will often set up a practice playlist for myself in the morning when my brain is fresh, and I’m at my best. Modacity also allows you to set timers on each piece within your playlist.

Setting timers is a great feature because I sometimes tend to dwell too long on one area and then run out of time for anything else. The act of setting a timer forces a limit and promotes efficiency. And as a recovering perfectionist, it also encourages me to be “good enough” rather than “perfect” before moving on.

I love organizing playlists and setting time limits on each piece before my practice session because it ensures more effective practice at the moment. It’s a feature that has helped me approach practice from a completely new and holistic perspective.

If you are struggling to make intentional progress or feel that practice is more of an afterthought right now, change it up! Try Modacity today!

Listen and Improve

This next feature may seem fairly obvious, but I was thrilled about its inclusion! As a pianist, one of your main goals is to transform black and white notes on a page into an auditory experience that is technically accurate and emotionally moving.

And as a fellow pianist, I’m confident you will agree when I say this goal is often much easier said than done!

But even as difficult as pulling off a Rachmaninoff concerto can be, a compelling performance is our goal. With that said, how often do you take the time to determine whether you’re meeting this goal?

Even if you regularly take lessons from an outstanding teacher, it’s essential to develop the ability to listen to yourself critically. After all, you are the one who listens to you the most. And wouldn’t it be incredible to provide feedback to yourself between lessons?

Looking for another unique way to up your piano game? Check out this post!

Self-Analysis Made Simple with a Piano Practice App

Luckily, Modacity tracks more than simple practice stats. This piano practice app also has a convenient recording feature that allows you to hit record at any time during your practice session.

You may be asking yourself whether the extra effort of hitting the record button and listening to the playback is worth it. Doesn’t listening while playing serve the same purpose?

The answer to that question is a resounding no.

And Gerald Klickstein, author of The Musician’s Way, has the best explanation I’ve heard yet about why simultaneous playing and self-analysis of the playing are impossible. His answer has to do with music existing in time rather than space. In other words, once you play something, it’s gone forever. After you’ve finished playing, only your memory of what you played exists.

Memory is often incredibly fickle, influenced by both emotion and the perception of your performance. Furthermore, the areas of the brain used to make and analyze music are different.

As an example, and according to the University of Central Florida, the cerebellum is the area of the brain used to coordinate movement, while Wernicke’s area assists in musical analysis. And although it’s possible to use multiple regions of your brain simultaneously, it’s challenging to focus on more than one thing at a time.

It’s almost like adding 368 and 863 in your head while spelling Claude Debussy aloud. It simply doesn’t work.

Recording: The Easiest Solution

Despite the tendency to convince ourselves otherwise, the example above proves multitasking is a myth. Therefore, the simplest way to determine whether you’re meeting your practice goals is to record yourself. And then play it back to decide whether you’re hitting the mark.

Luckily, Modacity makes recording a breeze! During every practice session, you have the ever-present option to hit “record.” After doing so, listen back and determine whether you met your mark. If so, saving the recording is as easy as hitting a button and naming the file. If the recording didn’t meet your standard, you could just as effortlessly delete and record again.

And you have the option of recording as few as one note or as many as an entire sonata. It’s entirely up to you. Whatever the length of your recording, taking the time to listen AND make improvements are both crucial elements in your development as a pianist.

Be Intentional

Although recording in and of itself is of incredible value, Modacity even takes it a step further. This piano practice app allows you to select a specific area to make improvements. And by doing so, it forces you to focus on the ONE thing you most want to improve upon at this moment.

The app first gives you the option of selecting a pre-filled area such as rhythm, tone, enjoyment, or filling one in yourself. You then have the opportunity to give it a try while recording. The app automatically plays it back and then asks whether whatever you tried worked. If the targeted practice improved your playing, you can either try it again or move on to a different area.

And if the targeted practice did not improve your playing, you can either try again or move to a different tactic.

Methodical Practice by Using a Piano Practice App

This particular feature has been one of the most valuable to me in creating more intention around practice. Before the app, I did SO MUCH mindless repetition. Deep inside, I knew that repetition does not result in improvement. But I had never found a better way. I had never forced myself to be intentional with my practice time.

My practice had always felt somewhat haphazard. As if there wasn’t enough time in the day to practice everything I wanted to practice. I also felt as if I had no idea how to make progress in my playing in the first place.

Therefore, the combination of overwhelm and uncertainty resulted in a tendency toward mindlessly repeating my pieces instead of approaching practice with a sense of mindful intention.

But Modacity taught me the importance of systematic practice. It helped me understand how focusing on ONE thing at a time creates faster progress than trying to make a bunch of changes all at once. And it gave me ideas about where to focus during practice.

Modacity has been the blueprint for the positive changes I’ve longed to build into my piano practice sessions.

It’s Your Turn

Modacity has been a staple in my practice life for over two years now, and I owe my piano progress over that time to this miraculous app.

I believe so strongly in the transformative power of Modacity that I sought out an affiliate partnership and am ecstatic to be able to offer an incredible discount to you! By clicking this link, you will have exclusive access to a discount on the yearly Modacity membership. Instead of paying $107 for an annual membership, you will pay only $65!

If you’ve also been struggling with various aspects of piano practice, it’s time to embrace a change. It’s time to consider a piano practice app that intuitively fosters better habits. And better practice habits mean faster progress, more satisfaction from your playing, and an even deeper love for the instrument.

Don’t wait! Take advantage of this incredible offer and start transforming your piano practice today!

And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Make sure you drop a comment below about how this piano practice app revolutionizes your playing!

Inspiration & Motivation, Piano

7 Simple Tips for Adults Who Want to Learn Piano

by amandakaybradley7 Comments on 7 Simple Tips for Adults Who Want to Learn Piano
7 Simple Tips for Adults Who Want to Learn Piano

Deep down, you have a secret desire to learn piano. Maybe you even took lessons as a kid but had an awful learning experience. You had one of those “old school” teachers who rapped you across the fingers with a ruler after every wrong note. Although you have always loved the instrument, a prodigy you were not, and the consistently negative feedback chipped away at your self-esteem. Perhaps your teacher even chain-smoked during your lesson.

And not only did you struggle with your teacher, but your parents were constantly harping on you to practice. Unfortunately, practicing turned into a chore instead of a delightful pastime, and eventually, you gave up the instrument entirely.

Or maybe you played saxophone in the school band, but it’s been years since you’ve picked it up. You’re now looking for an entirely new challenge and love the versatility playing piano provides.

Whatever your reasons for considering the instrument, congratulations! Learning to play the piano is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences out there.

And there are incredible benefits to learning as an adult versus a child. One of the most compelling is that you have a choice in the entire process. You get to decide the musical genre, what you do with your newfound skills, and even how you want to learn piano.

As an adult, you’re entirely in control of the entire learning process.

Whether you’re just starting or are picking the instrument back up after a hiatus, these seven tips will inspire and motivate you to chase your piano goals! Let’s get started.

This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Affiliate, this means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

1. Learn Piano by Finding a Teacher

As with many life skills, learning piano requires expert guidance. Depending upon your learning style, goals, and previous experience, this guidance will likely come from a teacher.

But it doesn’t necessarily have to come from one-on-one lessons. It could come from an online program, virtual lessons, an app, or even a combination of sources. The learning possibilities are endless!

For example, you could take lessons (either in person or virtually) and sign up for either a membership site or even access specific course material depending upon your playing goals. Alternately, you could sign up for a membership and supplement your learning with an app.

There are so many great learning combinations!

And the field of piano pedagogy (the art and science of teaching piano) has changed infinitely over the years. The chain-smoking, knuckle-rapping days of demanding perfection from students are gone. In its place is a genuine desire to instill a love of music in students. If you still don’t believe me, check out this list of incredible piano teachers currently accepting new students!

And speaking of finding a piano teacher, gone are the days of limiting yourself to teachers within driving distance. Technology allows you to study with virtually anyone in the world without even leaving the comfort of your home. It’s an incredible perk that makes it easier than ever to learn piano!

2. Embrace the Beginner’s Mindset

“In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s, there are few.”

Shunryu Suzuki

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess there’s at least one topic in which you’re an expert. Maybe you even consider yourself an expert in multiple topic areas.

And once you’ve become an expert, starting something new can feel intimidating. Being a beginner can be especially difficult if you’re someone who is even the tiniest bit of a perfectionist. There’s a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with being an expert. You’ve mastered a particular area and maybe even enjoy guiding others on their journey toward mastery.

But there’s also something magical that happens when you’re a beginner. As a beginner, you’re free to ask questions and make mistakes. Your mind is open to all possibilities, and you feel limitless.

It’s fascinating that you often put more limits on yourself as you become more experienced in something. Limitations that hold you back from your full potential.

Starting something new, such as learning piano, can inspire you to open your mind. And an open mind is always a beautiful quality!

3. Learn Piano by Practicing Daily

I’m sure you’ve heard that tired old saying about practice making perfect. To some extent, I do agree that it’s true. You’ll never get better at anything unless you put in the time.

I used to define practice as mindless repetition. And I used to think that if I could somehow repeat something over and over, it would magically perfect itself. I felt that if I repeated something enough times, the kinks would work themselves out. But nothing can be further from the truth.

Actual improvement at the keyboard requires your brain to engage in what you’re doing. Practice is an art form unto itself.

But it’s not something to be dreaded and despised. Practice is an opportunity to fall in love with the instrument. It’s a time to let your creativity shine! Find ways to make practice entertaining, whether by playing music you love or experimenting with something new.

I also used to think that the amount of time I spent on practice made a difference. Over time, this has again proven to be a myth. I practice less now than I did in my college days and feel like my playing has made more remarkable strides than it ever did back then.

My thoughts on practice have shifted over the years, and now I have two daily goals. The first is to play something every day. Even if I only have two minutes, I play something. The other is to relish the time I spend playing. Especially if you are a busy adult with work, kids, and a million daily obligations, make your goals simple and your practice enjoyable.

Make sure to check out this post for my secret practice weapon and an exclusive offer!

4. Listen to Great Pianists

When you learn piano, take advantage of the resources all around. YouTube, for example, has a plethora of free resources. Finding performances from all the great pianists is only a click away.

Research great performers in your chosen genre and listen to their recordings. What sets their performances apart from others? And can you identify anything specific that draws you to their performance versus other pianists? Most importantly, how can you mirror those qualities you love in your performances?

Although I love the piano in all its forms, classical is hands down my favorite genre. And over the years, I have started compiling my list of pianists I aspire to emulate.

These pianists inspire me to reach new heights in my playing and keep going, even when things get tough. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out any of the following pianists:

5. Take Advantage of Performance Opportunities

Music is all about musical expression, and learning how to convey emotions to others effectively is all part of the charm!

Whether you aspire to play on a massive stage in front of thousands of raving fans or simply want to serenade your dog on a Sunday afternoon, performance is an essential part of learning piano.

And depending upon how you decide to learn the instrument, performance opportunities are everywhere. If you are taking one-on-one lessons with a teacher, you automatically have the chance to perform regularly for your teacher. Many teachers do host regular recitals, which allow you an opportunity to perform live for an audience. Recitals are a fun opportunity to connect with other students and celebrate your learning milestones!

Many teachers also encourage students to take piano exams as it provides a guided way to learn piano. Exams typically consist of learning a piece to perform for judges and a written music theory component.

There are also supportive Facebook groups for piano enthusiasts, including Pianists and Piano Lovers, The Art of Playing the Piano, and Piano Performance Anxiety Practice Room. Each group has various opportunities for you to post piano videos to gain performance experience and obtain feedback from the group.

Churches also offer the opportunity to gain performance experience in a low-pressure setting. Whether that experience is as the keyboardist in the praise band or as the pre-service music, performance opportunities abound.

6. Join a Community

In your quest to learn piano, don’t go it alone. Pursuing a hobby is always more fun with other people! And thanks to Facebook, you can find groups for basically any imaginable hobby.

If your interest is specifically classical piano, make sure you check out the ProPractice course. The course itself was created by Dr. Josh Wright and includes video tutorials of a diverse range of the classical repertoire. From Bach to Beethoven to Chopin to Rachmaninoff, Dr. Wright covers the most popular pieces that most pianists want to learn at some point.

The ProPractice course also includes various technique videos and general tips on playing. It’s a fantastic resource for pianists of all levels and abilities! And not only does the course have resources that pair well with one-on-one lessons, but it also comes with access to an exclusive Facebook community. This community consists of pianists passionate about the piano and helping others on their piano journeys.

If classical piano is your goal, make sure you check out the ProPractice course here and take advantage of all the incredible benefits from the course. You can also read about my personal experience with the course here.

7. Learn Piano by Starting Today

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Zig Ziglar

Perhaps one of the most crucial tips for adults who want to learn piano is to start today. Life is crazy busy! But it can be all too easy to get so wrapped up in your daily to-do list that you forget to truly live.

You forget to include those small things in your life which light you up inside and inspire you to new heights. And the piano is one of the best ways to challenge yourself while finding inner peace simultaneously. It’s a fantastic way to connect with your emotions while learning a completely different skillset. And it’s a skill set applicable in various other areas of life, including at work and home.

Whether you’re brand new to the instrument or whether you did learn piano at some previous point in your life, now is the time to start. And if you’re looking for an online teacher, don’t forget to check out this list of piano teachers accepting new students.

If you’re looking for an online arsenal of classical playing resources, make sure you consider Dr. Josh Wright’s ProPractice course. Finding similar resources from a pianist of his caliber is utterly impossible, and thanks to his course, my playing has improved significantly. Investing in the course is the next best thing to taking private lessons from Dr. Wright himself. 

It’s Your Turn

I genuinely hope this post has inspired you to learn piano! Although my piano journey has had its ups and downs, I am incredibly thankful for the knowledge I’ve gained. The piano is that one thing that gets me through the tough times and makes the good times that much sweeter.

There are so many valuable lessons to be learned from the instrument that I highly encourage everyone to give it a try. And if it’s not for you, that’s ok, but at least you gave it a try. It’s always better to have tried and figured out it’s not a fit rather than live your entire life wondering what could have been.

Leave a comment below with your thoughts after reading this post. Were you inspired to learn piano? Or are you currently learning piano and looking for a specific resource? And what are your favorite piano resources? Who are your favorite pianists?

Make sure to check out the following posts for more on playing the piano:

Until next time, stay healthy, stay safe, and keep chasing your dreams!

Piano

Top Piano Practice Myths You Need to Stop Believing

by amandakaybradley1 Comment on Top Piano Practice Myths You Need to Stop Believing
Top Piano Practice Myths You Need to Stop Believing

You’ve thought about learning to play the piano but something is stopping you. Maybe it’s time. Or your age. Maybe you don’t feel “musically talented.”

Or maybe you would love to learn piano but have no idea where to even start.

Perhaps you have enrolled your child in lessons only to discover the challenges inherent to maintaining a practice regimen. And you’re now questioning whether their lack of practice makes lessons even worth it at this point.

I get it.

As someone who has played piano for as long as I can remember, I’ve also heard my fair share of myths surrounding the instrument. And there are a shocking number of piano practice myths out there!

Rest assured that at least part of what may be holding you (or your child) back from learning the instrument is likely a myth.

But you don’t have to let a series of lies hold you back from the joy of playing any longer. Let’s dive deeper into the top piano practice myths you need to stop believing!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Kids and Piano Practice

Parents … this one’s for you! How many times have you signed your kid up for an activity only to be dismayed by the amount of fighting created by said activity?

Maybe it’s having to attend soccer practice instead of a friend’s birthday party. Or maybe your daughter would rather watch “The Babysitter’s Club” than go to her Girl Scouts meeting.

Signing your kids up for activities is all fun and games until the accountability hits. Believe me … with 3 kids, I’ve been there a time or two!

The Downside of Piano Lessons

And signing them up for piano lessons is no different. Many piano teachers out there have strict policies regarding weekly practice. I’ve even heard of teachers kicking students out for not practicing.

Or parents simply removing their kids from lessons over the guilt of not maintaining a practice schedule.

But can we take a step back for a minute and think about why we enrolled our kids in lessons in the first place? Was it so they could be the next great concert pianist? Or was it simply so they could learn about music and have fun?

Kids have way too much on their plates these days. The pressure to perform is everywhere and I hate the thought that kids are removed from what could be a lifetime of joyful music making simply because they didn’t practice per someone else’s guidelines.

If your child is naturally motivated to practice on a regular basis, great! You won the piano parent lottery! But if not, let them discover aspects of the instrument which are fun for them. If they love watching piano YouTube videos, great! Or if they love to improv instead of practice their lesson materials, awesome!

Stop forcing piano practice. Instead, encourage anything even remotely related to the instrument and you will foster a lifelong love for music. And honestly, isn’t that the whole point?

Lastly, make sure you find a piano teacher who supports the main goal as being fun and enjoyment rather than strict practice schedules and the pressure to perform.

If you need help locating a piano teacher, make sure you check out my recent post on how to find the right piano teacher for you!

Learning Piano Means Hours of Daily Practice

And speaking of piano practice myths … let’s dive into the one about daily practice requirements.

When I tell people that I practice piano every single day, the response is often, “Wow! How do you find the time? I’d love to play but have absolutely zero time in my day.”

And the truth is, I make time. I prioritize practice on a daily basis and refuse to let anything interfere with that time.

But I also don’t spend hours upon hours of playing on a daily basis. My practice sessions are often 20 minutes or less. And even those 20 minutes are frequently interrupted by kids screaming, work calls, and just the general chaos of everyday life.

Sometimes those practice sessions don’t even involve putting my fingers to the keys. When life gets too busy, they may consist of watching instructional videos (yes, on YouTube) or performances of pieces I’m currently studying.

Although there are days when I’m able to devote more time to practice, I’ve actually found that my memory retention is better when I practice for shorter time periods.

And so I continue to carve out those small chunks of time in my day to become a better pianist. If you’re curious to hear the end result of all those small practice sessions, check out my performance of one of my favorite pieces of all time … Elegie in E-flat Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Elegie in E-flat Minor, Sergei Rachmaninoff

Piano Practice Myths About Your Age

I can’t tell you how many times someone has told me that they would love to learn piano but never learned when they were young. My response to this one?

It’s NEVER too late!

There are actually so many advantages to learning the instrument as an adult. Not least of which is that you get to decide WHY you want to learn to play and have the flexibility to determine HOW you learn.

No one is forcing you to learn a style or genre you hate. And there’s no guilting you into recitals or exams you’re completely disinterested in taking.

You are in control.

Another major benefit of learning piano as an adult is your attention span. Children have such short attention spans and keeping them focused is a perpetual challenge. As an adult, however, your ability to focus on something for longer periods of time is completely developed and when combined with motivation, you are an unstoppable force!

You also get to choose whether your practice instrument is a keyboard, a spinet, or even a baby grand. Your learning is all in your hands.

How incredible is that?

If you’re curious about even more benefits of learning to play piano as an adult, make sure to check out this post.

All Music Must be Memorized

In the world of classical piano, memorization is historically mandatory for performances. Watch any great pianist on YouTube and it’s very likely that they are playing an incredibly difficult piece without a shred of music in front of them.

And they’re pulling it off without so much as a wrong note anywhere.

Talk about intimidating!

This is one of the piano practice myths nearest and dearest to my heart because for years, I struggled with memorization. Although I started piano as a child, I never memorized ANYTHING until I began my college studies and suddenly realized memorization was mandatory.

I can’t tell you how frustrating it was to learn how to memorize at that level of playing! And I can’t say that I mastered the art of memorization until after college when I started memorizing for my own enjoyment.

The key phrase here is “for my own enjoyment.” Music is, at its core, something created for enjoyment. If playing from memory brings you joy, do it. But if the thought of memorizing a piece brings fear and apprehension, what’s the point?

Play for the fun of it and if that means playing from a book, so be it!

You Don’t Need a Teacher to Learn Piano

One of the most rampant piano practice myths out there involves the ability to learn piano all by yourself. There are an incredible number of apps, websites, and YouTube videos devoted to the topic of teaching yourself piano.

And I don’t necessarily disagree.

There are so many aspects of the instrument including music theory, improv, and composition which can be picked up by watching videos and reading blogs.

But there are other aspects, such as technique, which truly require the expertise and insight from a knowledgeable teacher. You simply can’t replace the 1:1 feedback you get from lessons with an experienced teacher.

And thanks to technology, there are an incredible number of teacher who offer online lessons. Teachers with a variety of performance and educational backgrounds.

The online world gives you access to teachers you would never otherwise have the ability to study with. It truly is an incredible time in history study piano!

And if you’re looking for an online teacher, check out my Resource page which lists incredibly talented piano teachers currently accepting new students.

You Must Have a Teacher to Learn Piano

I know what you’re thinking … “Didn’t you just say I needed a teacher to learn piano?”

Kind of.

Depending upon your goals, having a piano teacher is essential. This is especially true if you’re interested in pursuing higher level study of the instrument.

But if your goal is to learn a few pop chords as a party trick, apps and videos may be your best bet.

And if you have already have a solid background in the instrument but are wanting to get back into it again or simply brush up your skills, you may also benefit from an app or website.

My personal favorite online course is run by Dr. Josh Wright, an internationally acclaimed pianist. I absolutely love classical piano and his course is hands down the best for classical players. It delves into all the intricacies of technique and interpretation of some of the most beloved piano repertoire.

I personally have learned so much from the course that I became an affiliate because I felt other pianists needed to hear about it as well! If you’re interested in checking the course out for yourself, click here.

Piano Requires Perfection

“Use the talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”

Henry van Dyke

Spend any time at all trolling YouTube and you will come across a litany of flawless performances of some of the most difficult piano repertoire out there. Musical perfection at its finest.

Sometimes I think people get the impression that to play piano, you MUST play everything perfectly, all the time. And that if you’re not at least a little on the perfectionism side, piano isn’t the instrument for you.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

There’s so much that learning how to play the instrument gives you in return, even if you can’t play anything perfectly. I personally feel that as long as you inject emotion into your playing, wrong notes don’t matter.

There’s also something to be said about making each performance of a piece (whether in front of other people or your dog!) unique. Making something unique comes from a range of different factors, including wrong notes.

And as long as playing is meaningful to you, who cares what anyone else thinks?

The world could ALWAYS use a little more beauty, in whatever form it comes so play on!

If you’re struggling with perfectionism, make sure to check out this post on how to overcome perfectionism.

It’s Your Turn to Talk About Piano Practice Myths

I truly hope you have found this post both inspirational and informative in dispelling some of the biggest piano practice myths out there. And hopefully dispelling the myths has provided that little kick of motivation you need to go after your piano playing dreams!

If you’re looking for even more resources, check out the following posts:

How to Find the Right Piano Teacher for You

How to Learn Piano as an Adult

Become a Better Pianist with These 5 Simple Tools

Are You Ready to Improve Your Piano Playing?

5 Benefits of Learning Piano as an Adult

And if you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Josh Wright’s ProPractice course, check it out for yourself here.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on this post! Did I miss one of the piano practice myths currently holding you back? If so, drop a comment below and I’ll be sure to let you know what I think!

Now get out there and start making some music!

Piano

How to Find the Right Piano Teacher for You

by amandakaybradley18 Comments on How to Find the Right Piano Teacher for You
How to Find the Right Piano Teacher for You

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Albert Einstein

The piano is an incredible instrument with musical versatility unmatched by any other. It can inspire emotions ranging from elation to despair. And when played well, piano music can make you laugh, dance, cry, or simply dream.

And to have the ability to evoke emotions in others through this amazing instrument? It’s a feeling unlike any other.

As someone who has spent the better part of my life mastering the piano, I can say with confidence that learning how to play is freedom. It’s joy, struggle, and personal satisfaction unmatched by few other life pursuits.

Learning to play the piano well is less of a sprint and more the marathon of a lifetime.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Why You Need a Piano Teacher

Whether you’re just starting out on your piano journey or have been playing for a while, finding a piano teacher is crucial. It’s the difference between the overwhelming frustration which comes by studying on your own or learning and growing through the struggle with someone by your side.

Although there may be times when you can manage learning independently, to truly succeed, you need guidance from someone further along in their journey than you. You need the expertise which comes from the right piano teacher.

Learning to play the piano well is a skill which takes time and considerable practice. There are an incredible number of subtleties you must learn to truly master the instrument. From learning how to voice and shape a phrase to executing stylistically appropriate dynamics, there’s so much to take in!

Although several aspects such as music theory and history can be mastered independently, there are many which simply can’t. Technique, for example, is a crucial aspect which can make or break your playing. Correct technique is the difference between effortless playing and serious injury. And learning correct technique requires outside perspective from a teacher.

Having a piano teacher also adds a level of accountability which can be difficult to achieve on your own. Your teacher can tailor lessons to your individual learning goals and fill in gaps which can happen when trying to piece things together yourself.

Even beyond technique and accountability is the fact that your progress will be so much faster with someone guiding your learning.

If you’re serious about learning to play the piano, finding the right piano teacher for you is a must.

You may also enjoy reading ‘5 Benefits of Learning Piano as an Adult.’

Questions to Ask Yourself

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensures that you do things differently from everyone else.”

Sara Blakely

The right piano teacher is out there for you. But finding this person starts by looking within yourself.

The very first question to ask yourself is why you want to learn to play piano. Is it because you want to impress friends and family with your skills? Are you fascinated by jazz and want to improv over a band someday? Or maybe you’d like to be able to accompany the church choir. Maybe you’d simply like to pass the time doing something both creative and engaging.

Whatever your reason for learning, now is the time to get crystal clear on it. Once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize how many different piano teachers are out there. Seeking clarity on your why now will make your search easier later.

After determining your why, think about the amount of time you’re able to devote both to lessons and to practice. Consistent daily practice, even if it’s only for a few minutes, produces the best results. Now is also the time to figure out whether you’re able to dedicate extra time on a weekly basis for commuting to lessons or whether you’d prefer to conserve your time with online lessons.

Next consider your budget. Just as there are many different types of piano teachers out there, so too are there lessons at all price points. In general, you can expect to pay higher prices for teachers with more educational and performance experiences.

You may also enjoy reading ‘Piano Practice Tips to Improve Your Playing.’

Additional Considerations

Not all piano teachers are exactly the same. Some focus solely on adult beginner and intermediate students. Other teachers prefer working with children. Still others prefer focusing on a specific genre such as classical, jazz, or pop.

Even beyond the individual interests of the teacher is consideration of their background. Did they study music in college? Do they have any advanced degrees in music? And what type of performance experience do they have?

Believe it or not but there are actually groups dedicated to the professional development of music teachers. Having membership in such as group is often an indication that the teacher is serious about what they do and is themselves working towards improvement.

How to Find a Piano Teacher

After you’ve completed self-reflection about your reasons for learning, your time availability, and your budget, it’s time to begin the search for a piano teacher.

One of the best places to start is at your local university. Many college professors also teach lessons on the side and are happy to take on new students. If their studios are full, piano professors are also typically able to give references for other teachers who do have availability.

Interestingly, college students studying music are often themselves great teachers. They are also typically eager to take on new students to gain teaching experience prior to graduation.

Another great place to find a piano teacher is through word of mouth. Try reaching out to others in your community to find the best teachers.

And if you’re looking for an online piano teacher, try posting a question in a relevant Facebook group. There are several aimed towards adult piano learners and they are a convenient way to find teacher candidates and to address general questions about playing.

Yet another great resource is the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), an organization dedicated to supporting music teachers. Teachers can actually become certified to teach through the organization by completing a series of projects which is then reviewed to ensure competency. Not all teachers on the MTNA website have completed certification however the fact that they are members suggests a dedication to the profession of teaching music.

There are also state and local chapters of the national organization and reaching out locally is a great way to find someone in your area.

Evaluating Prospective Teachers

After you’ve located a prospective piano teacher, it’s time to see whether you think they will be a good fit for you and your piano goals. Taking time upfront to determine whether there’s a good fit between you both saves time in the long run. The following are several areas to consider and questions to ask when evaluating piano teachers.

Evaluating Piano Teacher Professionalism

Professionalism is the first area to consider when evaluating a piano teacher. This is a somewhat broad concept which includes how the teacher interacts with students and how they conduct their business. It also includes whether they’ve taken the time to come up with their own teaching philosophy and whether they continue to improve their own playing.

Do they have a studio policy which outlines expectations for their students? Is there a weekly practice requirement? Do they teach from a set curriculum or do they individualize student learning? And do they require students participate in performance opportunities such as recitals or contests?

Do they include policies on billing and what happens if you must miss a lesson? Are there make-up lessons available or do you lose out on the lesson fee if you must cancel?

It’s important to figure out expectations on both sides in the beginning to avoid misunderstanding later on.

Is it possible to watch a lesson with one of their current students? If so, are the interactions between piano teacher and student pleasant? Does there appear to be mutual respect between the two? And how does the teacher handle situations in which the student doesn’t initially understand a concept?

It can be very helpful to interview the student independently as well regarding their experience with the teacher. Do they feel that lessons with the teacher have been valuable? And would they recommend their teacher to others?

A positive review from a student is often a good indicator of solid professionalism on the part of the teacher.

Evaluating Performance Skills

After determining the teacher’s level of professionalism, it’s time to evaluate their performance skills. Learning to play piano is a skill and it will be very difficult to learn from someone who themselves doesn’t play competently. Having the ability to demonstrate during lessons is therefore incredibly important.

Are they actively involved in performing and if so, is it possible to watch a performance? If not, are they willing to demonstrate their pianistic skills? Is their playing inspiring and engaging? Does their playing appear relatively relaxed and expressive? And does their technique seem like the type of technique you would like to have at some point?

It’s worth mentioning that not all fantastic performers are gifted teachers and vice versa. Being able to play and being able to convey the information required to play to someone else are two completely different skillsets. It’s therefore important not to base your decision to study with someone solely on their pianistic skills.

As mentioned above, professionalism also plays a key part in evaluating whether you feel they are a good fit for you and your goals.

Next Steps in Your Piano Journey

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Seneca

Hopefully by taking the time to clarify your piano goals and thoroughly vet potential candidates, you will find a perfectly compatible piano teacher.

Although professionalism and playing ability are important, keep in mind that studying the piano is difficult. Learning any new skill presents a challenge and the piano is no exception.

It’s therefore incredibly important to find a teacher who is also highly encouraging and inspires you to be better. You should leave your lesson feeling motivated and ready to take on new heights in your playing. If you find that you’re constantly feeling defeated and down on yourself after lessons, it may be time to start the search for an alternate teacher.

Never be afraid to look around if it’s simply not working out with a teacher. It’s your piano journey and you want to make sure you have an optimal learning experience. Sometimes personalities clash or expectations are not aligned and that’s ok. You’re always free to move on if you feel it’s just not working out.

And if you’re ready to take the leap, check out this list of online piano teachers currently accepting new students. Each teacher has a unique background and perspective so you’re sure to find a great one!

Bonus Resource

Although I highly recommend having a piano teacher to guide your learning, it can also be helpful to have supplemental resources. And in my opinion, one of the very best resources out there for pianists interested in learning classical piano is Dr. Josh Wright.

I first learned about Dr. Wright through a podcast for piano teachers and immediately became fascinated with his playing and teaching philosophy. Initially I began following his YouTube channel and found so much value in his free content that I decided to invest in his paid membership course called ProPractice.

This course is hands down one of the very best investments I’ve made in my own improvement as a pianist! It’s an incredibly valuable resource for technical development and the artistic interpretation of many classical piano repertoire pieces ranging from the earliest beginner to advanced. I highly recommend the course to anyone who is serious about advancing their piano skills!

You can check out the course for yourself here. And if you’re interested in hearing Dr. Wright perform, check out this video of Chopin’s Ballade in G minor.

It’s Your Turn

As always, I hope you’ve found value in this post. Learning to play the piano is an incredibly rewarding pursuit and one that I’m so thankful to have started! Let me know where you are on your piano journey below and if you’ve yet to start it, please know that it’s never too late. Today is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and grow in so many unexpected ways! Cheers to a new year and yet another chance for only getting better!

Piano

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Pianists

by amandakaybradley6 Comments on The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Pianists
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Pianists

The holidays are right around the corner and you’re racking your brain for that special piano-loving person in your life. I completely understand that shopping for someone with an interest perhaps not shared by yourself is challenging. No worries … I’ve got your back! Whether it’s your piano teacher, accompanist, spouse, or maybe a little something for yourself, this ultimate holiday gift guide for pianists has something for everyone!

Let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Novelty Gift Guide for Pianists

No ultimate holiday gift guide for pianists would be complete without a few novelty gifts! These items make great stocking stuffers and are a thoughtful way to let someone know that you recognize their passion for the art.

A New Phone Case

And what better way to show your passion for something than through your phone? These eye-catching phone cases are guaranteed to bring joy and a little reminder throughout the day that something wonderful is always waiting at the keyboard!

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Kitchen Gadgets

Whether entertaining or enjoying a simple meal at home, these next few items combine the culinary with the musical. Bring your love for music into the kitchen with one of these fun and useful gifts!

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Mugs

And of course no ultimate gift guide for pianists would be complete without a few novelty mugs! Because what pianist wouldn’t want a hot cup of coffee or tea out of one of these witty mugs???

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Jewelry

Maybe you or your pianist would love a new piece of piano-inspired jewelry! Jewelry is one of those classic gifts which is useful, beautiful, and can be treasured for years to come.

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Socks, Keepsakes, and More!

Sometimes you need that little gift which keeps on giving. Whether it’s inspirational artwork or a warm, cozy nap on a cold, snowy day, one of these options is guaranteed to bring a smile to someone’s face. Bring the smile with one of these fun novelty items!

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For the Ultimate DIY Enthusiast

If your piano enthusiast also geeks out over Legos or is a DIY-er, this next gift idea is perfect! Lego has now come out with a grand piano set which is actually playable when fully assembled.

In true Lego form, they have accurately replicated many aspects of a real grand piano including a lid which can be propped up and authentic hammer action along with moving dampers. When fully assembled, this set is as close to a grand piano as Legos can possibly get.

Although skeptical about this set at first, I believe the labor involved in assembling its over 3,000 pieces will actually make it even more endearing. This belief stems from reading an article about Ikea furniture. Apparently people who put together their own furniture end up loving it even more than furniture which was already assembled for them.

I think it boils down to the fact that when you put more effort into something, you cherish it even more. When you think about it, it’s a very similar phenomenon to the pride one takes in learning an instrument in the first place.

All in all, a pretty perfect gift, isn’t it?

And new this year is a light set for that Lego grand piano. Because who wouldn’t want to showcase all their hard work?

Gifts for the Accompanist

Accompanists are busy people! Whether it’s solo & ensemble season, the holidays, or college jury week, there’s never a shortage of events needing accompanists.

And I’ve never met an accompanist who doesn’t have a ton of books to constantly tote back and forth. Help them tote those books in style with one of these musically themed bags!

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I’ve also never met an accompanist who couldn’t use a little jolt of caffeine to get moving in the morning! Or maybe it’s just me?! Either way, send your accompanist off to a magnificent day with one of these beautifully designed travel mugs!

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Accompanists are perpetually adjusting to their environment. They’re basically at the mercy of whatever instrument and stage is available at the time. Whether it’s poor lighting or that book which just won’t stay open, gift one of these useful tools and make their job just a tiny bit easier.

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Come to think of it, maybe a spa day would be the perfect gift for your accompanist? This is a must if you’ve just finished a recital which consists of completely atonal 20th century music. Gift this and hopefully they will pick up their phone the next time you call for a gig!

For the Serious Pianist

This next section is for the piano teacher or serious pianist in your life. Believe me, we can be a tough crowd to shop for! But with this ultimate gift guide for pianists, you’re sure to find that perfectly unique gift!

Click here for the 5 Tools to Take Your Piano Playing to the Next Level!

Give the Gift of Piano Maintenance

Although pianists have a sincere passion for their instruments, sometimes we’re not great about keeping up with maintenance on our instruments. Pianos should be tuned on a regular basis and ideally this should be done by someone certified by the Piano Technicians Guild.

The guild is an organization dedicated to educating and ensuring piano technicians meet rigorous testing standards before working on your piano. This means they have the knowledge and experience to provide expert care and maintenance of the instrument. There’s no one more qualified to assist with a wide range of piano issues and I highly recommend you entrust your instrument to a Registered Piano Technician!

Consider gifting a tuning or even a humidity control system for that special pianist in your life. Click here for a list of piano technicians in your area as well as other useful resources from the Piano Technicians Guild.

Books to Inspire and Motivate

What does every serious pianist love to do when away from the keyboard? Read about pianos and piano-related topics, obviously! Here is a selection of book ideas to get your gift wheels spinning in the right direction!

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Gift Lessons with a Coveted Teacher

Is your pianist friend constantly talking about that hugely famous pianist they’d absolutely love to study with? Consider gifting them a lesson or two with this person. Thanks to the magic of technology today, studying with people who once seemed unattainable is now more realistic than ever!

Many piano teachers have now moved to online lessons and advancing one’s piano skills is now easier than ever! The extra bonus is that your pianist will get to play their own instrument. As any pianist can tell you, adjusting to a teacher’s instrument often presents challenges of its own. Playing one’s own instrument during a lesson is therefore an extra treat that any pianist will adore!

Give the Ability to Record

I’ve gotten so much great advice over the years about how to improve my piano playing. But the best advice I’ve ever gotten was during college from my piano teacher.

She told me that in order to improve, I needed to record myself often. That way, I could pick up on ways to improve my playing independently. I could also track my improvements with any given piece.

In those days, recording involved buying a voice recorder because any other type of equipment was simply too big and bulky to carry around.

But thanks to technology today, doing professional recording yourself is as easy as buying a USB microphone to plug into your laptop. It seriously couldn’t get any easier!

And this microphone is hands down the absolute best there is out there! It’s incredibly easy and the sound quality is phenomenal. Whether you’re looking for yourself or for someone else, this is the microphone to get!

The Gift of Online Resources

Maybe your pianist has been struggling to learn that one piece which is just outside their grasp. Or maybe they’re looking for practice insight, technique help, and a supportive online community. If so, this next one is golden.

Dr. Josh Wright is an internationally acclaimed classical pianist who has put together a treasure trove of online resources. With a variety of videos and courses, his resources are absolutely unparalleled and insanely helpful to anyone with the slightest interest in classical piano.

After joining his ProPractice course, my playing improved so dramatically that I became an affiliate to share my experiences with others. Investing in this course has improved my playing more than anything else I’ve done thus far. I highly recommend it for anyone who is a self-directed learner and is looking for course credibility. Check it out here.

Give From the Heart

Whatever you decide to gift this season, I’m sure that special pianist in your life will love it simply because it comes from you! This has been a year like none other but it has certainly been memorable. Despite the challenges, my wish for you this season is that you treasure the small moments.

Live, laugh, and love more deeply than ever before. Cherish those you love and take in all the magic of the season. You deserve it!

As always, drop a comment below letting me know your thoughts on this post. Did I miss anything? Or do you have additional recommendations? I’d love to hear your thoughts!