Be Your Own Audience

The next time you are about to sit at your piano, have a recording device by your side. If you are playing a digital piano, use the record button (how convenient!). Choose a song that is already a part of your repertoire. It’s one you feel quite confidently with. Now, put your imagination to work …

Be Your Own Audience Read More »

Playing Creatively Within Your Means

As a soloist, you have lots of control at your fingertips. When it comes to presenting yourself in a tasteful manner, it makes perfect sense to use that control wisely. If your aim includes captivating the respect of your listeners, nothing is more significant than this. Being a “monster” of a player who has command …

Playing Creatively Within Your Means Read More »

Open Chord Voicings: One You Must Know

When it comes to harmonizing tunes, it’s amazing how many people never get beyond playing chords in the same basic, textbook manner they learned in the beginning. I’m face to face with a number of adult students on a regular basis. Many of them will let me know right off the bat their intention is …

Open Chord Voicings: One You Must Know Read More »

Focus On Your Repertoire

For newer cocktail pianists looking to perform publicly, a first and foremost piece of advice I like to share is this: Focus on building your repertoire. If you are simply playing for a hobby, you’ll see that this applies to you as well. Yes, you want to familiarize yourself with lots of those tricks of …

Focus On Your Repertoire Read More »

Continuing Our Cocktail Piano Journey

Since the initiation of ProProach, I’ve enjoyed the correspondence that has taken place with members from different parts of the globe. Expression of my appreciation for their commentary and questions is not possible in words. I learned that people taking advantage of the program ranged from novices who simply wanted to sound better within the …

Continuing Our Cocktail Piano Journey Read More »