Recent Blog Posts

When you think of a piano, the first picture that usually pops into mind is a grand piano.  But did you know that there are other styles?  Even within the "grand piano" category, there are many different types, differentiated by their size.  Here ... Read Full Article

Today I'd like to tackle the age-old debate:  is the piano a percussion instrument or strings instrument?  According to the dictionary, a percussion instrument is a musical instrument (such as a drum, xylophone, or maraca) sounded by striking, shak ... Read Full Article

Sticking with the theme of extended techniques, this week I'd like to take a look at the piano.  You're probably wondering, "What kind of extended techniques can a pianist use?"  Keep in mind that pianos are not just black and white keys.  When yo ... Read Full Article

At some point in their lives, every violin player learns at least an excerpt of a violin concerto.  A concerto is a standard 3-movement form of music that tends to be "fast-slow-fast".  They tend to be about 30 minutes in length, and one instrument ... Read Full Article

In my last post, I discussed extended techniques used by many skilled flute players.  I also mentioned that plenty of other instruments can use extended techniques.  Violin is popular for extended techniques, just like the flute. Prepared Violin ... Read Full Article