Music Lotus

A couple of weeks ago I had the joy of adjudicating the Metropolitan Detroit Musicians League Young Artists Piano Competition and oh my goodness! Wow these kids blew my socks off! Such beauty in their young souls - it was wonderful to witness. They and their teachers clearly worked incredibly hard, but also I want to acknowledge the hidden work of the parents. 👩‍👦

Funding their musical education, shuttling them to lessons every week, building a practice routine, purchasing an expensive instrument, and feeling all the feels when their kids performing. I could feel their anxiety as they were stepping into the room to help their young child set up their footstool and I just wanted to give them a hug and tell them it will all be okay.

As a parent, I see now the sacrifices parents make and their emotional investment into their child’s music lessons. 💜 So, congratulations to the talented, hard-working students, their amazing teachers, and their incredible parents! 👏

As a kid, I procrastinated piano practice like nobody’s business. I did all the creative projects I could think of, washed the dishes, ate all the snacks, until I finally decided to sit down at the piano. But not before grabbing my older sister’s piano books off the shelf ("Piano Pieces for Children" was always around). Then, I sat down and played through as many pieces as I could before I even opened up my own piano books. As I stumbled my way through whatever I could find, I learned some valuable sight-reading lessons:

🎵 Sight-read below your level (don’t be like me..choose easier pieces for less frustration).
🎵 Reading pieces that are FUN to play is a much more enjoyable way to build this skill.
🎵 While procrastinating is generally not recommended, when you can’t think of what else to do, pick up a book and start playing!

While my approach to sight-reading for my students is much more structured, I still think that having a fun piano book in your piano bench (do those still have secret compartments?) is a great way to get to the piano and read! 📖

It’s rare to include adult piano learners in a guest residency setting and to open up the conversation about their vulnerabilities and challenges. Thank you to Duo Mundi - George & Guli for acknowledging this demographic with such compassion and kindness. 🙏

I was so proud of my student Yousif who stepped up and performed Chopin’s Nocturne in F minor. Yousif has only been taking lessons for three years and is one of the most dedicated, hard-working students. I’m continually impressed by his innate musicianship, humility, and deep commitment to learning.

And a huge thank you to the Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild for tirelessly working to set up this residency! 💜

Let’s do this MTNA!! Can’t wait to share tools and strategies for performance anxiety.

Thanks for reading my posts over the last few days! The deadline to join this semester’s Piano for Adults Courses and take advantage of my New Year’s Piano Kickstarter Offer is TODAY! In these classes, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Learn how to read music
✔ Play well-known pieces hands together
✔ Understand rhythm fundamentals
✔ Develop solid foundational technique
✔ Have fun sharing music and make time for YOU!

Join now to take advantage of the 10% discount (use discount code PIANO2024)]! This is an easy choice for adults who are ready to invest in themselves. For more details, check the link below or DM me!

www.paolasavvidou.com/piano-for-adults

When you think about learning a new and creative skill you imagine yourself playing some of your favorite pieces at family gatherings, for your partner, grandkids, or cat.😺

But you’re still worried you don’t have time to practice.

If you’re really wanting to finally pursue learning piano, then let me support you.

The New Year’s Piano Kickstarter Offer is open for enrollment right now.

Through these online piano classes for adults, you’ll get the support that you need to finally:

🔥Learn the fundamentals of piano playing

🔥Make music right away

🔥Enrich your life through music

So you’re able to share music with your family, friends, kids, or dog. 🐶

But you have to hurry because the New Year’s Piano Kickstarter Offer is only open until tomorrow!

It is the PERFECT TIME to stop worrying about doing everything perfectly and start tapping into your creative side!

Learn more on my website: paolasavvidou.com/piano-for-adults

Having a positive impact on people’s lives is what teaching is all about. I asked 5 of my students what their favorite thing about learning piano is and here’s what they said:

“I have always wanted to learn piano, so it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream in such a kind, supportive environment. It’s been wonderful to learn along with fellow students who have had the same long-time interest in piano.”

“The non-threatening, positive feedback, and total kindness and support that you give to each student.”

“This class is fun while still stimulating and challenging my brain.I wanted to take this class to learn a new skill and get out of my comfort zone. Paola is encouraging in her feedback and motivating when students are experiencing challenges.I have learned patience with myself while learning new material.”

“The friendly and supportive learning environment has been amazing, and the pace of the class is just right. I learn and practice new techniques as well as familiar ones every week, and I’ve become more comfortable with sight-reading. Most importantly, I’ve learned a lot of very helpful tips and tricks to practice difficult sections, which has helped me to become fluent in challenging pieces.”

“I love my instructor! She’s patient and fun and her videos are well made and instructive. I have learned so much. (When I started two years ago, I'd never played a musical instrument before!) I look forward to continuing my adult piano education with her.”

I can’t wait to see my students again starting next week!

As a reminder the registration deadline is this coming Friday and you, or a friend, can get 10% off with the discount code PIANO2024. More info here: www.paolasavvidou/piano-for-adults

Learning a new and complex skill as an adult takes courage and a strong commitment. The greatest challenge I see in my students is the need to play perfectly as soon as possible. It’s hard to be an expert in a different field, yet a beginner in a different one. But the payoff is huge. Here are a few things my students have mentioned over the years as benefits to learning piano:

🎵Brain stimulation
🎵Stress reduction and mindfulness
🎵Artistic and creative expression
🎵Physical health
🎵Escape the busyness of their life

Most importantly, cultivating self-compassion and patience are two huge benefits that I’ve seen my students develop over the years as they work against perfectionistic tendencies and battling a culture of instant gratification.

My 2-year old absorbs anything new almost instantaneously. He corrects me and reminds me of “proper procedure” all the time (socks first, jammies second).

Why is it that as adults we are nervous to jump in and challenge what we know to be true about ourselves?...

…That we CAN learn new skills (and we might even enjoy the process!).

I love breaking down myths when I talk with my students. Here are some of the most common ones:

Myth #1: “I’m too busy for piano lessons.”
Yup. True. You are too busy. 5-10 minutes of practice could perhaps replace 5-10 minutes of a different habit? Or be tagged on to your bedtime routine?

Myth #2: “I’m too old to start learning.”

Even more reason to start learning! Build new neural connections and prevent alzheimers (this one always gets a chuckle with my older students).

Myth #3: “I have no musical talent.”

There are plenty of things we are not talented in, but grit can surpass natural talent (Angela Duckworth agrees with this one).

Myth #4: “It’s too expensive.”

It can be. However, there are inexpensive digital instrument options, free acoustic pianos on Facebook Marketplace, and a 10% discount with the New Year’s Piano Kickstarter offer for my Adult Piano Courses (see how I snuck that in there😄).

Reminder to go to my website (link below) to get your 10% off for you, or a gift for a loved one (use discount code PIANO2024).
www.paolasavvidou/piano-for-adults

Progress, not perfection. This is the mantra that I tell myself and I find myself repeating to my students all the time. Adult learners often struggle with getting everything “right.” As a “recovering perfectionist” (to quote Brene Brown), I’m trying to create both positive structures and space for reflection in my teaching. So far, a few things that have helped are:

**Get into the Groove with Consistency:** Trust me, I get it – life gets busy. As a mom of two kids with a job and my own business, I understand “busy.” But, consistency is key. Even a short playthrough of a piece regularly adds up over time.

**Play, Pause, Repeat – Embrace Video Learning:** My students can't stop raving about this one. They are able to dive into online recordings at their own pace. Rewind, replay, and practice along – it's like having a personal coach guiding you through the intricacies of piano playing.

**Tame the Beast with Structure:** Learning a complex skill can be overwhelming. A detailed curriculum with bite-sized assignments is a game-changer. Break it down, tackle one piece at a time, and suddenly, the impossible becomes achievable.

**Power in Numbers:** We all need a cheer squad, right? Learning alongside peers who understand the struggles and triumphs makes the journey way more fun.

When I was teaching a more traditional group piano curriculum, some of these elements were missing. After years of fine-tuning (and further understanding that human connection can still happen through the interweb!), I’m certain that this mode of instruction is just as effective and enjoyable.

If you or someone you know is excited to try something new in a supportive environment, consider signing up for a Piano Course for Adults.

Added bonus: You can learn from the comfort of your home. If you live in a cold weather climate like I do, you’ll be happy you made this choice!

New year, new piano skill? If you, or someone you know, is ready to “nudge” a new habit into their life, this may be a fun opportunity for them. My piano courses are open for enrollment until January 19!

Piano Course for Beginners:
✔️Learn at your own pace with video instruction.
✔️One-on-one mini-lesson on Zoom
✔️Receive personalized feedback and unlimited email support.
✔️Participate in a celebratory in-person final performance class.

And I am offering a New Year’s Piano Kickstart discount!
➡️10% off all levels

Visit my website to find the right course for you (or reach out to me if you are unsure) and use the code PIANO2024 on the registration form. Register by January 19. Boom! Done! You are on your way to deciphering the music language.
www.paolasavvidou.com/piano-for-adults

Out with the Old, In with the New (Piano Edition)!

I’m not a fan of new year’s resolutions - too much pressure. I read somewhere about the idea of “nudges” as opposed to resolutions. As we evolve into the best version of ourselves, this might be a good time to “nudge” habits that don’t serve us well and invite new ones in. Here are a few I share with my piano students:

OUT
🙅Self-imposed pressure to be productive at all times
🙅Apologizing for playing a wrong note
🙅Being unkind to ourselves

IN
👍Gratitude for tiny bits of progress
👍Revisit old pieces that feel good to play
👍Allow space for experimentation

What about you? What’s in? What’s out?

PS: New Year, New Piano Vibes! 🎹✨
Say goodbye to the old piano struggles and hello to a fresh start! 🌟 I've got a New Year’s Piano Kickstarter offer coming your way – making music without the stress. Keep an eye out!