Lantana Community Music

Ever wondered what goes on at a piano group class? Here's a peek!

➼ Warmup Activity
Usually, this is a 5-minute game to review a music theory concept. Easy, fun, collaborative!

➼ Mini Lessons
Students each get a turn to play the piano, and I offer feedback. Classmates may be asked to participate by saying “shh” during rests, tapping the beat, or even standing up when they hear “forte” notes!

➼ Group Activity
The class learns a new skill or concept together. This might include a music theory game, sightreading together, or improv at the piano.

➼ Wrapping Up
Each student leaves with an individualized practice assignment to work on at home. It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’ll meet again next week!

Are you overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for a digital piano/keyboard? Here are a few quick points to watch for!

➼ Does it have 88 keys?
Even beginner repertoire utilizes the full span of the keyboard! If you start with something smaller, it is not likely to get you through the first year of lessons.

➼ Are the keys weighted?
This is a must! Weighted keys produce louder or softer sounds depending on how hard they are pressed. Bonus points if you find a keyboard with “hammer action”, which more closely mimics the feel of an acoustic piano.

➼ (If buying used) Are all the keys working?
This can be remedied on an acoustic piano, but electronic instruments can be more complicated to diagnose and repair. If you decide to buy used, make sure everything is in working order.

➼ Does it have a stand/cabinet?
Placing the keyboard on a table or the floor makes it difficult to practice good posture. If the instrument doesn’t come with a stand, you’ll want to invest in one!

➼ Does it have a music rack?
Make sure there is a place for your pianist to set up their books! If a used keyboard has lost its music rack, you can order a replacement part or purchase one that is freestanding.

➼ Do experienced musicians recommend this make/model?
Brands (and age) do matter. Ask someone you trust if the instrument you are looking at has a good track record!

Here's the thing. I adore acoustic pianos, and I wish every one of my students could practice on one! But sometimes circumstances require other options.

Here are a handful of situations in which a keyboard (digital piano) might be a better choice:

➼ When your home is upstairs.
If you live on the 2nd or 3rd floor of an apartment building, it may not be feasible to move a heavy piano up a flight of steps.

➼ When you plan to move soon.
Piano moving services can be costly! If you don’t anticipate staying in one place for very long, a lightweight digital piano may be a better fit.

➼ When you need to control noise.
If you share walls with a neighbor, or a member of your household has strong sensory aversions, you may want the ability to plug in headphones.

➼ When your budget is very tight.
Acoustic pianos need to be tuned about once a year, at a cost of around $150. Some families prefer electronic instruments because they don’t require regular maintenance.

If you're considering a keyboard, stay tuned for my upcoming post on choosing the right model for you!

Are you looking at used pianos? Here are a few questions to help you evaluate an instrument!

➼ Has it been tuned recently?
A piano that hasn’t been tuned for many years can be difficult to rehabilitate. Look for an instrument that has been loved and cared for!

➼ Are there signs of water damage?
When you open the cabinet, does it smell musty inside? Also keep an eye out for a bubbling exterior, keys with loose veneers, or a warped or rusty soundboard.

➼ Are the keys level with each other?
If one or two keys are stuck in the “down” position, that is easily fixed! However, if several keys are just slightly uneven with the rest, it may be a sign of more significant damage.

➼ Is the soundboard intact?
Check the large metal plate inside the piano for any obvious cracks or attempted repairs. A buzzing sound when keys are played can also be a red flag (or it might just be a misplaced paper clip... ask me how I know! 😉)

➼ Does the felt have grooves where it hits the strings?
While it’s not a dealbreaker, this can be a sign of heavy use. Plan to budget a little extra for having a technician reshape the felt if you want to keep the instrument in tip-top shape.

Hello! I'm Miss Corinne.

I began teaching private piano lessons in 2002, and took a short break last year to stay home with my kids full time. I'm excited to relaunch this fall! 🎉

I thrive on finding creative approaches that work for students who are a little extra wiggly, are full of questions, or who have highly specific preferences. (It keeps me on my toes!)

Beginning in September, I'll have openings for private lessons (your home or mine) as well as low-cost group classes for homeschoolers. Stay tuned for more details over the coming weeks!

I *love* what Heritage Mom says here about trying new things. Every piano student should be equipped with the tools they need to feel increasingly confident at the piano! 🎹

What he said: “I don’t like painting!”⁣ What he meant:⁣⁣⁣⁣
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“I feel uncomfortable because I’m not good at painting. I haven’t had much experience sitting with tension, so I don’t know what to do. I want to feel good, but when I look at what my hands can’t make, I feel bad. Will you help me?”⁣⁣⁣⁣
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He wanted me to help him quit but instead I found someone who could help him learn.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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He has one month of lessons under his belt, and guess what?⁣⁣⁣⁣
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He likes to paint.⁣⁣⁣⁣

We’ve been busy this semester... Each student wrote and recorded a piano solo to contribute to our first ever album. I’m so proud!!

I’ll be delivering CDs tomorrow to everyone who participated. ❤️

Many thanks to Andrea Dow for the step by step guide that kept me from feeling completely overwhelmed by this process! 🤣

Time for a giveaway!

Piano Explorer is a magazine for piano students ages 5-18. It features a composer of the month, practice tips, puzzles, and music written by kids, for kids!

I have 5 copies of the September issue up for grabs. Comment below if you want to pick one up!

❤️❤️❤️

Summer practice challenge: week 4!

Is there a rhythmic pattern in your piece that keeps throwing you off? Before you play it, take a moment to tap the rhythm. Count out loud or use rhythm words (ta ti-ti, blue jello, etc.) to check your accuracy. Once you have tapped the rhythm correctly a few times in a row, transition to playing it on your instrument.

When you’re developing a new skill or trying to perfect a tricky section in a new piece, it can help to isolate that skill or section so that you achieve mastery before trying to incorporate it in the fabric of the entire piece. Look for ways to zero in your focus on one aspect of your piece at a time.