The Curious Pianist - Deborah's Piano Lessons

08/18/2025

Many music students also excel in math! Congratulations to my young student Ishan, who is now a published author!

Have you ever looked at a math book and thought, "That looks way too hard"? You don’t have to feel that way anymore! In this book, you’ll find four captivating math mysteries that will totally change how you see math. Each story is designed to make you excited to turn the next page. You’ll dis...

08/16/2025

Classic stories, classic musical themes!

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, ...

03/13/2025

For Pi Day! :-)

Pi Song I wrote to help me memorize pi - I figured it would be easier to remember a melody than a string of numbers.Sheet music here: https://drive.google.co...

10/01/2024

It's World Coffee Day! Johann Sebastian Bach, definitely has something to say! 🤎 🖤 🤎 🎼 ☕

In this rare comic work of Bach's, the plot of his Coffee Cantata (BWV 211), also known as "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht" ("Be still, stop chattering"), is a lighthearted, humorous story about a young woman’s love for coffee, much to the dismay of her father.

Summary of the Plot:
The cantata is set as a mini comic opera in which the characters, consisting of a narrator, the father Schlendrian, and his daughter Lieschen, discuss the daughter's coffee addiction.

The Scene: Schlendrian (the father) expresses his frustration over his daughter Lieschen's obsession with coffee. He laments that no matter what he says or does, Lieschen refuses to give up her favorite drink.

The Conflict: Schlendrian tries to persuade Lieschen to quit coffee by threatening to take away certain privileges and comforts, including fine clothes and social outings. Lieschen, however, insists that life without coffee is unbearable and refuses to be swayed. She even states that coffee is as necessary to her as a sweet kiss from her lover!

The Resolution: Eventually, Schlendrian declares that Lieschen will not be allowed to marry unless she quits drinking coffee. This catches Lieschen's attention, and she pretends to agree to give up coffee to find a husband. However, she cleverly adds in an aside that she will ensure her future husband allows her to drink coffee whenever she desires.

Brew yourself a cup and enjoy this wonderful rendition with a period orchestra, set in a coffee house, of course! 😜

Turn on Closed Captions (CC) for English SubsJohann Sebastian BachSchweigt stille, plaudert nicht.KaffeeKantaten "Coffee cantata"BWV 211Conductor: Ton Koopma...

09/10/2024

Oops! Forgot to add this to the last post. Here is a beautiful waltz dedicated to the guinea pig! This piece is Maisie, Fiona, and Valentina approved! 🎹 🎼 🐹 🐹 🐹 🥕 🥬

Wheek! Wheek!

From my newest collection of VERY easy piano pieces with VERY silly lyrics! Chubby Hippo & Friends available as a book at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1...

09/09/2024

Miss Deborah's guinea pigs especially enjoy the return of students for special treats and because September is Classical Music Month!

Here's a guinea pig joke for those who play in a band or orchestra.

Question: How does a guinea pig orchestra tune up?
Answer: They don’t use concert "A" - they use concert "HAY"!

You and your teacher may enjoy the works of famous guinea pig composers of yore such as:

Johann Sebastian Squeak
Ludwig van Beetroot-hoven
Claude De-paw-sy
Pigtor Tchaikov-squeal
Frederic Chewpin

And although there is no known works of classical music composed for guinea pigs, composer Barbara Arens, has created a charming waltz called "The Song of the Guinea Pig". See comments below!

Wheek! Wheek!

09/08/2024

Notes from the Piano Bench! 🎶 🎹 ​

We’ve just completed our first week of piano lessons, and I wanted to share a few thoughts on how you can support your student’s musical journey at home. Establishing a practice routine and encouraging independence are key factors in their success as budding pianists.

1. Establishing a Practice Routine

Regular practice is essential for building muscle memory, ear training, and improving technical skills. A good starting point is to encourage short, daily practice sessions rather than one long session if longer practices are difficult. Even 10-15 minutes each day can make a big difference at this early stage. Regularly practicing students are more confident and began building skills to self-evaluate and self-correct as they mature.

Set a consistent time: Choose a time each day that works for your family schedule. Whether it's right before, after school, or before bedtime, consistency will help make practice a habit.
Create a dedicated space: Having a comfortable, quiet space for practice will make it more enjoyable for your child and help them focus.
2. Building Independence

It’s important for your child to start developing independence in their practice, which can also boost their confidence. Here are a few tips to encourage this:

Let them lead: Encourage your child to go through their assignments independently, even if it’s just starting with something they’re comfortable with. Your student's assignment folder is meant to be placed on the piano stand every day before practice and read (parents may help) as part of the discipline of reviewing the assignment. You can ask them to explain what they’re working on – this not only reinforces their understanding but also empowers them.

Let them be responsible for packing their music bag prior to the lesson and carry it themselves to build responsibility and a sense of ownership.

Celebrate small victories: Whether it’s playing a piece correctly, improving during practice, or remembering a hand position, praising their efforts will motivate them to keep going.

Their evolving progress and confidence will be amazing!

09/05/2024

An eclectic mix for vintage tunes for that retro autumnal feel!

Cozy Autumn Music Playlist 🍂 The Best Vintage Fall Music 🍁 Relaxing Autumn Ambience - Welcome to our new playlist of the best vintage cozy autumn songs, a ...

09/01/2024

Lessons are starting this coming week, right after Labor Day!

Miss Deborah and her guinea pigs are excited to see everyone again!

11/20/2023

Interpretive dance to Vivaldi's Four Seasons "Autumn"! Great activity for the little ones!

Here is Vivaldi's Autumn from The Four Seasons! There is a little story that goes along to this video:In the story, four groups of leaves are happily dancing...

09/22/2023

For the autumn equinox ... Autumn Leaves 🍂 🍃 🍂 🍃

How would these famous classical composers have arranged Autumn Leaves?? Composers included: Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, G...