Music

Musical focus: Bach

My musical focus at present, is Bach. The engagement and immersion into the composer's musical narrative, has led me to re-learn the practical and theoretical aspects through intense study in playing, harmony, and counterpoint.

Musical narrative

Music is a narrative of sorts; dialogues and monologues in notation form. You might ask, what are the clefs arguing or discussing between themselves? Playing through the notes that allude to such ideas, musical statements are being made, and questions in the form of pitch and dynamics, are being asked, answered, and sometimes even refuted! There is also a dialogue running between you and the score. How are you responding to the score; what is the story you're reading, and what is your response, or interpretation?

Returning to piano as an adult

I'm offering lessons online for students returning to piano playing. Study will primarily focus on building good practice skills and regimen, through learning articulation, correct finger position, stamina through the technical repertoire on the piano.

Benefits for your mind and overall well-being

Returning to the piano after years away offers layers of benefits, immediate and unfolding over time, both for your mind and overall well-being.

Short-Term Benefits

Mental stimulation: Just a few practice sessions sharpen mental focus. Re-learning the music you once know or tackling new pieces activates memory pathways, engages hand-eye coordination, and refreshes pattern recognition skills.

Emotional expression: Piano playing offers immediate access to expression. This outlet for emotion - whether through delicate phrasing or powerful dynamics - can relieve stress and provide calm.

Physical dexterity: Right from the start, returning to practice re-engages fine motor skills, gently exercising fingers and hands. This renewed dexterity can feel grounding and invigorating.

Long-Term Benefits

Cognitive Health: Over time, piano playing can build resilience against cognitive decline. Regular engagement in such a complex task strengthens memory, multitasking, and problem-solving skills, potentially helping maintain sharper cognition as you age.

Emotional Growth and Patience: The patience and discipline cultivated through consistent practice can deepen over time, not just in playing but in life's other pursuits. Working through challenging pieces fosters resilience, giving you a sense of accomplishment and reinforcing a habit of growth.

Personal fulfillment and Artistic Voice: Long-term, you may find a renewed, more mature connection to the piano as your skill deepens, shaping an artistic voice unique to this phase of your life. Playing becomes whatever you want it to be about.

Enhanced Listening and Creativity: As you continue playing, you may notice heightened sensitivity to sound, rhythm and structure, making you a more discerning listener, not just in music but in the subtleties of conversation and environment. Creativity too, often becomes more spontaneous, as improvisational and interpretive skills bloom.