We just completed our Spring Recital 2024. This year’s theme was “Rock, Pop, and More!” Most students played piano arrangements of popular songs while some played and sang their pieces! We had songs by Freddie Mercury, The Beatles, Laufey, Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Cold Play, Brandi Carlile, Randy Newman, Claude Debussy, and of course, Taylor Swift! In all we had 27 performers and about 75 people in the audience. It was a fabulous event! Thanks to Weili Ge who captured this group photo at the end of the recital.
This year marks my 30th anniversary as a private music teacher in Seattle. The time has flown by in a flurry of practice, recitals, concerts, events, laughter, tears, hellos and goodbyes, ups and downs. Mostly, I’m feeling inspired, grateful and humbled by the many students, present and past, who have chosen to play music with me. My hope and dream is another 30 years of music teaching and making my little corner of the world a more joyful place through the magic of music.
I opened the show with a cover of Carole King’s, “So Far Away.” With the excitement of the recital, I didn’t video the performance, instead, I recorded the song today in my studio. Click on the link below to view on YouTube. Thanks for 30 years of music making to my colleagues, family, friends and students!
Official Cast C 1987-1988 photo, taken in Tucson, Arizona before the start of our tour. I’m second row- 5th from the right with spiky hair and a hot pink shirt. Got to love the 80s!
Today’s blog post contains a bit of nostalgia, thus the Up with People Cast C photo from 1987. If you’ve known me for a while, you may know that upon graduating from high school in Choteau, Montana, and prior to attending the University of Montana, I spent one year traveling as a student with the international educational program, Up With People. Created in the 60s, Up With People is still around today. By the way, contrary to some preconceived notions, UWP is NOT a religious group.
This is the letter of reference that we each received upon completion of our year in 1988. (this gives an overview of the year.)
During the year, our cast of 100 students along with about 20 staff members gathered in Tucson for five weeks to learn the show and the ins and outs of life on the road. (Back in the day, there were five casts touring to different parts of the world all at the same time.) After our staging and orientation, we took to the road in two tour buses, a couple of small vans, and a semi truck (filled with our set, lights, instruments and costumes.) Our first leg of travel took us through middle America before making our way to the east coast of the U.S. and then into Canada. In Canada, our tour stopped in large cities and small towns throughout Quebec and Ontario where we played in a LOT of hockey stadiums. During the second half of the year, we headed to Europe where we toured in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland. At each of our tour stops, we set up the stage, performed our musical show, and engaged in community service such as performing in hospitals, prisons, and retirement homes. Wherever we went, we stayed with host families. In all, I stayed with over 50 host families.
To say the least, this was a life changing experience for this once 18 year old naive girl from rural Montana. Sure, I remember the amazing places we traveled to, the host families, and the show. I remember what a thrill it was performing in front of audiences in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. But, nothing compares to the lasting friendships we forged during that year of touring, performing, laughing, crying, singing, dancing, and making our way through a year on the road including the challenges, the highs, and the lows. Those friendships endure to this day.
This brings me to Sarasota, Florida, where I recently traveled to during Spring Break for a mini cast reunion with Frank, Cary, Manon, Holly, Kate, Bruce, Geert, and his husband, Ray. Ray didn’t travel with Up With People, but with his dancing skills, he should have! Whenever I reunite with cast members from the road, it feels as if I just saw them yesterday. This last trip was no exception. During the three days we were together, we danced, sang, walked, biked, experienced the solar eclipse, went boating, prepared meals and ate together, went to a drumming event on the beach, went to a musical fund raiser for an arts building in need of repair, visited the Selby Gardens, toured the art museum at The Ringling Estate, and much more. I hadn’t seen many of my friends for some 20 years, as I have been busy raising my now 22 year old daughter, Ruby. However, when I saw them on this trip, our friendships picked right back up where we had left off.
Thank you to Geert and Ray who hosted us and who made our reunion and time in Sarasota so special.
On the beach for an evening drumming and dancing party in Siesta Key (Geert, Laura, Cary, Ray, Frank, Manon- and one photo bomber behind Geert)
Boat ride around Siesta Key with our gang!
Ringling Mansion with Laura and Geert Selby Gardens
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Okanogan County in North Central Washington state, is the largest county in the state and reaches north to the Canadian border. The county seat is Okanogan, while the biggest town is Omak. On a recent musical adventure, I visited the town of Tonasket as a visiting artist for the Washington State Music Association (WSMTA).
Laura, Evelyn Sheller and Roz NauLaura, Lois Rhoads, and Lydia ThompsonLaura, Lois Roads, and Violet Thompson
After a short flight from Seattle to Wenatchee, I drove for 2.5 hours on US-97N to Tonasket. Along the way, I enjoyed the scenery and stopped for a snack at SweetRiver Bakery, a cute bakery and coffee shop in the town of Pateros. Upon arrival in Tonasket, I met the trio of teachers of the Okanogan Chapter of WSMTA (Roz Nau, Lois Rhoads, and Joan Smith), listened to some fine pianists in a recital competition, enjoyed a pot luck, and gave a musical presentation on my book, Music in the Westward Expansion.
The next day, I listened to, wrote comments for, and worked at the piano with twenty-three students who each played two prepared pieces. (We had a delicious lunch at Joyful Thai in Tonasket.) I enjoyed meeting the engaging teachers, spending time in the beautiful piano studio of Roz Nau, and working with the students. By the way, Evelyn Sheller won the recital competition and will be performing at the WSTMA conference at Gonzaga University in June. Lydia Thompson it the alternate, and Violet Thompson received an honorable mention.
Laura and Susan Graves
As a bonus, I met Joe’s cousin (Joe is my better half), Susan Graves. The delightful Susan lives near Omak, and she was already acquainted with the music teachers in the area. I had heard a great deal about her prior to our meeting, including her legendary sewing and design skills that she puts to use for local productions. Susan joined us for the student recital, potluck, and the Westward Expansion program.
Okanogan County not only has a vibrant piano scene with the three dynamic teachers and motivated students, but there is also an orchestra and chorus. Community arts organizations also host several visiting arts groups and soloists throughout the year.
This was my first time to the Okanogan Valley. Beautiful features of the area include the Columbia River, snow capped mountains, and apple orchards dotting the landscape.I stayed at the newly remodeled and very comfortable Omak Peppertree Inn. The trip is a reminder of just how big and beautiful the state of Washington is and also how dedicated professionals enliven the community with their talent, energy, and engaging arts education offerings. For more about arts in the Okanogan area, visit:
It’s Music Artistry season in Washington State. What is that, you ask? Throughout the month of March, Washington State Music Teacher Chapters invite visiting artists to their neck of the woods to listen to students, write comments, and work with each student for a few minutes on two pieces that the teachers and students have painstakingly prepared for performance. (Phew!) A visiting artist may be at a location from one day to one week. Sometimes these locations are private studios, but most often times, they are in churches, as some churches have wonderful grand pianos – perfect for such an event.
I have been on both sides of the Music Artistry Program (MAP), my students annually play in the Seattle Music Teacher Chapter’s MAP, and I have been a visiting artist myself for the past four years. In that time, I’ve worked with students in the Snohomish, Olympia, Edmonds, and most recently, The Kitsap Peninsula. At the end of the month, I’ll be flying to Wenatchee, renting a car, and then driving north to visit the Okanogan Chapter in the north eastern part of Washington state.
As a visiting artists, some things that we watch for in performances are stage presence, posture at the piano, hand position, and ease of movement while playing. We listen for beautiful phrasing, smooth legato passages, crisp staccatos, and expressive playing that uses a wide variety of dynamics. We check that the performer accurately interprets the score including rhythm, tempo, notes, fingerings, clean passages, and articulations. We listen for beautiful tone production and balance between the hands. Is the melody coming through over the accompaniment? Do the phrases end gracefully? Does the music breathe? Does the student understand and express the mood of the pieces?
Here’s a video of an early intermediate piece demonstrating attention to details as indicted in the score. This piece, “Fantasie,” by George Philipp Telemann, is an early intermediate piece from the Baroque Era, it is found in The Festival Collection, Book 3, edited by Helen Marlais.
If you are interested in learning the piano in a traditional style, that is learning: how to play musically with ease, how to read a musical score, how to practice a piece, and how to add all of the details that will make your music sing, consider taking my online, on-demand piano course. Visit my teachable page for sample lessons and for a complete outline of the course.
Commuting from Seattle to the Kitsap Peninsula by ferry. I boarded the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry with my beloved electric Nissan Leaf. I spent an afternoon teaching near Poulsbo and drove south on the Kitsap Peninsula to Bremerton where I spent the night, recharged the Leaf, taught the next day, and then took the Bremerton/Seattle ferry home. It was a musical adventure in my own back yard. In all, I worked with about 25 students and 5 teachers.A typical set up at a Music Artistry event. This was at a Methodist Church in Bremerton. The piano was a beautiful, older model Steinway.
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Faithfully, the classic Journey song was written by Jonathan Cain, played here by Laura Dean.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve been nostalgic for the 80’s ever since I watched The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix a couple of weeks ago. The documentary, narrated by the never-aging and engaging, Lionel Richie, recounts the making of the 1985 mega hit, “We are the World.” If you are of a certain age, you remember the song and the video which featured iconic 80’s superstars including Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Steve Perry, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Huey Lewis, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Daryl Hall, and the list goes on and on. I highly recommend this movie for a feel good trip down memory lane!
If you’re interested in learning to play the piano so that you can play some of your favorite songs of the past,Play Piano Today: A Beginning Piano Course, created by yours truly, is a great place to start. This is an online, on-demand course which includes a PDF book, and 20 instructional videos. Now through the end of February, use the code: Love at checkout to save 25% off the course. Purchase the course yourself, or gift it to a loved one.
May your day be filled with love, joy, and sweet moments.
Did you watch the Grammys last Sunday? I did, and was blown away by the variety of magnetic performances inducing Dua Lipa’s exuberant opening song and dance, “Training Season.” Tracy Chapman lit up the night with her smile, guitar playing and performance of “Fast Car” with Luke Combs. Joni Mitchell, sang a tear jerking rendition of her classic, “Both Sides Now,” Miley Cyrus, with plenty of attitude, in a Tina Turner hairstyle and outfit, rocked the house with “Flowers.” Mic drop, loved it! Olivia Rodrigo, dressed in a killer red gown nailed a dramatic torch–song–style performance of “Vampire,” Billie Eilish, with her silky voice, dressed in a 50’s style outfit, crooned her award-winning song, “What Was I Made For,” and list goes on and on! More than ever, the evening was a reminder of how music lifts our spirits, connects us, stirs up memories from the past, and deeply touches our hearts and souls.
One thing I appreciate about being a musician is the ability to readily read music. I love finding piano arrangements of current and old popular songs on the website musicnotes.com. The site has thousands and thousands of songs arranged for every level for beginning to advanced players. You simply purchase the sheet music and then download a PDF to print- no waiting. You can also set up your iPad and have your sheet music collection in one convenient place. I’ve been collecting sheets for over a decade and have purchased more than 300 songs. Of course, it’s always best to purchase the sheet music rather than finding a sketchy, pirated version online. When you purchase the music, the artists, songwriters, and arrangers receive compensation for their work.
Have you wanted to read music? Do you wish you had the skills to play some of your favorite pop hits? Look no further than my beginning piano course: Play Piano Today, and you’ll soon have the playing and note reading skills to take on beginning piano arrangements of your favorite pieces. For example, several arrangements of Olivia Rodrigo’s, “Vampire.” are available at musicnotes.com. I choose a beginner’s arrangement to demonstrate how good an easy arrangement can sound. Here’s my recording of “Vampire,” along with a small sample of the sheet music below.
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Is it time to add some music lessons into your life? Have you wanted to take piano lessons, but you’ve been putting it off until the time is right? Well- the time is right! Playing the piano improves your cognitive function, adds joy and solace to your life, and improves your mental health. What are you waiting for?
The video below is from Unit 2: The Landscape of the Piano Keyboard/Black Keys. At the end of this post, you’ll find a PDF of the corresponding lesson page from the Play Piano Today PDF book. If you have a piano or keyboard available to you – give the lesson a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Through the end of January, save $55 off the total price of the course by applying this code at checkout: Happy-Birthday!
The Landscape of the Piano Keyboard, Black Keys from Play Piano Today: An Introductory Piano Course with Laura Dean
I’m coming up on a birthday next week, and I’m celebrating by offering you $55 off the course through the end of January! (You guessed it- I’m turning 55). Use the code: Happy-Birthday! at checkout for the $55 discount. It just so happens that one of the lessons in Unit 10 is all about how to play “Happy Birthday!” I’ve included the video below.
Happy Birthday Lesson from Unit 10 of Play Piano Today!
If you’re interested in the course but not completely sure, perhaps this list of FAQ will help you decide:
Is this only for beginners? This is for beginners and for anyone returning to the piano who would like a review of the basics. What ages is this for? This course is designed for adults but would also work older self-motivated kids ages 10 and up. What if I’m dissatisfied with the course? Students purchasing my content on Teachable are entitled a refund within 14 days from the date of purchase if they are not completely satisfied. How long will this take me to complete? That depends on your learning style and how many days a week you can devote to working on the course and practicing. I recommend practicing 5 days per week for 20-30 mins. The course, on average may take 4-6 weeks to complete – it may take less time, and it may take more time. How long with the course be available for streaming? The course will be available for one year past your original purchase date. When can I start? After you enroll, the course will be available to you immediately. Will I need a piano? You will need an acoustic piano, a digital piano, or some type of electronic keyboard for practicing. Will there be a follow-up course? I am currently working on Play Piano Part 2, release date TBD.
It’s late in the year, and I’m reflecting back on the last several months which have been full of rich musical experiences — attending musical events (such as the Seattle Symphony, WSMTA Convention, Taylor Swift Eras concert), and presenting a load of musical programs (studio recitals, musical author presentations, and playing piano for special events). I also took some lessons over the summer with my dear mentor Dr. Jill Timmons in Oregon who coached me on some “new to me repertoire.” It’s been a very full year of music, once again!
And what about you? Have you been experiencing some rich musical activities that bring you joy, or help you find some peace? I hope so! Below are some ideas for adding some extra musical events into your lives over the next few months!
Whether you are a professional musician, a hobbyist, or a music enthusiast, the following ideas are jumping off points for enriching your life with musical activities!
Hands-on Music Making Experiences in the Home and Community: • Attend sing-alongs or hire a musician (a guitarist, or a pianist) for a casual sing-along with friends, neighbors, and family. Pass out song sheets to attendees. • Dance! Dance in the home, take lessons, attend community dances. Dancing is usually accompanied by either live or recorded music. • Give the gift of music: tickets to musical events, music lessons, sheet music, a gift card to your favorite music store, or a musical instrument (a harmonica, ukulele, recorder, or small percussion instruments are inexpensive choices). • Hire a musician or an ensemble to provide background music for family gatherings, outdoor events, or special celebrations. If cost is an issue, considering hiring local high school or college students who are in the early stages of their performance careers. • Host a house concert––invite a local musician or ensemble into your home to give a concert for family and friends. The audience usually pitches in to cover the musician’s fee. For more information, check out the following organizations that organize house concerts such as: Concerts in Your Homes Undiscovered Music Listening Room Network • Keep a collection of percussion instruments handy for impromptu drumming sessions with family and friends. Percussion instruments and kits are readily available at your local music store, or online. You can also make your own with buckets, empty containers filled with rice, or other repurposed items. • Listen to music on LP records, CDs, or online platforms such as You Tube, Apple Music or Spotify. • Listen to NPR music broadcasts which feature a variety of musical styles such as: Tiny Desk Concerts, American Routes, Alt.Latino, Mountain Stage, All Songs Considered, World Cafe, Thistle and Shamrock, and Jazz Night in America. Check your local NPR station for programming details. • Join a community band, orchestra, ukulele ensemble, guitar group, or other instrumental groups. • Join a choir. Many community and church choirs don’t require an audition. • Learn to play an instrument It’s never too late! If you want to learn an instrument, take private or group music lessons. Teachers are out there, to find one, inquire at local music store, or music school. You may also contact your local branch of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association). Many community colleges and community centers offer private and group instruction. If you are a “do-it-yourself” kind of learner, utilize online prerecorded lessons that you work through at your own pace. (Stay tuned! I am launching an on-demand piano course for adult beginners on January 1st of 2024. More information to follow in the following weeks!)
Attend Musical events in Your Community. Once you start looking, you will that find live music opportunities are abundant in your community, many of them with free access. • colleges and universities • art fairs • breweries • churches • community centers • coffee shops • farmers markets • high schools • house concerts • libraries • local choirs, bands, orchestras concerts • museums • musicals • music and cultural festivals • open mic nights • opera • recitals • street fairs • summer outdoor musical events • symphony • wineries
Never have I experienced so much unbridled joy in one place as I did at the Taylor Swift Eras concert last Saturday night at Seattle’s Lumen Field. There’s no doubt that the 72,000 other people who attended that night, like me, may still be floating on air and glitter after experiencing the tour de force that is Taylor Swift.
My darling daughter, Ruby, treated me to this event of a lifetime. For three and a half hours, we were treated to a catalog of some 40 songs, multiple costume changes, sparkles, sequins, dancers, lights, flames, fireworks, set changes, and the most perfectly polished musical production that I’ve ever experienced! My hat is off to the dancers, singers, stage crew, musicians, support staff, stadium workers, and organizers.
What a privilege to see Taylor Swift’s dynamic work in action! She played piano, strummed her guitar, sang, danced, strutted across the stage in bejeweled boots, chatted with the audience, acted out dramatic scenes, and held the enthralled audience in the palm of her hand for the entire night. Most of the audience members were on their feet singing, dancing, and clapping throughout the show, many them, the die-hards, also known as “Swifties,” knew the words to EVERY song.
A delightful experiential touch at the concert was that each audience member was given a wrist band upon entrance. We were instructed to activate our wrist bands just before the start of the show. There were two round lights in the wrist bands that lit up with colors that complimented the stage light displays and changed colors throughout the night.
