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!
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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The grand finale of the new bio pic, Bob Marley One Love, showcases his historic 1978 ‘One Love Concert’ in Kingston, Jamaica. During the concert, Marley stood on stage and locked hands with two opposing political leaders in a gesture of peace. This scene is a powerful illustration of the power of music to unite people, offer hope, and lift people up – even in a divisive political climate – even if it is just for a moment. For more about this concert event and the complicated history of Jamaica, I encourage you to visit this article on history.com.
I enjoyed every minute of the movie, including the Jamaican accents, the flashy and funky 70’s clothing, the scenes of Jamaica and London – London is where Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded the historic album, Exodus, which Time Magazine called “The Best Album of the 20th Century.” Most of all, I enjoyed the music: “Three Little Birds,” “One Love,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman No Cry,” and so many more songs.
An intimate scene depicts Bob, and his wife Rita – Bob is sitting in a simple room on a sofa, strumming and singing, “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” while the soulful, smart, and beautiful Rita lovingly listens and comments that she has always enjoyed his love songs. What a beautiful scene, and what a gorgeous song! When I got home, I immediately purchased the sheet music from Musicnotes.com.
A reminder, if you’re interested in piano lessons, try my online piano course. With my course, in your own time, on your own schedule, you can learn beginning piano and music reading skills. You too, could be playing music that touches your heart and lifts your spirit!
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.
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.
“This Guy’s in Love With You” by Burt Bacharach, arranged by Phillip Keveren, played by Laura Dean
Do you remember those huge stereo consoles circa mid 1970 where you had to lift a lid on the top to get to the turntable hiding inside? Listening to music was an intentional experience that took some planning – purchasing a record at at a brick and mortar record store. Not to mention, it also took a combination of strength and dexterity to lift the console lid and to gently place the record onto the turntable before dropping the needle.
My first introduction to Burt Bacharach’s music was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” sung by BJ Thomas, and played by my Grandma Dean on her gigantic stereo console. I loved the ceremony of watching her load the record, singing along with the song, and sharing the experience together. The song, from the charming bicycle scene in the movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, remains a classic in the Bacharach canon.
In elementary school, in Choteau, Montana, where I grew up, our music classes took place in the cafeteria. Our beloved teacher, Dorothy Allen, would often pass out song sheets for sing alongs. While she accompanied on the spinet piano, we sang our hearts out. One of our favorite songs was the Bacharach hit, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” I think it was the groovy melody more than the words that hooked us, after all, we really weren’t interested in love, but we did recognize a great tune.
The news stories in the wake of Burt Bacharach’s passing last week remind us of his huge body of work and his many contributions to the “Great American Songbook.” His lovely melodies, accompanied by thoughtful lyrics, have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Thanks Burt Bacharach, we will be teaching, playing and listening to your music for decades to come!
“Prelude in C Major,” J.S. Bach, played by Laura Dean
What do piano lessons, a wedding, and the 2022 movie TÁR have in common? The answer – Bach’s “Prelude in C Major,” the first piece from Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), a two volume collection of 24 preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys dating back to 1722. The WTC is considered one of the most important works of keyboard literature. Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” is an enduring prelude played by beginning piano students as well as seasoned professionals. I’ve had the pleasure of both performing this piece for special events and teaching the piece to piano students of all ages. The prelude remains familiar, meditative and comforting.
I recently played the piano at the wedding of two dear friends, Mara and Matt, at the Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville, Washington. The couple selected Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” as the prelude to the ceremony. The piece was a lovely choice to set the tone for such a beautiful event. Elegant, timeless, and tranquil.
In contrast, the 2022 psychological thriller, TÁR, features the same piece performed by Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett). In a particularly tense scene, Lydia Tár invites a master class participant to sit by her on the piano bench as she demonstrates the prelude. She commands that the student listen to the questions present in Bach’s composition as she intensely plays the piece with a variety of articulations and expressions, all the while making the student feel more and more uncomfortable. The particular scene was featured in this article by the New York Times.
I invite you to listen to a variety of pianists play “Bach’s Prelude in C Major,” each with their own sound, including Glenn Gould (listen carefully and you can hear him vocalizing in the background), Lang Lang, and Angela Hewitt.
“Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake-played by Laura
It’s warm and cozy in my studio as the rain drums on the roof on this penultimate day of 2022. I’m reflecting on this past year, a magical year. My personal highlight was the publication of my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. Over the past few months, I have thoroughly enjoyed giving concert presentations to audiences in Tecate, Mexico (at Rancho La Puerta), Seattle, and in Eastern Washington. I am just getting warmed up, as there are several more Heart and Place concerts in the works for 2023. I will also be releasing a recorded collection of songs/pieces (on a CD and digital recording) entitled Songs of Heart and Place.
In addition, the year provided special moments all along the way- teaching my students (ages 5-adult), working as a visiting artist in Olympia and Edmonds, early morning swims with my dear swimming pals, traveling to Sedona, hiking along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, cooking dinner for friends, and the daily interactions with people in my neighborhood. There’s magic afoot everywhere.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been taking a staycation filled with music practice, organizing my studio, planning for the year ahead, taking long walks, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Holiday events have included a couple of special music concerts. The first, a Harry Connick Jr. concert at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall- which felt like a trip to new Orleans with fabulous jazz musicians, funny stories, and Harry’s voice and piano prowess- oh my! On another night, Ruby and I attended the Northwest Boy Choir’s “Lessons in Carols” proceeded by dinner at the Wild Ginger-our annual tradition. (picture of me and Ruby taken at the Wild Ginger-which is across the street from Benaroya Hall)
Music remains a plentiful source of joy, levity, comfort, and connection in our daily lives! May you have a multitude of musical and magical experiences in 2023. Wishing you a warm, cozy, prosperous, healthy, and memorable new year!
A quick note to remind everyone that I have a couple of author events coming up for my new book, Music in the Westward Expansion. I’d love to see you there! Both events will include narrative interspersed with live music played on the Northern Cheyenne Courtship flute, the piano, and the guitar!
*Audience members at the Music Center are required to wear a mask. *I will have a limited number of books on hand for sale for the Music Center event. If you’d like a book signed, I encourage you to purchase a copy ahead of time at your favorite book seller
