A few weeks ago, Mark and I finally fulfilled a longtime dream — we had solar panels installed. One of the perks is that we can now see on the …
A well-insulated house
It’s a brave (??) new world
If things were normal, I would be in Chicago right now, at the annual Music Teachers National Association conference. I don’t attend every year, but this one I had been …
Covid-19 and other challenges
Yesterday, the Kansas State Department of Education clarified that “Governor Kelly didn’t cancel school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due COVID-19. She closed school buildings. Schools will …
Planning and growth
Many, many years ago, when I was still in the first ten years of my teaching career, I was successful. I was able to attract good students, where good meant …
Being Creative in the 21st Century
For as long as I can remember, I have been improvising and composing at the piano. A few weeks after I started lessons, my fourth grade class listened to Mussorgsky’s …
The Pressure of a Day Off
My schedule in the summer is wildly irregular. Not only does it change from day to day but also from week to week. Which sounds stressful but I actually enjoy …
Goldberg Variations . Aria da capo e fine
Around the middle of February, I decided to join 31 other Kansas State University piano faculty, students, alumni and guests, preparing a performance of J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, to …
Coloring inside the lines
I have always loved coloring books, long before they became so popular that bookstores now dedicate entire shelves to them and have special displays all through the store. Many years …
Spring Break
I love teaching. It’s one of the relatively few things I am really good at. After having temporarily moved to a new city, several years ago, I was unable to …
Tendinitis
For more than two months now I’ve been struggling with tendinitis, and no, it’s not because I am a pianist / piano teacher. As I explained to a colleague, I …