The Piano Speaks, a Poem
In this poem bursting with nature imagery, Sandra Beasley channels the perspective of an old piano that is woken back to life by a master like Erik Satie. »
Inspiration and claiming your passion
Piano Practice Diary of a New Parent
A new parent discovers unexpected ways to practice the piano and work on her musicality alongside the demands of caring for the tiniest member of the family. »
How Flow Enhances Piano Practice
The author of The Positive Pianist explores the idea of flow, or how finding a state of peak joy and concentration helps us get more out of piano practice. »
Dreaming of Debussy and Chouchou
A captivating photo of Debussy with his daughter leads Nancy M. Williams to reflect on her own complicated relationship with her father and the piano. »
Thanking My Mother for Piano Lessons
In this poem for her mother, Diane Wakoski expresses gratitude for her childhood piano lessons that provided a respite from the ugliness of life. »
Power Poses for Piano Practice
Learn how to use power poses, posture, and other bodily strategies to take on the challenges of piano practice, through applying principles from Amy Cuddy. »
Seeking Expert Piano Tuner
In this piece of short creative nonfiction, the author’s out-of-tune piano brings up everything from the elephants’ ivory to her current family dynamics. »
Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Piano Nerds
This insider’s guide offers 10 holiday gift ideas, from silly to practical to beautiful, for the adult piano student or classical music nerd in your life. »
Top 10 Benefits of Being a Piano Nerd
The sooner you admit to being a full-on piano nerd, the sooner you can start to appreciate the unexpected benefits it brings to the rest of your life. »
How Claiming My Passion Transformed My Writing Career
After reclaiming her passion for playing piano, this writer’s fear of submitting essays for publication diminished and her writing career began to blossom. »
Back to Piano Practice—Now with a Piano
After two years of piano practice without owning a piano, Joanna Eng gets a piano in her new home, but the time and motivation to play don’t come so easily. »
Veteran Plays Piano Despite Suicide Bomber Attack
This Army veteran survived a suicide bomber attack in Iraq. Upon his return, despite severe injuries and hearing loss, all he wanted was to play the piano. »
Putting the Piano at the Center of My Life
Twenty-something Priscilla Rodgers felt like a failure until she decided to reclaim her passion by enrolling in piano lessons, while pursuing a new career. »
The Wurlitzer
In this literary short story by Christi Craig, a piano tuner reluctantly turns up at the house of a flighty woman who has no appreciation for her Wurlitzer. »
Creating the Layers of an Intricate Painting
Contributing Artist Annika Connor uncovers the process of how her painting Augustus was created, from outline to filling in negative space to adding color. »
Grandpa’s Gift
This amateur pianist received a valuable life lesson from her concert pianist grandfather, but his words didn't sink in until many years after his death. »
Ode to the Piano, a Poem
Mary Jo Balistreri, who has a hearing loss, writes of the piano as an honest friend and lifelong teacher in this uplifting poem dedicated to Nancy Williams. »
Your Brain on Adult Music Lessons
Studies show that music lessons are good for your brain as a child or an adult. An adult student wants to see if studying the flute will improve her memory. »
Top 10 Warning Signs You May Be a Piano Nerd
An adult piano student has detected an unintended consequence of her passion for piano: becoming a piano nerd. Here's a list of the top 10 warning signs. »
Paying Attention at a Classical Piano Performance
An adult piano student admits she doesn't know how to listen attentively at a classical piano concert. She embarks on an experiment with Beethoven Sonatas. »
