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The Importance of Unity and Contrast in Music Composition

by Doug Hanvey | September 3, 2016 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano

An essential element of nearly all good music is a balance between unity and contrast. This is one of the most important principles for novice composers to understand. While …Share...

Composition 101: Figure vs. Motive

by Doug Hanvey | August 6, 2016 | Teaching Piano

This post is for both teachers and students. It concludes with two suggested exercises for teachers to use with beginning composers. By the way, any piano teacher – not just …Share...

Why Are Some Chords More “Stable” Than Others?

by Doug Hanvey | March 19, 2016 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano

A creative pianist is well-served by learning not just chords, but the relationship between chords. Why some chords are better choices for a harmonic progression is useful knowledge, particularly for …Share...

The Advantages to a Creative Approach for Learning the Piano

by Doug Hanvey | September 26, 2015 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano

Piano lessons at the Portland Piano Lab strongly emphasize the importance of musical creativity. Why is this important? To be sure, creativity is fun. But even more important, creativity develops …Share...

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