by Doug Hanvey | July 16, 2016 | Teaching Piano
In this post I’d like to touch upon several important reasons for piano students to learn to improvise as part of a standard curriculum. Improvising was once a prerequisite for …Share...
by Doug Hanvey | June 18, 2016 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano
It’s time for a few more of my favorite blues licks. Remember that a blues lick is a standard phrase or pattern that is memorable and often includes blues ornaments …Share...
by Doug Hanvey | February 6, 2016 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano
A blues lick is a stock phrase or pattern, usually catchy and often using conventional blues ornamentation such as tremolos, that is used to heighten interest, increase tension, or communicate …Share...
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...
by Doug Hanvey | August 22, 2015 | Learning, Practicing & Playing Piano
An essential element of most music that qualifies as listenable is a balance between musical unity and musical contrast. This is relevant for both composed music and improvised music.…Share...
