Piano Lessons Archives - The Creative Pianist

Brahms Intermezzo in E Major, from Klavierstücke, Op. 116, No. 4

Date October 24, 2020 Author By Jeff Category Interpretation, Piano Lessons

Brahms Intermezzo in E Major, from Klavierstücke, Op. 116, No. 4 contains some interesting elements that should be considered literally.

Brahms Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1: what’s up with the B-section?

Date May 15, 2020 Author By Jeff Category Interpretation, Piano Lessons

"Brahms Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1," from The Creative Pianist

Brahms Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1: what’s up with the B-section? Octave displacement, rhythmic displacement. There’s your answer.

Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2: not a waltz

Date April 30, 2020 Author By Jeff Category Piano Lessons

"Chopin Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2," from The Creative Pianist

How to play the accompaniment in the the Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2, without making it sound like a waltz. Here are some strategies.

Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2: 8 against 3

Date April 30, 2020 Author By Jeff Category Piano Lessons

How to learn the 8-against-3 polyrhythm in the Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2, measure 29: tear it down, and build it back up.

Rubato, and how to get there from “Gray Day”

Date October 19, 2019 Author By Jeff Category Interpretation, Piano Lessons

"Gray Day: a lesson about rubato," from The Creative Pianist

I’m going to use “Gray Day” as a lesson in rubato by way of phrase goals and phrase shaping.

Christmas Carols

Date November 16, 2018 Author By Jeff Category Compositions, Piano Lessons

Student: I want to learn this whole book of Christmas Carols. Me: I’m not sure we have time for all of them. Student: Isn’t there some way we can make time?