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White Christmas by Irving Berlin: The Story Behind the Song

In commenting on his recording of the Christmas classic, “White Christmas,” legendary crooner Bing Crosby once quipped, “A jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it successfully.” The quote speaks volumes about the magnificence of the song. Which is to say, almost anyone can make a great song sound good (and vice versa). “White Christmas” is incontestably one of the greatest secular Christmas songs of all time. Indeed, “White Christmas” is […]

 

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Learning Tools and Games

Christmas Carols Trivia – Click here to test your knowledge on popular Christmas songs!   Beethoven: Famous Children Series by Ann Rachlin – This series of books brings to life the stories of different composers during their childhood. This story recounts episodes from the childhood of Beethoven. The story of a children from a poor family in Bonn, and how his musical gifts helped him overcome his disadvantages.For ages 4 and up. […]

 

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Give the Gift of Music

We post so many articles on this site about the benefits of music, playing it and enjoying it. It helps our moods, our minds and our abilities. In the season of giving and thinking of others in need, here is a great way to give the gift of music to those who are under-privileged. This site offers links to many charities that provide lessons, instruments and other educational tools on […]

 

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December Sheet Music

Here are some works by our featured composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, to try! Ode to Joy Minuet in G Moonlight Sonate   Tickle the keys with some of these traditional Christmas songs! White Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas Carol of the Bells The Twelve Days of Christmas  

 

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November Grand Spotlight: Mason & Hamlin Model A Grand

From its inception in 1854 to present day, Mason & Hamlin has been a trusted name for teachers and musicians everywhere. When they began the manufacturing of grand pianos at the beginning of the 20th century, Mason & Hamlin took lessons learned over a lifetime of piano building and focused them into the new product. This dedication to quality has kept the company on the front line of piano technology. […]

 

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November Piano Spotlight: Baldwin Acrosonic Console Piano

First things first, this is an excellent instrument. Baldwin Acrosonics have long been pianos of choice for teachers and enthusiasts the world over. But the light oak cabinet on this model really lets it stand out, with gorgeous wood grain and a sleek, modern style.The tone of this piano itself is classic Baldwin, a deep rich sound that could trick you into thinking it came from a piano twice its […]

 

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Learning Tools and Games

All work and no play?  Although learning to play a piano can be very rewarding and fun, to young children it may just seem like a lot of work. Here are some games to play that will help them learn, but also make it exciting and enjoyable! http://www.ptg.org/userfiles/file/learningCenter/Express_Yourself_Lesson.pdf – Activities to help your students learn and practice working with tempo, dynamics and articulation terms, symbols and marks. Puzzled? Free printable word search. Can […]

 

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"Jingle Bells" Was Originally Written for Thanksgiving

As your family gathers around the piano tomorrow to sing all of your favorite Thanksgiving songs (you know, like Adam Sandler’s “The Thanksgiving Song” and… “The Thanksgiving Song” remix…) don’t forget the most famous Thanksgiving song of all: “Jingle Bells.” Back in 1850 or 1851, James Lord Pierpont was perhaps enjoying a little holiday cheer at the Simpson Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts, when Medford’s famous sleigh races to neighboring Malden […]

 

 
 
 

The Muppets: Stars & Stripes FOREVER!

Who better to perform a rendition of John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever than the Muppets! Happy Thanksgiving, piano friends!  

 

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Composer's Corner: Composers born in November

American Composers born in November John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was born in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 6, 1854. Sousa, known as the “March King,” ranks among the most famous American composers and conductors. On December 25, 1896, he composed The Stars and Stripes Forever, the official march of the United States of America. Sousa was the inventor of the sousaphone. He died on March 6, 1932 in Reading, Pennsylvania and is buried […]