How does it start? Where does it go?
Does it go fast, or does it go slow?
What happens again? Now, that's an it.
Is there another, and how do they fit?
End to end, interjecting, sometimes overlapping,
Or keeping their distance, imitating while tracking?
Once loud. Now soft, and what is that hopping--
It was high, now it's low: Is it coughing and stopping?
Quickly or slowly, what's staying the same?
While what, for a while, goes through a change?
What's by itself? Are there groups? Any friction?
How does it move, and what is its diction?
Does it step, or wildly leap?
Float unhampered, or creep, creep, creep?
Does it sing, or merely stammer?
Shout and coo, or squawk or clamor?
Does it dance, converse, or maybe, give a speech?
Waddle, or even, matter-of-factly screech?
Does it totter, then stop, or whine and peck,
Keep quiet a while, pause, go on, then come back?
Is there stumbling, soaring, swooping?
Awkward jerks, or simply drooping?
Again and again, toward what is it tending?
How does it go through the process of ending?
Mark Sullivan, July 1981
Monday, February 27, 2017
How Can A Piano Change Your Life?
This blog chronicles my love affair with music and a long line of pianos that have kept me company for over 60 years. This was a "love at first sight" experience for me which began at age six. I've never been far (physically or emotionally) from this wonderful instrument, and it has shaped my life in every possible way.
If you are interested in all types of music experiences, you can read about them here. How does a four-year-old learn to play the piano? How does music change your brain? Can adults learn to play the piano as easily as young children? How does music technology fit into our piano experience, and does it help or hinder us?
There are so many questions, and so many answers out there. We'd like to start this journey with you, so stop by frequently, and let us know what you think, and what you'd like to talk about.
If you are interested in all types of music experiences, you can read about them here. How does a four-year-old learn to play the piano? How does music change your brain? Can adults learn to play the piano as easily as young children? How does music technology fit into our piano experience, and does it help or hinder us?
There are so many questions, and so many answers out there. We'd like to start this journey with you, so stop by frequently, and let us know what you think, and what you'd like to talk about.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Welcome to the Music Room!
I'm glad you found us on the web! This is a new blog geared toward sharing our musical stories and experiences. Almost everyone I have ever met has some sort of 'musical' story, and often that story affected that person's life in some small or large way. In my piano studio, we are discovering how thinking about music and talking about it affects how we play. Regardless of our instrument, music can move us and change us.
Music can often be perceived as a solitary pursuit--after all, one must spend time practicing, thinking about the pieces we have chosen, and then perfecting our selections. It's important, however, to see music as something beyond ourselves. When we participate in a recital or other performance, we affect others, and by sharing our musical offerings, we can often change something or someone in the greater world.
Stop by again soon and read our posts, and reply if you'd like to share.
Music can often be perceived as a solitary pursuit--after all, one must spend time practicing, thinking about the pieces we have chosen, and then perfecting our selections. It's important, however, to see music as something beyond ourselves. When we participate in a recital or other performance, we affect others, and by sharing our musical offerings, we can often change something or someone in the greater world.
Stop by again soon and read our posts, and reply if you'd like to share.
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