Tag Archives: piano

Sightreading, the art of reading music

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Anne Ku

Sightreading, also known as prima vista playing, refers to playing the correct notes on a musical instrument while reading the notation at first sight or glance (at the tempo written). It is a skill that can be learned but requires … Continue reading →

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Workshop: Auld Lang Syne

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Anne Ku

It’s THAT time of the year when everyone bursts out singing “Auld Lang Syne.” This popular tune is also sung on Burns’ Night. Here’s an opportunity to explore different ways to make this song interesting, a useful skill applicable to … Continue reading →

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Pachelbel Birthday Party

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Anne Ku

Johann Pachelbel’s exact date of birth is not recorded. Born in Nürnberg (Nuremberg), he was baptized on 1st September 1653, which means his 370th birthday is either happening soon or has already happened. We celebrated his greatest gift to the … Continue reading →

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America the Beautiful

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Anne Ku

A parishioner requested “America the Beautiful” to include in the programme on the weekend before Independence Day. For Catholic mass, I played it as a recessional hymn on the organ while the young cantor lead the congregation who sang more … Continue reading →

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God Bless America

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Anne Ku

Irving Berlin initially penned the words to “God Bless America” while serving as a sergeant at an army camp in 1918. As typical of many of his songs which didn’t fit the occasion at the time, it was put away … Continue reading →

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Correct fingering for error-free execution with ease

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Anne Ku

“Pencil in your fingering for both hands. Use a pencil in case you want to erase later. Decide on the fingering. Practice with the fingering you wrote in the score.” Why? The students in piano and ukulele classes ask. Why … Continue reading →

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Pachelbel Progression

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Anne Ku

When I learn of a musician’s departure, I instantly hear his or her music in my head. Last week, I checked my phone and read “RIP George Winston” in my Facebook feed. His Pachelbel Canon Variations entered my sound space … Continue reading →

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Piano Harmonisation (Harmonization)

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Anne Ku

By special request, I am offering a new 8-week piano course in Zoom to take beginners to the next level of playing. Read from lead sheets and play songs you’d like to play. It’s open to all levels though not … Continue reading →

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Morning Has Broken

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Anne Ku

The song I played on the guitar and piano as a teenager on Okinawa was fun because of the catchy piano introduction that’s also used between verses. It starts in the key of D but modulates to C for the … Continue reading →

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The Moon Represents My Heart 月亮代表我的心

Posted on November 8, 2022 by Anne Ku

The moon will turn full tomorrow, so-named “Beaver Moon”, becoming a blood moon and a lunar eclipse. Called “beaver blood moon lunar eclipse”, it will be visible between 4:10 am and 7:49 am EST. An early night is in order … Continue reading →

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