Tag Archives: piano

Performing piano premieres: Nicola Meecham

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Anne Ku

Would you go to a concert taking place in a new venue you have never heard of, performed by a pianist you have never heard of, playing music that has not yet been performed much less recorded, written by composers you … Continue reading →

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Anak for piano solo

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Anne Ku

When I lived in Singapore in the late eighties, I hung out with my Malaysian neighbors off River Valley Road. One of their friends, named Cel, sketched me (below). I’m not sure if he was the one who introduced me … Continue reading →

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Like-minded souls and their passion to collect sheet music

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Anne Ku

“If Bart were still here, he would never let me go through his sheet music and take what I want,” I said to his widow after spending hours looking through the densely packed shelves downstairs and upstairs.

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The monument house: piano room

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Anne Ku

I didn’t get to say goodbye to my Steinway A, for I didn’t know when I would return to see it.

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What you’re also learning when you take a piano class

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Anne Ku

Rough draft for a future article or blog post Time management Multi-tasking Planning Listening Public speaking Presenting Overcoming stage fright Timing, rhythm Body coordination Focus Concentration Real time crisis management Problem solving Interpretation Individual self expression Accompanying Improvising Collaboration New … Continue reading →

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Most commonly used chords for ʻukulele

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Anne Ku

The common chord progression assignment I gave to my beginning music theory class caused an uproar. It was the secret formula that explained the Pareto Rule of Pop Music: 80% of pop music used only 20% of the chords. “You mean, … Continue reading →

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9/11 piano concert on Maui

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Anne Ku

In my quest to give concerts for every occasion and purpose, I have long wanted to pay a musical tribute to September 11, 2001. It was a day that changed my life, for I was in Manhattan for a morning … Continue reading →

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Teaching from the gut

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Anne Ku

Long ago I posted a blog on Bon Journal called “Teaching from the Gut.” By the title, I meant teaching a subject you know so intimately that it feels as though it’s coming out of your gut. You’re so confident … Continue reading →

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Solo piano concert: tribute to the music of James Horner

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Anne Ku

When I learned of the plane crash yesterday, I immediately searched for the film music of James Horner. Still in shock, I quickly assembled a blog post on the theme from the Titanic. In the spur of that moment, I … Continue reading →

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A song for dad: diamonds and rust

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Anne Ku

My dad never hesitated to share titles of the songs he loved. In his last years, he took a liking to Youtube. One of his favorite singers was Joan Baez.

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