In my recent FB Live, I introduced a fun and accessible way to start improvising using a well-known piece: Bach’s Prelude BWV 999. We took the first few bars of this prelude and explored different ways to build up improvisations. Whether you’re a classical musician looking to expand your creativity or someone wanting to explore improvisation with structure, this is a great starting point! Step 1: READ MORE
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The transformative power of improvisation
During a recent enlightening and inspiring conversation about music improvisation with diverse pianists and teachers, we investigated the scientific evidence behind its transformative power for both musicians and teachers. I recently had the pleasure of conducting a webinar where we dug deep into the heart of music improvisation. The conversation was enriching and opened up exciting new avenues for understanding this powerful aspect of music. READ MORE
Exploring the Groove in ‘Stand By Me’
Hey there, fellow music lovers! I’m sure you all know “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King – that timeless tune we all love to sing or dance to at parties. It’s one of those songs that instantly gets everyone humming along. But have you ever thought about how you can really spice it up when you’re playing it? What can you do to bring READ MORE
Exploring the Boundaries of Classical Improvisation
Improvisation over Ludovico Enaudi’s compositions In the realm of classical music, improvisation has long been a revered skill, yet it remains unexplored by many musicians today. While often associated with jazz or contemporary genres, improvisation is a powerful tool for classical musicians to deepen their interpretative abilities and enrich their performances. This is especially true when working with compositions that offer repetitive motifs and READ MORE
Breaking Free: Embracing the beginner’s mindset
Have you ever stumbled upon a public piano and felt an irresistible urge to play? There’s something undeniably magical about those unassuming instruments, inviting passersby to unleash their inner musician. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my students that ignited a spark of inspiration. She recounted her experience of playing on one of Quebec’s public pianos with a pure, unfiltered joy. Her story READ MORE
The Joyful Rebellion: How Improvisation Can Reignite Your Love for Music with Jocelyne’s Story
Have you ever gazed longingly at a child lost in the playful chaos of finger painting? Their uninhibited creativity, the pure joy of exploration – it’s a stark contrast to the structured world of scales and sheet music that many musicians find themselves in. Jocelyne’s story, a testament to the transformative power of improvisation, reminds us that music, at its core, is a language of READ MORE
Exploring the Essence of Blues
The Art of Blues Improvisation Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a journey deep into the soul of the 12-bar blues. As someone who’s deeply immersed in classical music, diving into the world of blues might feel like stepping into uncharted waters. But trust me, it’s a journey worth taking, as it opens doors to understanding not just READ MORE
The Magic of Storytelling in Musical Improvisation
Hello everyone! Today, I want to share with you the incredible power of storytelling in musical improvisation. After a wonderful weekend of improvisation with some great musicians, I’ve seen firsthand how having a story behind the music can transform the improvisational process. When we have a narrative or image to guide us, our improvisations become richer and more imaginative. It’s not just about the end READ MORE
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism in Art
For most classical musicians, including myself, we began playing an instrument out of love and curiosity for the sonic world that instrument could create. As children, we discovered it like a game through which we could express ourselves. We grew up with this instrument, developed ourselves, and pursued a long classical training that was often demanding and rigorous. We have and continue to experience privileged READ MORE
How to motivate our students today?
Let’s be honest: education and young people have evolved a lot in recent decades. The arrival of technology has shaken up our ways of doing things and everything is going faster. Our young people often have concentration problems, many are even diagnosed with ADHD, which was rather silent a generation or two ago. Does that mean anything to you, dear teachers? Of course, there are READ MORE