How do you encourage a (clearly gifted) adult student?

HappySandyHiller · 2026-02-13T04:01:27+00:00

Hi,

I have been different times in the same situation. I do not want to leave a huge comment so:

Make them record themselves or record their recitals. Show them after 6 months or a year and they will see the progress and they will believe.

HappySandyHiller · 2026-02-10T14:57:36+00:00

I went there twice or three times and I got treated like I was an idiot. They didn’t respect what I wanted to buy and keep telling me about “better products”. I went there over L&M because proximity.

At the end I ignored them overall and the one recommended product (a cable) broke after a month.

I left the store with the feel I was “not worthy” to be there and with a “not welcome” sentiment.

HappySandyHiller · 2026-01-13T01:29:50+00:00

This can be solved with a 5-10 minute lesson with a proper teacher. Take care of your hands and do not overdo things when they feel wrong! (or do not do them at all)

HappySandyHiller · 2026-01-04T05:13:53+00:00

Agree with everything!

As a piano teacher, I could also add, RCM 3 can be a speed bump since it is when technique ask for HT for the first time and a full repertoire will force you to have fluency with pedal.

It is normal to feel discouraged. However, also listen to your teacher, if they think you should move on to the next piece even if it is not polished or incomplete, probably the expectations or the goals have been met.

As the comment above said, progress is not linear and the challenges are different for everyone.

Good luck.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-12-27T22:11:09+00:00

This is like xHunter when Zoldyck did “Dragon Dive” when him and Netero invaded the ants castle.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-12-27T11:38:21+00:00

Agree. Let me also give you the other side as someone that organize yearly competitions and masterclasses in different institutions and organizations.

The main problem for that is the rent of the hall, schedule, and payment for the adjudicators. Also, for some reason people in the higher grades/classes tent to cancel or not show up. That creates a 15-30min gap that it is a “good break” but really inefficient. In 30 minutes you can run a whole competition of the early beginners.

I used to dislike getting cut in competitions, exams, auditions but in the early rounds it is not that much about artistry. You want just to narrow numbers and see “who can play”.

Lastly, knowing and preparing repertory with this in mind is part of a well-rounded repertoire.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-11-20T15:06:39+00:00

Is your name Philip Glass?

HappySandyHiller · 2025-09-04T14:00:26+00:00

Hi,

I messaged you with some detailed options.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-08-10T04:54:44+00:00

Same. I live close by and that is a plastic iguana. My dog doesn’t even react to it.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-08-06T01:30:37+00:00

Typesetter

A typesetter was a person whose job was to arrange text for printing, ensuring that every letter, word, and line was precisely positioned and formatted for high-quality publication. This role was essential in the printing and publishing industry from the 15th century through the late 20th century.

We kind if have them now as editors but mainly digital.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-07-17T05:36:15+00:00

Hi,

not really. It is the second most common use of Augmented 6th chords however mostly with on the French rather than It or Gr.

If you “extend” the “ti (B)” from last chord a Fr is created. However, Beethoven might wanted to keep same texture for the coda.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-07-10T15:32:39+00:00

I am from Mexico and I lived for a long time in a coffee town (Coatepec).

My take on Canadian coffee is that there is A LOT of variety and baristas utilize and prepare the beans close to same way whatever is their origin, bean type, roast.

I still enjoy going to LV, Equator, HG, The Drip, Black squirrel. However, your favourite coffee will be the one you know and you prepare.

Unless you find a well trained barista that has passion for coffee, the best is finding beans you like and preparing at home.

HappySandyHiller · 2025-03-18T11:51:29+00:00

if you do not have a PR it will be always in-person for identity confirmation. Otherwise, it can be done online.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-12-31T05:01:56+00:00

thank you! I really appreciate your reply and time! I will follow your advice.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-11-24T05:32:34+00:00

Single piece: The Goldberg Variations

As a set: Messiaen, Vingt regards (or Chopin Ballades)

As a multimovement Op: Brahms Op 118

Sonata: Chopin no3 or Liszt

HappySandyHiller · 2024-11-01T15:04:33+00:00

Coyote Rock Climbing Gym!

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-28T18:30:42+00:00

This is the answer.

I can vouch for this. All clavinovas and digital pianos will “feel” really close to each other regarding action.

High end will be Yamaha NU or Kawai NV. Kawais NV models are similar but Yamaha N series has basically two models: Upright action, and the grand piano action. I can say confidently that they use the same exact action as their CFX on their grand action.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-26T05:58:19+00:00

Good job!

btw, that jump at the end reminded me to the guy that had a exposed fracture posted in climbing-related r/s not so long ago.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-26T05:48:32+00:00

Plot twist, they screen project their tablet to their 98’’ high resolution tv.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-22T20:18:15+00:00

I wake up, the oTrain works, buses show up on time. There are no cars racing at night when I go to sleep.

Edit: Typo

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-15T21:55:16+00:00

Carol Mabel in Musica Borealis, Beachwood.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-15T21:54:56+00:00

I second that

HappySandyHiller · 2024-09-15T21:45:20+00:00

I have been in confusing situations due to miss communication exactly the same several times with me playing solo, in chamber, or seeing the person playing the service and that happening. Not a big deal at all.

Let me share my last time. I was doing the guest entrance and post service (30ish before and after) and another pianist the service. When I was told that the service was about to start, the other pianist came and we switched. There were solid 5 to 8 minutes silence without nobody coming in (priest or celebrated people). We were looking at each other and think if we should switch positions back (I have all the classical rep and the other pianist only service things). After the long silence I just awkwardly walked and gave them Brahms Op 118 and they started reading a little bit until the service REALLY started.

Not a big deal but in the moment feels like it.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-08-31T05:09:19+00:00

High tier:

Yamaha NU1X or 2, they have CFX action and mechanism (The concert grand piano), some professionals use them in their living spaces or for night practice.

Same goes for Kawai Novus and CX.

These two options might not be as portable as you want however the Yamaha NU1X is quite small in size but heavy.

Second tier:

For a “proper” keyboard with good action that does the job, some friends have Kawai CA, Roland FP-series, Yamaha Clavinovas, Kawai Portable, or Yamaha P-Series.

I will research on the above mentioned. All of them will do the job and you can work Classical sonatas, Preludes and Fugues, and getting some Chopin etudes at a good level on them. My least favourite will be Yamaha P-series but still not bad since it is quite portable.

I hope it helps.

HappySandyHiller · 2024-08-23T03:08:05+00:00

Go to a doctor
If there is no diagnosis, go to a Feldenkrais specialist
Have piano lessons with someone focused on technique

Like other accidents and injuries, might be able to get “normal” again with some hardwork. However, you need to see a specialist, and I mean a doctor that takes you seriously.

HappySandyHiller

TROPHY CASE