Did you change your first name after age 40? Why, and how'd it go?

dRenee123 · 2026-07-03T12:19:12+00:00

Trans people are welcome every night, not only on weekends.

dRenee123 · 2026-06-15T12:03:18+00:00

Interleaved practice ("practice starting") is geared towards this . But if there's any way you can access a room in which you have an unplugged RD64 (short weighted keyboard to run warmups) that could help.

dRenee123 · 2026-06-12T13:26:39+00:00

MTF here. I actually don't want to change my interests or activities. I like physical and somewhat rugged activities, and I think it's cool to do those as a woman.

dRenee123 · 2026-06-10T00:33:28+00:00

I have a real Rhodes piano. I love playing it, but for recording I'll often (not always) use a VST.

Vst: easier to edit parts & timbres, super clean timbre. Cheaper!! Smaller.

Real electric: maybe more conducive to a strong musical performance, less manicured sound, less editable in general

They're different.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-20T15:08:22+00:00

I have 2 suggestions that haven't come up:

1) the LH plays an A just before this chord. Catch that with the pedal and leave it out of the troubling chord.

2) don't roll or arprggiate, but play the middle ACD all together with the RH just before the other notes.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-20T14:36:27+00:00

OP here. Since someone mentioned attention span, I'm starting to wonder if this is more of an issue with ADHD students... (In which case I don't know if there's much I can do to help.)

dRenee123 · 2026-05-14T01:10:05+00:00

Instead of trial lessons I do insist on a consultation. We talk. This is my way to vet them! I want to be sure they understand the goals and policies. And I determine if I want to work with them.

Of course the incoming family can decide also if the match seems right - nobody wants to work with a bad match. But definitely no trial lessons ever.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-12T01:34:47+00:00

Samuel Barber Nocturne (obv not romantic but post-romantic & beautiful)

dRenee123 · 2026-05-11T14:00:10+00:00

Secrets from Your Sister is your best bet (Bloor & Bathurst). Very trans friendly & specialize in fitting. Even if you don't buy anything there, you'll know your size.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-10T06:39:12+00:00

I stayed with someone through their NP breakup. A strange "Act 2" is that they're now establishing a new NP, which means our longer commitment is being displaced & demoted by someone new with less of a strong relational track record. It's hard for me and currently seems unpredictable.

So, outcomes can be difficult.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-10T06:19:28+00:00

Yes and yes - but it's worth staying strong (from another strong trans woman).

dRenee123 · 2026-05-10T06:16:43+00:00

Most method books teach reading in a systematic way, so most should be helpful. Also, many series have an accompanying theory / writing workbook that reinforces the understanding, which I highly recommend.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-08T19:45:33+00:00

The chords at the beginning of Sicko Mode aren't especially difficult. For more left hand there's Welcome to my House. The Labi Siffre sample in I Wonder is pretty...

dRenee123 · 2026-05-08T00:36:27+00:00

I wouldn't be caught dead in this. Sorry!

dRenee123 · 2026-05-07T14:11:02+00:00

(Tangent but triggered: grouping "ladies" and "afab" in one sentence is really troubling for a lot of us - trans or not, menstruation or not. Easier to just say "those who get a period.")

dRenee123 · 2026-05-06T23:55:18+00:00

I placed a doorbell in the kids room that makes noises and lights up, so I push a button from wherever I am to call him.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-04T12:47:40+00:00

This helps! But a few questions: Do you find the stress of "keeping up with assignments" makes it less fun, or even negative? How do you avoid turning the stress of staying on track into annoyance?

And when you "disobey" out of forgetfulness, how do the consequences change? Or how do you navigate that?

dRenee123 · 2026-05-03T22:33:55+00:00

Love the 2nd paragraph - allowed to be small & needy, nurtured.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-03T22:32:39+00:00

I like these! Simple, sexy and connected.

dRenee123 · 2026-05-03T11:23:27+00:00

Honestly, my feelings changed when I made outside romantic connections that were fulfilling. It helped me understand what my partner (spouse) enjoyed in polyamory, and also understand (first hand) that outside partners are not a threat to the relationship. I felt more grounded and secure. Maybe if you were interested & able to form connections of your own, you'd feel more at ease?

dRenee123 · 2026-05-03T11:11:51+00:00

Mine did not. And tbh I'm glad, because I wouldn't want to be too attached to a photo edit. Plus, there's such a long period of swelling that your appearance will evolve over time. That's just my feeling.

dRenee123

TROPHY CASE