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What Punch, The Little Monkey Taught Me About Teaching Music

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:11:05 -0800

🐒 A Little Monkey, A Stuffed Toy, and Something That Stayed With Me

I recently came across the story of Punch — a seven-month-old Japanese macaque living at the Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo — and I haven't been able to stop thinking about him since.

Punch was born in July 2025 and was abandoned by his mother, who showed no interest in raising him. The very next day, zookeepers stepped in to hand-rear him, feeding him milk from a baby bottle and taking turns caring for him around the clock. When the time came for Punch to be integrated with the rest of the troop — about 60 other macaques living together on Monkey Mountain — things didn't go smoothly. Due to the lack of a maternal figure, Punch initially struggled with socialising, showing signs of anxiety and isolation. Other monkeys were not always kind. There were shovings, scoldings, and moments where Punch was simply left alone.

But what I find most tender about Punch's story isn't the viral fame, or even the cuteness of the images. It's this detail that the zookeepers shared: after stressful encounters, Punch often returns briefly to his toy before rejoining the group — signalling gradual emotional development. He goes back to his safe place. He steadies himself. And then he tries again.

There's a quiet kind of courage in that.

🎼 What Punch Reminded Me As A Teacher

In music, we often talk about discipline, accuracy, performing well, and striving for excellence.

And yes — those things matter.

But Punch reminded me of something that sits beneath all, that...Read More

Why Learning Piano at 30 is the Perfect Time to Start.

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 06:51:19 -0700

For many, learning the piano feels like a pursuit best left for childhood. There's a common misconception that once you hit a certain age, it's too late to master a new skill—especially something as complex as the piano. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, starting piano lesson at 30 can offer a unique set of advantages that younger learners often miss. From personal fulfillment to mental sharpness, let’s explore why learning piano in your 30s is not only possible but could be the perfect time to embark on this musical journey.

You Have Clearer Goals and Motivation

When you're 30, you likely have a clearer sense of why you want to learn the piano. As a child, learning an instrument might be something you're pushed into by a parent or teacher. As an adult, the motivation is often intrinsic—you genuinely want to learn for personal fulfillment, relaxation, or creative expression. This internal motivation tends to keep adult learners more focused and committed, which is crucial when tackling a new skill like playing the piano.

You might want to play for your own enjoyment, or perhaps you have dreams of performing for friends, family, or even at social gatherings. Whatever the reason, your goals are more defined, making it easier to stay on track and measure progress. In contrast to younger learners, adults tend to have a greater appreciation for the learning process itself, seeing the piano not just as a skill to be mastered but as a rewarding, lifelong journey.

You Have Developed Patience and Discipline

In your 30s, you've likely faced and overcome a variety of challenges in life, building resilience, patience, and discipline along the way. These qualities are essential when learning the piano, as it...Read More

A Fun and Modern Approach to Pop Piano Learning.

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:42:00 -0700

Learning the piano has long been associated with classical music, rigorous practice schedules, and often formal instruction. While classical training provides a solid foundation for many, a growing number of students today are seeking something different—something more flexible, fun, and modern. This is where pop piano courses come in, offering an exciting alternative to traditional methods by focusing on contemporary music and encouraging creativity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favorite pop songs on the piano or improvising like a pro, a pop piano course might be the perfect fit for you. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to switch up your piano skills, this course can provide a fresh and enjoyable approach to learning the instrument. Let’s explore what makes a pop piano course so appealing and why it’s becoming a popular choice for many aspiring pianists.

1. Focus on Contemporary Music

One of the primary benefits of a pop piano course is its focus on modern, popular music. While classical piano lessons typically involve learning the works of Beethoven, Mozart, or Chopin, pop piano courses are tailored to those who want to play the music they love hearing on the radio or streaming platforms. From chart-topping hits to timeless classics by artists like Adele, Ed Sheeran, or Billy Joel, these courses help students connect with songs that feel relevant and enjoyable.

For many students, especially younger learners, being able to play familiar tunes makes learning more fun and motivating. It’s exciting to recognize a melody that’s been stuck in your head and know that you can recreate it on the piano. This emotional connection to the music can encourage regular practice and keep students engaged.

Mastering the Melody : Symphony of Discipline in Learning Music

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:09:48 -0800

Embarking on a musical journey is a soul-enriching experience, but mastering the art of music requires more than just passion. It demands discipline – a commitment to regular practice, focused learning, and a deep understanding of the instrument or vocals. Whether you're a beginner in music or an experienced musician looking to refine your skills, establishing discipline in your music learning process is key to unlocking your full potential. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies to help you cultivate the discipline needed to excel in your musical endeavors.

1. Set Clear Goals:

Before you start your musical journey, define your goals. Do you aspire to play a specific instrument, join a band, or compose your own music? Setting clear and achievable goals provides a roadmap for your learning path. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.

2. Create a Structured Practice Routine:

Discipline thrives on routine. Establishing a structured practice routine is crucial for consistent improvement. Dedicate specific time slots each day to practice, ensuring you cover various aspects of music, such as scales, technique, sight-reading, and repertoire. This routine will not only enhance your skills but also instill discipline through regularity.

3. Start Slow and Gradually Increase Difficulty:

Rushing through musical exercises may hinder your progress. Begin with simple melodies and gradually increase the...Read More

Yamaha Piano Class

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 16:52:00 -0800

Yamaha, is another centre for music learning world, offers piano classes designed for learners of all ages and abilities. Yamaha Piano Classes provide a well-structured and comprehensive approach to learning the piano, with a focus on developing well-rounded musical skills. While these classes are offered in various group and individual settings, they are part of a broader effort to make music education accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Flexible Course Offerings for All Ages

Yamaha Piano Classes cater to a wide range of age groups, from young children just starting to adults looking to either learn piano for the first time or improve their skills. Their programs are designed to adapt to different learning stages, making the classes accessible to both beginners and more advanced players. The flexibility in their course structure allows students to progress at their own pace, making it a comfortable option for those who wish to explore piano playing in a structured setting.

Availability of Teachers at Yamaha...Read More

ABRSM Theory Examinations During Covid-19

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:52:16 -0700

The global Covid-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of life, and the music world has certainly not been spared. One significant change for music students came with the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Theory Examinations. Originally scheduled for 28 March, the theory exam has unfortunately been postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, as countries around the world implement stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

This postponement has understandably caused disruptions for students who had been preparing for months. While the delay is disappointing, it is a necessary precaution to prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved. The ABRSM is committed to ensuring that exams can be held safely and will announce a new date as soon as possible.

On a more positive note, the ABRSM Practical Examinations are set to continue as planned, with careful measures in place to protect examiners and students alike. However, candidates are advised to stay updated with any changes as the situation remains fluid.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant consequences for the music industry as a whole. Concerts and live performances have been canceled or postponed, leaving musicians without their usual platforms to connect with audiences. Many teachers have had to shift to online lessons, altering the traditional method of music education. While these times are challenging, they have also pushed the industry to adapt, with many embracing technology to continue creating and teaching music remotely.

In these uncertain times, it's important to take care of ourselves. Remember to stay healthy, practice good hygiene, and continue your music practice at home. Music, after all, is a powerful way to uplift our spirits during difficult moments.

Essential Tips for Parents: How to Support Your Child's Progress in Beginner Piano Lessons

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:47:49 -0800

Hi all again,

It certainly has been a while since I last blogged...I have been busy with so many things, but I am back now and ready to start blogging again. I thought I'd blog today about how to support your childs' progress as beginner in piano lessons. Many parents want their children to learn to play the piano and I have had many parents who ask what they can do to oversee to their child's progress when their child begins learning the piano.

How Proper Body Posture Enhances Piano Playing for Beginners

We all know that learning the notes and recognizing pitches are essential components of piano playing, forming the foundation of musical literacy and ear training. However, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked—especially by many teachers when students first begin their lessons—is developing a correct piano body posture. Good posture not only ensures comfort while playing but also directly affects the student's ability to control their hands and fingers effectively, leading to better technique and long-term progress.

When introducing your child to the piano, it’s important to start by setting up the right posture from day one. Sit your child down at the piano and ensure that they are sitting with their back straight, shoulders relaxed and back, and feet firmly planted on the floor or a footrest if needed. The bench should be positioned at an appropriate distance so that they are neither too far nor too close to the piano. A good rule of thumb is to ensure their elbows are slightly in front of their body when they place their hands on the keys.

Establishing this posture early on prevents tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, which can lead to...Read More

How to Achieve Fluency in Piano Playing

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:01:37 -0700

Achieving Fluency in Piano Playing: A Guide for Teachers and Students.

Fluency in piano playing is a skill that every student and teacher strives to achieve. Whether you're an experienced musician or just starting your journey, you’ve likely encountered moments where a piece is played with frequent stumbles and hesitations, even though the student can play much better than what is being demonstrated. This lack of fluency can happen to students of all ages and skill levels. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we fix it?

Understanding the Causes of a Lack of Fluency

There are several common reasons why a student may struggle with fluency in their playing. Identifying the root cause is essential in helping the student overcome the issue. Some of the main reasons include:

Lack of Familiarity with the Notes
One of the most obvious reasons for hesitations in playing is simply a lack of familiarity with the notes in the piece. The student might not know the notes well enough, which causes frequent stops and starts as they try to figure out what comes next.
Lack of Proper Technique
Another common cause is insufficient technical skill to execute the piece properly. This can manifest in awkward hand movements or difficulty playing fast passages due to improper fingering or hand positioning.
Playing at a Tempo Too Fast for Their Ability
Students may sometimes try to play a piece at a tempo that is beyond their current ability. When this happens, mistakes are inevitable because their hands and fingers can’t keep up with the speed, leading to a disjointed performance.
composing music, performing and writing comedy, Joo's passion for teaching has led him to develop his own personal style of workshops.
The duo says: " We don't make fun of music, we make fun WITH music." These musicians, rap, sing, dance, sing heavy metal and play exquisitely difficult passages with ease and precision.
In a nutshell, both Alesky and Hyung-Ki are extremely funny, very original and highly skilled musicians. Their mix of Classical music and comedy is absolutely unique. It is almost impossible to describe how good they are, so here is a video of one of their performances for your enjoyment. You will have to catch their performance live, to fully enjoy it, this will give you a glimpse of how funny and talented these musicians are.

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Check out this rendition of Pachelbel Canon

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 20:07:38 -0700

I know that the Pachelbel Canon in D has been played so many times over, in every medium and mode that you probably think there couldn't be anymore creative ways to play it. Guess again.

I've got just the video for you.. Check this video link out "Forest Xylophone" playing Pachelbel Canon. Seeing is believing.

You can browse other piano performance video here.