Mr. Joe Piano

10/20/2026

“Which piece would you like to start with?”

If your child has a couple of things to practice, try giving them that small choice. A familiar favorite can be a comfortable way to begin before moving to something newer.

Keep the choices simple, follow the teacher’s practice plan, and make a little room for the student’s say in it.

10/18/2026

One small section. Slow, focused practice. 🎹

For your next practice session, choose a short section and play it at a comfortable pace. Give yourself time to hear each note before moving on.

Save this for your next practice session.

Mr. Joe Piano | Rochester, NY
https://www.rochesterpianolessons.com/

10/18/2026

This applies to piano lessons, too. Every student brings a different personality, pace, and reason for wanting to play. Getting to know that person helps me figure out how to teach them.

Michael Burritt, Professor of Percussion and Paul J. Burgett Distin...

10/17/2026

More live jazz in Rochester! 🎹

The Rochester International Jazz Festival has launched its new Innovation Jazz Series at Innovation Square.

I encourage my piano students to listen beyond the notes: notice the rhythm, how a melody is shaped, and how musicians respond to each other. Hearing live jazz can give you ideas to try at your own piano—even if you’re just starting to improvise.

Glad to see another opportunity to hear live music in our community!

13WHAM ABC Rochester provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, health reports, notices of events and items of interest in the community, local sports and entertainment programming for Rochester and nearby towns and communities including G...

10/15/2026

“My child wants to quit piano. What should I do?”

Start with a calm conversation. A different song, a smaller practice goal, or a change in routine may help. Sometimes, stopping is the right choice, too.

I put together a few practical questions and next steps for parents:

A calm approach for parents: understand the frustration, talk with the teacher, try practical changes, and decide whether piano is still the right fit.

10/13/2026

“Show me one thing that feels easier today.”

That’s a useful question to ask after piano practice. It might be finding a note, remembering a fi*****ng, or getting through a tricky measure.

Small progress is worth noticing. Practice most days, and give yourself credit for what’s getting better.

10/11/2026

There's more to explore at the piano alongside reading music: chords, playing by ear, and making up music of your own.

Try choosing three notes. Change the order. Change the rhythm. Repeat something you like and see where it goes.

You don't need a whole song to start making music.

In-home piano lessons in Rochester and nearby communities:
https://www.rochesterpianolessons.com

10/09/2026

What does the pedal on the right do?

It's the sustain pedal. Try playing middle C with the pedal up, then lift your finger. Now press the pedal down, play the note again, and lift your finger.

Hear how it keeps ringing the second time?

Let the pedal up and listen to the sound stop. Learning when to release the pedal matters just as much as learning when to press it.

10/08/2026

Same C. Same G. Move E down to E-flat, and listen to what changes.

That's C major becoming C minor. Try both slowly at your piano, then replay the video and listen again.

Which sound would you use to start a song?

10/07/2026

Before you play, take a few seconds to check your setup:

• Bench: Adjust your seat so your elbows are near keyboard height and your shoulders can relax.
• Feet: Keep them on the floor or a firm footrest instead of dangling.
• Music: Put it where you can see it without leaning toward the page.

Then you're ready to focus on the music. Small adjustments can make a difference!