Practice question

Slow down. Practice it at a speed at which you can keep track of both your hands at the same time. This can be 40 beats a minute for the fastest note or something equally ludicrous; don't worry about it - you need to figure out how the two hands go together. Practice a few measures at a time at that slow pace. Eventually, you'll find that it's getting easier.

Thank you, Larisa. Right now, that's about the best I can manage, but that's okay. I would rather spend the time and get a good foundation in the basics before racing ahead with bad habits.

Frank, I don't know if you are interested in New Age type music, but I have to say I really like Enya's Watermark album. You can get this sheet music at sheetmusicplus.com. It is soothing and quite easy, it offers a nice break from trying to master a Beethoven Sonata. The best solo piano pieces in that book are Watermark and Miss Claire Remembers.

Happy Practising!

Knute

P.S. I actually played Elton John's 'Your Song' last night and it actually sounded pretty good.

Thank you, Knute. I'll look it up! I like a lot of the artists that fall into the new age category: David Lanz, George Winston, Enya, etc. By the way, David Lanz's song, 'Christophori's Dream,' is fairly simple and very beautiful. I have the sheet music for that, although I can't remember where I found it.

Thanks again. Congrats on the Elton John song!

Frank, Unfortunately there is no George Winston sheet music, except for some unathorized copies out of Korea I think, I saw a post about them last year. I was incredibly inspired seeing George perform here in Tacoma last Autumn, he is an amazing musician. Not only a great pianist, but a slack key guitarist and a harmonica player.

To me Enya is the musical genious of our time, some will snicker but she creates intricate melodies out of unusual chord progressions. I think that is why she is so popular. Of course it helps to have some pipes like hers to go along with the piano capabilities. Her voice is so soothing.

Watermark and Sheperd Moons have some great solo piano songs, check them out they are worth what you will pay at sheetmusicplus.

I have Cristifori's dream, it is a very long piece but beautiful. I will have to revisit it soon.

Happy Practising!

Knute

I didn't know that. What an amazing musician... I would never distribute it to anyone else, but I did find the MIDI for 'Longing,' off of the 'Autumn' album, and I was able to generate sheet music. My wife dearly loves that song and wanted to work on it.

I agree. I love the harmonies she weaves as well. If you enjoy Enya, you might also enjoy Loreena McKennitt. 'Mask & Mirror,' and, 'The Visit,' are her best albums, I think. She's a harpist with an almost operetic voice, and the most fascinating thing about her music is the way she weaves Eastern and Celtic influences together, how well they fit together, and then her amazing voice over the top... Phew! Goosebumps!

I have both albums.

This was another one that my wife wanted to learn how to play. I used to have the album but gave it to a friend.

Thanks, Knute. You too.

Frank, I forgot to metion an album I just stumbled into while doing some research on MP3.com. The name is Amethystium. Think Tangerine Dream or Enigma. Apparently this is a 21 year old Norwegian producer that creates all the sounds electronically using samples.

Ethereal, Lush and visual are words I could use to describe his music. The interesting thing is that every single one of his tracks I like, that is very unusual for me.

Check it out,

Knute

Looks good! Here's the link on Amazon for it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/ 002-4716971-9160860

Thanks again, Knute.

P.S. I just bought it. I'll provide a review after I give it a spin. I really liked the samples.

Cheers,

Frank, I listened to this music(Amethystium) at work today and I can't get some of the melodies out of my head. It is great because it has taught me I can get some inspiration for my own compositions from this music.

Knute

Ditto. I can't wait for it to arrive. I'm always looking for new music. Granted, a lot of the new stuff can be pretty bad, but occasionally, someone brilliant comes along. I also ordered Enya's 'Watermark' score from sheetmusicplus. One of these days, when I'm not playing, 'Skip To My Lou,' and other retarded songs, I may give it a shot.