We’re all busy people, and busy schedules can get in the way of practice. Sometimes it’s not even busyness; the days just slip by and we don’t even look at our instruments. If a whole week (or more!) has gone...
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Best Original Song nominees (Oscars 2021)
Every year, Miss Jennifer and I (Mr. Steven) listen to all the nominees for the Academy Award for “Best Original Song”. For the first time, we’re putting our thoughts on paper and looking for YOUR input. But first, a quick...
Read MoreClara Schumann Mad Lib!
Little-known fact: we LOVE Mad Libs here at LionWhale headquarters! They're easy and low-tech and super fun, so we made one for you all to do with your families while you're STUCK INSIDE! Print it out and enjoy. : P If...
Read MoreCancellation concerns? LionWhale has you covered!
We wanted to let you all know that lessons via Facetime (or several other platforms) will be made available if needed. Our teachers have participated in remote lessons before, and they are an acceptable substitute for in-person instruction. ...
Read MoreEvery Good Boy Does Fine… but can’t read music
by Jennifer Hummler & Steven Bowen
Boy, we really wish everybody would stop using mnemonic devices to teach music "literacy."
Reading music is hard, it takes a lot of time, effort, and memorization... except it doesn't! It's...
Read MoreA Piano and a Keyboard Are Pretty Much the Same, Right?
by JENNIFER HUMMLER In a word, no. Often, families are a little hesitant to purchase a piano for their child to take lessons and to practice on. Some of the most common reasons are: 1. "Pianos cost too much!" Pianos can be expensive....
Read MoreWhy I’m always five minutes early
by STEVEN BOWEN If you're my student, you know this about me: I am ALWAYS five minutes early. At least, I try to be. This habit perplexes some of my colleagues and probably some of my clients as well,...
Read MoreMINI-post: “What should the rest of our family do while a lesson is in progress?”
Sometimes, family-members will be unsure of what they should do while lessons are going on in the home. Should everyone run and hide in their rooms until the lessons are over to provide a quiet space for...
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