Where will your love of music take you? I encountered this question during a recital at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. It resonated deeply and prompted my own reflection. Initially, I considered my professional growth as a piano teacher, focusing on expanding my knowledge and experience. However, I soon realised that the love of music can take us beyond physical places or accomplishments. It leads to an infinite realm of imagination where creativity can blossom and a real, deep sense of fulfilment can be found!

Unveiling Creativity at the piano

Being creative at the piano is a quality many students often overlook. While it’s important to follow a syllabus and strive for high performance standards, it’s equally essential to mess around on the piano—exploring sounds, tuning our ears to different tones, pitches, and harmonies.

As you progress in your musical journey, I encourage you to create your own music. You’ll be amazed at the endless possibilities that music offers. Don’t limit yourself to what others have written—be bold, be brave, and tell your own story through your music.

Will you accept the challenge?

Being a virtuoso teacher

'Virtuoso teacher teachs as the virtuoso player plays'

'Virtuoso teachers teach everyone who wants to learn in such a way that their pupils really do learn and really do benefit from the teaching and, as a result, don't give up prematurely.'

'All young people should have the opportunity to receive teaching that ultimately gives them the confidence and ability to access the marvellous world of music entirely independently and at any level. That is what the Virtuoso Teacher does.'

'The Virtuoso Teacher' - Great book for those teachers that want to make a difference in their teaching.

Cert PTC
2024/2025

I always seek to improve my piano teaching and performance so, as part of my professional development, in September 2024, I will embark in a new Piano Teachers course which will take me to new, creative and interesting ways of embracing the pedagogy and performance of the piano.

I look forward to delve myself in so many areas, not only of piano teaching but also pianism and personal development.

I'm looking forward to meeting other piano teachers and tutors who expertise and knowledge in the subject is amazing.

It will involve meetings in person and online, some of which will be residential weekends in London which I'm hoping to attend in person.

It will be a busy year but can't wait to start.

PianoTeacherscourse.org

Cristina - Q&A

- What was your start in music?

I started playing the piano when I was 8 years old. My parents bought me a piano and I've loved it ever since.

- Who was your favourite music teacher?

I had a French teacher I adored. She was strict yet kind, and her delightful French accent made lessons enjoyable. It was always amusing when she slipped in a French word here and there. It made me giggle!

- What's your favourite piece you've performed?

There are so many, mainly classical music. Currently I'm working on three pieces which I love:

Brahms Rhapsody Op.79 no2, Chopin Ballade Op.23 no1, Cecile Chaminade Sonata Op.21

But I also love choral music as I've been involved in singing/conducting choirs.

At the minute, I'm in the Belfast Philharmonic Choir and we are rehearsing an extraordinary piece called 'Illuminare' for a concert in June.

But there are so many more choral pieces I love!!

- What's the best part of living this musician life?

The best part of living the musician's life is the opportunity to connect with others through the universal language of music. Whether performing on stage or teaching in a classroom, music has a way of bringing people together like nothing else.

- If you could perform any piece on any stage with any other artist - what, where & who?

I love performing anywhere and any piece (preferably classical) with family and friends but especially with my 3 daughters who play violin, cello and singing.

- What does music mean to you?

It's a form of expression that transcends language and culture and touches our soul.

It allows us to communicate emotions that words alone cannot convey.

- If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?

If I could choose another career, I would work in a field focused on environmental conservation and fostering the well-being of our planet.

I'm really concerned about climate change and the slowly degradation of the Earth.

- Why do you teach music?

I teach music because I believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Music has enriched my own life , and I want to share that gift with others, helping them discover their own passion and potential.

- Funniest / Best thing a student has said?

The funniest moment occurred when a student asked, "What are all those hashtags on the music?" in reference to sharps.

The best thing was when a student said, 'I love playing the piano because when I'm practicing I forget all my problems and engage in the learning process which gives me a sense of fulfilment'

Active Learning Repertoire

Do you want to setup yourself a challenge for 2024?

Why not creating your own active repertoire where you can play any time, any place. These are pieces you can perform without notice, without any embarrassment, and often from memory.

The main steps are:

1.- Start with easy pieces and develop gradually

2..- Play them regularly

3.- See if you can memorise them over time.

4.- Play them to others when you get the chance.

This article will help you to get started.

http://pianodao.com/active-repertoire/

Holistic Learning Approach

12 Key Points

Active listening skills;
Creative skills;
Co-ordination;
Reading skills;
Empathy and sensitivity;
Persistence and resilience;
Mathematical skills;
Social skills;
Presentation and performance;
Self-awareness and confidence;
Technical skills, and
Language skills.

All of these points will be touched at some point during every student's learning journey.

My 8 guiding principles for piano teaching

1. Making music is at the heart of all lessons
2. Learning is placed within a structured and progressive framework
3. Separating the development of pianistic skills from the teaching of musical concepts
4. Every student is treated as unique and is given an individual, tailor-made approach
5. Encouraging a sense of exploration and discovery in students
6. Engaging the imagination, energy and creativity of students and teacher
7. Teaching with honesty, commitment, integrity, professionalism and passion
8. Being committed to a process of ongoing professional development and personal music making

By the Curious Piano Teachers

My piano

You are my friend, my confidant. We’re the perfect team.

In joy and sorrow, we celebrate and find solace in the beauty of music.

What would I do without you, my loyal companion?

At times, I strike you fiercely, chasing perfection.

Yet you, always patient, whisper to my ear:

"Do not chase perfection for it eludes all who seek it”,

“Seek excellence, and it shall embrace you".

And I keep playing gratefully,

determined to share with the world the magnificence of your sound

and your graceful, eternal presence.

Cristina Santana

Mi piano

Eres mi amigo, mi confidente. Somos el equipo perfecto.
En la alegría y en la tristeza, reímos y lloramos en la belleza de la música.
¿Qué haría yo sin ti, mi leal compañero?
A veces, te golpeo con fuerza, persiguiendo la perfección.
Sin embargo, tú, siempre paciente, me dices:
"No busques la perfección, pues elude a quienes la buscan",
"Busca la excelencia y ella te acompañará".
Y aquí sigo, tocando con gratitud,
determinada a compartir con el mundo la majestuosidad de tu sonido
y tu elegante, eterna presencia.