Playing the Rests

While we were setting up and learning our new computer system, we reduced our stock of music books. Now that we are up-to-date, we decided that June was the perfect time to replenish the supply. Classical piano books, new vocal sheets, contemporary artist collections and more will soon fill our shelves. Come see for yourself!

Just when I've been starting to crave a day or two of vacation, here it is Memorial Day. For many, this is a time to pause and reflect. For me, it's more a time to do laundry and sleep, but still it's a needed break from routine. Which reminds me of something our orchestra conductor told us the other day about playing the rests. Not playing in the rests - that's altogether different. But honoring the composer's intention by giving rests their full value. Often, some budding young pianist will sit down at one of our digital pianos and play through that venerable favorite, Fur Elise, managing the notes, but leaving out most of the rests and turning Beethoven's gentle waltz rhythm into more of a rousing march. It takes a certain maturity to let that space be there, and trust the silence in between the notes.

So have a good holiday. Play the rest. Then come visit us and share the abundance!

Ron B