Every child deserves a chance to explore their passions, but for many, financial barriers stand in the way of their dreams of playing piano. At Piano & More, we believe that music should be accessible to all, and our Play It Forward Program helps make that vision a reality. For just $200 a month, a generous sponsor can support a young child’s journey, covering weekly lessons, a keyboard, music resources, and opportunities to perform in events.
​
One child who blossomed in the program is Camilla, a student with a deep love for classical music even from a young age. She felt a unique pull especially towards Beethoven’s iconic Für Elise. Whenever she found access to a piano, she tried teaching herself the song by ear but struggled with the rhythm. So, when Camilla’s school announced the Play It Forward Program, she applied immediately.

For weeks, Camilla eagerly checked in with her public school teacher, asking if she’d been accepted. She was overjoyed when she got the good news! With the support of a sponsor, she began her musical journey and quickly showed talent and dedication. Six years later, Camilla not only knows Für Elise but has performed in multiple piano recitals and open mics, proudly sharing her love for classical music and pop music with friends and family.

Music has given Camilla more than just technical skills—it’s brought her confidence and a creative outlet. We’ve seen her grow from a shy girl into a young performer who now shares her talent on stage. It’s been great for us to observe even how her parents beam with pride as they watch her perform. After all, she is the first in her family to call herself a pianist.

Programs like this have a huge impact on children’s lives because the benefits of music last an entire lifetime. From helping kids like Camilla discover their potential to giving them a creative escape, piano lessons open doors to new friendships and opportunities. Camilla is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when a child is given the chance and resources. 

Our sponsors are vital to making this happen. Your support extends beyond lessons; it opens doors, builds confidence, and creates memories. Want to change a life through music? Join us in supporting children from low-income families living right here in Arlington and Falls Church Virginia. Donate today!

​​​Written by Nicole Kovar

I guess I was 68 the day I dusted off the piano I bought when my children were young. I had the random thought I could learn to play. I had dragged that piano around for thirty years and into and out of five houses–long after the kids had moved away. Sitting there, I concluded that I was probably at least half as bright as they were, and if they could learn to play, so could I.

Luckily, because I am an ‘old lady,’ I had no illusions about getting good or playing in front of anyone. So, I happily launched myself into the business of learning. I dug out the first book the kids used and got new sticky stars to mark my progress. I played a bit each day, and I remember when I could play something with both hands that sounded like real music. I got really “into” it then, as the young people say. By the time I was seventy, I had learned about ten easy pieces. At the same time, I began to spend long months with my daughter. Like every good parent, my daughter got her eight-year-old piano lessons from a lovely young man who looked about twelve years old to me, though I’m sure he was older since he has a college degree.

One day, after my granddaughter’s lesson, I asked her teacher to play a piece I
struggled with. One thing led to another, and I now take lessons every week. He has ‘forced’ me to learn to play the correct rhythm and pay attention to dynamics. In exchange, I ‘force’ him to play extraordinary Bach concertos and Beethoven sonatas for half our time together.

In conclusion, this has all worked out well. My granddaughter is determined to stay ahead of me in her lessons, so she practices daily (especially when I want to play.) My daughter is proud of me and enjoys answering my questions and teaching me things. She also has begun playing again. Come to find out, she thought she was too old to get back to playing. I think I am a living example of not giving in to an ordinary way of getting older.

It’s easy to get discouraged as we age. Things ache, teeth fall out, and it’s sad to look like warmed-over death when we look in the mirror. Learning to play the piano took me out of my disgruntlement. I now have something to talk about and share with my friends and family. I look forward to picking the next song I will learn.

If you'd like to schedule a Trial lesson for 50% off, Piano & More instructors teach right in your home. Save time and skip the traffic! 👉 Click on this link to view teachers near you! 
​
Written By Piano Student, Melinda Y.

Hey there, music enthusiasts and proud parents! Grab your sheet music and appetites because something exciting is about to go down at TNR Cafe. Picture this: real piano tunes, kids showcasing their musical flair, and plates piled high with scrumptious goodness – it's Open Mic Night!

Why is this so important, you ask? Well, for starters, performing in a relaxed environment with the most supportive audience is the ultimate confidence booster for a musician. We're talking about our mini-musicians strutting to a piano, conquering stage fright like it's their arch-nemesis. Watch your kids transform into musical rock stars right before your eyes.

And let's not forget the inspiration that can ignite! Your kids will be inspired when they see other kids their age perform. It may even spark some interest in a new genre or song, hence setting a new dream/goal. Could it inspire more practice? We've seen it happen before!

But it's not just about the music – it's a crash course in people skills too. Navigating the audience, interacting with applause, and basking in shared moments of musical magic – these kids are not just playing notes but building connections. Who knew performance could be a crash course in social dynamics? Move over, social studies!

Now, a big shoutout to TNR Cafe – our host with the most! Thank you for turning your spot into a haven for our little maestros. A real piano, some mouthwatering dinner options, and a cozy atmosphere – you're turning this night into a musical feast for both ears and taste buds. We can't wait to dig into the delicious food, tap our feet to the beat, and create some fantastic memories together. 

Continuation (Part 2 of 2)

Tracking progress. How many of you like to check your “steps for the day” on your apple watch? How great do you feel when you see charts reflect your work and results? We want to know if what we are doing is actually working. Keeping track of progress on paper or an app can be very rewarding. Talk to your music teacher about their recommended ways to keep track of practice & progress. There’s so many resources out there now! 

Looking forward to goals and events. Students are more likely to practice when they know they have a set of goals to achieve. Goals range from being able to play a favorite song to performing a song at a recital or Open Mic! In addition, parents sharing their children's goals with friends and family can also help motivate students to practice regularly. For example, if there is a concert or recital coming up soon, sharing this information with friends and family could help create excitement within the student (and maybe even their parents too). When you share your students' progress and achievements, it will encourage them to keep practicing.

Practicing music requires many different kinds of support. The biggest part of practicing music is the student's motivation. They need to feel like they are making progress in their playing, or they will become frustrated and give up on the instrument. Parents can be great sources of encouragement for their children when it comes to learning an instrument. They should encourage their child every time he/she practices well or successfully completes a piece that he/she had been struggling with beforehand. Another great source of motivation can come from other musicians. Encourage your student to connect with other musicians and students, either online or in person. This helps them understand how to use their skills and see how much bigger music is, when you put several instruments together. It can be very exhilarating!

Conclusion If you want to keep your students motivated to practice, it's important to remember that they need more than just the right music and a good teacher. They also need encouragement and support from their parents, friends, and teachers. So if you're struggling with motivation in your own life or with your kids', try implementing the above tips, week by week!

​Written by Nicole Kovar

Introduction
For many young students, practicing piano may be the most challenging part of their musical journey. It's hard to practice when you're tired from school or distracted with other activities. Fortunately, there are ways parents can motivate students to practice piano—and they don't require any special skills or tricks!

First, the practice routine.
As cliche as it sounds, a reliable routine proves to be one of the best ways to build good habits.  If students have a set time that they know when and where they'll be able to practice, then it's easier for them to commit. The best way to make this system work is by creating an environment where practicing piano feels like something that happens naturally rather than something forced through sheer willpower alone. The best way to do this is by setting up a routine where practice is set at specific times every day. Some examples are right before school or right after eating dinner.

Next, the practice environment.
Learning music theory and reading notes on a staff requires a lot of concentration. Students are learning a new musical language as well as developing new hand eye coordination. Neuron connections are being built! In order to do that, the practice environment needs to be able to facilitate that kind of concentration. First, we want to check that distractions are removed from the room. For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a sibling playing video games in the background. Second, is the room quiet or have a comfortable level of noise? And last is organization! Is the sheet music and/or lesson book easy to locate and use? A messy piano with sheet music scattered about will only add to the list of to-dos, which could discourage the student from jumping into a quick practice session.

Show enthusiasm.
Parents can motivate their children by showing their own enthusiasm for their child's progress. When a student is playing something, be sure to compliment them on their playing. Make them feel good about what they are doing! This is important when working with younger children who are developing good habits as it helps them attach a positive feeling to a task.

Similarly, if you notice your child is struggling with a particular part in the music, do not make it seem like this is a bad thing. Instead, show interest in what they are trying to learn and ask questions about the challenging part being played. Talking about the difficulties will help the student work through it and eventually, build confidence in their music abilities.
Like this list so far?

Stay tuned for next Monday, for part two!

​​Written by Nicole Kovar
​

Jazz guitar has evolved a lot over the years, beginning as mainly a rhythm instrument meant to accompany singers and lead instruments, to having more of a lead role, and to eventually becoming the leading instrument in many jazz groups.

Here are some great Jazz guitarists that have made a big impact in jazz:

Charlie Christian was one of the earliest adopters of the electric guitar and also one of the first jazz guitarists. He helped move the guitar from being a mostly rhythm instrument in jazz to having more of a lead role. His solos were innovative and played a vital role in developing the bebop guitar language. He influenced the future generations of jazz guitarists to come. 
Here he is with the Benny Goodman Orchestra: https://youtu.be/Q8oGSOB012g

Wes Montgomery started playing guitar in his 20s after hearing a record of Charlie Christian playing. His signature sound and warm tone consisted of using his thumb instead of a pick and soloing using octaves and chords. He also was amazing at his chord melody playing (playing the chords and melody of the song together).
Here he is using his famous octave playing on the song Polkadots and Moonbeams: https://youtu.be/gMuWWfKUQ6c

George Benson is a guitarist and singer who has played in various genres including jazz, funk, and R&B. He evolved from starting out as a straight ahead jazz guitarist to a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with a decades long career enveloping many genres. He is also a winner of multiple Grammys and he still tours to this day. The question is, “Is he a guitarist who sings, or a singer who plays guitar?” Here he is playing on the jazz standard Billie’s Bounce: https://youtu.be/7dMMR9uuKzA

​Written by Gustavo Correa
​