One of the easiest ways to improve your music study is to promise yourself that you will "just show up" at the piano each day. Getting there is the only way you can be sure to get something done on a regular basis. You know how good it feels to get something done, especially when you have tried yourbest to accomplish a goal. There is nothing quite like that feeling, and you can capture it every day at the piano.

We must also remember the Hippocratic oath: DO NO HARM. Plan what you want to accomplish and think about the best way to get it done. Your daily practice is the most important part of your music study; focus your attention on the things you learned at your recent lessons, and keep working until you can hear definite progress. Then give yourself a pat on the back!

My daughter, Jennifer Fellows, came for her annual visit in August; the first morning she was here she told me that she had pledged to "Just Show Up -- and do no harm" so thatshe can regain her ability to play the piano. You see, Jennifer has multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the way your muscles work. She also has very little feeling in her fingertips. Can you imagine playing the piano and not being able to feel the keys?

Last week Jennifer played a beautiful piece by Rachmaninoff at a master class in Maryland (where she lives with her husband). She succeeded because she made up her mind to do her best in her daily practice. You can do that too.

My daughter and I would enjoy hearing your success stories, so send them in. You can use the e-mail form below.

P.S. We are also eager to help you with any problems or concerns you might have.