Since blogging again this month, I have mentioned my book on piano-playing a bit. I wanted to go more in depth, so here’s an official update!
Last month I printed out my fourth book draft and read through it, jotting down ideas and corrections along the way. I am still working through that draft, updating each page on the computer. I have been pleased by how much more cohesive it is now. It is starting to read like an actual book!
Meanwhile, I have continued to talk with my students about it. For awhile, I would jot down ideas that came to me during lessons to go into the book. Now I find I often do the reverse: I draw from the book in my lessons!
It has been amazing to work on a book that comes directly from what I teach ongoingly. Speaking of which, I am now looking for ways to use the materials from the book, perhaps in small amounts, directly with my students and in my lessons. For instance, I have a chapter called “Common Challenges of Learning to Play Piano.” This may be perfect to share with all my students!
On a related note, my wife and I have also been reading a book on creating online courses. I am creating my very first online piano course! Stay tuned, it’s still very much in the idea phase, yet it goes hand-in-hand with the book project, since they are different forms of the same idea.