http://www.artipot.com/authors/13864/stephen-stocker/ Latest articles by Stephen Stocker from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/320404/how-to-prepare-a-piano-piece-for-performance.htm In practicing a piece for performance, it is very important that a player is prepared enough so that a piece can be played with confidence and enjoyment. The first and most most important aspect of performance preparation is complete confidence in the notes. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:02:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/320404/how-to-prepare-a-piano-piece-for-performance.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/204262/how-to-use-the-metronome-to-improve-your-piano-playing.htm Using a metronome regularly in piano practice sessions will develop a huge amount of strength in the player's music. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:25:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/204262/how-to-use-the-metronome-to-improve-your-piano-playing.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/202485/piano-playing-tips-how-to-play-piano-by-ear.htm Most piano students receive some ear training at their piano lessons, but it is done away from the instrument. Unfortunately this theoretical training has very little practical use for learning how to play piano by ear. To take music making to an advanced level, musicians need to be able to play what they hear in their heads at the piano, and without looking at the keys! Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:04:11 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/202485/piano-playing-tips-how-to-play-piano-by-ear.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/202125/piano-playing-tips-improving-musical-memory.htm Many piano players have not developed their memory because they never try to play without the printed score in front of them! Musical memory can be improved with practice, here are some tips musicians can use. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:55:43 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/202125/piano-playing-tips-improving-musical-memory.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/200986/piano-playing-tips-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-practice-time.htm One of the most important piano playing tips is to set aside separate times for piano practice and piano performance. Both practice and performance time are used to improve piano playing, but in different ways. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:14:59 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/200986/piano-playing-tips-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-practice-time.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/193091/teaching-esl-to-children-using-esl-classroom-games.htm The class time directly after the morning break is good learning time, a good time for the teacher to introduce difficult parts of the program. The last half hour before lunch, however, is a tired, very low energy time, a time when ESL classroom games can help continue student learning. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:53:44 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/193091/teaching-esl-to-children-using-esl-classroom-games.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/193060/children-learn-about-other-cultures-through-esl-storybooks.htm Children living in a non-English speaking environment learn about their own culture. Their everyday lives tell them little about other parts of the world, as they are kept busy adjusting to the expectations of their own communities. ESL stories add a new dimension to their lives. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:15:16 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/193060/children-learn-about-other-cultures-through-esl-storybooks.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/191812/how-to-schedule-childrens-esl-class-time-most-effectively.htm When ESL kids arrive in the classroom it may be the first class of the day so they will be fresh and ready to attend. That's the best time for teaching ESL to children. There are other times of the day, such as the time before lunch or the latter part of the afternoon when they are tired and their energy level is low. These periods of the day are always a challenge teaching... Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:49:15 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/191812/how-to-schedule-childrens-esl-class-time-most-effectively.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/191297/tips-for-improving-esl-listening-and-speaking-skills.htm Instruction in English often does not offer the student the opportunity to speak and converse in English. Many students can read and write English, but have real problems when it comes to holding a conversation. To overcome this, constant practice in listening and speaking will soon give the student confidence to speak easily and fluently. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:11:07 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/191297/tips-for-improving-esl-listening-and-speaking-skills.htm