Hi there, I debated whether to share this video at all. The camera is shaky. The orchestra isn’t great. But I’m so proud of the piano playing—and in the end, that’s what mattered most. This is my live performance of Rhapsody in Blue.I first learned the piece when I was 12 for a local piano competition (which I didn’t win!). But I still remember the bright blue skirt I made myself—and how I completely fell in love with the music. For this performance, I studied Gershwin’s own piano roll...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hey there 👋 Just a quick note: I have a new video online 🥳 If you’ve ever felt emotion at the piano but your playing didn’t quite sound emotional — this video is for you. Warmly, RebeccaP.S. I teach many of the skills from this video inside my Skool community, Piano with Rebecca B. It's currently closed, but you can join the waitlist here to be first in line — a flash opening is coming soon! Get comfortable to play better Mini course with 9 short videos + 15-page PDF will help reduce tension...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there, I’m still glowing from Sunday’s studio recital. I used to feel stressed at student concerts, worrying whether someone might have an unexpected disaster on stage. But I don’t worry about that anymore. Ever since I started sharing the neuroscience-based practice and performance prep strategies I learned from Dr. Molly Gebrian, everyone seems so much more secure and confident. This time, I genuinely enjoyed the entire event. It might have been the best recital we’ve ever had—at least,...
10 days ago • 3 min read
Hi there, Have you ever felt like your hands don’t quite fit the piano? You’re not alone. A growing movement is challenging the standard keyboard size and offering alternatives better suited to smaller ones.One fantastic pianist from the past Josef Hofmann (1876-1957) had a custom smaller sized keyboard built for him by Steinway and Sons. Listen to his playing on Youtube; But now there are more ready built options available. This month, Stanford University (Northern California) is hosting two...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there, If you’ve ever felt like practicing piano was a chore—or worse, a source of frustration—you’re not alone. But what if practice could become a refuge?A space of calm focus and satisfying progress? In my newest video, I’ll show you how to transform your approach using mindful practice—backed by neuroscience, grounded in tradition (including Chopin), and filled with real strategies that work. You’ll learn: – A smarter ways to tackle leaps, fingering, and pedaling – A surprising...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hey there, One of the things we talked about a fair amount yesterday was pedaling. It was a big part of Chopin's playing and a big part of his teaching. It's really crucial to know how to pedal well to make a beautiful sound.I just released a new video about pedaling on YouTube that you can check out here. https://youtu.be/ycVG8TA2gqE?si=rQVjs_ENhWZzjbWt And believe it or not, even though this is a very long video with lots of musical examples, I have a lot more to say about pedaling. So I’m...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there, Just a quick note: I have a new video online 🥳 If you want smarter strategies that actually lead to beautiful, expressive playing — this video is for you. 👉 Click here to watch it ❤️ And if you want to go even deeper into strategies to help you playing sound more beautiful, join me this Monday at 4 p.m. Pacific for Chopin Piano Practicing Secrets Workshop 2.0 — livestreamed on YouTube. Talk soon, Rebecca Unlock Your Potential ✅ Play with ease—no tension or struggle ✅ Improve...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there, Over the past few weekends, I spent long days building a catio (an outdoor enclosure) for my kitties, Marie and Zorro. We’re about to start serious construction inside the house — demolition, power tools, strangers in big dirty boots, the works — and I needed a quiet, safe space for them to retreat to. Cats hear up to 80,000 hertz (we only reach 20,000), so imagine what that kind of noise feels like to them. I knew it would be unbearable. And when they're stressed, fights break out...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi there, Ever feel like you’re working hard at the piano but not getting where you want to go? Often, it's not about the amount of practice, but the approach. That's why I created a video:“The 6 Biggest Piano Mistakes You’re Probably Making.” Drawing from nearly 50 years of teaching, this video highlights common pitfalls that hinder progress. These aren’t beginner problems. They’re mistakes I still see—even in advanced players. To go with the video, I made a guide with resources & tips to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
