Piano Is My Forte

Free Piano Tutorials Now Available

2010-11-16T15:17:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited about the free tutorials now available on my website! (Disclaimer: Not intended to replace a qualified piano teacher!)

The first offering features a song I started writing when I was a teenager--I call it "C minor Theme and Variations". It's a powerful song that has become a favorite of my piano students--especially the young men. Here's a video demo (on YouTube) of my daughter, Stephanie, playing it at 15 years old.

The song has a classical feel to it, and the intensity makes it sound more difficult than it is. I recorded the tutorials to walk intermediate pianists through the music, offering lots of extra tips along the way.

These tutorials are an excellent example of my teaching style, and I hope they will encourage budding musicians to try this newly available song! The sheet music for "C minor Theme and Variations" is available for purchase on my new eStore. (The payment info is handled by PayPal, so it's secure!)

My Better Half

2010-05-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

I've had clients tell me it was worth hiring me just to get to deal with my wife, Becky. I know what they mean! She is consistently sweet, encouraging and cheerful, not just to all of my clients and piano students but to us (her family) as well. She somehow manages to homeschool our five children (all born the "natural" therefore painful way and without pain meds - wow!), handle my scheduling/bookkeeping, design and maintain my website (which she learned how to do one week before it was up), and through it all somehow increase in beauty (inner and outer) through 19 years of marriage! Any helpful material on this blog or my website has come through at least her incredible editing, and very possibly was mostly written by her (she often says, "Honey, I've heard you talking about this lately, so I put some of your thoughts down on paper - is this what you'd say?").

And on top of all that, she keeps reading/studying so she's growing and interesting to talk to (see, if she was editing this I probably wouldn't have a dangling preposition here :-). Becky is still my best friend, the one I can't wait to go over new ideas with - I know she'll be encouraging and yet still provoke me to dig deeper and refine my thinking.

Oh, and because it was hurting my wrists (therefore my livelihood), she mustered the kids and managed to install new flooring (which she got at an INCREDIBLE discount) and repaint most of the house interior. AND, because she loves the products and helping people and wanted to help with the family budget she's recently become an independent Mary Kay consultant (shameless plug - www.marykay.com/becky.redmond). Did I mention her smile that lights up the entire room (with or without Mary Kay makeup :-)??

WOW! Can you tell I'm impressed by my wife?! As always, God says it better in His Word than I ever could:

Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-29 (ESV) -
"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. ... She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"

And I say YES to all that about Becky!

Happy Mother's Day, sweetie!

SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO START PIANO LESSONS!

2010-04-16T22:09:00.000-04:00

I generally have a full teaching schedule, so summer is the best time to move off of my waiting list and onto my teaching schedule. If you're interested in piano lessons, now is the time to contact me. Summer is a time for changes...graduations, moves, and extended vacations all present an opportunity for new students to secure a spot in my teaching schedule.

As a professional musician, I teach all year. Summer lessons are a great way to get a strong start in piano. So often, parents start piano lessons for their children in the fall, when they are adjusting to new teachers, new activities, and busy schedules. Starting piano lessons in summer allows the student to accomplish some victories and establish good habits before diving into all the school-related activities as well.

I teach children, adults, beginners and advanced students. My full-time committment to teaching provides opportunities for homeschooled students to take lessons as part of their school day as well. For interested families, I provide a description and grade to include as part of the child's annual evaluation. (My wife and I homeschool our 5 children.)

I happily make house calls for a reasonable travel fee. I have students all over North Central Florida--Gainesville, Ocala, Keystone Heights, Melrose, Newberry, Town of Tioga, and Lake City. I also teach at my home studio. See my website for rates and details!

Great Engagement Party for Trey and Allison

2010-02-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

Last night I played piano and sang for Trey and Allison's engagement party in Trey's parents' beautiful home (on their wonderful Yamaha Baby Grand :-). I got to play/sing for about 4-1/2 hours, so I got to do a LOT of great music! Along with some wonderful new love songs from different types of music, I got to play/sing a lot of the old "standards"; great love songs that have been done for the past 40-60 years.

It was a special treat to have the future groom's grandfather (92 years young), Tony, there. He played trumpet with several top-notch players/singers from yesteryear, and heard live many of the jazz/swing legends at places like the Apollo Theater and The Savoy! I'd play a song (and sometimes he'd sing along, or sing a cool trumpet part that he used to play) and he'd tell me things like, "I heard Count Basie and his orchestra play that live years ago..." - WOW!

Thanks to Alan and Lauretta for having me play/sing, and congrats to Trey and Allison!

The Cherished Bride...an Unforgettable Bridal Event!

2009-10-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Cherished Bride is an elegant event that you won't want to miss if you're planning a wedding in the Central/North Central Florida area!

Please join us for The Cherished Bride on Oct 18th, 2009, from noon to 4pm at the Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, FL. Meet some of the best wedding professionals in the area, and sample their work. I'll be playing piano, singing, and meeting potential clients at this beautiful event.

I'm offering a 10% discount for those who book me for their wedding, reception, and/or rehearsal dinner at this event. Other vendors will also be offering discounts, and door prizes will be awarded.

Enjoy the wedding fashion show, the gorgeous Black Diamond Ranch, and the wonderful vendors. You can find more information at the website!

Lock In Current Tuition for Piano Lessons!

2009-10-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

If you've been considering piano lessons, now is a great time to sign up! Lesson tuition will be going up in January, but I'm keeping tuition the same for my current students, and those who sign up before January.

I've been reluctant to raise my rates, because I'd love for lessons to be affordable for all families of all sizes, but I've fallen behind the market price at just $60/month, and I've got children of my own to support. So in Jan, I'll be closing that tuition gap for new students.

I teach beginners all the way through advanced students. I can help you learn to play by ear, to compose your own music, to arrange other's songs, and read chords. I've been teaching for more than 2 decades now, and have seen incredible results, especially for motivated students!

I teach during the school day, as well as during "prime-time" after school hours, so homeschool students can have lessons as part of their school day. I make house calls for a reasonable travel fee. Most of my students prefer to have me teach in their homes.

My route includes Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Keystone Heights and Melrose, Town of Tioga and Newberry, with other stops along the way.

Music is such an amazing gift! I love to play piano, and I love to teach others to play. As a professional musician, I make my full-time living teaching piano and playing for events. You can find more information on my website, and find samples of my playing on the Wedding Ceremony Music page.

Jeannie and Mike - May 23, 2009

2009-07-23T02:07:00.004-04:00

Jeannie and Mike had a very special, God-honoring wedding at their church.

Because of the setting, I played only classical and Christian songs during the Prelude (as the guests were seated).

The families were seated as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, then the wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D. Jeannie entered to the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner.

From the piano, I led the guests in singing As the Deer. A bit later in the ceremony, I sang and played The Lord's Prayer.

We closed the ceremony in a unique way - all the guests gathered in a large circle, joining hands. From the piano, I led them in singing the hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds. Then while I continued the song, the wedding party exited, followed by the guests. It turned out beautifully!

Alex and Kristen - May 16, 2009

2009-07-23T00:35:00.005-04:00

Alex and Kristen were married in the breathtaking Baughman Center wedding chapel overlooking Lake Alice on the UF Campus. The beautiful, traditional ceremony was coordinated by the professional wedding planners at A'vie. Katie Leonard took wonderful photos.

Kristen and Alex selected classic wedding songs from my Wedding Music Planning Guide. You just can't go wrong with these classics.

Alex & Kristen's families were seated to Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. The wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D, and Kristen entered to Wagner's Bridal Chorus. The happy couple exited as man and wife to the Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

Congratulations, Alex and Kristen!

Andrew and Stefanie - May 16, 2009

2009-07-22T23:33:00.009-04:00

Andrew and Stefanie had a touching and beautiful wedding and reception at the Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club. It rained just before the outdoor ceremony, but the great staff at Haile dried off the chairs and kept everything on track. The rain just made the stunning flowers by Betsy Gardner at The Plant Shoppe glisten.

The couple hosted the rehearsal dinner at Sweetwater Branch Inn, where we also ran through the ceremony in preparation for the big day.

During the Prelude (as guests were arriving for the ceremony), at Stefanie and Andrew's request, I sang some of their favorite love songs along with other songs I had selected: The Way You Look Tonight; Love of My Life; She's Got a Way; Lost In This Moment; I Will Be Here; L-O-V-E. A combination of instrumental songs and vocal solos makes an unusual, but poignant, prelude, particularly if a couple wants to have the words to meaningful songs included in their wedding.

The ceremony itself featured traditional music choices. The family was seated as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. The wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D, then Stefanie entered to the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner. Their recessional began with the traditional Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

Andrew and Allyson - May 16, 2009

2009-07-22T22:49:00.005-04:00

Andrew and Allyson had a beautiful wedding on the wide front porch of the elegant Herlong Mansion in Micanopy. My portable digital piano and sound system made it sound like a Grand Piano was on the porch of the Mansion, so that the guests in the garden below could hear it all.

Chad Reed did a great job officiating (as he always does). All but the bride stepped into place as I played my version of Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze for the processional. Allyson made her dramatic appearance at the Manison in a classic Rolls-Royce, and came up the walk to join the rest of the wedding party as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. After the ceremony, Andrew & Allyson exited for the first time as husband and wife to the traditional and joyful "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn.

This great picture was taken by Ivy at http://www.ivyhammerphoto.com/.

Hilton Ocala Wedding Giveaway

2009-07-19T20:43:00.007-04:00

The Hilton Ocala is sponsoring a Memorable Moments Free Wedding Giveaway on July 30, 2009 from 6-8 pm! Come try for the grand prize, check out the Hilton Ocala, and meet some of the best wedding vendors in the area--for free! This event is a combination Giveaway/Bridal Show.

You can find details on Ocala Hilton's website. You can find out even more on their FaceBook page. This is an amazing, top-notch prize, and will be held in one of the finest venues around!

I'll be playing live reception music for part of the evening on the Hilton's grand piano at this incredible event, and my wife, Becky, and I will both be available to answer questions (or just say hello), check Eric's availability for your wedding, reception, and/or rehearsal dinner, and book events! You can find out more about me on my website.

I'm one of the wedding vendors donating my services for the Free Wedding Giveaway. If I'm not already booked, the winner of this phenomenal Giveaway will win my services playing piano for their wedding ceremony.

I'm also pleased to announce (drum roll...)

A 15% discount for any couple who books me for their wedding at the Wedding Giveaway! So bring your checkbook--a 50% deposit secures the time for your event.

If you're planning a wedding, or know someone who is, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet vendors, get some fresh wedding ideas, and maybe even win the Giveaway!

Elizabeth and Dan's Apr 4, 2009 Wedding

2009-05-29T01:09:00.002-04:00

A beautiful wedding in the University of Florida's chapel, the Baughman Center.

The seating of the families and the entrance of the wedding party was as I played Bach's Praeludium.

For the Bride's Entrance, they wanted something a bit different. As they were planning their wedding all the way from Texas, I played them some choices over the phone, and they decided to use "Hymne," by Vangelis. I've never heard it used in a wedding before, but I love the tune and thought it would make a wonderful entry song. It was originally written for a French nature documentary (which suited Elizabeth and Dan, since they're nature lovers), and was also used in my favorite movie of all time, Chariots of Fire. It turned out to be just as lovely as I thought, and I hope lots more couples will consider this (it also would make a great entry song for other members of the wedding party) beautiful song. I like it so much that I plan to put it on my next edition of my wedding music planning guide. It's a modern piece, but has a classical feel to it.

For the Recessional, they asked me to do a piano version of Vivaldi's "Spring" (from the Four Seasons). Excellent choice!

They were kind enough to email me this note:

Eric,
We wanted to thank you for the wonderful piano music you put together and played for us at our wedding ceremony.. Many of our family and friends praised your skills and said the live piano music enhanced the ceremony. We especially appreciate your taking the trouble to make a piano arrangement of Vivaldi's "Spring," and helping us choose beautiful, yet non-traditional pieces. Planning a wedding from 1000 miles was pretty tricky, but your website and our over-the-phone discussion made the ceremonial music part the easiest to plan!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth & Dan

Crystal and Judson's Apr 4, 2009 Wedding at UF Baughman Center

2009-05-29T00:19:00.002-04:00

Crystal and Judson had unique musical touches throughout their wedding ceremony.

Prelude (music before the ceremony, as guests are seated) - although they asked me to plan my own mix of songs, they requested that I fit in "You're My Best Friend" and "When You Say Nothing at All" once most of their guests had arrived.

Seating of the Family & Entrance of Wedding Party - While I played a medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World"

Bridal Entrance - "God Bless the Broken Road"

Although the mothers' lighting of the candles (to be used later for the unity candle) usually happens as the moms are seated, they did it a bit different. Once all the members of the bridal party (including the bride) were in place, the officiant announced that the mothers would light the candles. I played "There Is Love," which was used in Crystal's parents' wedding years ago (a nice touch that I'm sure brought back memories for many couples from their weddings).

At the Unity Candle time itself, my sister (Melody, who is available to sing with me for a nominal fee) and I sang "My Destiny," written by Jim Brickman.

Recessional - "A Whole New World"

Creative and memorable song choices and a beautiful wedding!

Howard and Jamie - March 14, 2009

2009-04-19T21:02:00.004-04:00

What an honor and joy to play and sing for friends whose desire was for a ceremony that pointed clearly to Christ! If you're interested in a similar ceremony, their song choices may give you some ideas.

Seating of the Family - Pachelbel's "Canon in D"

Entrance of Wedding Party - I sang and played "How Beautiful," by Twila Paris. This also works well just played on the piano, but they really wanted the meaningful words to be sung. I took the key parts of the song and worked it so that I was able to finish it close to the time that the last attendant was stepping into place.

Bride's Entrance - I sang and played "Knowing You," by Graham Kendrick. Jamie walked really slowly so I had time to sing two verses of this great song.

Congregational Worship - I led in singing as I played the piano on "Be Thou My Vision" and "The Power of Your Love," by Geoff Bullock.

Unity Candle - they had two other friends sing and play guitar for this, a version of a Psalm.

Recessional - "When I Think About the Lord". They played the Shane and Shane recording of this song as they all left. Once the song was done, I played piano as their guests left.

Brian and Nicole's wedding - March 28, 2009

2009-04-08T21:46:00.004-04:00

A beautiful wedding at the Baughman Center on the UF campus!

They picked most of their songs from my complimentary Wedding Ceremony Music Guide and Nicole also had a unique request... She asked that I check out the song "River Flows In You" (a song that was in contention to possibly be "Bella's Lullaby" on the Twilight movie). She wanted to know if it would make a good entrance song for the wedding party (all but the bride). After I tweaked the ending a bit (to make it have a joyful end, rather than a dark/sad one), it made a BEAUTIFUL entry song. As always, I make entry songs end just as the last person is stepping into place, so they "fit" exactly right. I did a little research on this song: it was written by Yiruma, a South Korean composer, and you can find it all over the internet because so many fans of Twilight wanted it chosen for Bella's Lullaby (it wasn't, but works much better for a wedding entry song than the one in the movie would).

So, here are their choices. Maybe you'll get some ideas for your own ceremony:

Prelude music (as guests are being seated, beginning 30 minutes before the ceremony) - my own mix of great love songs and classical songs, with something for every generation and from several different musical styles.
Seating of the family - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, by Bach
Wedding party entrance - River Flows in You, by Yiruma
Bride's processional - Canon in D, by Pachelbel
Recessional (as wedding party exits) - traditional Wedding March from Midsummer Night's Dream, by Mendelssohn

Great mix of classics and contemporary! Thanks, Nicole, for the great song idea - I'll be recommending this song for other weddings, too!

Church Wedding Music

2009-04-05T18:45:00.007-04:00

I've played piano for many weddings, and some of my favorite ceremonies have been explicitly God-centered. I particularly enjoy leading wedding guests in congregational singing. Since the focal point of a marriage between Christians is their vow before God, it is an especially appropriate time to worship the One who brought them together.

My repertoire of Christian music includes great old hymns as well as more modern praise and worship songs. I can weave these songs together as I lead in singing from the piano. I can also play worship songs as part of the prelude, and help you plan a ceremony that honors Christ. It is my honor and very great joy to point folks toward God as part of a wedding between believers.

Remember that if you're getting married in a church, they may have requirements in place about only allowing classical and Christian songs. If so, I specialize in putting together songs that both honor God and are beautiful.

Planning Wedding Ceremony Music

2009-04-04T17:49:00.005-04:00

Choosing your wedding music can be a daunting task! Especially if you haven't been to many weddings, or aren't a "music person". I've recorded a Wedding Music Planning Guide with lots of tips and samples of favorite wedding songs to help couples plan the flow of their ceremony and select their wedding music. (It's helpful to know what some of the traditional selections are called!)

I make this Guide available to anyone for no charge. Lots of couples have told me that the Guide was incredibly helpful to them, and simplified the planning process for them.

I am a professional piano player, and travel throughout the North Central Florida / Central Florida area to play piano for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and other special events. If you're looking for an experienced wedding musician, please contact me to check my availability for your special day! You can find all my rates on my website, http://www.redmondmusic.net/.

I recorded this Guide on a digital piano, which has the full, rich sound of a grand piano, but is portable. I can bring a similar one to your wedding if your ceremony is outside or at a venue that doesn't have a piano (or at least, not a good one!).

Consider live piano music for your reception and/or rehearsal dinner as well. My style is elegant and warm. I play songs from many eras, so all of your guests will hear something familiar, from your young friends to your grandparents. I love playing the piano, and my arrangements of favorites throughout the ages has been well received. I would love to be a part of making your special day memorable!

Piano Teacher Makes House Calls

2009-04-04T17:42:00.006-04:00

As a father of five children, I know how crazy family schedules can be! I can take some of the "crazy" out of your schedule by teaching piano lessons at your home for one or more students. Some of the families I serve have as many as 5 children taking piano lessons each week without ever leaving the comfort of their own home.

For homeschooling families, like mine, I teach in clients' homes during the school day, helping parents incorporate music instruction into their children's curriculum. I can provide documentation of your children's progress for their evaluations too, if you wish.

Playing the piano is such a joy for me. I'm a professional musician, and I love to teach others to master the piano as well! A child is ready for lessons when he or she can read. And you're never too old to learn, either! Some of my favorite students have been senior citizens who had "always wanted to learn".

I teach my piano students how to read music, play by ear, read chord charts, arrange, and even compose original music. Talk with me about your goals for piano lessons, and I'll gear our lesson time to furthering those goals.

I have clusters of piano students that I travel to in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Keystone Heights and Melrose right now. If you're interested, you can hear me play (and sing), read my lesson policies, and find out more on my website, http://www.redmondmusic.net/.

Some of my students have students of their own now. I guess that makes me a "grandteacher"! :-)

Have piano, will travel!

2009-04-04T00:08:00.007-04:00

Whether you're planning an outdoor garden or beach wedding, or holding your ceremony indoors at a venue with no piano, you can still have beautiful live piano music!

I have a portable digital piano that has the full, rich sound of a grand piano. As long as you have access to electric power, I can provide elegant live piano music for you. My portable piano comes in handy for rehearsal dinners, receptions, and corporate events as well. Along with my digital piano, I have speakers and microphones that I'll be happy to make available for use by officiants or other participants in your event.

My home is in Gainesville, FL, but I travel to Ocala, Orlando, Starke, Lake City, Steinhatchee, Tampa, St. Augustine, and other destinations in the North Central Florida or Central Florida area to perform for special events. (Venues more than an hour away from my home will have a travel fee.)

Visit my website, http://www.redmondmusic.net/, to hear me play and sing, find information about my rates, and read reviews from my clients.