Alberti Publishing

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What kind of piano do you have?

This video log shows the step-by-step progression of  a four-year old girl learning perfect pitch.

Is perfect pitch a result of nature or nurture? You can help us and understand more about this intriguing skill by taking this short, anonymous SURVEY. 

Attention  musicians and private teachers: financial experts call your tax situation “complicated!”  Want to take some of the sting out of April 15th? Check out your options.

1. Prepare the return yourself.

This is only for the stout of heart. And the government doesn’t care how stout your heart is.  If they find a mistake, they’ll get their money—even years after the return was filed.  That can hurt since Uncle Sam charges approximately 10% interest on unpaid tax debt.  Do-it-yourselfers can download paper forms, file electronically, or use Turbo-Tax.

Pros:  cheap
Cons: mistakes; lack of sleep from worry; time-consuming
Price: free (fill out paper or electronic forms yourself); $100 (use Turbo-Tax)

2. Hire a company to do your tax return

H&R Block is the most popular of these companies.  Their freelance seasonal staff completes a company training course, allowing them to officially prepare your tax return.

Pros: time-efficient
Cons: mistakes; employees can’t handle tricky situations, but often think they can; lack of expert advice can cost you money in the long run.
Price: $100 to $400

3. Use a CPA

CPAs have extensive training in tax prep and must complete a rigorous exam.  Most states require aspiring CPA’s to have a Bachelor’s degree with accounting and business education and sometimes even a Master’s degree or equivalent in accounting–just to take the exam.  Many accountants are experts in a particular area.  If you choose to use a CPA, get referrals from colleagues in the same field.

Pros: time-efficient; no mistakes; established relationship means you can ask business questions any time (CPAs are not seasonal); most CPA’s know tricks-of-the-trade that lower your payable tax.
Cons: costs more than Turbo-Tax
Price: $150 to $450

EUROPEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

The AMEROPA music festival is meeting in Prague this year.  AMEROPA offers solo and chamber performances for piano, woodwind, and string players.  The internationally renowned faculty and beautiful historic setting give students a top-rate musical experience. Students high-school level and above are encouraged to audition.

Solo Repertoire: July 19-24

Chamber Repertoire: July 25-August 8

A school in Derby, Britain, has found what it sees as a viable punishment for misbehaving students: classical music.  Students who are in detention for breaking school rules and policies are forced to listen to classical music, something most of them find rather unappealing.  Thus, the music becomes a deterrent to future infractions against the school.   The head of the school claims that behavior issues are down by 60% since the program started.   See Entire Story…

Alberti Publishing creates curriculum for private piano teachers that is interesting and fun for today’s modern student.

Kids like color and funny stories. Teachers need effective tools for instruction. They want more than to just get the job done–they want to create tomorrow’s musicians. Alberti’s piano curriculum does it all, combining great illustrations with pedagogically sound instruction.  We’re helping the next generation embrace great music.

Alberti Publishing was started by Adam and Anna Bendorf, private piano teachers. After years of experiencing the need for more relevant teaching materials, they decided to create a fresh, modern curriculum that fosters a love for music. Their debut series, The Right Notes, has colorful illustrations coupled with historically accurate (and sometimes funny) music trivia and facts.

Now, teachers can help their students relate to music better than ever before.