Kraus's Korner on PGI Radio

Listen as Dirk discusses the importance of marking your music.  It makes the students life much easier!  Find out how.

Kraus talks through different strategies for practicing.  Focusing on the more intermediate players.  Is your perception that your song is too hard?  Then this episode is for you!  Need more guidance in your practice, visit the PGI website.

Dirk talks through all the things that teachers and students need to bring to the table in order to have a great lesson.  If you are a teacher or a student you don't want to miss this episode.  

Listen as Kraus explains why recording your music is so beneficial, and hard to do!

There it is!! With the first studio album in nearly 20 years the Rolling Stones remind us of how good they are. From the simplicity of blues riffs to the quintessential Rolling Stones sound, the latest album by The Rolling Stones delivers. They are completely deserving of the title "The Greatest Rock-n-Roll Band Ever"

Listen in as Kraus discusses the importance of counting out loud.  Whether you are a student, teacher or professional musician, everyone must count out loud.

Kraus will tell us how young children should start their musical journey.  The answer may surprise you!

Listen as Kraus reminds us all the benefits of learning a musical instrument.

Listen in as Kraus tells you who gets the title of the greatest Rock band in the history! The answer may surprise you! Once you listen you will see there is really only one band that truly deserves this title of the Greatest Ever. If you have been following this podcast, you most likely already know the answer. If not listen to Episode 5: Now that's a guitarist and you will definitely see more...

Listen as Kraus talks about some of the greatest songwriting duos. What made them so great. Do they really need to pair up to write the music they wrote. Can either one of the pair survive without the other? Visit our sponsor World's Best Piano Lessons to get started on your musical journey today.

Listen in as Kraus continues a multi week discussion on trying to decide what it is about music that drives us to listen to more of the same artist or composer. Is it just a popularity contest, meaning we listen to what our friends listen to? Or do we really appreciate well written songs. Why are some classical composers talked about more frequently than their contemporaries? Are some musicians ju...

Listen in as Kraus begins a multi week discussion on trying to decide what it is about music that drives us to listen to more of the same artist or composer. Is it just a popularity contest, meaning we listen to what our friends listen to? Or do we really appreciate well written songs. Why are some classical composers talked about more frequently than their contemporaries? Are some musicians just...

Listen in as Kraus talks about the primary focus of piano/guitar teachers. You might be surprised to hear his take on getting songs performance ready. What is the secret to teaching students to actually read the music? What about musicality and performance ability? You don't want to miss this episode if you are a student, teacher, or just a music lover! If you are ready to start your musical j...

Listen in as Kraus talks about reading music via fake books and lead sheets. Learning to read music is one thing. How does this apply to reading a lead sheet. Sometimes a lead sheet may seem easier than a Beethoven sonata, but once you get into it, a lead sheet is a complex beast that requires an extensive knowledge of scales, chords, rhythms and theory. Looking to learn more, check out Piano &amp...

Listen in as Kraus discusses why performing is such a great thing and why it is so nerve-racking! Performing should be fun and exciting! It should not be a source of stress. Are you interested in trying a performance out yourself? Get started on your musical adventure and begin piano or guitar lessons now. Contact Piano & Guitar Institute now to find out how you can get started.

Listen as Kraus talks about the benefits of practicing with and without a metronome. How does the metronome affect the cognitive ability to memorize your music? Muscle memory versus cognitive memory, which should you rely on when you perform? All this is discussed in the latest episode of Kraus's Korner! If you are interested in learning piano or guitar, make sure to check our Piano & Guit...

Listen in as Kraus talks about the construct of what an online music lesson should look like. Experienced in online teaching since 2017, there are many things that may seem important, and other things that may seem unimportant. From camera angle, microphone and camera to marking the music, what is most impportant and how do we make things happen. As a student or a teacher, learn which variables ar...

Listen as Kraus discusses what happens when you combine different patterns that have been discussed the last few weeks.  How can you decide which chords to use if you are using multiple patterns.  Which one gets priority? It all becomes quite clear as this last episode on music theory unfolds.  If you are interested in learning more about music theory and how it applies to piano, ch...

Listen in as Kraus talks about another 3 chord formula that is used to create some of your favorite music.  This time the discussion gets a little more in depth as we explain how to build the chords, how they travel to and from each other, and where they can go next.  If you are interested in learning piano in the comfort of your own home check our World's Best Piano Lessons .  If y...

Listen in as Kraus discusses yet another 3 chord formula used in pop music.  Is it based on the natural minor scale or the major scale.  Is this pattern based in metal, pop, or country?  You decide!!!  If you are interested in learning to read music, play the piano, or play the guitar, check out Piano & Guitar Institute.  Virtual lessons or in person lessons.  YOU...

Listen as Kraus discusses more music theory and how knowing the formulas will help you compose and learn your favorite songs!  The genre of 50's American pop rock is discussed and how the addition of the fourth chord makes this just different enough than other genres to warrant a discussion,  but not so different that it is no longer used as a formula.  If you would like to learn to...

Blues music has been around for nearly 200 years.  Where did it come from?  What makes is so popular?  Why is it always so sad?  Listen as Kraus discusses these and other questions about Blues Music.  He explains the simplicity behind an incredibly complex genre.  Are you a Delta Blues, or Chicago Blues fan?  Decide for yourself after you listen to some of the re...

Listen as Kraus talks about the basics of music theory.  He discusses how theory began, how it is applied to all forms of music.  Theory in pop music?  of course!  Theory is everywhere, whether for composing your own song, or making sense of what your favorite musicians are doing.  Want to learn more about music theory?  Maybe learn to play the piano?   Check out...

Listen as Kraus continues the conversation about how music affects you.  Recounting a 17 Hippies concert from December 30, 2022.  A Berlin band, that Kraus saw perform live in Belin!  11 musicians on stage, 9, sometimes 10 melodic instruments creating a fantastic harmony!  What an amazing concert!  Do you want to learn to play Piano like your favorite musicians.   Che...

Have you ever thought about what makes a really great student?  How do students learn most efficiently?  Listen as Kraus talks about what students should do to help facilitate their learning.  You might be surprised by some of his opinions!  Want to be a student of your own?   Check out World's Best Piano Lessons .