In The Positive Pianist: How Flow Can Bring Passion to Practice and Performance, author Thomas J. Parente applies the concept of flow to the practice of piano playing, demonstrating how student musicians can experience enjoyment and confidence from succeeding at something that challenges them to an engaging level. By using Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's theory of flow to musical performance, Parente shows that linking productivity and enjoyment in piano playing has a positive impact on students, motivating them to practice more in order to experience flow again; this creates optimal learning conditions for piano practicing. As the chapters progress, Parente shows students how to evaluate their own progress and offers teachers the tools to impart on their students an optimal practice method: one informed by flow. Parente argues for an objective, goal-oriented backdrop that will lead piano students to achieve greater confidence, accuracy, and musicality. The Positive Pianist draws on the author's forty years of teaching experience and research to show piano students and their teachers how to develop a productive, focused mental state when practicing the piano.

This is a continuation of Volume one of the Awaken series. It contains a continuation of the theoretical, technical and repertory sections of book one.

As its title implies, this anthology consists of materials that are essential aids to learning for those who wish to make music and for whom the piano is a chosen means of musical expression. Making music is our birthright, and nothing else can satisfy this need. You are about to embark on an exciting adventure In the words of the wonderful and inspiring pianist and teacher Arminda Canteros, with whom I studied many years ago, "Playing the piano is like love. The more you give to it, the more that comes back, which then grows your love to give again." I sincerely hope that the spiritual uplift that can be yours through playing the piano will allow for this loop of love to take hold as it has for me and countless others who have taken solace, expressed joy, celebrated happy occasions, entertained, and simply had fun through contact with the piano's wonderful keys-keys to happiness, keys to fulfillment, and keys to living.

This little piano book consists of Christmas music that I have arranged for their simplicity and beauty. Making music is our birthright, and nothing else can satisfy this need - so congratulations on taking this step; you are about to embark on a wonderful adventure In the words of the wonderful and inspiring pianist and teacher Arminda Canteros, with whom I studied many years ago, "Playing the piano is like love. The more you give to it, the more that comes back, which then grows your love to give again." I sincerely hope that the spiritual uplift that can be yours through playing these carols will allow for this loop of love to take hold as it has for me and countless others who have taken solace, expressed joy, celebrated happy occasions, entertained, and simply had fun through contact with the piano's wonderful keys - keys to happiness, keys to fulfillment, and keys to living.