Foster Music Enterprises

 
 
 
 

"...I especially loved your curriculum, style, and technique.  It is unmatched with anything I've ever heard of, and (at least for me) is terribly practical.  Besides that your a very fun and talented guy..." jimmy c.

"I just wanted to write you and thank you for the few years that I took piano from you.  It was really fun and I hated to quit..." Erin H.

"...you are doing great things with your students.  They are fortunate to have such an accomplished teacher!" Lynda D.

"Ken, thank you so much for your efforts and your program.  I am working on the material and enjoy the variety of it..." Galen E.  M.D.

"I love your enthusiasm with the youth ... Thanks for giving of your time, and teaching and encouraging the musicians of tomorrow." Margie M P.T.S.A..

"Thank you for all you do to teach our boys on the piano..." Marian E.

"Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and talents..." Pauline F.

"...I learned a lot from you as well as from your excellent handouts." Alana E.

 
• UMTA 2006-07:  The Anatomy of a Lead Sheet.
• Interview with Ken Foster: High School student interview.
• Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics:  A great place to live
• Understanding Piano Technique:  Exceptional technique is achieved by understanding the mechanics of the piano and the way you physically execute your performance on this remarkable instrument.
• Ted Johnson:  In memory of one of lifes best.
• Careers In Music:  Music Careers, Qualifications, & Salaries
• How To Develop Brain Power:  Can music really improve IQ.
• How To Get Your Child To Practice:  Without resorting To Violence!!

• How to Create Your Own Music:  Did you ever wonder what makes a chord progression work!
• Let's Rumba!:  Thinking like a drummer.

Art Tatum:  Probably one of the greatest talents in improvisation in the 20th century if not the 21st century.  His influence is seen in nearly all great jazz pianist since.  Hear just a few examples of this true artist at the keys.
Andre Previn:  He has been a composer, conductor, pianist and pedagogue.  He has led most of the world's major orchestras, won Oscars for his movie music, written for Broadway and concert and opera halls, and has been knighted by the Queen of England.
Mozart's Last Year:  Mozart scholar Neal  Zaslaw provides insights on the prolific and tragic final chapter of the great composer's life.
Johann Sebastian Bach:  Hear Jan Swafford's commentary on the amazing life and music of one of the greatest geniuses of this musical millennium, Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Influence of Jazz:  Professor David Baker's discussion with Martin Goldsmith about the influence of jazz on classical music.
Rhodes Obit:  Harold Rhodes, a pioneer in electronic keyboards, died last month at the age of 89. Noah talks with James Garfield, who maintains the online technical manual at the Rhodes Super Site, about why the Rhodes electric piano became such a popular musical instrument. 
Solas: In its six years as a band, Solas has earned rave reviews. The Boston Herald called it "the best Irish traditional band in the world."
IAJE:  International Association of Jazz Educators video on their most recent conference

• Develop Your Music Skills:  Online Music Computer Lab ~ including Perfect Pitch Ear Trainer, Speed Reading, Note spellers, Theory Drills, etc.

Welcome to KenFoster.com,

Learning to play the piano can be an exhilarating experience providing you with a lifetime of pleasure.  My approach has always been to help develop your own creativity through improvisation techniques, chording techniques as well as the more traditional reading techniques.

If you see yourself playing full rich arrangements sooner, you are more apt to continue your studies in the more foundational reading techniques.  Typically a student can advance about one to two levels a year in reading, but with chord playing, a student can expect to advance three to six levels a year.

Studying piano through correspondence has its challenges, but does give you the time without the pressure to really learn the material.  If you can maintain a fairly consistent practicing schedule, and lesson schedule, you can develop proficient skills to play the way you always imagined.

I have curriculized a complete two year program, that can bring you to a level of playing equivalent to many professional pianists.  In fact, I have many of my junior high students playing receptions, high school students playing dances, and adults playing ski resorts, malls, receptions, etc.

Enjoy your stay, I have attempted to keep it current and interesting to return visitors.  If you are here to just polish up your skills, try the online computer lab.  I have used a seven station computer lab in my private teaching for some time, seeing (and hearing) some incredible results.

Thanks again for visiting..

Ken Foster