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From ancient traditions of Asia (such as South Indian raga, and ancient Greek music) different modes and keys produce different moods. Gregorian chant used this, in addition to knowing which note would be most likely to sound best in a particular male voice (such as baritone or tenor).

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

I'm a synsthete, a person who perceives and conceives multisensorily. So when I see a painting, I feel and hear movement and music, and vice versa. When I'm developing a composition I have more of an image in mind; an improvisation follows, and parts of the improvisation become more significant. The patterns which emerge become the seeds for the scored composition.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Counterpoint (how one melody plays against another) as well as how to move from one chord to another. I found learning about theory when I was studying piano was very helpful, but limited. The bottom line: how it sounds to you. This means lots of experimenting, and noting down the results (not just trying to remember it all). Music notation is essential.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Learning to play a small lap harp (without pedals) doesn't require knowing how to play the piano first, and will certainly help your daughter learn music, as well as improvising music for herself. For a more complicated harp (the orchestral harp), though it is necessary to learn how to read piano music and the coordination of hands, eyes (and feet!).

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Certainly. In early computer music, analog-digital converters were used to sample and create artificial instruments. Now AI can be used to analyze speech patterns, as well as music patterns and rules, and create "its" own music. (My background is in the earliest computer-assisted composing.)

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Abstract math and logic.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Pick a piece you want to learn.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

I’m ready. What are the questions? I began playing the piano (and composing) when I was 3, before i could read music or anything else. My first piano lessons began on my Nana’s lap when I was 4, and with a “real” teacher when I was 6. By that time i was already performing in front of recognized musicians (which was daunting, but at 6, I loved it).

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

The best thing to do is be aware of all the elements of compassion fatigue (CF) and how it is affecting you at this moment. Where are you in the development of CF? CF is not a situation to be taken casually. It affects your emotions, thinking, behaviors, and immune system. Get help. A good book: Rothschild, “Help for the Helper.”

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Most of us don’t recognize we are sliding into full-blown compassion fatigue (CF). It is very helpful to have a team recognition system in place, because others will notice if you are going in that direction. Some caregivers maintain a Mindfulness practice which helps give breaks and momentary interruptions to the trigger points of CF.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

The leftmost pedal (sometimes called the “soft pedal”) mutes the attack on the strings. It is important to learn how to control soft dynamics through your hands before you begin depending on this pedal. The rightmost pedal (sometimes called the “suspension pedal”) holds all notes you play, creating a legato or smooth transition from key to key.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Coordinating left and right hand. Reading and playing music without constantly looking back and forth from music to keys and hands.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Scribble with crayons, then write what comes to mind when you look at the scribble. No one needs to see this. Sometimes I deal with grief by getting a stack of paper and scribble-drawing on page after page. It doesn’t have to look like anything, but it gets past the words, and is an outlet for all the emotions that suicide of a friend can bring.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

It’s helpful, but not necessary. The way you use your muscles is different, but knowing how to play any keyboard first is extremely useful. Pipe organ was my primary instrument. I play all the keyboards. It’s important to learn the different methods of holding and releasing notes for the different keyboards, but only if you plan to play different keyboards.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

One of the ways we sabotage ourselves at work is tell ourselves stories about what will happen if… Instead of looking at all the possible negative results, say “that’s a story that doesn’t need to happen.” Then think of positive possibilities. This is a habit, and needs small reminders to be developed.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Music, once you learn even the most basic things like reading and playing them, is something which comes through you. It isn’t something you simply hear and copy identically.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Anything with the title “Elegy” or “Elegy to …”

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

It depends on what type of action and timbre you want. One of my favorites is a Kawai small grand. I’ve played many grand pianos as a chamber pianist, and I don’t have a favorite.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

This is a frequent fear: embarrassment or worse of people you write about. It is sometimes so large some writers simply avoid writing about those people. Even so, “Writing from the Bones” has some good advice. Take a look.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Ask yourself, “Why are you comparing yourself to others, and then building this state of anxiety and lack of confidence?” Is it helping? And trying to be perfect is an ideal which is reserved for some kind of nonhuman being.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Many people don’t realize how many of us write books. Is it special? Certainly. But the distinction is that you fulfilled a project and that in itself might be admirable in others’ eyes. Treating you differently? That would depend on what age range you’re in. At my age (elder) no one would be surprised or treat me differently if they knew I’d written a book.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Happiness is not well defined. You need to define it for yourself. And that definition changes as you experience life. With or without medication, happiness comes when we are at peace with ourselves, which is difficult if your expectations are too high (idealism and perfectionism), as you know. I find happiness in the smallest things.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Being creative. It is simply an expression of yourself, not something which has to meet museum, concert hall, gallery, or publication standards. A poem will do. A small sketch. The drawing of a heart, with words of love. Be confident in your expression of love in your eyes, in your hugs, in your being.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

One of the ways which worked for me, over time: Expect neither negative or positive from the betrayer. This is not forgiving the behavior, simply neutralizing any anticipation of what will happen next between the two of you. As time passes, you will be able to revisit the “betrayal event” and ask yourself what positive things you learned from it. Journal your reactions, as well as your growth.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Each individual will have a different answer to this, I expect. For me, my greatest support is reliance on myself and my integration within of spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental being. When I counsel people, I use an integrated approach, and try to assist them in integrating their beings. This includes being connected with our universes in all ways.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

“Never be satisfied” may not be a negative but an indication of continual growth. Dissatisfied with what? Are you able to be specific, then to put it into a positive statement, a goal which is achievable?

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Perhaps you need to redefine what a “genuine happy state” is for yourself. It isn’t a steady state, but moments.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

“Kicked out” implies some kind of disagreement about what should happen. I doubt if there is a standard practice. For 2 of my 3 children, who were mature and able to take care of themselves, I encouraged them to live on their own at 18.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

One of my favorites: Think of something I love to smell (or taste). Then gently breathe it in several times as if it were right in front of your nose. Use magical thinking then to take that gentle breath to the back of your neck (where a momma cat picks up her kitten). This will relax your neck muscles, allowing more oxygenated blood to flow to your brain, and your breathing to be a little deeper.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

In that case, I don’t think you need to have a specific answer. But if the runoff itself becomes a large factor, you will need to.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Yes. Some people have somatic empathy without knowing it. Their mirror neuron system reacts to others’ experiences as if it were happening to them. This can lead to compassion fatigue, lowered immune system, anger, sadness, fatigue, and many other physical and emotional states.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Express yourself creatively (it doesn’t have to be a perfect masterpiece) to each of them. We love each person in a different way, and each person recognizes that. Recall an experience you shared with each of the children and describe the love and cherishing you had then and still have. Each person receives information in a different way, even when they are quadruplets.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Sucking on something like a baby bottle can relieve a great deal of stress. Perhaps that’s why people suck thumbs, or smoke cigarettes. You might laugh a little more at yourself. We all need to. And we all need certain behaviors until we replace them something more acceptable to ourselves and others. Don’t take up smoking! Or sucking your thumb!

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Is the practice a way to relieve stress? If so, and if it is not disturbing other functions of your life, two hours can be helpful. But not necessarily in learning how to play piano (see other answers).

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

The study of psychoneuroimmunology (which also includes the endocrine system) has revealed there is no separation between what happens psychologically and what happens physically. If you are under any kind of chronic stress, this increases a chronic flow of cortisone from your adrenal glands, which goes throughout your system and triggers tension throughout your body, and increases your...

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Yes, but it has taken me a long time to do this. By accepting my “universe” I release the stress of being in fight or flight mode, and am much healthier and have less pain. One of the best ways to learn how to do this is to study and practice Mindfulness and/or various forms of meditation, in a group. The synergy of the group, in a safe setting, enhances the learning within your entire being.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

S.Q.U.I.D. = Stop-Question-Understand-Imagine (the consequences)-Decide on what to do in a situation. Emotional intelligence can be learned at any age, if you learn to be aware before acting. Spontaneous reaction to emotion is a habit which can be replaced by a healthier habit. Keep track daily of your progress.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

cluster chord (that’s what any mass of notes without tonal (key-related) meaning is called

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Grief changes over the years. If you lost someone when you were a child or teenager, sometimes the actual mourning (reacting to the grief) happens much later in life. Continuous mourning can happen. What would be “crazy” if there is no change in the behavior in reaction to the grief.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Identify your weaknesses (and your strengths), then include the exercises to strengthen the muscles and eye-hand coordination needed with some fun things you already to know how to play. Then tackle a piece you don’t know. Sometimes when i’ve been forced to take a break (for months, not years), I find I have a new point of view which aids in playing, while refreshing the parts which have decayed.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Stage fright? But a person can still play piano professionally as a chamber pianist with other musicians (e.g. quintets, trios), or as an accompanist. I made most of my “piano money” being an accompanist and coach. Now my arthritis keeps me from playing professionally.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

If there is any way to postpone making the big decision until some of the confusion grief normally brings has subsided, do that. One way to approach the decision (or division) is to talk it over with a neutral person, one who has no interest in the outcome and who is nonjudgmental. Another way is to scribble random thoughts about the decision until an insight or two are reached.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Yes. Meditation has no religious connection. There are many ways to meditate, but the practice is to be gently, without self-judgment or expectation, aware fully of the moment, whether focused on breathing, sensory input, a word or phrase, or non-focused and silent in your mind.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Not one moment, but several (over my 78 years). My recognition of this turnaround is usually a combination of physical and mental, a sense of being able to breathe freely, and live in a way that resonates positively with my inner self and with my universe.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

For me, practicing mindfulness is one of the highest quality ways I improve all parts of my being and life. Reading about it is helpful, but without the actual routine practice, my living in the moment (not for the moment) does not help as much.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Yes, although much of my childhood was in a dysfunctional home. It is so important to look at any negative memory, and at the stories you have told yourself about this event. What parts are true at this moment? Too often we dwell on the negative stories of our past as if they define us and our present being.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

When I present before any audience, as soon as I realize I’m using terms and concepts which make their eyes glaze over, I translate immediately into something they are familiar with. In other words, even though I used a lot of math to come to my conclusions, I describe the math process as a “black box” processor.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Unless the person understands the framework of the test creator, no cheat sheet will be particularly useful.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Agape is love of fellow being. Each day feel and show love, with a smile, a hug, a nod of recognition of worth to yourself and to at least one other being you don’t know. It starts a chain or acknowledgment and appreciation. You smile at a stranger; the stranger smiles back, and for both of you, positive physical reactions flow through your bodies for that moment.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora

Death is part of living, not its meaning. Finding meaning in life is usually through spiritual awareness, and alertness to our interconnections with our universes. Is there a single meaning of life? I doubt it. But there may be huge overlaps in our individual meanings.

Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora