Musical Ways to Express Gratitude

Dear Reader,

This week our focus has been on healthy ways to play the piano and ways to make the piano sing. The question of which is more important was brought forward with many favoring healthy body techniques over sound quality. 

"Why play with pain or stiffness just to sound good?" was in some of the responses - which is an excellent point! 

We want to have the freedom to move our hands across the keyboard as effortlessly and efficiently as possible and endeavor to make the sound of the piano as beautiful as we can. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, let’s take a moment to think about how gratitude can be expressed musically. This message is written with parents in mind, but students are encouraged to read along too—it’s a wonderful reminder to listen deeply to your practice partners and discover how music can speak the language of thankfulness.

 Expressing Gratitude in Music

1. Tempo — the Pulse of Thankfulness

Gratitude often carries calm reflection rather than urgency.

• Moderato or Andante tempos allow space for appreciation and breath.

• A feeling of rubato (flexible tempo) can suggest a “savoring” of sound — a moment-to-moment awareness.

Example: The slow movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 109 feels like a meditation of gratitude — serene, suspended, glowing from within.

2. Tone and Touch — Warmth and Presence

Gratitude in sound isn’t loud; it’s present.

• Use rounded tone, gentle attack, and supported voicing.

• Aim for a dolce or cantabile sound — as though the keys are being caressed, not pressed.

• Pedaling can add resonance, like an afterglow — the sonic equivalent of appreciation lingering in the air.

On piano: Think of the tone you might use to play a lullaby or a farewell — tender, luminous, sincere.

3. Dynamics — the Humility of Softness

Gratitude is often quiet but full.

• Pianissimo and mezzo piano dynamics invite intimacy.

• Gradual crescendos can mirror the heart “swelling” with thankfulness.

• Avoid abrupt contrasts — gratitude unfolds gently, not dramatically.

4. Harmony and Color — Warm Intervals

Certain harmonic colors evoke gratitude:

• Major 6ths, added 9ths, or Lydian inflections (raised 4th) convey openness and radiant calm.

• Use warm, consonant voicings — they sound emotionally fulfilled rather than searching.

Composers like Ravel, Fauré, and Debussy often achieved this “contented” radiance through luminous harmony.

5. Phrasing — Breathing and Offering

Imagine each phrase as a gesture of giving — like offering a gift or saying thank you.

• Shape phrases with a gentle rise and release, rather than sharp climaxes.

• Endings should dissolve, not stop — leaving a feeling of peace.

6. Spirit — The Inner Posture

Ultimately, gratitude in music is a state of being rather than a performance direction.It’s conveyed when the player:

• Listens deeply to every resonance,

• Allows silence to have meaning,

• Plays with humility, not display.

“The tone must thank the silence that preceded it.” — paraphrased from Alfred Cortot

I am very thankful for the opportunity to help guide you and your practice partners in their musical journey through life and look forward to our time together!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bests,

Ken

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Ekota Piano Studio