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Narratives and Notes
Where Music, Practice, and Meaning Converge


The Sound of the Music of the Whispering Woods
The music that became the soundtrack to Piano Zen didn't start as part of the novel—it was a collection of unused sketches. Years later, Thomas Rheingans discovered how music and storytelling were inseparable. Explore how a forgotten album found its voice as the emotional heartbeat of his debut novel, featuring "The Palace of Ubar."

Thomas Rheingans
May 13 min read


The Pacific Northwest: Setting in Fiction Behind Piano Zen
Back in 2018, I was hiking Portland's Wildwood Trail searching for my novel's center. Standing at Pittock Mansion, I discovered how powerful a setting in fiction truly is. Explore how a real Pacific Northwest landscape became Nightingale and the Whispering Woods.

Thomas Rheingans
Apr 223 min read


The Long Road: A Novelist's Revision Process
Piano Zen didn't begin as a novel. It started as a children's book idea, constrained and small. Over four years, through a rigorous novel revision process, it transformed into something entirely different. Thomas Rheingans shares how deep revision, patience, and rethinking the story itself changed everything.

Thomas Rheingans
Apr 152 min read


How to Let Music Flow Into Your Daily Life
Discover how to weave music and mindfulness into your daily life with Piano Zen's simple practices for enhanced creativity and awareness.

Thomas Rheingans
Jan 13, 20252 min read


Elevating Consciousness Through the Piano
Explore the transformative power of mindful piano practice through PianoZen, where ancient wisdom meets modern musical mastery.

Thomas Rheingans
Dec 13, 20242 min read


How to Embrace Mindfulness While Learning the Piano
Transform your piano journey through mindful practice. Learn the art of 'softening the mind' with PianoZen for a deeper musical connection.

Thomas Rheingans
Nov 25, 20242 min read


From Traditional to Digital: The Surprising Success of Online Piano Lessons
Do virtual piano lessons actually work? The answer is a resounding yes! Online lessons work and have proven to be effective for many people.

Thomas Rheingans
Oct 10, 20243 min read


Unlocking Your Inner Pianist: The Benefits of Learning Piano Online
Joining piano online classes is like having a key to a magical realm of music, where your inner virtuoso is waiting to emerge.

Thomas Rheingans
Sep 5, 20243 min read
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