One of my students, Harrison, arrived for his lesson last week and confessed he had not had much time to practise. He told me he had "loads of homework!" and extra-curricular activities every day after school, apart from Thursday, the day of his piano lesson ("this is my only day off!" he sighed). In addition… Continue reading Less is More
Author: The Cross-Eyed Pianist
Frances Wilson is a pianist, writer, music and arts reviewer, music PR, and blogger on classical music and pianism under the pen name 'The Cross-Eyed Pianist'
Perceptions of independent piano teachers survey
I am researching the perceptions private piano teachers have of their own profession compared with the perceptions of the general public. Please take part in my survey. All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PZ2PC9M
Mastering the Piano with Lang Lang
“The piano is my passion. Through the Lang Lang Piano Academy I hope to inspire today’s kids to explore the piano and celebrate the wonderful world of music. There are no short cuts to learning the piano and playing it well, but the journey along the way should be imaginative and rewarding as well as… Continue reading Mastering the Piano with Lang Lang
Being professional – the characteristics of a professional
Many people regard piano teaching as a vocation rather than a profession, including some who are active practitioners, and I have encountered many people outside of the profession of piano teaching who regard the role as some kind of superannuated "hobby": on one occasion the parent of one of my (former) students actually said to… Continue reading Being professional – the characteristics of a professional
A new kind of practice notebook
Encouraging piano students to practice can be the bane of the piano teacher's life and teachers regular seek new ways to encourage students to practice creatively, thoughtfully and intelligently. The practice notebook is usually the means by which the teacher records what he or she would like student to focus on in the intervening days… Continue reading A new kind of practice notebook
Students’ Concert at the 1901 Arts Club
This year my annual student concert was held at the 1901 Arts Club, a beautiful, intimate venue in a former schoolmaster's house (built in 1901) close to London's Waterloo Station. The venue boasts a lovely Steinway C grand piano and an informal, convivial atmosphere, thanks in no small part to the very welcoming personalities of… Continue reading Students’ Concert at the 1901 Arts Club
Piano lessons are good for you and your brain!
Ask any piano teacher, and they'll tell you their lessons involve more than music. Dedication, discipline and critical thinking are all part of learning to play the piano. Communicating these other benefits to students and parents can renew their interest in the instrument and give a greater sense of purpose to lessons. This helpful infographic… Continue reading Piano lessons are good for you and your brain!
What Are Piano Lessons For?
This is a very personal manifesto about the purpose of piano lessons. You may not agree. You may disagree vehemently. But what you (as a piano teacher or as a parent of a piano student or as a piano student) believe piano lessons are for will affect your level of satisfaction with the piano lessons… Continue reading What Are Piano Lessons For?
Learn to play the piano with Chilly Gonzales
The eccentric Canadian pianist is on a mission to reinvigorate the lives of lapsed amateur pianists. Here, he gives a lesson on bringing joy to music, as part of his Re-Introduction Etudes book Chilly Gonzales … bet he doesn't look like your old piano teacher. Photograph: Hayley Madden/Redferns Chilly Gonzales wants to bring joy to… Continue reading Learn to play the piano with Chilly Gonzales
Top Marks – can doing a graded music exam help you become a better player?
I was delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this article by Clare Stevens which is published in the latest issue of 'Pianist' magazine. While primarily aimed at adult learners, there is plenty here which is relevant to younger students on the benefits of taking graded music exams.
A Piano Teacher Writes... 