One of the best things about contemporary technology and media is its ability to offer new ways of exploring well-trodden paths. In an earlier age, The Mozart Project, a new interactive e-book created by two non-musicians, James Fairclough and Harry Farnham, would probably come in several volumes (given its wide-ranging and comprehensive text), with innumerable… Continue reading The Mozart Project – interactive e-book
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'
Stagecraft and the art of poised performance
This post is adapted from an article I wrote for Pianist magazine's April e-newsletter ‘Stagecraft’ is the term for a number of aspects of performing and preparation for a performance. Stagecraft is not just the ability to walk onto the stage without tripping over. From the moment the performer enters the stage, his or her… Continue reading Stagecraft and the art of poised performance
At the Piano with Dr Mark Polishook
What is your first memory of the piano? My piano journey began more or less when I was 3 or 4 years old. Movers brought a 1932 5’3” Chickering baby grand to our house. It was a gift from my grandparents. That piano eventually travelled with me from one coast to another in America, which… Continue reading At the Piano with Dr Mark Polishook
New Piano Techniques app from ‘Pianist’ Magazine
All the enjoyable and engaging features of 'Pianist' magazine are included in this new piano techniques app: informative and easy to understand articles on technique and repertoire, how to play a particular work with guidance from a top teacher, free sheet music (18 pieces in fact, from beginner to advanced level), an interview with Lang… Continue reading New Piano Techniques app from ‘Pianist’ Magazine
How to help your child enjoy and succeed at piano lessons
The role of parents in piano lessons is crucial, by encouraging their children to practise, reinforcing the teacher's instruction, and offering support and encouragement. The decision to start piano lessons should not be taken too lightly. Learning and playing the piano is highly enjoyable and satisfying, leading to a deep sense of personal fulfilment, but… Continue reading How to help your child enjoy and succeed at piano lessons
New year, new repertoire!
This post first appeared on my sister blog The Cross-Eyed Pianist What better way to start a new year at the piano with some new repertoire? But where to start? Perhaps the greatest joy - and frustration - of being a pianist is the vast and wonderful repertoire available to us, from Baroque arabesques to… Continue reading New year, new repertoire!
Guest post: You Can Teach Jazz
by Elena Cobb I am very grateful to all who took part in the lively discussions on the Facebook piano teachers forums, made suggestions and offered their opinions on this highly interesting and often controversial topic. Special thank you to Snake Davis (UK), Kay Alexander (Canada), Elissa Milne (Australia), Rami Bar-Niv (Israel), Tom Lydon, the editor of the Music Teacher… Continue reading Guest post: You Can Teach Jazz
Sheet Music Direct App for iPad
Many of us are lucky enough to own an iPad, and these devices are increasingly being used by musicians instead carrying around lots of heavy books of music. There is a great new free app from Sheet Music Direct which gives you access to thousands of scores of classical, jazz and pop music. Whether… Continue reading Sheet Music Direct App for iPad
The Performing Teacher
I meet many piano teachers, at courses, workshops and masterclasses. It is always good to meet other piano teachers, to exchange ideas, and to enjoy a collective grumble about the exigencies of the job. Many of the teachers whom I meet are also performing musicians, professional or otherwise, and many regard performing as a necessary,… Continue reading The Performing Teacher
Article for ‘Pianist’ Magazine
I'm a regular contributor to 'Pianist', a bi-monthly magazine aimed at amateur pianists and piano enthusiasts. In my latest article I discuss the sustain (right hand) pedal. Read the full article here: Article for 'Pianist' Magazine
A Piano Teacher Writes... 