The double-manual reproduction Ruckers harpsichord at Handel House Museum (photo: Matthew Hollow) My colleague Lorraine Liyanage (of SE22 Piano School) organised a half-term trip for some of our piano students to Handel House Museum at 25 Brook Street, London W1. This was the home of composer George Frederic Handel from 1723 until his death there… Continue reading Piano students’ visit to Handel House Museum
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'
Introducing…….Music@Monkton
I have recently come across an excellent blog for music teachers, written by George Bevan, Director of Music at Monkton Combe School, an independent co-ed boarding and day school near Bath. In a series of well-written, thoughtful and accessible posts, George explores aspects such as productive practising, 'teaching' not 'telling', empowering and enthusing students, encouraging… Continue reading Introducing…….Music@Monkton
Practice part 2: It’s not personal!
A useful post on goal-oriented practice from the head of music at Monkton Combe School Practice part 2: It's not personal!
Be prepared! Getting ready for your piano exam
Here is some advice to help you prepare for your piano exam, at whatever level. You should aim to be ready for your exam at least two weeks ahead of the exam date. By this time, your pieces will be thoroughly learnt and finessed, and your technical work (scales and arpeggios, technical exercises etc) should… Continue reading Be prepared! Getting ready for your piano exam
At the Piano With……David Barton
What is your first memory of the piano? I don’t think I’d really come across the piano seriously until I started school. I was very lucky to go to schools where music was a valued and important part, not just of the curriculum, but of the life of the school. At the infant school I… Continue reading At the Piano With……David Barton
Keeping exam repertoire fresh
With exams looming this term, students may be feeling as if they have been living with their exam pieces for aeons. I remember this feeling well, the same pieces of music facing me at my lessons, week after week..... Nothing beats being well prepared for an exam: knowing your repertoire inside out, being entirely secure… Continue reading Keeping exam repertoire fresh
‘Sooner or Later?’ BBC Masterclass
Here is an interesting and informative film of a masterclass I recently attended at the BBC. Presented by pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris, the masterclass explores how to play with greater expression, emotion and 'poetry'.
Conservatoire Life: A look through the (Practice Room) keyhole
Thinking about studying at music college? This guest post by Madelaine Jones, a third-year student at Trinity-Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, will give you a flavour of student life at a top London conservatoire..... “So where do you study, then? What subject?” “Oh, I’m a piano student. I study at a conservatoire.” Cue either… Continue reading Conservatoire Life: A look through the (Practice Room) keyhole
James Bond Concert Study
A "study" or "étude" is a short, often considerably difficult, and technically advanced piece designed to help perfect a particular musical skill, such as finger dexterity, octaves, scale passages, balance and tone control, and co-ordination. In the 19th century Fryderyk Chopin elevated the etude from dull student study to concert showpiece, and his Études Op.… Continue reading James Bond Concert Study
At the Piano With……Philip Fowke
The first in an occasional series of interviews with piano teachers - and I am delighted to launch this new series with an interview with acclaimed pianist and teacher Philip Fowke. Philip Fowke What is your first memory of the piano? My first memory of the piano was when my parents bought an upright for… Continue reading At the Piano With……Philip Fowke
A Piano Teacher Writes... 