With the spring exam season upon us, I asked a friend and colleague of mine, Melanie Spanswick, who has experience as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), to offer some tips on how to do well. Here are her 9 key points for exam success: Preparation is… Continue reading Guest Post: Piano exams success – 9 key points
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'
How to play…. ‘When Paris Dreams’
This brief, yet very atmospheric piece is from the alternative repertoire list of Trinity Guildhall Grade 2 piano, and would suit a more mature student or one who can give it the requisite wistfulness. In my edition of Nacht und Träume (Night and Dreams), the date under the composer's name is 1939, which immediately conjures… Continue reading How to play…. ‘When Paris Dreams’
Reblogged: Scales – 6 reasons why you need to practice them
‘Now we will test your scales, C major hands together please’, the examiner smiles glancing at the student who is waiting with baited breath…… This is the usual scenario when pupils are faced with scales. Most pianists don’t like scales or scale practice. Some ask if they are really necessary. For me, they are the… Continue reading Reblogged: Scales – 6 reasons why you need to practice them
Why do a music festival?
Two of my students, Bella and Lucy, recently participated in Richmond Performing Arts Festival. This is an annual festival of music, drama and dance, and is very well supported in the local community. To make my students feel they weren't doing it entirely alone, I also entered two senior piano classes. I last took part… Continue reading Why do a music festival?
Should you be practising right now?
My students are very familiar with this chart, which sits on the chest of drawers next to the piano. A colleague of mine has it pinned on the door of her piano room, and I should think innumerable other music teachers and students have it somewhere to remind and inspire. Remember - regular practice WORKS!… Continue reading Should you be practising right now?
Practice like it’s a Chopin Nocturne….
Quite a few of my students are familiar with this instruction by now, and I hope that most, if not all of them who have been asked to practice in this way can explain why it is important and useful. The Nocturnes of Fryderyk Chopin are considered amongst the finest short works for piano ever… Continue reading Practice like it’s a Chopin Nocturne….
How to play…. ‘Petit Mystère’
This beautiful miniature is a wonderful introduction to the impressionistic music of French composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, and even the early compositions of Olivier Messiaen. The composer, Simone Plé, was contemporary with all three composers. She published two volumes of music for children. The title gives a clue to the mood and atmosphere… Continue reading How to play…. ‘Petit Mystère’
That tune from ‘The Muppet Show’….
A couple of my students have requested the sheet music for "that tune from The Muppets", so here it is (click on link below to download a PDF file to print out). It's actually called 'Mah Na Mah Na', and I've adapted it from a guitar score. Very simple, only two lines long, it can… Continue reading That tune from ‘The Muppet Show’….
Guest post: 10 reasons to play the piano
by Melanie Spanswick I am always asked if the piano is worth learning. Is it possible to achieve anything? Is it a suitable hobby? Or something which children endure rather like maths at school! There are so many reasons why both adults and children benefit from the study of a musical instrument. I look at… Continue reading Guest post: 10 reasons to play the piano
How to Play….. Song of Twilight
This charming and haunting piece by Japanese composer Yoshinao Nakada blends eastern and western culture in musical form. A spacious right hand melody is hung over the steady, almost hypnotic pulse of left hand chords. Separate hands practice is crucial in this piece. You want to achieve a sense of the melody floating over the… Continue reading How to Play….. Song of Twilight
A Piano Teacher Writes... 