The title of this post is a quote from the British actor Michael Caine's memoirs which he read on Radio 4's Book of the Week programme over Christmas week. The phrase was first mentioned when he was describing setbacks in his early career and how he would always try to find a positive in a… Continue reading Use the Difficulty
Category: Piano teaching
Curiosity in piano practice
This questioning curiosity is one of the magical things for me about learning and practising at the piano; there is nothing more exciting that having struggled with something, to notice exactly what I’m doing, find a fix and then discover that it works and the problem is solved/solveable!
New Diploma Syllabus from Trinity College London
For the musician looking to further their studies after Grade 8 Performance Diplomas offer a pathway to fully accredited professional qualifications, recognised by other musicians and music professionals around the world. A diploma, even at the lowest Associate level, is significantly more involved than Grade 8, requiring a high degree of attainment, combined with a… Continue reading New Diploma Syllabus from Trinity College London
Feeding the practise habit
If we are serious about our music, our progress with our repertoire and our technical and artistic development, we need to establish good and regular practising habits, as regular as cleaning one’s teeth. No one, not even professional musicians at the top of their game, is born with an innate talent which negates the need… Continue reading Feeding the practise habit
P is… for Piano Parents & Practising!
Practice should reflect age and level. Five to ten minutes of practice at a time for a very young beginner is usually good. For those starting out regardless of age, five to ten minutes per day, moving to two sessions per day of that duration, is recommended to gradually build both concentration and engagement.
EPTA launches a new piano teachers’ course
The European Piano Teachers' Association (EPTA) has announced the launch of a new piano teachers' course as part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2019. The course, headed by Murray McLachlan, Chair of EPTA and head of keyboard at Chethams School in Manchester, takes place over 6 separate CPD training days in 2019 and will cover… Continue reading EPTA launches a new piano teachers’ course
The power of “yet”
Those of us who teach and play ourselves understand that music requires commitment in the form of consistent, focused practising. This does not mean a snatched half-hour here or there or a blitz the night before the weekly piano lesson, but regular engagement with the instrument and its literature (at least 5 days out of… Continue reading The power of “yet”
Technique without tears
Technique lies at the foundation of piano playing, and good technique can serve the beginner student right through to advanced level.
Introducing ‘Piano Teachers’ Hour’ on Twitter
Guest post by Barbara Kennedy When I made the switch to piano teaching, following a career in administration, one of the biggest surprises was that I missed the face-to-face interaction with colleagues. I had not anticipated just how isolating piano teaching could be. I now see around 35 students (and families) a week and I… Continue reading Introducing ‘Piano Teachers’ Hour’ on Twitter
New ABRSM piano syllabus released
With this new syllabus, the ABRSM has sought to remain true to its core strength of offering a syllabus which combines rigour with a selection of music to appeal to a wide range of students around the world
