Saturday nights are all about the X-Factor, aren't they? The tv talent show which, after weeks of auditions, boot camps and live performances is now reaching its finale. I expect you know the format: each singer receives comments (often harsh) from four “celebrity” judges, who then vote the act in or out. Usually, it's pretty… Continue reading Putting the X-Factor into practising
Category: Practising
The Virtuoso Parent
This post is inspired by the excellent book The Virtuoso Teacher by music educationalist Paul Harris, which I have been reading on the recommendation of George Bevan, Director of Music at Monkton Coombe School, and author of an excellent blog on music teaching and practice. I will distill my general response to the book in… Continue reading The Virtuoso Parent
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!
‘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'.
‘Sooner or later’ – Tempo Rubato & the art of stolen time
This post relates to my earlier article 'Curved Lines' - phrases and how to shape music I recently attended a masterclass for pianists, the theme of which was 'Sooner or Later?'; that is, how tempo (speed) and the placing of a note, or group of notes, can affect the mood, drama, colour and shape of… Continue reading ‘Sooner or later’ – Tempo Rubato & the art of stolen time
Practising isn’t just about playing…..
"Practice only on the days you eat" (Dr Suzuki) I've adapted this text from an American website which is encouraging students to do a '100 Days of Practice challenge'. Playing the piano requires development of muscular coordination and mental concentration, skills that are best acquired by consistent and careful daily practice. Designated practice time each… Continue reading Practising isn’t just about playing…..
Musical Punctuation Marks
Imagine if you were listening to someone speak, perhaps reading out the news on television, or reading a poem to you. The speaker's voice sounds the same the entire time they are speaking, with no rise or fall in sound, no changes in rhythm or tempo (speed), and no indication that there are pauses, full… Continue reading Musical Punctuation Marks
Aural Masterclass Part 1 – Intervals
The first in an occasional series of posts to help students prepare for aural tests. Understanding intervals is an important aspect of playing and studying music, and this is why music exams test candidates on their knowledge of intervals. An interval is the distance between one note and another, and is always described as a… Continue reading Aural Masterclass Part 1 – Intervals
Guest post: Transposition – a dying art?
by Madelaine Jones We all know the feeling – you’re sat on the stool, anxious before a first rehearsal with a singer. Doubtless you’ll have practised the piece, sorted the fingerings, and on meeting the culprit of your hours of toil, you’ll find them to be a perfectly human, ordinary musical being with whom you… Continue reading Guest post: Transposition – a dying art?
What the great composers teach us
We can learn a great deal from studying and learning music by the great composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Bartok, and even contemporary classical composers. Find out more here..... What the great composers teach us. (this post first appeared on my sister blog The Cross-Eyed Pianist)
A Piano Teacher Writes... 