Whenever we have a thought or physical sensation thousands of neurons are triggered and get together to form a neural network in the brain. “Experience-dependent neuroplasticity” is the scientific term for this activity of continual creation and grouping of neuron connections which take place as a result of our personal life experiences. With repetitive thinking,… Continue reading Rewiring turns “I can’t” into “I can”
Category: Students
New resources for pianists, piano teachers and parents
A couple of useful new resources for pianists, teachers and the parents of piano students which have come my way recently. The first, Piano Exercises, is a DVD by Mikael Pettersson, a Swedish concert pianist based in the UK. The exercises were created by Mikael to help pianists develop their technique to play without tension… Continue reading New resources for pianists, piano teachers and parents
Be kind to your students
I'm sure I am not alone in having several students who are currently immersed in revision and study sessions ahead of their GCSE and A-level exams which commence next month. Some young people cope well with the pressure of revision and exams, but sometimes even the most confident or well-organised students find that something has… Continue reading Be kind to your students
‘The Virtuoso Teacher’ seminar with Paul Harris
Renowned educator, writer and clarinetist Paul Harris, author of innumerable books on sight-reading, music theory and music teaching as well as original compositions, led a seminar based around the ideas set out in his seminal book T'he Virtuoso Teacher' (Faber, 2012). The book focuses on the core issues of being a teacher and the teaching… Continue reading ‘The Virtuoso Teacher’ seminar with Paul Harris
What Are Piano Lessons For?
This is a very personal manifesto about the purpose of piano lessons. You may not agree. You may disagree vehemently. But what you (as a piano teacher or as a parent of a piano student or as a piano student) believe piano lessons are for will affect your level of satisfaction with the piano lessons… Continue reading What Are Piano Lessons For?
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
Putting the X-Factor into practising
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
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!
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
Guest Post: Piano exams success – 9 key points
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
A Piano Teacher Writes... 