The internet is full of articles promising to help you learn to play the piano Learn to play in just 4 weeks! Play piano in 10 easy steps 5 ways to become a great pianist And so on.... The British pianist James Rhodes entered this busy, lucrative market a few years ago with his book… Continue reading There’s no ‘Quick Fix’ to playing the piano
Tag: playing the piano
The ‘Returner’ pianist
I'm a 'returner' pianist - and maybe, if you're reading this article, you are too and therefore what follows will chime with you. Or perhaps you are thinking of taking up the piano again after a long absence (as I did), in which case you should definitely read on.....
A piano is life, not just for Christmas
The John Lewis Christmas advert celebrates the joy of music and reminds us that a piano is for life, not just for Christmas
Technique without tears
Technique lies at the foundation of piano playing, and good technique can serve the beginner student right through to advanced level.
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…..
Listening and Hearing
If you can't sing it, you can't hear it. And that means we [the audience] can't hear it either." This is what my teacher said to me at my lesson last week. I was working on one of Chopin's Nocturnes, the Opus 62 no. 2, the last published in his lifetime. In bars 20-22 the… Continue reading Listening and Hearing
A Piano Teacher Writes... 