Piano Practice

PIANO PRACTICE

A selection of articles and features on all aspects of practising the piano.

Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: Trinity College London Grade 4

Surveying the syllabus for Trinity College London Grade 4 (2015 – 2017), I’m happy to find a more eclectic mix of repertoire than that of the lower grades. From Haydn and McMillan to Gounod and Köhler, there’s definitely something for everyone in this collection. The pieces are also segregated into groups: ‘A’ and ‘B’. This…

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5 Tips for Practising without the Piano

I regularly contribute to Pianist magazine’s newsletter, which wings its way into our inbox every other month. My article always takes the form of ‘5 tips’. Last month’s tips were designed for those who fancy taking their practice away from the instrument. I hope they are of interest. Practising away from the instrument can be…

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Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: ABRSM Grade 4

Today I am continuing my series on selected exam repertoire. I’ve chosen three complimentary pieces from the ABRSM Grade 4 list. They are taken from the main syllabus, as opposed to the alternative syllabus. I have offered five practice tips for each one. I have also selected a recording from the many on YouTube. Minuet…

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5 Tips for the Perfect Practice Schedule

A practice schedule can lead to fruitful progress in your piano playing. This topic was the focus of my 5 tips for last month’s Pianist Magazine newsletter. One question asked by many a student; ‘how can I develop a practice schedule which will be both beneficial and practical.’ It’s too easy to sit down at…

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Approaches to Staccato Playing

I am a regular contributor to Piano Professional, the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) magazine. I really enjoy writing for this publication which focuses on providing piano teachers with helpful information. The following article was written for Issue 43 (published earlier this year), and examines various approaches to staccato. When it comes to tackling articulation,…

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Practising Piano Waves

Piano Waves consists of five little pieces for the intermediate pianist; approximately Grade 4 – 6 level ABRSM. They were written in 2016, and have proved popular with all ages, but particularly with teenagers. They were inspired by my time giving recitals on cruise ships. This provided ample opportunity to observe the sea in all…

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Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: ABRSM Grade 3

Selecting and practising piano exam repertoire continues today with ABRSM Grade 3. I’m selecting contrasting works or those which sit well together, thereby producing an interesting programme. This element should not be underestimated. Examiners are pleased to hear all the repertoire on set lists. For the student, who might spend a good few months learning…

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Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: ABRSM Grade 2

Continuing my series on selecting and practising piano exam repertoire, today we move on to ABRSM Grade 2. I’ve chosen three works. One is from each of lists A, B & C. They are hopefully complimentary. This selection offers a balanced exam programme, with five practice tips for every piece. As always, selections come from the…

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5 Tips to Instantly Improve a Performance

If there’s a possibility to immediately improve any performance, most of us would jump at the chance. My latest contribution to Pianist magazine’s newsletter offers a few suggestions which can be easily implemented into your practice session. I hope you find them helpful. As a teacher, I’m often asked how to instantaneously improve a performance….

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