If you read my post on Perfect Piano Posture, you will now know how to find the best playing position at the piano, or at least you’ll know what to be aware of when you’re sitting at the instrument. Today, I will take a look at what constitutes the perfect hand position. This is just…
Category: Melanie Spanswick
Transforming El Sistema
Last week, I was invited to attend a very special event for In Harmony England: the screening of a new short film called ‘Transposing El Sistema’. This film focused on the work of El Sistema and how it is now being implemented or ‘transposed’ to Britain. Many people know about the In Harmony Sistema England…
Perfect Piano Posture
Some of the most important elements in piano playing are acquired during the first few lessons. These elements often remain with us for life which is why it is crucial to start in the correct way. Bad habits are indeed very difficult to eradicate. It’s much better not to start at all than to do…
A Life in Music – Ruth Nye and the Arrau Heritage: Book Review
This recently published, fascinating book is a must for piano enthusiasts everywhere. Having met and interviewed concert pianist and celebrated piano teacher, Professor Ruth Nye last year, it was a pleasure reading about her life and her amazing musical relationship with one of the greatest piano virtuosos of the Twentieth Century, Claudio Arrau. A Life…
In Harmony in action
I have blogged on several occasions about the importance of the El Sistema approach to music education. In Harmony provides music tuition and orchestral coaching for children who would not normally be able to take advantage of instrumental lessons. The scheme is becoming so successful that the concept is slowly being introduced in other cities…
Piano-Yoga with GéNIA
I had a wonderful time yesterday absorbing Piano-Yoga. I was invited to attend a retreat held at King’s Place, the urban concert space near King’s Cross station in London, by pianist, composer, teacher and Director of Piano-Yoga, GéNIA. Having never experienced anything like this before, I really didn’t know what to expect, but it’s always fun learning new skills…
BBC Three Counties Radio Interview
Last week, I gave a radio interview with flautist Liz Childs. We chatted to Nick Coffer on BBC Three Counties Radio about various musical projects and music education in general.
Kathryn Stott in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
The thirteenth interview in my Classical Conversations Series features British pianist Kathryn Stott. We met up to chat at the Wigmore Hall in London. Find out more about Kathryn, here. For those who would rather read the interview, here’s the transcript: MELANIE SPANSWICK: British concert pianist Kathryn Stott enjoys a very busy career playing solo…
BBC Radio Berkshire Interview
I was interviewed by Anne Diamond on April 4th. We are both passionate about music education, and had lots to say on this important subject.
Ivan Ilić in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
My Twelfth Classical Conversation features Serbian-American pianist, Ivan Ilić. Find out more about Ivan, here. Here’s the transcript for those who prefer to read the interview: MELANIE SPANSWICK: Serbian-American concert Pianist Ivan Ilić has played concerts all around the world in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Wigmore Hall, and the Glenn Gould Studio. His recordings…
6 reasons why selecting a good piano teacher is vital
The piano is a complex instrument to learn because there are so many aspects to think about from the beginning. A good teacher will make or break your experience but unfortunately prospective students don’t often take the time to select a suitable tutor; many seem to sign up for lessons with the first one they…
Cyprien Katsaris in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
My eleventh interview in the Classical Conversations Series features French-Cypriot pianist Cyprien Katsaris. Find out more about Cyprien, here. Here’s the transcript for those who prefer to read the interview: MELANIE SPANSWICK: French-Cypriot concert pianist Cyprien Katsaris has had a highly successful career playing with all the main orchestras and conductors around the world. He…