Preparation is key when it comes to learning your piano pieces. Some exam boards have simplified the selection process. They provide recordings of all works for every grade. This includes alternative pieces, enabling pupils to choose their favourites effortlessly. Once a programme has been decided, the hard work begins. The earlier stages of practice and…
Tag: Piano Practice
A few thoughts on Ornaments
Ornaments decorate a melodic line and add colour to it. Quick notes are typically added around a ‘central’ note. This adds beauty and variation. There are a variety of ways to interpret these ornaments. This includes trills, mordents, turns, and the like. Interpretation depends on the period of the work, the composer, and the character…
Some thoughts on ‘practising’ during piano lessons
There are so many different ways of constructing a piano lesson, and of course, every teacher has their own approach or method. It will also depend on the student. Are they preparing for an exam? Are they working on improving their technique? Perhaps taking a theory exam? Or just starting to learn? There can be many elements to tackle…
Perfect Hand Positions
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…
Coaxing the fourth and fifth fingers into action
‘My little finger just won’t work on its own’ How often have I heard this phrase from disgruntled piano students? Too often is the answer. Pupils invariably spend so much time focusing on and looking at the music on the desk, that they forget all about posture and technique. One of the major technical obstacles…
Piano exam success: 9 key points
I examined for the ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) for 5 years both in the UK and abroad, and I’ve compiled the following list of important points to remember when preparing for your music exam. 1. Preparation is the key to success. You have a very short time to make…
Piano Practice – how much should I do?
My last blog post focused on the amount of time it takes to learn to play the piano. I had some thought-provoking comments from readers and a couple of pianist friends informed me that 30 years is more appropriate! They do make a valid point… Here are some recent suggestions (below) as to the time…