Many thanks to all those who took part in my weekend competition. The prize is one of two books from composer Christopher Norton’s newly reissued MicroJazz series. The two winners are: Sinden Collier and Martin Bakaert Congratulations! Please send your address via the contact page on this blog, and your books will be on their…
Tag: Piano Study
Chetham’s International Piano Summer School 2021
I can clearly recall the first time I was made aware of Chetham’s International Piano Summer School. A friend had participated as a student and had waxed lyrical about the bountiful facets she had encountered; the high calibre artists and teachers on the faculty, the opportunity to eavesdrop on lessons and forge new piano friendships,…
Tricky Corners: Lateral Arm & Wrist Movement
My previous ‘Tricky Corners’ article focused on finger articulation, specifically relating to Chopin’s Étude in F major Op. 10 No. 8, a study on which I was working with a student. You can read it here. Today’s post examines this magnificent piece a little further, taking into consideration possibly one of the more challenging passages…
Studying at a Japanese Music Conservatoire: Yuki Negishi
Today’s article has been written by Japanese pianist Yuki Negishi. Following on from her very popular first post, in this second instalment, Yuki continues her piano journey, offering her thoughts and experiences on studying at the renowned Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, Japan. You can read the first post in this series, which…
Historic Classes with Arthur Rubinstein
Those who read this blog regularly will know that I enjoy featuring classes given by master teachers. Today’s post highlights a series of historic classes with the legendary Polish born pianist Arthur Rubinstein (1887 – 1982). Considered by many as the greatest interpreter of Chopin, Rubinstein gave these classes in 1978 at the Jerusalem Music…
Studying at a Music Conservatoire: Yuki Negishi
Much has been made about the importance of studying at a music conservatoire, or a specialist music institution. I hear numerous comments – both good and bad – about what I considered a privilege and a wonderful opportunity. But how does this opportunity impact the life of a musician, and is it a vital part…
Tricky Corners: Wrist Circles & Finger Articulation
Speed isn’t always synonymous with clarity. My work as an adjudicator can testify to the fact that’s it’s quite common to hear semiquaver (or demisemiquaver) passages played in a ‘garbled’, unstable, or just plain unrhythmical, manner; either too fast, with the tendency to rush through technically challenging sections resulting in the inevitable slips, errors and…
Repertoire Selection: 5 Tips
My most recent newsletter article for Pianist Magazine focuses on repertoire selection, which is an important topic for many a piano student, and it’s especially pertinent at the beginning of a new year. I hope it’s of interest. Piano students occasionally struggle to find appropriate repertoire. And by ‘appropriate’ I mean piano works, which whilst…
Melanie Spanswick 