A few weeks ago I published a post offering basic practice tips designed to serve as reminders at daily practice sessions. The post proved so popular that I’ve been asked for a few more. So here they are. My tips are certainly not finite, but they might provide food for thought during practice sessions. (Scroll to…
Tag: Practising the Piano
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…
A few thoughts on Practical Musicianship and Keyboard Harmony
Today’s post highlights an important yet often forgotten element in music education. Most pupils take instrumental exams at some point in their musical training and are therefore familiar with aural and sight-reading tests. Most practical exams contain these elements, irrespective of level. However, a much broader-based training is necessary if pupils are going to become rounded and complete…
Between the Notes
An overriding issue for many students is the need for ‘breathing space’ during a performance. This is seemingly such an obvious point, but it’s one which is often challenging to put into practice. Space can be created in many ways; both in the approach to a performance as well as actually between notes and phrases of a…
8 Daily Practice Reminders
Several students have recently asked for a ‘practice reminder list’ consisting of important elements to consider during their daily practice session. We all want to ensure fruitful practice. There’s nothing more depressing and dispiriting than spending an hour or two working away at the piano only to discover later that nothing has really been achieved. We’ve all done…
A few thoughts on Beethoven’s Für Elise
This small seemingly straightforward work has become such a favourite with pianists of all ages and abilities. It is perpetually at the top of the ‘must learn to play’ list. The piece is instantly recognisable from the first few notes. For many, Für Elise represents Beethoven (1770-1827). In reality, though, it holds scant importance when surveying…
20 Top Reasons to Play the Piano
Playing the piano is a fantastic hobby. There are copious benefits from the study of a musical instrument. Here are twenty reasons to encourage exploration of this truly wonderful pastime: 1. Music creates happiness. It is central to human health and, for many, human existence. To be given the chance to make music is vital because…
Absolute Articulation
I have spent much of the last month adjudicating at various amateur music festivals around the country. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable job; I get to visit all different parts of the UK, and also hear a wide variety of piano playing. Standards vary of course, from young, inexperienced beginners to incredibly accomplished performers. Whilst it’s…
To play Studies or not to play Studies – that is the question…
There has been much debate recently online as to whether technical exercises are important or not when learning to play the piano. These include comments here on my blog, as well as via my inbox, regarding the merits of playing and practising studies irrespective of the standard or level of the pianist. Many believe them…
10 Top Tips for Successful Piano Practice in 2014
As the year draws to a close, we tend naturally to reflect on the past twelve months, typically pondering various events, occasions and experiences. Although humans want and need to move forward, sometimes it’s also necessary to examine the past, searching for methods to improve and succeed in many areas of our lives. Certainly, professionally this can help…
Some thoughts on chordal playing in the Scottish Legend Op. 54 No. 1 by Amy Beach
I love highlighting female composers. Trinity College Exam Board’s Grade 8 syllabus has revealed a gem of a piece by the American pianist and composer Amy Beach. Beach (1867-1944) was the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music. Most of her compositions and performances appeared under the name of Mrs. H.H.A. Beach. A…
Comfortable Piano Playing
Piano technique is by no means an easy element to teach and it’s even more tricky to learn and assimilate properly. Few tutors teach it successfully, whether this is because they know little about it or possibly because they find it difficult to relay to pupils (it is!). A good tutor must be able to break…