ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Arwen

About Arwen

Arwen, originally from South Africa, is a dedicated piano enthusiast with a deep passion for the instrument. Alongside her musical interests, she is pursuing studies in marketing, where she enjoys engaging in creative projects!

How Adult Pianists Can Tell If They Are Actually Improving

2026-08-25T12:49:25+01:00

Have you ever wondered whether your piano playing is genuinely improving? Have you reached a learning plateau, or have your skills simply stopped developing? Learning the piano as an adult is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be frustrating, particularly when it feels as though you have little progress to show for your efforts. As you become more experienced, it often becomes increasingly difficult to recognise whether you are still improving. Before becoming discouraged, it is important to distinguish between two very different situations. The first is a learning plateau, which is a completely natural part of mastering any skill. During [...]

How Adult Pianists Can Tell If They Are Actually Improving2026-08-25T12:49:25+01:00

7 Qualities That Make a Pianist Sound Professional

2026-08-17T10:05:21+01:00

Have you ever listened to a piano performance so captivating that you could only dream of reaching that level? What is it that makes one pianist sound undeniably more professional than another? To state the obvious, the more skilled you become at the piano, the better you are likely to sound. However, even as your technical ability improves, your performances may still sound fundamentally the same, only with more complex notes and melodies. Developing technical skills alone is not enough. There are several crucial qualities that contribute to a polished, expressive and convincing performance. Professional playing is about far more than [...]

7 Qualities That Make a Pianist Sound Professional2026-08-17T10:05:21+01:00

Returning to the Piano After 10 Plus Years: What to Expect

2026-07-22T12:55:00+01:00

Returning to an instrument you once had such a passion for is definitely a humbling experience, but what can you expect? Many adults find themselves wanting to pick up playing the piano again, even if the last time they played the piano was many years ago. It can easily be overwhelming trying to continue where you left off, since you will probably have to start over again in some aspects. Does muscle memory still apply after more than 10 years away from the piano? The purpose of this article is to outline and discuss what you can typically expect when returning [...]

Returning to the Piano After 10 Plus Years: What to Expect2026-07-22T12:55:00+01:00

Pianos Unlike Any You’ve Seen Before

2026-06-30T15:28:13+01:00

Many are familiar with the standard upright or classic grand piano, but did you know the piano does not just come in those two shapes and forms? For decades, designers and engineers have pushed the limits of how pianos are created and customised. Modern technology has made it possible to push boundaries and redefine artistry, resulting in some truly fascinating instruments. While some of these pianos have been designed to improve the playing experience, others exist simply to make a bold visual statement or fulfil a specific purpose. Whether it is a piano built for outdoor use, one made entirely from [...]

Pianos Unlike Any You’ve Seen Before2026-06-30T15:28:13+01:00

Why Consistency Matters More Than Talent in Piano

2026-07-05T13:31:36+01:00

“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,” a quote by Kevin Durant. Growing up, I was told that you will never be able to be as good as someone possessing the natural talent and ability for a skill. And although it might be true to an extent, I started using it to justify not trying new things or whenever I fail in something. Bad grades? It must be because I am not naturally smart. Terrible pianist? It is probably because I do not have the talent for it. These thoughts tend to lower your standards and expectations of [...]

Why Consistency Matters More Than Talent in Piano2026-07-05T13:31:36+01:00

ABRSM vs Trinity College London: Which Music Exam Board Is Better?

2026-06-15T13:22:03+01:00

Deciding between exam boards is the first step to approaching a music diploma and taking your piano skills beyond playing “just for fun” – yet many students feel overwhelmed by the confusion surrounding which exam board to choose. While several other internationally accredited boards provide structured graded exams and diplomas, ABRSM and Trinity College London are the most globally recognised. Others like Rockschool, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Australian Music Examinations Board, etc. are also widely acknowledged, but may not offer the same level of international standardisation and global recognition. There is still ongoing debate among students over whether ABRSM or [...]

ABRSM vs Trinity College London: Which Music Exam Board Is Better?2026-06-15T13:22:03+01:00

Overcoming the Psychological Barriers of Learning Piano as an Adult

2026-05-18T10:29:15+01:00

Never has anyone who achieved challenging tasks said it was easy. So why do we expect comfort when venturing more into the unknown? The reality is that growth rarely happens within the boundaries of what feels safe or familiar. Learning something as complex and expressive as the piano naturally comes with moments of discomfort, uncertainty, and even self-doubt. A wonderful fact about piano is that there are no age restrictions as to when you can learn it. Many adults later in their life are drawn to learning the instrument, even if they have had no prior musical experience at all. In [...]

Overcoming the Psychological Barriers of Learning Piano as an Adult2026-05-18T10:29:15+01:00

Why Personalised Piano Lessons Matter More Than Ever

2026-05-15T11:37:47+01:00

These days, people want to make sure they receive the best possible education when learning something new — and piano is no exception. Traditional approaches often fail to meet the individual needs of adult students, while personalised piano lessons offer a more effective and enjoyable path. They are generally considered better for progress, skills development, and correcting bad habits. In today’s fast-paced world, tailored piano tuition matters more than ever because it respects time, goals, and individual learning styles. This article will explore the benefits and importance of personalised piano lessons. The Benefits of Personalised Piano Lessons Specifically Tailored to Your [...]

Why Personalised Piano Lessons Matter More Than Ever2026-05-15T11:37:47+01:00

Is It Ever Too Late to Learn the Piano? A Guide for Adult Beginners

2026-04-21T15:24:53+01:00

Many adults believe they’ve missed their chance to learn an instrument. But is age really a barrier to learning the piano, or just a myth we tell ourselves? Growing up, I was often told that I was too old to start a new skill. When I was in year 7, I started doing gymnastics. Even at that young age, I was told I had missed my ‘golden years’ of gymnastics because I started too late. The same thing happened in other aspects of my life, leading me to believe that age is a limiting factor to learning something new. Many [...]

Is It Ever Too Late to Learn the Piano? A Guide for Adult Beginners2026-04-21T15:24:53+01:00

Can You Learn Piano While Working Full-Time in London?

2026-04-06T08:24:34+01:00

Demanding corporate schedules, back-to-back meetings, and never-ending work to-do lists – can piano fit into this busy lifestyle? As adults, the reality is: working full-time jobs limits our time for hobbies and recreational activities. After a full day of work, most people want to relax rather than think about practising the piano. London’s working culture usually involves 9–5 schedules, or sometimes longer, for most people. It is fast-paced, polite, and increasingly hybrid, blending professionalism with a strong focus on work-life balance and social interaction. People know how to work hard, but also know when to take a break and make the [...]

Can You Learn Piano While Working Full-Time in London?2026-04-06T08:24:34+01:00
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