Piano Performance

Piano for Adults: A Beginner’s Guide

2026-03-04T16:04:12+00:00

It is never too late to begin learning the piano. Learning to play the piano takes time, and many adults fall into the same pattern of thinking: “I’m too old,” or “I should have started when I was younger — it’s too late now.” It isn’t too late. In fact, adult beginners often have distinct advantages when it comes to discipline, emotional maturity, focus, and motivation. Adults frequently progress efficiently due to their clarity of purpose and structured approach. While children may have the advantage of time, adults can make meaningful and fulfilling progress at the piano with the right [...]

Piano for Adults: A Beginner’s Guide2026-03-04T16:04:12+00:00

Piano Music Picks Across Genres

2026-02-25T15:12:09+00:00

Listening is one of the most overlooked aspects of piano development. Students often focus understandably on technique, sight-reading and repertoire preparation, yet forget that the ear is the true guide of musical refinement. What you listen to shapes how you phrase, how you balance tone, and how you understand style. At the London Piano Institute, we encourage our students not only to practise thoughtfully, but to listen actively. Below is a curated selection of piano music across genres — classical, jazz, contemporary and film — with notes on what each can teach you as a developing pianist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvNsPyp5O2I Classical Depth: Frédéric [...]

Piano Music Picks Across Genres2026-02-25T15:12:09+00:00

One Piano Many Roles in Ensemble Performance

2026-02-13T13:49:20+00:00

You may be familiar with the many styles of piano music, but the ways in which pianists perform extend far beyond style alone. The piano is one of the most versatile instruments, functioning equally convincingly as a solo voice, a collaborative partner in small ensembles, and a powerful presence within large ensembles and orchestras. Each performance context places different technical, musical, and collaborative demands on the pianist. Understanding ensemble size is therefore essential, not only for repertoire selection, but for developing the skills required to communicate, listen, and lead effectively in each setting. This article explores the main types of musical [...]

One Piano Many Roles in Ensemble Performance2026-02-13T13:49:20+00:00

Why Pianists Must Be Trained to Think Not Just Play

2026-02-12T14:14:51+00:00

Sometimes we forget that there is more to piano than simply playing the notes. A common misconception among pianists is that piano training equals technical mastery. Of course, piano training is a fundamental building block, however, the value of technique has its limits. In the modern technological landscape, machines and artificial intelligence are increasingly capable of reproducing piano performances with remarkable technical accuracy. While many scholars and musicians acknowledge that technological advancement will continue to influence and reshape the music industry, there is broad agreement that it cannot replace the musician. Unlike human performers, artificial intelligence lacks the capacity for musical [...]

Why Pianists Must Be Trained to Think Not Just Play2026-02-12T14:14:51+00:00

Tips for Accompanying Singers or Other Instrumentalists

2025-05-29T14:02:59+01:00

Accompanying singers and instrumentalists is a vital skill for any serious pianist. It demands more than mere technical proficiency; it calls for attentive listening, sensitivity, and a strong sense of collaboration. A successful accompanist does not simply play alongside another musician — they support, enhance, and often subtly lead the performance without ever overshadowing their partner. In this article, we explore essential tips for pianists who aspire to accompany with confidence and artistry. 1. Understand Your Role First and foremost, recognise that as an accompanist, your role is to serve the music and support the soloist. Your task is to provide [...]

Tips for Accompanying Singers or Other Instrumentalists2025-05-29T14:02:59+01:00

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist

2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Gigs are the source of the most thrill in what we do as musicians. Playing an intimate gig to a small room of people, or a pounding set on a festival stage, can provide lasting memories for us. For jazz pianists, the former is usually the case, but this can come with its own challenges. In this article I’m going to outline some of the things you should be ready for on a live gig, and how to prepare for them. Live gigs can have you playing in numerous line-ups, all of which require different preparation. You may be playing a [...]

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide

2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

Learning jazz piano is a process that takes hundreds of hours of practise. Gaining an affinity with all of the necessary chords, scales, language and tunes can have you marinating in a practise room for a long time before you start feeling like you are playing fluently in your own style. However, there have been countless musicians who have become adept at jamming to backing tracks, or playing solo in a way that they are satisfied with, who have found themselves lost when they reach the bandstand. In reality, no matter how many hours you put into honing your craft alone, [...]

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

15 Piano Pieces Suitable for Concert Performance

2024-04-15T21:54:59+01:00

Introduction In this curated list, we present 15 piano pieces perfectly suited for concert performance. These selections are divided into five distinct categories, each offering its own unique musical journey: Deceptively Difficult Yet Accessible Pieces Slow and Beautiful Compositions Majestic and Dramatic Works Virtuosic and Fast-Paced Compositions Jazz-Inspired Pieces Each masterpiece promises a delightful auditory experience. Be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty and artistry of these incredible compositions! Category One: Deceptively Difficult Yet Accessible Pieces These pieces by Sibelius, Grieg, and Ravel may appear challenging but are remarkably accessible to intermediate pianists. They offer gorgeous melodies and expressive [...]

15 Piano Pieces Suitable for Concert Performance2024-04-15T21:54:59+01:00

Piano Performance: Overcome Your Stage Fright

2024-03-26T10:03:17+00:00

Stage fright should not hinder one from performing in front of an audience. Yet it is very much a reality. Did you know there are ways to help overcome it? Brief Background on Public Piano Performances and How Technology Changed them The first ever public piano concert in history was performed by Johann Christian Bach in 1768, London. J.C Bach is the youngest son of the well known J.S. Bach. This public performance was the start of many of its kind. J.C. Bach, like his father, was a very gifted musician and composed many works during his life. The Opera became [...]

Piano Performance: Overcome Your Stage Fright2024-03-26T10:03:17+00:00

What Is Perfect Pitch?

2023-03-16T08:54:12+00:00

Most people have heard of the wonders of perfect pitch. But what exactly is it? Is it an innate ability? Can you learn it over time? Follow this article for an answer to all of your questions. Perfect pitch is considered a highly sought-after skill in the music industry, as it allows musicians to instantly identify and produce any musical note without the need for a reference. Musicians with perfect pitch are able to instantly recognise notes and chords, making it easier for them to compose, improvise, and transcribe music. They can also identify and correct pitch errors in their own [...]

What Is Perfect Pitch?2023-03-16T08:54:12+00:00
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