Piano Practise

How to Build Confidence When Performing in Front of Others

2026-08-03T13:20:28+01:00

Recently many students have reflected, “I can play those pieces perfectly at home, but it's awful when I play in front of you.” As a piano teacher, I hear this almost every week. Students often leave the lesson feeling frustrated, believing that they have suddenly becoame a worse pianist simply because someone was listening. In reality, this experience is not a sign that you cannot play the piece. Instead, it is a completely natural part of learning to perform. The first step towards building confidence is to change how we interpret these moments. Rather than seeing them as failures, we should [...]

How to Build Confidence When Performing in Front of Others2026-08-03T13:20:28+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

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

Pianos vs Keyboards: What Is the Difference?

2026-06-08T15:03:42+01:00

Owning a keyboard or a piano, especially a grand piano, is an investment that requires both space and money. Aspiring pianists should always have one in order to keep up a solid practice regime, but some find the offerings of keyboards to be underwhelming compared to the real thing. While owning a Steinway concert grand piano is an unrealistic expectation for most, you can still get yourself a fit-for-purpose setup that allows you to improve your skills and entertain home audiences effectively! Here I will outline the pros and cons of each option, and the possibilities presented by each. Price A [...]

Pianos vs Keyboards: What Is the Difference?2026-06-08T15:03:42+01:00

The Best Exercises to Improve Your Jazz Piano Playing

2026-05-13T08:50:31+01:00

Jazz piano can take years to develop fluency on. A combination of perseverance and varied approach is essential to gain the skills you need to become an expressive improviser. Regular practice in different formats is also required, giving you healthy doses of individual improvement and experience in group situations. Here are the best ways to individually practice and improve your jazz piano skills. Scales Scales are an important part of learning any pitched instrument, both for the purposes of technique and key-based language. It is essential to know the scales related to any key you are playing in. A good [...]

The Best Exercises to Improve Your Jazz Piano Playing2026-05-13T08:50:31+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

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

The Lesson You Almost Skipped: Why Showing Up Changes Everything

2026-02-19T16:29:11+00:00

Recently, several of my beginner piano students have mentioned that they feel unprepared for their lesson, yet I gently encourage them to attend all the same. It is a conversation that happens more often than you might imagine. A student sends a message apologetically: “I didn’t practise enough this week. I don’t think I should come.” Behind those words is usually a mixture of guilt, embarrassment and a quiet fear of being judged. As a teacher, however, I see something very different. I see a crucial moment in their musical development. Especially as a beginner, attending your regular weekly lesson [...]

The Lesson You Almost Skipped: Why Showing Up Changes Everything2026-02-19T16:29:11+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

A Pianist’s Guide to Intentional Growth in 2026

2026-01-21T14:12:45+00:00

I once heard the phrase: If you are not intentionally growing, you are not growing at all. At first, I was confused. I was under the impression that this was common knowledge. No one accidentally becomes a billionaire or a professional basketball player; success comes through consistent effort and hard work. Yet, over time, my eyes were opened to the deeper meaning behind what I had initially thought was obvious. Many people assume they are growing when, in reality, they are not. Everyone wants to improve at something, whether it is managing emotions, excelling in sport, progressing academically, or developing a [...]

A Pianist’s Guide to Intentional Growth in 20262026-01-21T14:12:45+00:00
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