adult piano lessons

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

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

How to Play Softer in Piano Playing

2026-06-29T06:58:57+01:00

Recently, many students have asked me the same question: “Why is it so difficult to play softly on an acoustic piano?” Interestingly, most of these students have spent years practising mainly on digital pianos. Their fingers are agile, their rhythm is stable, and they can produce clear sound quite easily. Yet when they sit at an acoustic piano — especially during lessons, examinations or performances — the sound suddenly becomes louder, harder and more tense than they expect. Soft Playing Is Not Weak Playing Playing softly is one of the most misunderstood skills in piano playing. Many people assume that softness [...]

How to Play Softer in Piano Playing2026-06-29T06:58:57+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

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

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

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

From Hesitation to Distinction: Keith’s Inspiring Adult Piano Journey

2026-04-13T11:08:24+01:00

When Keith resumed piano lessons in 2022 after a long break, he never imagined he’d one day achieve a Grade 8 Distinction.In this heartfelt and insightful interview, Keith shares his journey from self-doubt to success—reflecting on the challenges, breakthroughs, and joyful moments that shaped his musical growth.What began with modest goals has become a true testament to the power of dedication, expert guidance, and a renewed love for the piano.Stefan: Keith, congratulations on your distinction! How did it feel when you received the news?Thank you very much! At first I felt relieved – the results took a few weeks to arrive, [...]

From Hesitation to Distinction: Keith’s Inspiring Adult Piano Journey2026-04-13T11:08:24+01:00
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