Piano Education

Teaching Phrasing in Music: Techniques and Insights

2024-11-19T11:47:06+00:00

Phrasing in music refers to the way a musician shapes a sequence of notes to convey expression, much like how a speaker modulates voice to emphasise meaning in language. Understanding phrasing is fundamental to musicality; it turns notes on a page into a compelling narrative. This article will explore methods for teaching phrasing, drawing from concepts like thwarted expectations, trajectory in Brahms' Op. 118, the use of singing as a practise method, phrasing in Chopin, playing Schubert like a singer, and techniques for handling rests and long notes. 1. Understanding Thwarted Expectations in Phrasing Teaching phrasing often begins with understanding [...]

Teaching Phrasing in Music: Techniques and Insights2024-11-19T11:47:06+00:00

The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool

2023-04-05T20:33:34+01:00

Music is often considered to be the language of the soul. It has the power to move us emotionally, intellectually, and even spiritually. Music can be therapeutic, and its use as a tool for healing has been recognised since ancient times. Music therapy is a form of expressive therapy that involves using music to improve a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Music therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals suffering from a wide range of health issues, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and addiction. It has also been used to help individuals with developmental disabilities, such [...]

The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool2023-04-05T20:33:34+01:00

Classical Music VS Modern Music

2023-03-16T08:55:09+00:00

Classical music and modern music are two very different genres that have evolved over time, each with their own unique characteristics. Classical music is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and intellectual pursuits, whilst modern music is often characterised by energy, simplicity, and emotion. One of the most significant differences between classical music and modern music is their instrumentation. Classical music is often performed by a full orchestra, consisting of various instruments, each with its own unique sound and role to help produce the overall desired result. The use of acoustic instruments creates a warm and natural sound that many people find [...]

Classical Music VS Modern Music2023-03-16T08:55:09+00:00

A Journey Through the Musical Ages

2023-01-03T21:17:02+00:00

You may notice that when you play the piano different pieces have certain characteristics. This will have something to do with the time period that it was written in. Music has five main eras, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modernist; today, we are going to travel in time and discover the beauty of each period. The Renaissance period (1400-1600) was ruled by composers from the likes of William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and Claudio Monteverdi. Interestingly, Byrd and Tallis were the first composers to ever be granted a patent to print and publish music meanwhile Monteverdi was the first opera composer who’s [...]

A Journey Through the Musical Ages2023-01-03T21:17:02+00:00

Sound as a central aspect of music making

2021-06-24T19:18:50+01:00

Absolutely everything produces sound. Traffic, speaking, waterfalls, cash machines... and my personal favourite, people playing instruments and people singing. Sound is defined as “vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s ear”. From my experience we take sound for granted. I am quite certain that the majority of us does not hear a sound and think “that is a traveling vibration”. Music, having sound production in its essence, is perhaps the most abstract of arts - we can not see it, touch it, it enters our ears and the rest happens [...]

Sound as a central aspect of music making2021-06-24T19:18:50+01:00

Why it is essential for adults to learn how to read music properly

2021-03-01T10:46:49+00:00

“Obtaining a perfect knowledge of the vocabulary used in music is essential if you do not always want to struggle with your piano playing. Reading music is an ESSENTIAL and SERIOUS tool that will help you progress to the next level of your piano playing.” (Celine-Gaurier Joubert in Note Reading) “Learning to read music can be one of the best ways to train your brain but it can also have a huge impact on other areas of your life, like confidence and fitness (trust us)” Classical FM 4th of September 2018 If you as an adult endeavour to learn to play [...]

Why it is essential for adults to learn how to read music properly2021-03-01T10:46:49+00:00

Improving your skills as a serious amateur pianist in London

2021-03-01T10:41:07+00:00

Celine Gaurier-Joubert shares her wisdom and expertise to help you improve your piano playing as a serious amateur pianist in London! Improving your skills #1 – What to do when you feel that you are unable to improve further after reaching a certain level of musicality At The London Piano Institute, we have met hundreds of amateur pianists who felt in need of benefiting from the expert advice of a professional pianist as they could not find the way to improve on their own anymore. They felt as they were facing a wall. Many adult amateur pianists are in this situation, [...]

Improving your skills as a serious amateur pianist in London2021-03-01T10:41:07+00:00

I have never played before should I be concerned about learning the piano as a beginner?

2021-03-01T10:11:18+00:00

That is an excellent question, and I understand why you are asking it. It 's okay to be concerned, especially when learning how to play the piano as an adult beginner. Along with all the false myths and beliefs, adults are prone to self-doubt and unrealistic fears. The truth is that you will definitely be able to play the piano. You will definitely be able to make all your dreams come true. But it will require a willingness to study and practice consistently on a daily basis. We always recommend beginners to practice at least 15 minutes a day for six [...]

I have never played before should I be concerned about learning the piano as a beginner?2021-03-01T10:11:18+00:00

Why you need an excellent piano mentor and teacher

2021-03-01T10:09:05+00:00

It starts with the first step... The Chinese philosopher Laozi wisely said: “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Learning how to play the piano is a wonderful journey, however, it is not always an easy journey. On the way to becoming the pianist that you have always dreamed of, you might encounter moments of intense frustration and despair. It is all part of the journey and if you persist you will eventually reach your goal and the price that you have paid in terms of time and effort will be well worth it. You will reap [...]

Why you need an excellent piano mentor and teacher2021-03-01T10:09:05+00:00

The 10 secrets of sight reading

2021-03-01T10:05:17+00:00

Like so many pianists who play for their own pleasure, you might think that your sight-reading is appalling and that you are terrible at it. To be honest, you don't even want to speak about it!!! I have a SIGNIFICANT REVELATION for you: sight-reading is not more complex or mysterious than anything else. You simply need to know and learn how to proceed to become “proficient in the art of sight-reading”. Here are the 10 Secrets of Sight Reading 1. Firstly, have a look at the general idea of the score. You can quickly get a grasp of the difficulties that may occur while playing the piece and of the general layout of the piece. Then, look at the tempo, time signature, key, change of time signature/tempo. [...]

The 10 secrets of sight reading2021-03-01T10:05:17+00:00
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