The bridge between classical and jazz piano

2021-10-18T15:47:12+01:00

I am a classically trained pianist who was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival and decided to move to jazz soon after this unique experience. I was 23 years old and had finished my piano studies in Paris before travelling to Switzerland to hone my skills. I was preparing for a number of international piano competitions when I realised I had reached a plateau. Finding performing chances was difficult, and I wasn't sure which door to open next. I was still rehearsing various pieces of classical repertoire on a regular basis, but I didn't have anything to look forward [...]

The bridge between classical and jazz piano2021-10-18T15:47:12+01:00

This race against the clock will kill your piano playing

2021-10-01T10:32:14+01:00

Some adults begin their piano studies with the intention of completing it quickly. They do not begin because they are enthusiastic about playing the piano and want to incorporate this wonderful activity into their lives. They begin piano lessons as soon as possible in order to achieve their goal and cross it off their bucket list. I have met a few adults with this mindset who told me right away that they were going to give it a year. They wanted to quickly master piano playing so they could move on to something else. It had to be done as we [...]

This race against the clock will kill your piano playing2021-10-01T10:32:14+01:00

The importance of discipline and consistency in piano playing

2021-09-07T14:03:05+01:00

Consistency is key. You might have heard or read this sentence several times. You surely understand its meaning and you surely agree with it. You might or might not apply it in your daily life but did you know that these essential principles which are discipline and consistency apply to piano playing too? Throughout my career as a piano teacher, I have met several men and women who were extremely disciplined in some aspects of their life. I did not specifically discuss the subject with them but I could see that they were successful and that a good amount of effort [...]

The importance of discipline and consistency in piano playing2021-09-07T14:03:05+01:00

Should you or should you not learn how to play the piano as an adult?

2021-04-28T15:12:28+01:00

It is a well-known question that many adults have in mind: “Should I or shouldn’t I learn how to play the piano?” You are 30, 40, 50 or even 60 years old and you wonder if it makes any sense to start learning how to play or get back to it after stopping your education in your early 20s. Many adults contemplate the idea of returning to piano playing or embarking on a piano journey but only a few take the plunge. It is a shame, especially as it is based on unfounded beliefs, doubts and uncertainties. Some have played in [...]

Should you or should you not learn how to play the piano as an adult?2021-04-28T15:12:28+01:00

Playing faster slowly

2021-04-21T20:10:46+01:00

I hate running. Whenever I do it, it never feels natural and when I run, I feel ungraceful and run like a cow- it can move quickly but it just doesn't look coordinated. The only bit I like about running is the bit afterwards when I get to take a bath! But you know, running is something I always wished I was better at. So enter a great book called, "80/20 running". In it, the author explains that the majority of people who run are moving too fast. When we run at too high an intensity, the body does not have [...]

Playing faster slowly2021-04-21T20:10:46+01:00

Sight reading fitness

2021-06-24T18:58:01+01:00

Today I was reviewing my sight-reading ability with Celine, from S & C Music. Amongst her advice, she gave some sage guidance: "sight-reading is the most important educational skill to learn when it comes to playing the piano because it empowers you to understand and play music faster." Imagine preparing to read a speech in your native language. As you are comfortable with the words and grammar, you can remember the address's content quickly, and you can then focus on quality delivery and how it sounds. You may even be able to read the speech once and remember the essence of [...]

Sight reading fitness2021-06-24T18:58:01+01:00

Trying to be perfect

2021-03-10T13:42:32+00:00

I was watching a terrific movie the other day "Whiplash". If you haven't seen it its a great film about an ambitious jazz drummer and his intense abusive music teacher, Terence Fletcher, pushing him (uncomfortably) to the edge to be better. At one point he even throws a chair at his head when he misplays! At one point, Terence says "there are no two words more harmful in the English Language than 'good job'. His point being that hearing this word stops you driving to improve. Let me say straight away that I'm not advocating the idea of abuse or throwing [...]

Trying to be perfect2021-03-10T13:42:32+00:00

How to structure your piano practice

2021-03-01T10:43:46+00:00

The first thing, before structuring your piano practice is to recognise the importance of practising your instrument. Why practise? Or even structure your practice time? Firstly: Reasons are quite logical but still important to recognise because, without consistent practice and diligence, you probably will stop before reaching that long-desired dream to play or perform a beautiful song or that classical piece that you love - be it Mozart’s Turkish Rhapsody or Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata or Debussy's Clair de Lune or the jazz classic called Autumn Leaves. Secondly: There is the important need for finger technique and skills needed to [...]

How to structure your piano practice2021-03-01T10:43:46+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
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