Piano phrasing

Why Every Pianist Should Study Kind of Blue

2026-10-04T08:34:42+01:00

Photo credit: “Kind of Blue” album cover by Miles Davis. © Columbia Records. Source: Official Miles Davis website. Used for editorial commentary. There are albums that belong to a particular genre, and then there are albums that seem to transcend genre altogether. Miles Davis’s ‘Kind of Blue’, released in 1959, is one of the latter. Widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz recordings ever made, it has inspired generations of musicians with its remarkable combination of simplicity, freedom and sophistication. For pianists in particular, ‘Kind of Blue’ offers an extraordinary musical education. Its lessons extend far beyond [...]

Why Every Pianist Should Study Kind of Blue2026-10-04T08:34:42+01:00

Phrasing in Piano Playing and How to Beautifully Play the Two-Note Phrase

2025-10-27T12:23:23+00:00

Phrasing in piano sheet music is indicated by a long curving line over a group of notes. These notes normally form a melodic line that one can compare with a sentence you speak. For example, let's think about someone asking you a question and then you answer it. Maybe you are asked: ‘How are you doing today?’ The five words here will all be grouped under one phrase mark. Then the answer to the question would probably be something like: ‘I am very well today, thank you’ forming another phrase. Why Are There Phrases Marked in My Sheet Music? As in [...]

Phrasing in Piano Playing and How to Beautifully Play the Two-Note Phrase2025-10-27T12:23:23+00:00

French vs Russian Pedagogical Schools: Stylistic Influence on Tone Production and Phrasing

2025-06-20T12:53:03+01:00

The world of piano playing is as diverse as it is rich. Among the many pedagogical traditions that have shaped generations of pianists, two stand out for their distinct approaches to tone production and phrasing: the French School and the Russian School. Each offers a unique philosophy of sound and musical expression, rooted in different cultural, historical, and artistic contexts. Understanding these differences is not merely an academic exercise—it informs how pianists interpret music, approach technique, and develop their own artistic voice. In this article, I will draw upon personal teaching experience, historical knowledge, and insights from contemporary pedagogy to explore [...]

French vs Russian Pedagogical Schools: Stylistic Influence on Tone Production and Phrasing2025-06-20T12:53:03+01:00
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