Piano practice

Can You Become a Serious Pianist Without Becoming a Professional?

2026-10-04T08:22:50+01:00

Maybe learning piano has been on your bucket list for a while, and you are finally willing to take it seriously – does that mean you need to become a professional? There is a general assumption that being serious about a sport, profession or even hobby automatically means pursuing it professionally. As if there needs to be credibility in claiming, “I have started to take it seriously.” Many adult pianists have careers, families and other commitments but still want to become accomplished musicians. It is as though there are two unofficial boxes people can categorise you into: playing piano casually as [...]

Can You Become a Serious Pianist Without Becoming a Professional?2026-10-04T08:22:50+01:00

5 Essential Left-Hand Blues Riffs on the Piano

2026-09-11T11:47:08+01:00

Blues piano, especially solo blues, often involves turning your two hands into an entire band. This task can be daunting, as it involves assigning a lot of responsibility to your left hand, both in rhythmic and harmonic terms. Having a selection of riffs fluently learned in your left hand is essential in order to support the melodies your right hand will be playing. The good news is that, once you have a riff fluently in your left hand, you can then focus almost entirely on the right hand while the left hand provides the perfect engine to your tune. Here are [...]

5 Essential Left-Hand Blues Riffs on the Piano2026-09-11T11:47:08+01:00

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

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

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

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

How to practise the piano as a beginner

2021-03-01T10:39:48+00:00

Daily practice is essential Practising is essential if you wish to become a proficient pianist. Attending piano lessons plays certainly a large role in your piano education but it is not enough for you to make good progress. Lessons are offered for you to benefit from a wonderful guidance and structure, but your progress will principally take place during your personal practice sessions. If you wish to make your dream of becoming a proficient pianist become true, you must discipline yourself and dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to your piano playing, to start with. The amount of time spent [...]

How to practise the piano as a beginner2021-03-01T10:39:48+00:00

8 Reasons why you need to practice your piano scales daily

2021-03-02T11:44:45+00:00

REASON 1: Practising your scales will develop your musical technique and finger-ability on the piano There is no arguing about the fact that the world’s greatest pianists practised scales on a daily basis in order to develop superb technique. Paderewski, one of the most renowned pianists and once Prime Minister of Poland had an (approx.) twelve-hour daily workout of scales, arpeggios and various other exercises. He also started piano at a late age. Proving that YOU can learn and become great at any age! Paderewski studied under master pianist Leschetizky, who made ABSOLUTELY sure Paderewski practised and practised and practised some [...]

8 Reasons why you need to practice your piano scales daily2021-03-02T11:44:45+00:00
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