Piano technique

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

The Left Hand in Piano Music: The Unsung Hero of the Keyboard

2025-08-26T13:22:38+01:00

When audiences watch a pianist perform, attention naturally falls upon the right hand as it spins out melodies in the treble register. Yet, the left hand is far from a mere accompanist. It anchors harmony, sculpts rhythm, and often carries expressive weight equal to, or greater than, the right. From the thunderous bass of Beethoven’s sonatas to the subtle, shifting colours of Debussy’s impressionism, the left hand has played a decisive role in shaping the piano’s voice. To overlook it is to miss half the story of pianism. Historical Context In the early eighteenth century, when the piano was still in [...]

The Left Hand in Piano Music: The Unsung Hero of the Keyboard2025-08-26T13:22:38+01:00

What No One Tells You About Learning Piano

2025-04-02T10:38:50+01:00

“Piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn.” Every pianist has heard this before.Even though piano is a beginner friendly instrument, the more you advance the more you realise how difficult it really is. Most people will only tell you about the easy things, yet are reluctant to talk about the hard parts. The phrase implies that piano is not a hard instrument to tackle, but could not be farther from the truth for more advanced pianists. What the phrase actually means is that learning piano is easier than other instruments due to the fact that when you press a [...]

What No One Tells You About Learning Piano2025-04-02T10:38:50+01:00

Piano Voicing Strategy: Make Your Melody Sing With This Easy Practise Technique

2025-03-24T11:49:47+00:00

One of the most crucial elements of expressive piano playing is voicing—the art of making a melody stand out clearly above the accompaniment. Whether you're playing classical pieces, jazz improvisations, or pop arrangements, voicing helps create a more natural, vocal-like quality in your playing. Without proper voicing, even the most beautiful melodies can get lost within the harmonic texture, making the performance sound muddy or unclear. Imagine a singer performing a song. The melody is what captivates the audience, while the harmonies and accompaniment provide support. In the same way, pianists must ensure that the melody is always the star, supported [...]

Piano Voicing Strategy: Make Your Melody Sing With This Easy Practise Technique2025-03-24T11:49:47+00:00

Instantly Improve Your Thumb Technique with These Tips

2024-10-17T12:22:47+01:00

Mastering thumb technique is essential for pianists to achieve control, fluidity, and a dynamic range in their playing. The thumb plays a pivotal role in connecting phrases, transitioning between notes, and enabling smooth passagework, particularly in scales, arpeggios, and chord transitions. While it might seem like the thumb should naturally fall into place, many pianists struggle with "the thumb problem," an issue rooted in anatomy, dexterity, and coordination. This article will explore tips for instantly improving your thumb technique, drawing insights from several renowned teachers and pianists. https://youtu.be/wgTnvNsgQIg?si=_KNlEee3Az5z-Ot1&t=94 1: The Anatomy and Shape of the Thumb: The 'O' Shape with Boris [...]

Instantly Improve Your Thumb Technique with These Tips2024-10-17T12:22:47+01:00

How to Play Piano by Ear: Developing Your Listening Skills

2024-09-04T16:58:23+01:00

Learning to play the piano by ear is a valuable skill that can enhance your musical abilities, allowing you to play songs without relying on sheet music.While some musicians are naturally gifted with the ability to pick up tunes by ear, this skill can be developed and honed with practice and dedication.In this article, we'll explore the steps and strategies you can use to start playing the piano by ear, helping you develop a deeper connection with music and increasing your overall musicianship.1. Understanding What It Means to Play by EarPlaying by ear involves listening to a piece of music and [...]

How to Play Piano by Ear: Developing Your Listening Skills2024-09-04T16:58:23+01:00

Back to Basics with Your Piano Playing!

2024-06-24T16:45:05+01:00

As a pianist, whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional, it's essential to revisit the fundamental skills and techniques that underpin your playing. Take a step back and get back to basics with your piano playing—it's the perfect way to revitalise your practice and take your playing to new heights! Why Go Back to Basics? Even experienced pianists can benefit from going back to basics. Revisiting fundamental skills and techniques offers a multitude of advantages, ensuring continuous growth and development as a musician: Refine Your Technique and Eliminate Bad Habits Over time, even seasoned pianists can develop subtle bad [...]

Back to Basics with Your Piano Playing!2024-06-24T16:45:05+01:00

Interview with Xinyue – Oct 2023

2023-10-19T12:32:37+01:00

About Xinyue Xinyue, a renowned classical piano teacher at London Piano Institute, brings over a decade of experience, remarkable skills, and awards to inspire students. Stefan Joubert: When did you start playing the piano and why? Xinyue: I started playing the piano at the age of 4. My parents quickly noticed my fascination with the piano. They saw that I had an ear for music and an unusual sense of rhythm for my age. They decided to nurture my budding talent by enrolling me in piano lessons. Stefan Joubert: What is your worst memory as a piano student? Xinyue: It [...]

Interview with Xinyue – Oct 20232023-10-19T12:32:37+01:00

Interview with Xinyue – Aug 2023

2023-08-08T21:09:36+01:00

About Xinyue Xinyue, a renowned classical piano teacher at London Piano Institute, brings over a decade of experience, remarkable skills, and awards to inspire students. Stefan Joubert: How do you deal with technical difficulties? Xinyue: I employ several strategies to overcome challenges and improve my skills: 1: Isolate the Problem: When facing a technical issue in a specific passage or technique, I isolate that section and practice it separately from the rest of the piece. Focusing on the problem area allows me to address it more effectively. 2: Practice Rhythmic Variations: To enhance my rhythmic control, I experiment with different [...]

Interview with Xinyue – Aug 20232023-08-08T21:09:36+01:00

The Importance Of Understanding And Interpreting Your Piano Music

2023-01-03T21:18:09+00:00

As a musician, learning how to play the piano is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. But, simply being able to play the notes on the page is not enough – it is equally important to understand and interpret the music you are performing. Understanding and interpreting your piano music allows you to bring your own unique flair and personality to a piece, and helps you to connect with the music on a deeper level. So, What Does It Mean To Understand And Interpret Piano Music? To understand a piece of music, you need to have a basic knowledge of its structure [...]

The Importance Of Understanding And Interpreting Your Piano Music2023-01-03T21:18:09+00:00
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