Piano techniques

The Difference Between Legato, Staccato, and Portamento in Piano Playing

2026-01-18T09:53:28+00:00

Most students, when starting to play the piano, have no idea about legato playing or staccato playing. When a student starts to learn, all these concepts are new. Legato playing is a very fundamental and important part of piano playing and you have to have a good grip on what legato really is, how it sounds and how to execute it. Staccato is in a sense the opposite of legato playing and is clearly indicated with small dots placed on top of notes on your score. is playing notes with a very short sound. The note is not kept down. You [...]

The Difference Between Legato, Staccato, and Portamento in Piano Playing2026-01-18T09:53:28+00:00

A Pianist’s Guide to Effective Warm-Ups

2025-12-29T09:47:24+00:00

If you’re reading this article you could be either of two types of pianists during a warm-up: someone who always warms up but never knows whether it's effective or not. Or someone who skips it entirely because they don't think it's necessary or know how to approach it. An effective warm-up is the key to any successful practise session. My music teacher always told me that the way you warm-up is a foreshadowing of how well the rest of the practise will look like. Now although it might not always be the case, I still fully believe her words prove true [...]

A Pianist’s Guide to Effective Warm-Ups2025-12-29T09:47:24+00:00

How Rotation Immediately Changes Your Piano Playing

2025-09-24T16:26:26+01:00

When pianists begin their training, much attention is usually placed on finger strength, scales, and the ability to move the hands independently. These skills are important, but they can never fully compensate for one essential movement that underpins healthy, expressive, and fluent piano playing: rotation. The act of rotating the forearm, even in the smallest degree, immediately alters tone, control, and ease at the keyboard. It is a technical principle that, once understood, can transform your entire approach from the very first attempt. This article explains why rotation is such a powerful concept in piano playing, how it functions anatomically, what [...]

How Rotation Immediately Changes Your Piano Playing2025-09-24T16:26:26+01:00

Things Every Beginner Pianist Falls Prey To

2025-04-30T08:04:18+01:00

I used to think learning the piano was just about playing all the right notes— boy, was I wrong. Most pianists cringe a little when they mention they play piano—because without fail, someone will ask them to play Für Elise or River Flows in You. Even worse, someone might say they “play piano,” but can only manage a few chords or a short tune with questionable form they picked up online. That said, whether someone can play well or not isn’t the point — what truly matters is that they enjoy it. Still, it got me thinking: What do people really [...]

Things Every Beginner Pianist Falls Prey To2025-04-30T08:04:18+01:00

The Art of Playing Fast Octaves Fluently: Mastering the Technique

2025-01-14T11:33:31+00:00

Playing fast octaves fluently is one of the most exciting yet challenging skills for pianists. This technique is essential in many virtuosic compositions, from Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies to Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. To execute them with precision, speed, and musicality requires a combination of physical mastery, mental preparation, and consistent practice. This article explores the techniques, strategies, and exercises that can help pianists develop fluency in fast octaves. Understanding Octave Technique What Are Octaves? An octave spans eight notes on the scale, from one pitch to the next with the same name (e.g., C to the next C). In piano playing, [...]

The Art of Playing Fast Octaves Fluently: Mastering the Technique2025-01-14T11:33:31+00:00

The Taubman Approach to Technique and Musicality: A Comprehensive Perspective

2024-12-25T14:27:28+00:00

The Taubman Approach is a groundbreaking methodology in piano pedagogy that emphasises the relationship between physical efficiency and musical expression. Developed by Dorothy Taubman, this approach addresses common pitfalls in piano technique, such as pain and injury, and redefines the art of playing with a scientific understanding of biomechanics. This article delves into the key aspects of the Taubman Approach, focusing on its principles related to pain-free practise, physical shaping, musical phrasing, weight allocation, key speed control, and the risks of finger isolation, as well as its role in enhancing expressive performance. Practising Hurts: Understanding the Problem For many pianists, [...]

The Taubman Approach to Technique and Musicality: A Comprehensive Perspective2024-12-25T14:27:28+00:00

How to Get Started with Blues Piano

2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

The blues is one of the most soulful and expressive genres of music, and its rich tradition is deeply rooted in American history. Originating in the deep south of the USA in the late 19th century, the blues has since influenced countless musical styles, from jazz to rock to modern pop. The piano plays a significant role in the blues, offering a dynamic range that can capture the genre's emotional depth, as well as imitating the styles of other blues instruments such as the guitar. If you’re looking to get started with blues piano, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey [...]

How to Get Started with Blues Piano2024-09-04T17:02:25+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

Interpretation and Expression: The Art of Breathing Life into Piano Music

2023-07-19T18:48:46+01:00

Interpretation and expression lie at the heart of piano playing. Beyond the technical mastery of the instrument, it is the pianist's ability to convey emotion, tell a story, and breathe life into the music that captivates audiences. In this article, we will explore the significance of interpretation and expression in piano playing, discussing the techniques and approaches that pianists employ to create a truly mesmerizing musical experience.The Power of Interpretation:Interpretation is the process of understanding and conveying the composer's intentions through personal insight and creativity. It involves delving deep into the score, uncovering the subtle nuances, and bringing them to the [...]

Interpretation and Expression: The Art of Breathing Life into Piano Music2023-07-19T18:48:46+01:00
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