Happy Holidays and Popular Posts of 2014
2014 saw continued growth for the Practising the Piano website along with the launch of two new Parts in the eBook series (Part 3 and Part 4) and a website overhaul midyear.…
On Practising and Performance
I have been writing this blog since March 2011, putting up weekly posts except over Christmas when I take a bit of time off. Before I sign off for the holidays,…
Practising the Piano Part 4
When I began writing my eBook Series Practising the Piano, I wanted to address the lack of information out there on the processes of practising. I was fortunate enough to…
Mental States in Performance
We all know the importance of early training in shaping a pianist, with correct musical and technical development right at the top of the list. There is another vital ingredient…
Bespoke Fingerings
In my student days I learned a Scriabin sonata using a library score. Quite why I did it this way I don't remember (because I was actively building up my…
Focus in Practice
As a teacher, my chief aim is to assist my students in playing more freely and expressively. A big part of that process is helping them unlock their unique musical…
Controlling Tone
A treatise on piano tone exploring various approaches to controlling and creating the desired tone at the piano.
The Performer’s Role in Creation
Is the function of the performer to be the humble servant of the composer, or is the performer a collaborator with the composer? Collaborations are not usually made between masters and their…
A Simple Mapping Tool for Performance
When we perform, we aim to take our listener on a musical journey. As custodians of the score, we illuminate the salient features of the composition as we have come…