How to Begin a New Piece: Part 2
In the first post of this short series on learning a new piece, I discussed the need to construct firm and very thorough foundations before beginning work at the piano. I…
A Tribute to Claudio Arrau
Claudio Arrau (February 6, 1903 â June 9, 1991)Â is a very important figure in my musical upbringing. As an undergraduate piano student in London during the late 70's - and…
Beethoven Masterclasses
Beethoven wrote his 32 piano sonatas between the ages of 25 and 55, thus they span the composerâs so-called early, middle and late periods and paint a rich picture of…
Some Piano Humour
Here is the second of my series of summer holiday posts, this week on piano-related humour - because we all need a bit of light relief from time to time.…
On Schumann’s Kinderszenen
It is summer time, and rather than present my usual type of post, I am planning something a little different for the next few weeks. The first is a selection…
Remembering my Studies with Peter Wallfisch
I had the great privilege to embark on my postgraduate studies with Peter Wallfisch, studying with him from 1980 for two years (but returning on occasion thereafter). During my time…
Chopin and Bach
We know that Chopin began his piano practice every day with some preludes and fugues from Bach's 48. It is said this is the only score he took with him…
Practising Polyrhythms
Following a question on a Facebook page about coping with polyrhythms, I decided to republish this post from 2012. I hope it helps! I want to suggest some ways of solving…
The Quality Control Inspector
It should be obvious to everyone who takes piano lessons that the lesson itself is only a part of what's involved in building yourself up as a pianist. Progress depends…
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
It's years since I last saw The Wizard of Oz. Remember the story? The Good Witch of the North tells the heroine, Dorothy, the only way she can get back…