On Rhythm: How to Develop a Steady Pulse
I decided to put together an occasional series on rhythm, in response to readers who say they experience rhythmical issues when they play. There are many factors that may contribute…
Our Inner Conductor
In some Romantic music it may be appropriate to change tempo slightly when the musical idea changes, even if this is not specified in the score. This is just one…
A Scale Plan
So you know you have to practise your scales but you're not really that keen, and you find your mind is constantly wandering. You need some sort of plan, and…
Solving a Problem in Beethoven’s op. 79
The other day, a student brought in a problem with Beethoven's Sonata in G, op. 79 - the cross rhythms in the last movement. In several places, one hand is…
The Other End of the Telescope
A respected colleague teaching at the College level used to challenge his new students in their first lesson with him by getting them to play almost impossibly slowly with the…