Tips & Tools for Learning New Pieces
When learning a new piece from scratch, there are a number of tools we can use to get the maximum benefit from our practice time and to lay the foundations for a secure and successful performance.
Zen In The Art Of Plate Spinning
I am sure we have all seen that circus act where the showman puts a few plates on some poles, sets them spinning and then adds more plates to more…
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…
Efficient Practising for Busy People
This is the follow-up to last week's post, in which I outlined the first few stages for cleaning up a piece beset by errors, stumbles, approximations and other anomalies that…
The Weakest Link
In the run-up to Christmas, I am reminded of the low-tech decorations we used to make at school back in the day - paper chains. We would lick the gummed…
Once Upon a Time…
We have all heard student performances where the beginning was good - secure, well-known, confident - then after a page or two we notice a decline as skill levels start…
A Supplement to Slow Practice
A few weeks ago, I gave some suggestions for practising Mozart's Rondo alla turca and I would like to apply this principle to another piece, which really couldn't be more contrasting in…
The Three S’s (Part Three)
And so to the last installment of "The Three S's" - "Sections". I realise I am in danger of repeating myself here - much of what is contained in this…