Practise is
A chart to remind young piano students of the difference between just ‘playing what they feel like’, and ‘practise’ Continue reading
A step-wise approach to mindful piano practise
Piano practise should be a time of attention to detail and focus, but so often ends up being mindless repetition. This often leads to breakdowns & insecure playing during piano performances. Many many young students who say they panic and are therefore unable to perform, actually have the ability to perform well, when they use the right tools to practise effectively.
Here’s a check-list, to help piano students make mindfulness a part of their practise. Continue reading
Book Review : The Art of Piano Fingering
The Art of Piano Fingering by Rami Bar-Niv is a wonderfully detailed exploration of piano fingering. It’s become my textbook for when I get stuck with fingering and need to study it in relation to playing technique, hand size and the kind of effect that a passage of piano music requires the pianist to produce. Continue reading
Taking responsibility for quality piano practise . . . in 8 easy steps
8 Steps to help students ‘practise’ during practise time
1) Read what’s written in the homework book and follow instructions. Young children often need their parents around at first, until reading the homwork book becomes a habit.
2) Record small sections of practise done in class . . . Continue reading
Parent support in piano class
Parent support for piano practise with young piano students is a huge issue. With teachers, because they know the likelihood of any student actually progressing beyond the beginner level depends on this. Even the musically talented student.
For piano parents it’s time and commitment and something more for them to add to their already busy schedules. Continue reading
A quick easy fix for focus issues
These children come to piano class and learn the theory and technique that’s necessary to play a piece. Then the piece starts to sound good to them as it’s kind of put together from beginning to end. So, they then start to practise by repetition, mind shut to such an extent, that they have totally forgotten the theory and technique (though they play correctly). They’re totally blank and can’t answer basic theory questions. They can’t even recall what was taught earlier – even simple basic stuff. Continue reading
15 easy steps to a really effective piano class
Arrive at class on time. Leave home budgeting time for traffic jams and other delays, so you walk in relaxed. You will learn better. Take all your books to class – that includes your homework book & theory book. Check you’ve not left your books on the piano keyboard at home before you leave … Continue reading
