After two weeks, my first quick study project came to its conclusion. I set about learning Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor (Op. Posth.) with the aim of performing it in an online concert two weeks later. I’ve outlined my approach and documented the project in the form of a “video…

I recently wrote a blog post about one of my main piano goals for 2021 which is to broaden my active repertoire. …

Something I’ve noticed on more than a few occasions at amateur piano performances is that the repertoire featured is often incredibly impressive. However, the performances are often less so. In general, pianists (myself included!) …

It is the season for virtuous resolutions and a good time to ponder pianistic plans and goals for the year ahead. Many of us (myself included!) will be tempted to embark upon stretch goals, tackling increasingly difficult pieces on our repertoire “bucket list”. Although setting challenges can be inspiring, being…

As part of a series of online workshops and events, I recently hosted and participated in an online performance workshop with Graham Fitch. …

Improving your sight-reading is not just about getting a good score in an examination. It enables you to derive more pleasure from your playing through discovering new music and broadening your repertoire. It also opens up more possibilities for enjoying making music with others. As with any skill, it requires…

Being able to listen to your playing critically and forming your own assessment of it is an essential part of improving your piano playing. …

You may have a strong desire to start playing the piano again, only to find that you simply never get around to doing it. The occasional inkling of inspiration arises from time to time, possibly even leading to thoughts about how you might give it a try. …

In addition to having a general love of wine (having grown up on the doorsteps of one of the world’s great wine regions!), the glass of wine at my piano became a personal symbol of my attempt to return to playing as an adult. This came about after I had…