September 2024 - Using the correct fingering

I recently started to practice Chopin’s Fantasie impromptu Opus 66 after 20+ years without playing it and I was amazed at how much my fingers remembered the hard work I did at the time. It made me realise an important thing I always tell my students: "Study each new piece with the correct fingering", it doesn’t have to be the one suggested in the book, choose a more suitable one, if you want, but stick to it every time you practice. If you don’t, you are going to struggle later on. Putting in the effort at the start, though challenging and tedious, really pays off. 

Muscle memory is incredibly powerful and your fingers will eventually move on their own, even after years. In the video, you’ll notice that despite some small mistakes and areas needing polishing, I was able to play this piece at relatively good speed within a few days practice, my fingers just needed a quick reminder and off they went……😃🎹

May 2024 - Brahms Rhapsody practice

Practicing one of my favourite pieces:

The video shows the exposition section where musical ideas are unveiled. The other two sections are still work in progress 😊 so hopefully I will video the complete rhapsody at some point in the near future.

March 2024 - Dvorak's Stabat Mater - "Amen"

Last movement of the Dvorak's Stabat Mater performed by the Ulster Orchestra and Belfast Philharmonic Choir.

Extraordinary piece of music performed by so many talented musicians. An honour to be part of it.

I'm on the right hand side (if you can spot me 😊) 

March 2024 - How to practice effectively

Mastering any physical skill takes practice. Practice is the repetition of an action with the goal of improvement.

 

Keep practicing and you will achieve your goals. 

You only need the 3Ds:

'Discipline, Determination and Dedication'

 

And Remember:

"Don't strive for Perfection, for it remains elusive, but aim always for Excellence

"Practice makes Excellent, not Perfect"

 

February 2024 - Some Students practicing

Some of my students playing a short piece they enjoy.

 

 1.- Fun Fair Blues - (Trinity College London - Grade 2)

 2.- Sleeping Beauty Waltz - (Adult Piano Adventures)

 3.- Greensleeves - (Adult Piano Adventures)

 4.- D for Daydream - (Alphabet - Easy pieces for piano)

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