In my previous blog, I explained the approaches to preparing new repertoires, before tackling the very first bar. Conventionally, most students are taught to play hands separately first and, when all notations are learned, then to play hands together. This presents a challenge because often our muscles, motions and mental memory may not be sufficiently... Continue Reading →
A Paradigm Shift for the Music Exam Culture
I have encountered some interesting experiences when asked to prepare students for examinations. A classic example is the case of a student, a 10-year old girl who has been learning the piano since kindergarten, whose parents had wanted her to take the Level 1 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam but that her previous two... Continue Reading →
The Learning Process
In most cases, very little is ever explained to students regarding the learning process of a music repertoire. Successful learning is not about how much time we spend but rather about the quality of the time invested. There is no shortcut to this process, but if a student applies him or herself intelligently much time... Continue Reading →
Practice Management
Following on my recent blog on Student Motivation, one of the key elements of good instuction is the need for students to be taught how to practice effectively and efficiently. Younger students may lack the necessary attention spans or motivations while older students may get frustrated as they struggle with challenging technical requirements. These issues... Continue Reading →
Student Motivation
In the teaching profession, no matter what subject you teach, most teachers are bound to come across some students who are not as motivated as you would expect. Through my past and current experiences, I have found this is the result of a combination of reasons. 1. Negative Past Experiences Most teachers inherit students with previous... Continue Reading →
Music Class v Independent Piano Lesson
In my previous blog, Common mistakes that parents and adults make when choosing a piano teacher, I recommended that the ideal age to attend a private lesson is 6-7 years. At this age, the hand muscles are more developed and stronger, with the hand able to span up to 5 finger position. Lessons offered in... Continue Reading →
Common fallacy when parents or adult beginners choose a piano teacher
Choosing a piano teacher is the most important aspect of the pre-learning stage and yet most parents fail to make the right decision. It is an investment so you want to make the right decision as earliest as possible with an informed knowledge while considering the financial costs. So, how can one make the best... Continue Reading →
How to organise your practice time for technical gain
The study of scales and technical works is a very important aspect of your musical training, through which you will learn about all tonalities, intervals and the keyboard orientation. The study of scales should be introduced only when the pupil has formed a good finger touch and understands the function of the thumb. Technical exercises... Continue Reading →
Études & Studies for Various Level
I have compiled a series of ‘bite-size’ études for pianists from early-advance to concert levels. These exercises are the foundational to the development of technique and musicality of a pianist, striking the balance between the technicality and musicality required of a well-rounded pianist. In particular, Charles-Louis Hanon exercises, deemed to be extremely tedious by many... Continue Reading →
