Practising the Piano

In our latest practice clinic, Graham Fitch answers questions on the following topics: • Ideas for creating your own analysis to help you learn pieces more effectively • Placing the hands in Vals Poético No. 6 by Granados • Using the thumb over (or shift) rather than thumb under in arpeggios • Which hands to use in the opening of Ravel’s Sonatine Click here for the full questions and to watch the video on our blog: https://lnkd.in/e52AR5bY #piano #pianopractice #pianoclinic #arpeggios #ravelssonatine

In a new video lecture series on the Online Academy, pianist Julian Jacobson gives a detailed walk-through of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata. Whether you're embarking upon playing it or simply want to discover more about this groundbreaking work, these videos give extensive insights on style, interpretation and performance. Click here to watch an excerpt from Julian's introductory video for the work: https://lnkd.in/dEiiVY7m #Beethoven #beethovenpianosonata #beethovenpathetique

Beethoven’s Pathétique (Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13) is often overshadowed by his more famous works, but it remains one of the most exhilarating and cohesive sonatas ever composed 🎹🔗 From its dramatic opening with a crashing C minor chord to the tender Adagio cantabile, Beethoven’s genius shines through, setting the stage for the wonders of Romantic piano music 🥀 Explore why this sonata still resonates deeply with audiences today: https://lnkd.in/d4smw2Fm #Beethoven #beethovenpianosonata #beethovenpathetique

Online Workshop Tomorrow - The Pianist’s Brain: A Brief User Manual 📖 The first workshop in Adina Mornell's course on developing your own recipe for performance success takes place tomorrow (Weds 16th Oct @ 17:00 - 18:30 BST). In this session, you will discover how you can benefit from recent discoveries in psychology and performance science that go beyond what was previously known about the interplay of body, brain and heart. We’ll look at the three stages of learning: acquisition, storage, and retrieval and discuss the role of emotions – all leading to tips for how to enjoy and optimise your time in the practice room. Click here to find out more and to book your place: https://lnkd.in/dsK_esA4 #pianoperformance #pianoworkshop #pianomusic #pianotips

The first workshop in Unit 2 of Lona Kozik's music theory course took place yesterday (Thurs 10th Oct) and explored the development of sonata-allegro form with an analysis of the first movement of Mozart’s Sonata in G Major, K.283 🎹 Next, we'll be moving on to analysing another example of a sonata by Beethoven, learning how Mozart expands the harmonic language with chromatic harmony in his Fantasy in D Minor and discovering how Beethoven expands sonata form using mode mixture in the opening of the famous #MoonlightSonata 🌙 If you missed the first workshop, you can still sign-up to obtain access to the video lessons, exercises and workshop recordings so far and join us for the next sessions! https://lnkd.in/dHa9E44Z #pianoworkshop #musictheory #sonataallegro #mozart

In our blog post for this week, Adina Mornell gives a summary of some of the key themes introduced in her recent workshop, “I Played It Better at Home”. The post also includes an exercise which gives you an opportunity to take stock and reflect on your own approach to practising and preparing for performance 💭🤔 Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/dDkEzdDF #blogpost #weeklyblog #pianopractice #pianoperformancetips #pianotips

Do you long to share your playing with others, but avoid doing so because you’re worried that you won’t enjoy the experience due to fear? 🤔 Or do you feel that your pieces are secure when practising only to find they fall apart in front of others? 😥 Drawing upon the latest discoveries in psychology and performance science, Adina Mornell’s course introduces the tools and strategies used by experts to learn by examining errors in order to constantly improve. In a set of three workshops each with follow-up assignments you’ll discover how to create your own recipe for enjoyable practicing and playing, enabling you to share your musical cooking with confidence! Click here to find out more or to book your place: https://lnkd.in/dsK_esA4

The Classical period was crucial in the development of the piano because it became the dominant keyboard instrument due to its ability to vary dynamics through touch. Understanding the specifics of a style period is invaluable for learning, interpreting and performing its music. In this blog post we look at a few key features of the Classical period, namely Sonata form and two ways in which composers enrich harmony. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/d_-ffcMT

Online Workshop Tomorrow - #ABRSM 2025 & 2026 Piano Examination Syllabus! 👩🏫 If you're planning on taking an exam, are a teacher preparing students for one or just looking for some interesting repertoire ideas, don't miss Graham Fitch's online workshop tomorrow (Fri 4th Oct). In the last of of his three session series, Graham will give insights on learning, interpreting and practising a selection of pieces from the advanced grades (7 & 8). Pieces featured include works by Beethoven, Scarlatti and Daquin plus Scott Joplin's famous Maple Leaf Rag! Click here to find out more and to book your place: https://lnkd.in/d96Q-ZUq #abrsmworkshop #abrsmpiano #ABRSMPianoExam