10 motivational piano practice tips
Motivation can be a tricky subject for pianists of all ages, says Melanie Spanswick Practising the piano and making progress are not always synonymous. Practising…
Category: Guides
Allianz Musical Insurance’s gigging checklist – things to remember on the road
Whether you’re preparing for that first gig or getting back into band rehearsals, there’s lots more to remember when getting yourself and your ins…
Five tips for piano repertoire selection
Choice of repertoire can be a stumbling-block for piano students needing to balance the needs of private practice with public performance, says Melanie Spanswick Piano…
In praise of slow practice
Practising at very slow speeds whilst employing total concentration can transform a pianist’s playing, says Melanie Spanswick
Helpful tips to improve your piano fingering
Fingering is a crucial element in piano playing and, surprisingly, it’s often overlooked even at advanced levels, says Melanie Spanswick
Five tips for instantly improving your piano performance
Whether you are a younger or older player, or a beginner or very advanced pianist, the following suggestions will hopefully help to instantly improve …
The importance of breath control for pianists
Once you have assimilated breath control, this useful skill can be added to the smorgasbord of performing tools in your pianist’s ever-increasing ar…
Ten tips for tonal beauty
Technical virtuosity is only one part of the pianist's armoury. Melanie Spanswick offers MUSIC:ED readers her checklist for creating a beauty of sound…
Between the notes – why breathing space matters
An overriding issue for many students is the need for breathing space during performance. This is seemingly such an obvious point, but it’s one whic…
Five things we’ve learned about online learning
After several weeks under coronavirus lockdown, George Hess reports on his experience of leading online learning for his students at Sunway University…
Five tips for keeping in time at the piano
It may seem counter-intuitive, but spending structured practice time away from the instrument can reap rewards for pianists, improving memory and visu…
Flipping out
When doing direct instruction online, the best method to use is the flipped learning model. Most of you have probably heard of it. At its most basic l…
Moving your classes online
With many schools closing due to the COVID-19 virus and many more likely to follow suit in the near future, we are all being asked to prepare to teach…
Practising the piano – without the piano
It may seem counter-intuitive, but spending structured practice time away from the instrument can reap rewards for pianists, impriving memory and visu…
Behind the sound of this year’s GRAMMYs
Native Instruments has broken down some of the most interesting sonic trends from Old Town Road and the other Record of the Year nominees.
Listening and focussing at the piano
Don't play with closed ears – keep focussed. Melanie Spanswick – pianist, writer, teacher, adjudicator and composer – offers advice for efficien…
5 things you need to know for your DIY music release
With more musicians than ever taking a DIY approach to their music, it’s essential that you know how to protect your rights and make money from your…
8 daily practice reminders for 2020
It's time to think about New Year Resolutions. Melanie Spanswick – pianist, writer, teacher, adjudicator and composer – lists her top tips for eff…
Scales and arpeggios – love them or hate them?
Why not enjoy your practising your scales and arpeggios? Melanie Spanswick – pianist, writer, teacher, adjudicator and composer – explains the man…
Five tips to improve your piano playing
Melanie Spanswick – pianist, writer, teacher, adjudicator and composer – offers MUSIC:ED readers guidance on practising the piano.