Wednesday 23 January 2013
Practising a pain?
If practising is a pain, take a look at my Piano Practising guide on the Guides and Reviews page.
Purchasing pianos.
One of my pupils came back from the holidays having improved so much that I had to ask him why? He replied that he had bought a new piano and couldn't stop playing it! Just what every piano teacher wants to hear.
I do hope that all pupils have a decent piano; it can be a digital (plug-in electric) or an acoustic(normal) one. However, playing on a keyboard, if you are learning to play the piano, is not very satisfactory as it feels different, good dynamics can't be obtained and very often there aren't enough octaves or even pedals. Progress will be slower.
If you want to buy a digital piano, Roland,Yamaha and Casio do some excellent models at varying prices. If you would like an acoustic piano, you cannot beat a Yamaha U3 but do look at others. Allegro in Chelmsford always has some secondhand pianos of all types and makes in and they are always happy to speak to customers about what would be best for them. Alternatively you may consider buying one elsewhere. Make sure all the keys and the pedals work, that it can be tuned and that it sounds good- your child will know! Extra info is available here from the piano tuners association: http://www.pianotuner.org.uk/pta221.htm
I do hope that all pupils have a decent piano; it can be a digital (plug-in electric) or an acoustic(normal) one. However, playing on a keyboard, if you are learning to play the piano, is not very satisfactory as it feels different, good dynamics can't be obtained and very often there aren't enough octaves or even pedals. Progress will be slower.
If you want to buy a digital piano, Roland,Yamaha and Casio do some excellent models at varying prices. If you would like an acoustic piano, you cannot beat a Yamaha U3 but do look at others. Allegro in Chelmsford always has some secondhand pianos of all types and makes in and they are always happy to speak to customers about what would be best for them. Alternatively you may consider buying one elsewhere. Make sure all the keys and the pedals work, that it can be tuned and that it sounds good- your child will know! Extra info is available here from the piano tuners association: http://www.pianotuner.org.uk/pta221.htm
Friday 11 January 2013
Winter weather!
As snow is forecast for next week it seems a good time to remind everyone of the joys of lessons via Skype. If you have Skype on your computer, we can have a lesson even if you can't get to my house or school. This is really useful if your child has an exam, audition or competition this term.
Skype can be downloaded at: http://beta.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/
I look forward to hearing everyone play, whether it's live or via Skype!
Skype can be downloaded at: http://beta.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/
I look forward to hearing everyone play, whether it's live or via Skype!
Monday 7 January 2013
Lessons and exams...
Lessons resume again this week for everyone so do remember to bring your music! I do not expect you have to have done a huge amount of practice over the holidays- unless you have an exam this term (!)- but prepared to enjoy getting back into the swing of playing and practising.
Next week (week be 14th Jan) there will be no lessons on Monday or Tuesday, privately and at MHS, as I am away working for ABRSM. Back to normal after that though.
If you are taking an exam this term (I will have sent you an email), here is a link to the ABRSM exam fees page: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/fees/
I am looking forward to seeing you all again.
Next week (week be 14th Jan) there will be no lessons on Monday or Tuesday, privately and at MHS, as I am away working for ABRSM. Back to normal after that though.
If you are taking an exam this term (I will have sent you an email), here is a link to the ABRSM exam fees page: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/fees/
I am looking forward to seeing you all again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)