Introduction In this curated list, we present 15 piano pieces perfectly suited for concert performance. These selections are divided into five distinct categories, each offering its own unique musical journey: Deceptively Difficult Yet Accessible Pieces Slow and Beautiful Compositions Majestic and Dramatic Works Virtuosic and Fast-Paced Compositions Jazz-Inspired Pieces Each masterpiece promises a delightful auditory experience. Be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty and artistry of these incredible compositions! Category One: Deceptively Difficult Yet Accessible Pieces These pieces by Si ..read more

Most students, when receiving a new piece to learn, will immediately try to play it from the first notes of the written music, being eager to hear and play the melody. However, there are a few factors to take into account before even reading the very first note. Important factors like the key it’s written in and the time—whether a waltz time or maybe 6/8 or the normal four beats in a bar. So, What is the Best Approach to Your New Piece? The most important aspects before playing a single note will be the key signature and time signature, but factors like the layout, the length, the composer ..read more

What is Syncopation? In music, syncopation involves a variety of rhythms played together to make a piece of music, thereby making part or all of a tune or piece of music off-beat. More simply, syncopation is described as “a disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm”: it is the “placement of rhythmic stresses or accents where they wouldn’t normally occur.” – Wikipedia One of the most common forms of playing off the beat in piano music is a rhythmic concept called syncopation. To understand syncopation, you have to know about downbeats and upbeats. Start tapping your foot to a ..read more

Our everyday lives are filled with music. Whether it is at home during one of your jam sessions, through the radio in the car on your way to the store or even just in public spaces such as restaurants and so much more! There are over 1300 music styles and genres in the world. As time moves on and technology advances, it is clear that the listener’s taste in music and preferences change too. Technology has a massive impact on what we listen to. Luckily we do not have to call the tune about which genre to listen to. This article will briefly explore a few of the most popular music styles and ge ..read more

Jazz piano is a captivating area of the musical art form, known for its versatility, as well as its affinity with deep improvisation, intricate harmonies, and rhythmic complexity. Learning jazz piano is not merely a task of mastering notes and chords but rather an immersive journey of understanding the language, history, and culture of jazz music. The question of how long it takes to learn jazz piano is multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as individual aptitude, practise regimen, and exposure to the genre. This article explores the intricate path of learning jazz piano, emphasisi ..read more

Playing chords on the piano is a foundational skill for any aspiring musician. From classical to jazz, pop to rock, chords are the building blocks of music, providing the harmonic framework upon which melodies and rhythms are built. Mastering technique is essential to playing chords like a professional. In this article, we’ll explore four key techniques that will help you elevate your piano chord playing to a professional level. So read on to make sure your chordal techniques are up to par and ready to assist you with your pianistic expression! Hand Shape The first step to playing chords lik ..read more

In a world full of screens and gadgets, the classic piano shines bright as a symbol of creativity and hard work. This beautiful instrument, with its keys of black and white, takes both players and listeners on a magical ride filled with deep feelings and smart discoveries. But, learning to play the piano isn’t always easy. This article explores the many good things and a few tough spots about diving into piano playing, showing why, even with its ups and downs, it’s still a journey worth taking. The Benefits of Playing Piano 1. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities Studies have repeatedly confirmed th ..read more

When you tend to look at the how and why of things, you grow a deeper understanding and grow in knowledge. Nevertheless, whether you approach life with a deeper or shallow outlook, have you ever wondered how a piano works? The Piano is considered one of the most intricate instruments in existence due to its many complex components, parts and pieces that make up the instrument. It is also one of the easiest instruments to start learning, due to getting a direct sound response when applying pressure to any of the keys- regardless of skill. Most other instruments require specific methods to at l ..read more

For most non-jazz musicians and beginners, the assumption is that jazz improvisation is conjured out of thin air, and that improvised phrases are a stream of consciousness. The truth is that jazz musicians are discerning magpies, who always have an ear open to catch a phrase played by another musician, with the intention of using it in their own improvisations. Learning to play jazz is, to me, exactly like learning to speak a foreign language fluently. When learning to speak a language we are usually given stock phrases to use that can be altered to suit different situations. In the exact sam ..read more

The piano, with its versatility and dynamic range, has the unique ability to mimic the sounds of an entire orchestra. Achieving a symphonic quality in piano playing requires more than just technical proficiency; it demands an understanding of orchestration, musical phrasing, and nuanced expression. In this article, we’ll explore mastering the symphonic sound in piano playing: A Guide to Managing Symphonic Sound in Piano Playing. Understanding Orchestration Orchestration is the art of arranging music for different instruments within an orchestra. Pianists can benefit from studying orchestrati ..read more