Some Common Yet Easily Fixable Mistakes

There are some mistakes that are very common to piano students, so much so that I would argue that everyone has made these at some point. I know I have and so have all my piano students (although some more than others). The first very fixable mistake that everyone makes at some point or other … Read more

You Don’t Have to be Anxious About Doing Piano Exams

First of all, let me state that piano exams are not for everyone. Some people, young or older are quite happy to learn to play the piano without ever taking a piano exam and they can become a very proficient piano player. Some people enjoy the extra challenge that comes with taking piano exams. But, … Read more

When Are You Too Old to Learn to Play the Piano?

So when are you considered too old to learn to play the piano? That’s a really easy answer and that answer is never. You are never too old to learn to play the piano. It doesn’t matter even if you are learning in the twilight years of your life because as long as you have … Read more

What Adult Students Frequently Do But Kids Don’t

Over the many years that I have taught the piano, I have seen many times the differences between adults piano students and kids who learn the piano. A big difference is the tone of the piano lesson. When I am teaching kids, it is very much I am running the lesson. I determine what needs … Read more

My Biggest Mistake as a Piano Teacher and Why My Mistake Can Benefit You

My biggest mistake as a piano teacher happened a long time ago, when I had only been teaching for a few years. I had this piano student around 10 years old and I taught her at her home. For the sake of the story I will call her Sally (which is not her real name). … Read more

Why I HATE Having the Note Names Written on the Music

As an experienced piano teacher, the thing that irritates me most of all is when piano books have the names of the notes printed in the middle of the note. I especially hate it when beginner piano books start off this way. I have seen piano books designed for the beginner that waste half the … Read more

Piano Books Specifically for Adults Learning to Play the Piano – Are They Any Good?

If you walk into a music store and browse piano books for beginners, you will discover that there is lots of choice. Obviously there are many books targeting children who are learning, but believe it or not, there is quite a few that are geared towards the adult learner. So are these piano books for … Read more