I have a confession to make, I have a bad habit that I've been trying to break for years. Practising in mistakes. I think this has to be the most common error musicians make when practising, I know this because there are so many chapters in books and articles dedicated to just this one topic.… Continue reading Fixing mistakes – problem solving in practise
This January I had my last ever technical assessment, its crazy to think that two years ago I had my first one! I failed my first technical assessment, not because I didn't try, but because I really struggled to play scales and arpeggios fluently. I passed on my second attempt two weeks later. I really… Continue reading Technical assessments – why only once a year?
RWCMD made the decision to shut this week due to Covid-19. It's hard not knowing when college will reopen, whether summer recitals will still be taking place etc. This is a very tough time for those who have contracted the virus. It is also a difficult time for my fellow musicians and artists that are… Continue reading Covid-19 – Practise Experimentation
Since starting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September I have been trying to get the 'perfect' practice routine nailed. I thought it would be an easy thing to do but is has actually been quite a challenge! With my final recital around the corner, 4 weeks away, I think… Continue reading My Practice Schedule
Yes, you read that right. Let me explain, I had a minor revelation last week. Every now and again I forget that I can do more than move my wrist up and down, I can use my elbow to aid the rotation allowing me to play a certain passage in one movement. I was practising… Continue reading Chicken Wings.
Whether you have 30 minutes to an hour, you can make the most of each minute in your lesson. Keeping a practise journal really helps. The journey to my piano lessons is around 1.2 hours, so I write up a summary in my journal on the train home. Not only do I write about… Continue reading Making the most out of your lessons.
