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Key Sounds UK • September 10, 2018

EXAM TIPS AND TRICKS

✅Keeping healthy - In the run-up to the performance, eating and resting properly are essential. If a performer is tired and run down they will start to doubt their abilities which can lead to excess nervousness.

✅Failing to prepare is preparing to fail - Ensure that you have arranged transport in advance and ensure you reach there 15 minutes before you are due to begin. This allows you to have extra time to sign in and stay calm before your exam/performance begins.

✅Visualise success - This is something top athletes and musicians do before taking part in competitions and is a powerful way to focus the mind! These are also emotions you can replicate during your exam/performance.

✅Practice performing in front of friends, family or in a concert - Playing in front of an audience is a completely different experience to practicing in private. Even a small audience is enough to make most people feel a little on the edge so is therefore excellent preparation for the real thing.

✅Smile - When you walk into the exam room/on stage, smile at the audience/examiner. This may sound easier than done but you’ll be amazed at how much better this can make you feel. The act of smiling encouraged the release of endorphins (the body’s feel-good chemicals). These endorphins improve your state of mind and help you to relax.

✅Don’t worry about mistakes - Everyone makes them! They are naturally going to happen, but instead of worrying about them keep going and enjoy them performance rather than trying to go back and fix it. This will allow your performance to flow better, making it a more professional performance.

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

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The Top Five Mistakes of Beginner Piano Players and How to Fix Them

By Reshmi Patel • March 10, 2025
Learning piano is an exciting journey, but beginners often run into the same challenges. Don’t worry—every pianist makes mistakes! The key is knowing how to fix them early. Let’s look at the five most common mistakes and how you can avoid them. 1. Skipping Warm-Ups Warming up might not seem exciting, but it’s essential for improving technique and preventing hand strain. Fix: Start each practice with simple finger exercises like scales and arpeggios. 2. Ignoring Posture & Hand Position Bad posture can cause tension and slow down your progress. Fix: Sit with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and curved fingers. Ask your teacher to check your posture! 3. Relying Too Much on Sheet Music It’s tempting to read every note instead of listening and feeling the music. Fix: Try memorizing small sections and playing by ear to develop musical intuition. 4. Playing Too Fast, Too Soon Rushing through a piece leads to mistakes and frustration. Fix: Start slow! Gradually increase speed once you can play accurately. 5. Not Practicing Consistently Cramming hours of practice into one day won’t help—you need steady, regular practice. Fix: Even 10–15 minutes a day is better than one long session a week. Action Tip: Pick one mistake to focus on this week and make a small change to improve it! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

How Technology Can Support Piano Lessons

By Reshmi Patel • February 24, 2025
Technology has revolutionised how we learn music! With AI-powered apps, interactive keyboards, and smart practice tools, learning the piano has never been more exciting or effective. But can AI actually help you learn faster? Let’s find out! How AI is Changing Piano Learning Real-Time Feedback: Apps like Simply Piano and Flowkey listen to your playing and give instant feedback. Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze your progress and suggest exercises tailored to your skill level. Interactive Accompaniment: Some platforms allow you to play along with virtual bands and orchestras! Motivation & Gamification: AI-powered games and progress tracking keep students engaged and motivated. Should You Use AI for Learning? While AI tools can be a fantastic supplement to your learning, they work best when combined with human instruction. A real teacher provides emotional encouragement, personalized feedback, and deeper musical insights that AI can’t yet replace. Action Tip: Ask your teacher if there is piece of technology or app you can use alongside your piano lessons and use it for extra practice between sessions! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

Online and In-Person Piano Lesson Comparison

By Reshmi Patel • February 17, 2025
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .
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