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Reshmi Patel • December 4, 2020

How to Stop Making Piano Practice a Chore

At some point we all reach a stage in our piano journey where we feel like we want to give up. When it may feel like you aren’t enjoying it. 

The good news is, there are ways to solve these problems to help you feel motivated and excited to learn about music.

Here are THREE ways you can make your piano journey more enjoyable:


1)     Listen to music you enjoy regularly.


This could be active or passive listening. Both of these forms of listening are a key part of a musician’s practice.


‘Active listening’ involves solely focusing on the music without any distractions. To gain the full benefit I’d recommend listening with headphones.


‘Passive listening’ involves having the music on in the background whilst you are completing another task.


2)     Monitor your progress


Try to keep a note through recording yourself or making notes in a diary about how you are progressing and feeling about your piano journey.


3)     Ask for regular feedback


A teacher or mentor will fast-track your learning because:


-        They have a proven track record in helping people with similar goals to you.

-        They have been through a very similar journey to you themselves.

-        They will hold you accountable to taking action and the necessary steps to help you make progress.


Remember that when you are trying out these systems to write them out and look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.

 

To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13kfjQbsNwdOeJlnPF6cp5HfOm-o45xubyo9qSJRTrAM/edit. For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

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 .

How to Turn Piano Practice into Productive yet Playful Practice

By Reshmi Patel • February 3, 2025
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

What to Consider When Changing Your Piano Teacher

By Reshmi Patel • January 20, 2025
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far.  Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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