Blog Layout
Reshmi Patel • July 1, 2020
Our First Three Years In Business
When I first began Key Sounds UK three years ago, I never thought that we would have taught over 40+ students, performed at 15+ events, hosted 3 Informal Concerts and have launched an online learning platform. I never thought I’d have incredible mentors and teachers who would provide me with so much encouragement, insight and support.
Although, that being said, I never thought getting here would be as much of a rollercoaster as it has been to reach this checkpoint, from burnout to feeling like a failure, there were a whole load of unexpected challenges along the route.
As I reflect on the peaks and troughs, I wouldn’t go back and change a single thing! I’m honoured to have had these experiences shape who we all are today.
I remember when I was growing up and my music mentors and teachers would mention how music would always remain a predominant part of my life after I’d finish my studies. They suggested that I should become a teacher or examiner. At the time I laughed it off and told them that I wasn’t interested in either!
As time went on and our musical development continued, I realised that there were in fact several musical avenues I could potentially go down. For the first time out of pure interest in exploring music in another dimension, I decided to research a few of them. They were all challenging in their own ways. At the time the most appealing turned out to be teaching. So, alongside the support of my mentors and teachers I decided to give it a try - ‘just for the summer.’ It turns out that these ‘summers’ are still striving forwards with twists and turns but we’re only just getting started!
Fast forwards and here we are today with a variety of ways both children and adults can gain access to music education from all parts of the world.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who has supported our journey. This definitely hasn’t been a one-man sport. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all those who have helped us make a real impact. Together, may we continue to share and spread the joy of music into as many more lives as possible!
Learning to play the piano is an exciting journey, and many students choose to follow a structured grading system, such as ABRSM, RCM, or Trinity College exams. These exams provide a clear roadmap for progress, but are they the right choice for every pianist? Let’s explore the pros and cons of graded piano exams to help you decide. Pros of Graded Piano Exams 1. Structured Learning Path – Grading systems provide a clear syllabus, ensuring students develop technique, sight-reading, and theory in a progressive manner. 2. Motivation and Goals – Exams give students specific targets to work towards, which can boost motivation and a sense of achievement. 3. Recognition and Credentials – Successfully passing exams provides certificates that can be useful for academic applications or music-related careers. 4. Feedback from Experts – Examiners offer constructive criticism and professional feedback to help students improve. 5. Skill Development – Preparing for exams builds discipline, performance confidence, and time management skills. Cons of Graded Piano Exams 1. Pressure and Stress – The exam environment can be stressful, which may discourage some students from enjoying the learning process. 2. Limited Repertoire – Grading systems focus on set pieces, potentially limiting exposure to a wider variety of music styles. 3. Focus on Technicality Over Creativity – Exams emphasize technique and accuracy, sometimes at the expense of creativity and personal interpretation. 4. Not Suitable for Every Learner – Some students may thrive with a more flexible, self-paced approach rather than a rigid grading structure. 5. Cost and Time Commitment – Preparing for and taking exams can be expensive and time-consuming, which may not suit every student’s lifestyle or budget. Grading systems offer a valuable framework for structured learning and skill development, but they are not the only path to mastering the piano. Some students benefit from the discipline and motivation that exams provide, while others thrive with a more flexible, exploration-based approach. Ultimately, the best path depends on the individual’s goals, learning style, and personal enjoyment of music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
Parental involvement can significantly enhance a child's learning experience, particularly when it comes to music education. If your child is taking piano lessons, whether through home visits or at a teacher’s house, attending their lessons can have a positive impact on their progress. Here are some key benefits of sitting in on your child’s piano lessons. 1. Encourages Consistency in Practice When parents observe lessons, they gain a better understanding of what their child is learning. This enables them to reinforce concepts and techniques during practice sessions at home, leading to more effective learning and progress. 2. Strengthens Parent-Child Bond Sharing in the learning experience helps build a stronger connection between parent and child. It allows parents to show interest in their child’s musical journey, which can boost the child’s enthusiasm and motivation to improve. 3. Provides Support and Encouragement Children thrive on positive reinforcement. When parents are present, they can offer immediate praise and encouragement, making the learning process more enjoyable and fostering a sense of achievement. 4. Enhances Communication with the Teacher By attending lessons, parents can directly communicate with the teacher about their child’s progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. This creates a collaborative learning environment and ensures that both the teacher and parent are aligned in their approach. 5. Helps Create a Comfortable Learning Environment For children who receive lessons at home, having a parent nearby can provide a sense of security and comfort, especially for younger students. Similarly, if lessons take place at the teacher’s house, a parent's presence can help the child feel more at ease in an unfamiliar setting. Whether your child is learning piano through home visits or at a teacher’s house, sitting in on their lessons can be incredibly beneficial. From reinforcing practice habits to strengthening your relationship with your child, your presence can make a significant difference in their musical journey. By being actively involved, you can support and inspire them to reach their full potential while making music a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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 .
