Reshmi Patel • August 14, 2020

Practicing Away From the Piano

If we are travelling or away from our piano is there a way we can still practice? Absolutely! 

In this blog post we’ll provide you with practical tips to help you keep on track with your finger techniques so that when you DO return to the piano your fingers won’t have lost too much control, strength or mobility. 

1) Finger Lift Exercise

As seen in the image you can do this at your convenience on a desk at school or on your table at work.


Firstly, place your hand on the surface and ensure that your fingers are curved (as if you were shaking someone’s hand) and ensure your wrist lies flat. ⁠

 

Then, one at a time, lift each finger up without moving the other ones. 

 

If this becomes too easy for you, try lifting each finger several times before moving onto the next one.

 

Once you’ve done this, repeat this exercise exactly the same way with your other hand. ⁠

 

2)   Study the Score

When you are analysing your sheet music, have a look out for the following:


·        Key Signature

·        Accidentals

·        Rhythmic variations

·        Dynamic variations

·        Forms of articulation

·        Changes in the pitch

·        Type of finger patterns

·        Changes in the hand position


If you are studying a piece you have currently played on your piano, identify where you are stumbling out of time and work out why it’s going wrong, then decide how you are going to fix it.



3)   Clapping or Tapping Rhythms

Music teachers tend to encourage their students to feel a sense of pulse or to focus on the sense of the rhythm in their music. One way you can do this is to find a piece of music and tap or clap the rhythm of the notes. You can either count out loud or in your head whilst you are completing this exercise. If you are struggling with either of these, try listening to a metronome before or whilst you are practicing.


Once a student or performer plays with good awareness, knowledge and understanding of this aspect of time it has a very audible effect on their interpretation of the music.


4)   Visualisation

‘Visualisation’ is a technique used to form a mental image and replicate certain behaviour.


This is something top athletes and musicians do before taking part in competitions and is a powerful way to focus the mind!


Visualization is really quite simple. First, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and imagine — in as vivid detail as you can at the process and the final result of your desired act.


To gain the most out of visualisation try to:


·        Pick the right time and place

 

Somewhere you can switch off and focus deeply. This should also be somewhere with as few distractions as possible.

 

·        Focus on your breathing

 

Before you begin try to ensure you maintain a regular breathing pattern and release any tension in your body.

 

·        Regain control of your attention

 

Focus on one thing. Whether that’s your instrument or hand position. Begin to picture this in your mind. You can then add more images as and when you feel comfortable.

 

·        Use all of your senses

 

Although the term ‘visualisation’ implies using our visual senses, according to leading performance psychologists: ‘you should be so immersed in a mental image that it seems as if it is actually happening.’ For this reason, we recommend using as many senses as possible.

 

Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to 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.

How Can My Child Make Faster Progress Without More Pressure?

June 23, 2026
Many parents naturally wonder: "Is there anything we can do to help our child progress faster?" The answer is “yes!” But surprisingly, it isn't always about practising for longer. Often, it's about practising smarter and supporting learning more effectively. Focus on Quality Over Quantity Twenty focused minutes is often more valuable than forty distracted ones. Encourage your child to: Work on one small section at a time Repeat challenging passages slowly Celebrate small improvements Progress is built through quality repetitions. Listen to More Music Children who regularly listen to music often develop stronger musical awareness. Try: Piano versions of favourite songs Film soundtracks Classical pieces Live performances online The more children hear music, the more naturally they understand it. Encourage Independent Problem Solving Before giving answers, try asking: "What do you think your teacher would suggest?" This develops independence and musical thinking. Over time, children become less reliant on reminders and more capable of self-correction. Protect Enjoyment One of the quickest ways to slow progress is to turn learning into pressure. Children tend to improve most when they: Feel capable Enjoy lessons Experience regular success Confidence fuels motivation, and motivation fuels progress. Think in Months, Rather than in Days One of the most powerful shifts parents can make is focusing on long-term growth. Instead of asking: "Why isn't this perfect yet?" Ask: "Are they stronger than they were three months ago?" Small improvements compound over time. A Final Thought The children who make the greatest progress are rarely the ones under the most pressure.  They're usually the ones who stay engaged, curious, and consistent. When enjoyment and effort work together, progress tends to follow naturally. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

How Piano Parents Can Support Piano Progress Between Lessons

June 15, 2026
You don't need to be musical to create a meaningful difference in your child’s piano journey. Many parents tell us: "I'd love to help more, but I don't play an instrument." The good news? You don't need to understand music theory or read notation to support your child's progress. Some of the most impactful support has nothing to do with musical knowledge. Create a Consistent Environment Children thrive on routine. Rather than focusing on long practice sessions, focus on: A regular practice time A quiet environment Minimal distractions Consistency often matters more than duration. Ask Questions Instead of: "Did you practise?" Try: "What did you improve today?" Or: "What are you most proud of this week?" These questions encourage reflection and ownership. Celebrate Effort, Rather than Talent Research consistently shows that children develop greater resilience when effort is praised rather than natural ability. For example: Instead of: "You're so talented." Try: "I noticed how patient you were with that tricky section." This encourages a growth mindset. Stay Connected With the Teacher You don't need lengthy conversations. Simply asking:  "What's one thing we should focus on this week?" This can provide clarity and confidence. Small conversations often lead to significant improvements. A Final Thought Children make the best progress when lessons and home support work together. It’s absolutely fine that you are not musically qualified or a teacher yourself. You can be the encouragement they are looking for at home. Now that role is incredibly powerful. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

How Can I Help My Child Manage Nerves Before a Piano Exam or Performance?

June 12, 2026
Whether it's their first concert, a school performance, or a piano exam, feeling nervous is completely normal. In fact, most musicians including professionals experience some level of nerves before performing. The goal isn't to eliminate nerves entirely. The goal is to help children feel prepared, confident, and capable of performing despite them. Here are some simple ways to support your child. Replicate the Performance Environment at Home One of the most effective ways to reduce nerves is to make the experience feel familiar. A few days before the performance: Ask your child to walk into the room as if they were entering the stage Introduce themselves if they will be doing so Perform the piece from start to finish without stopping Invite a few family members to listen The more familiar the process feels, the less intimidating it becomes. Remember we are not trying to create pressure. We are helping children build confidence through repetition. Focus on Deep Breaths Before Playing When nerves appear, breathing often becomes shallow and quick. Before performing, encourage your child to: Take a slow breath in through their nose Hold for a moment Exhale slowly Repeating this two or three times can help calm the body's natural stress response. Simple techniques often work best. Remember Why They Started When children become focused on "getting it right", they can forget why they began learning in the first place. Before an exam or concert, remind them: How much they have learned How far they have come The pieces they can now play that once felt impossible The goal is not perfection. The goal is to share their music and celebrate their progress. A Final Thought Courage isn't performing without nerves. Courage is performing despite them. Every performance builds confidence, resilience, and self-belief - regardless of the result. And those are skills that extend far beyond music.  If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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