"Unlocking the Secrets: How to Perfect Your Piano Sight Reading Skills"
To be a natural at sight reading, it takes as much practice as the piano itself! There are, however, some tips and tricks up my sleeve...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Apr 178 min read
Score vs. Memory - Learning and Performing
The age old debate of whether or not we need to commit our music to memory is explored. It certainly has its pros...let's discuss!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Mar 278 min read
"The Mental Toll of Perfection: Understanding the Guilt of Musicians"
Do you need to practice? Yes. Are you in the mood to practice? No? Is that just tough luck or should we take heed? I investigate...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Mar 136 min read
"Which is Best for Musical Mastery: Self Teaching or Private Piano Tuition?"
Why should you use a piano teacher when you can just as easily (and more cheaply) buy a book or download a course? Read on to find out...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Mar 61 min read
Macclesfield Nub News Debut
Read my article on the Macclesfield Nub News website and be inspired to take up piano!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Sep 7, 20236 min read
Tips for Nervous Beginners...
This blog is aimed for all beginners / restarting learners of the piano! It's okay - it's not scary! Just enjoy the process!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 16, 20239 min read
Understanding Chords and Inversions
A quick guide to finding chords and understanding them better.
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 8, 20234 min read
SUCCESS - 'Keyboard Sonata in D Minor' by Scarlatti
I believe I've cracked it after all my practicing! Keyboard Sonata in D Minor by Domenico Scarlatti.
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 3, 20233 min read
Committing Music to Memory
I have been committing a few pieces to memory lately. Here are some tips and tricks if you need to do so...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 1, 20233 min read
Practice Journal - "Sonata" by Scarlatti: Part Two
More progress on Scarlatti's sonata. I can now play the whole piece without music, so just a case of refreshing those semiquavers!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Jul 28, 20234 min read
Pain vs. Gain on Piano...
Sometimes I wonder if the pain is worth the gain on piano. I believe so, but hear me out...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Jul 25, 20232 min read
Practice Journal: "Fantasia and Sonata in C Minor" - Mozart - Part Two
'Piú Allegro' is coming together nicely, and in context it's wonderful as I have reached the end of the Fantasia in C Minor.
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Jul 14, 20234 min read
The Recording Button - Your Worst Audience Member
Is it normal to go wrong so often when recording? Yes. Why? Here are my thoughts...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 3, 20231 min read
SUCCESS: 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise' by George Gershwin
I feel like I've made enormous progress on 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise' by George Gershwin. See for yourselves!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 1, 20235 min read
Playing a Sibelius Symphony on the Piano
How to you play a Sibelius Symphony on the piano? Read on to find out how I achieved this particular movement...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
May 30, 20236 min read
The Art of the Metronome
When is the best time to practice with a metronome? Here are some tWhen is the best time to practice with a metronome? Here are some tips...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
May 23, 20237 min read
Pedal Properly - A Quick Reference
Our best friend on the piano may actually be compromising how good a pianist we really are! Read on to find out more on how we should pedal.
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Jack Mitchell Smith
May 19, 20236 min read
Six Ways to Improve Your Piano Playing
If you're a great pianist, you can almost certainly still be better. Here are six tips to help you improve even more!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
May 12, 20235 min read
Week One as a Private Piano Tutor
This week has been my first week as a private piano tutor, with TWO new pupils! Find out how I (and they) got on...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
May 11, 20234 min read
Practice Journal: "Pathétique Sonata" - Beethoven - Part One
I'm revisiting Beethoven's Pathétique and in particular the first movement - how am I going to tackle the challenges in this difficult one?
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