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
Apr 109 min read
Unlocking the Secrets of Minor Scales: A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians
In this blog I explore the three common forms of minor scale that you will need to understand and perform as a pianist.
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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 2010 min read
"8 Effective Practice Techniques for Musicians: How to Perfect the Art of Practising"
It can seem quite baffling that we need advice on how to practice. But so many of us get it wrong. Read on for some useful tips...
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Sep 18, 20233 min read
SUCCESS - Fantasia in C Minor - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
I can play Mozart's complete Fantasia in C Minor (Köchel No. 475) now! Watch my video and read about how I perfected my final performance!
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Jack Mitchell Smith
Sep 11, 20232 min read
Treble Clef Sight Reading Exercises
I developed a few exercises to help a pupil progress their treble clef sight reading, and rather than waste them, here I am sharing them!
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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
Jun 27, 20234 min read
Practice Journal: "Pathétique Sonata" - Beethoven - Part Three
More progress on Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata...
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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 26, 20233 min read
Practice Journal: "Pathétique Sonata" - Beethoven - Part Two
This week I've been practicing more in depth the allegro passages of the first movement of 'Pathétique' - 'Allegro Molto e Con Brio'.
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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 17, 20233 min read
Practice Journal: "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" - George Gershwin - Part One
This week I revisited my old friend - Gershwin. One of my favourite composers / writers - but a menace to learn!
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