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  • Jazz Harmony for Classical Players: What You Actually Need to Know

    January 12, 2026
    Accompanist Guide, Artist Growth, Aural Skills, Collaborative Pianist, Ear Training, Ensemble Playing, Freelance Musician, Independent Music, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Career, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Theory, Musicianship, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Accompaniment, Piano Exercises, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips, Uncategorized
    classical pianist learning jazz, jazz chords explained, jazz harmony basics, jazz harmony for classical pianists, jazz theory for piano, understanding jazz harmony

    As a classically trained pianist, jazz improvisation has never really been my forte.I grew up reading everything on the page, interpreting what was written, polishing details – not being handed a chord symbol and told to “just play”. For a long time, jazz harmony felt like a completely different language, one that everyone else seemed

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  • How I Built a Sustainable Career as a Pianist

    January 5, 2026
    Accompanist Guide, Artist Growth, Branding, Career Development, Collaborative Pianist, Digital Marketing, Ensemble Playing, Freelance Musician, Gig Booking, Independent Music, Marketing, Music Business, Music Career, Music Education, Music Income, Music Industry, Music Promotion, Music Strategy, Musician Wellness, Networking, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Accompaniment, Piano Inspiration
    creative entrepreneur musician, freelance pianist career, how pianists make money, independent musician income, making a living as a pianist, modern pianist career, multiple income streams for musicians, music business for pianists, music career advice, music freelancing tips, music industry jobs for pianists, musician business tips, pianist freelance work, pianist income streams, pianist side income, piano career advice, sustainable music career

    Before I decided to start freelancing full time, I genuinely thought there were only two career paths after studying piano. You either became a piano teacher or a classical concert pianist. Those were the options and neither sounded appealing. It was not until I started working in the industry full time that I realised how

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  • Why Video Game Music Resonates With So Many People

    December 29, 2025
    Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Psychology, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Theory, Musicianship, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Pop Culture Music, video game music
    anime and video game music, cinematic video game music, final fantasy music, game soundtrack music, instrumental video game music, jrpg music, legend of zelda music, modern instrumental music, piano video game covers, pop culture piano, video game composers, video game music, video game music analysis, video game music composers analysis, video game music concert, video game music live performance, video game music nostalgia, video game music piano, why video game music is emotional

    The Composers and Themes That Made Gaming Soundtracks Iconic Video game music has become one of the most emotionally powerful genres of instrumental music today. From sweeping fantasy scores to quiet, reflective themes, game soundtracks stay with us long after we stop playing. But why does video game music connect so deeply with so many

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  • Best Podcasts for Pianists, Creatives, and Music Lovers

    August 11, 2025
    Artist Growth, Career Development, Film Music, Film Scores, Freelance Musician, Independent Music, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Business, Music Career, Music Education, Music Income, Music Industry, Music Promotion, Music Psychology, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Strategy, Music Theory, Musician Wellness, Musicianship, Networking, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Pop Culture Music, Practice Tips
    best music podcasts, classical music podcasts, composer podcasts, creative inspiration podcasts, creative podcasts for musicians, film score podcasts, indie musician tips, motivation for musicians, music business podcasts, music education podcasts, podcasts for creatives, podcasts for pianists, soundtrack podcasts

    I’m a huge fan of podcasts. I’ve got one for every mood, topic and occasion. Whether I’m cooking dinner, driving to a gig, or going for a walk – I love to learn new things and get inspired. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of podcasts that keep me motivated as a pianist, feed

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  • Staying Motivated: How to Keep Practicing When You Feel Stuck

    June 28, 2025
    Artist Growth, Career Development, Music and Emotion, Music Career, Music Education, Music Psychology, Musician Wellness, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips
    daily practice habits, how to keep practicing piano, how to stay motivated to practice music, music motivation, music practice rut, music progress tips, musician mindset, overcoming music burnout, piano practice motivation, practice tips for musicians

    We’ve all been there. You sit at your instrument, open your sheet music or pull up your practice app… and then just stare. Nothing flows. Nothing feels exciting. You play the same passage 47 times and it still sounds meh. You’re not alone – plateaus in practice are completely normal, whether you’re a beginner or

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  • How to Read Lead Sheets and Fake Books: A Pianist’s Guide

    June 14, 2025
    Accompanist Guide, Artist Growth, Aural Skills, Collaborative Pianist, Ear Training, Ensemble Playing, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Storytelling, Music Theory, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Accompaniment, Piano Exercises, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips
    chord symbols piano guide, fake book piano tutorial, how to play from lead sheets, how to read lead sheets, lead sheet piano accompaniment, lead sheet vs full notation, learn lead sheet notation, piano for singers accompaniment, reading fake book notation, real book piano tips

    Whether you’re sight-reading for a last-minute gig, jamming with a singer, or performing pop songs at a wedding, lead sheets and fake books are a lifesaver for pianists who want flexibility, freedom, and speed. But if you’re used to fully-notated classical scores, lead sheets can look… a little bare. Just a melody? A few chord

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  • Musicality explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Expression

    June 7, 2025
    Artist Growth, Aural Skills, Career Development, Collaborative Pianist, Ear Training, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Career, Music Education, Music Psychology, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Strategy, Music Theory, Musicianship, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips
    expressive piano playing, how to improve musicality, how to play piano musically, music expression skills, music performance tips, musical expression, musicality for pianists, piano artistry, piano emotional playing, piano interpretation tips, piano performance tips

    “But how do I play it musically?” If you’ve ever asked your teacher that question – or been that teacher – you know how slippery musicality can feel. It’s not just about playing the right notes, or even playing them well. It’s about making music speak – telling a story through sound, communicating emotion through

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  • Perfect Pitch: What It Is, Can You Develop It, and Do You Need It?

    May 24, 2025
    Aural Skills, Ear Training, Music Education, Music Theory, Musicianship, Piano Technique
    benefits of perfect pitch, can you develop perfect pitch, do famous musicians have perfect pitch, how to play music by ear, how to train your ears for music, is perfect pitch rare, music theory perfect pitch explained, perfect pitch vs relative pitch, relative pitch training, what is perfect pitch

    For as long as I can remember, I’ve had perfect pitch – but for much of my early life, I didn’t realize it was anything unusual. I just assumed that everyone could identify notes instantly, recognize keys without a reference, and pick out melodies without too much effort. As a child, I would sit at

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  • Do-Re-Mi vs. C-D-E-F-G vs. Nashville Numbers: Pros, Cons & How to Choose

    May 17, 2025
    Music Analysis, Music Education, Musicianship, Piano Technique
    advantages of solfège, best way to learn music notes, Do Re Mi vs C D E F G, how to read music by ear, how to transpose music easily, learn to play by ear faster, Nashville chord chart method, Nashville Number System explained, solfège vs letter names, which note system is best for musicians

    If you’ve ever studied music, you’ve likely encountered different ways to name and understand notes and chords. Some musicians swear by the Do-Re-Mi system (Solfège), others stick to letter names (C-D-E-F-G-A-B), and some rely on the Nashville Number System, especially in contemporary and pop music settings. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the

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  • Learn Music by Ear: 6 Steps to Recognizing Chords & Melodies Like a Pro

    May 10, 2025
    Aural Skills, Ear Training, Music Analysis, Music Education, Music Theory, Musicianship, Piano, Piano Exercises, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips
    best ear training methods, ear training exercises, ear training for pianists, how to hear chord progressions, how to identify melodies faster, how to improve musical ear, how to play by ear piano, how to recognize chords by ear, how to train your ears for music, solfège for ear training

    Have you ever listened to a song and wished you could immediately play it by ear? Training your ears to recognize chords and melodies is one of the most valuable skills a musician can develop. Whether you’re a pianist, singer, or instrumentalist, having a strong ear makes learning music faster and more intuitive. But how

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  • Top 10 Film Scores Every Pianist Should Learn

    May 3, 2025
    Film Music, Film Scores, Joe Hisaishi, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Education, Music Storytelling, Performance, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Pop Culture Music, Studio Ghibli
    advanced piano movie themes, best cinematic music for pianists, best film music for pianists, easy movie music for piano, famous piano film scores, Hans Zimmer piano pieces, movie soundtrack piano arrangements, top movie themes to play on piano

    Film music has an incredible ability to tell stories, evoke deep emotions, and transport us to different worlds – all without a single word. As pianists, we get the unique opportunity to bring these cinematic moments to life through expressive melodies, lush harmonies, and dynamic storytelling at the keyboard. But with so many iconic film

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  • Should You Go to Music School? Pros and Cons of Formal Training

    April 26, 2025
    Artist Growth, Career Development, Music Career, Music Education, Music Industry
    best music schools vs real-world experience, best way to learn music, classical music education benefits, do musicians need a degree, how to become a musician without a degree, how to learn music without college, independent music career vs formal training, is music school worth it, pros and cons of music school, should you go to music school

    For many aspiring musicians, the question of whether to attend music school or pursue an independent path is a big one. Some believe formal training is essential for success, while others argue that real-world experience, networking, and self-driven learning can be just as valuable. So, should you go to music school? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

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  • Everybody Hertz – The Best Non-Fiction Book I’ve Read in 2024

    April 12, 2025
    Book Reviews, Music and Emotion, Music Education, Music Psychology, Music Science
    best books on music and science, best non-fiction books for musicians, Everybody Hertz book review, frequency and vibration in daily life, how sound affects the body, how sound influences the brain, music therapy and brain function, Richard Mainwaring Everybody Hertz analysis, Schumann resonance and human health, the science of music

    Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely changes the way you think about something you’ve always taken for granted. For me, that book last year was Everybody Hertz by Richard Mainwaring. At first glance, you might think this is just another science book about sound. But Everybody Hertz is so much

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  • 6 Tips to Overcome Stage Fright as a Pianist

    April 5, 2025
    Artist Growth, Career Development, Music and Emotion, Music Career, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Psychology, Music Storytelling, Music Strategy, Musician Wellness, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Practice Tips
    anxiety coping strategies for performers, best techniques for stage fright, building confidence as a pianist, calming nerves before a performance, how to deal with nerves before performing, how to feel comfortable on stage, how to overcome stage fright, how to perform piano with confidence, how to play piano without fear, musician mental preparation, overcoming music performance anxiety, performance anxiety for pianists, piano stage presence, stage anxiety solutions for musicians, stage fright tips for musicians

    Stage fright is something almost every musician experiences at some point. That nervous energy before a performance can be exhilarating, but when it turns into overwhelming anxiety, shaky hands, or a racing heart, it can feel impossible to focus on the music. As a pianist, you don’t have the luxury of hiding behind a microphone

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  • Why Studio Ghibli Music Resonates with So Many People

    March 29, 2025
    Anime Soundtracks, Film Music, Film Scores, Japanese Film Music, Joe Hisaishi, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Storytelling, Piano Inspiration, Pop Culture Music, Studio Ghibli
    best anime film music, best studio ghibli soundtracks, ghibli music emotional impact, how ghibli music tells a story, how music enhances ghibli films, joe hisaishi compositions, joe hisaishi film music, most beautiful ghibli music, spirited away soundtrack breakdown, studio ghibli music, studio ghibli music analysis, studio ghibli music nostalgia, the magic of joe hisaishi, why ghibli music is emotional, why we love joe hisaishi

    There’s something truly magical about Studio Ghibli films. Whether it’s the breathtaking animation, heartwarming storytelling, or unforgettable characters, these films have a way of staying with us long after the credits roll. But one of the most powerful elements that makes Ghibli movies so special? The music. As a huge fan of Studio Ghibli and

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  • The Science of Memorizing Music: How Your Brain Stores Piano Pieces

    March 22, 2025
    Artist Growth, Music Education, Music Strategy, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Exercises, Piano Practice, Practice Tips
    best way to memorize music, brain science of music learning, effective practice strategies for musicians, how the brain memorizes music, how to memorize piano music, how to practice piano efficiently, how to remember piano pieces long term, how to strengthen memory for music, improving musical memory, learning piano pieces faster, memorization techniques for pianists, muscle memory for pianists, music memory training, piano memorization tips, techniques for memorizing sheet music

    Have you ever wondered why some pieces stick in your memory for years while others seem to disappear overnight? Memorizing music isn’t just about repetition – it’s a fascinating process involving different parts of your brain working together. Understanding how your brain stores, retrieves, and strengthens musical memories can make learning and memorization much easier!

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  • How to Play with a Singer or Ensemble: 7 Tips for Collaborative Pianists

    March 15, 2025
    Accompanist Guide, Artist Growth, Collaborative Pianist, Ensemble Playing, Freelance Musician, Independent Music, Music Career, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Strategy, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Accompaniment
    best practices for collaborative pianists, collaborative piano tips, ensemble piano playing tips, ensemble rehearsal tips, how to accompany a singer on piano, how to balance piano in an ensemble, how to follow a singer on piano, how to improve piano accompaniment, how to play piano in a band, how to support a singer on piano, music collaboration techniques, pianist accompaniment techniques, piano collaboration tips, piano performance tips, playing piano in a group, playing piano with a singer, playing piano with other musicians, tips for accompanying vocalists, working with a singer as a pianist, working with an orchestra as a pianist

    Playing piano solo is one thing, but playing with a singer, a band, or an ensemble is a whole different skill set. As a collaborative pianist, you’re not just playing the notes – you’re supporting, adapting, and communicating with other musicians in real time. Whether you’re accompanying a vocalist, working with an orchestra, or playing

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  • 5 Essential Warm-Ups for Pianists to Improve Technique & Flexibility

    March 1, 2025
    Music Education, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Exercises, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Piano Warm-Ups, Practice Tips
    advanced piano warm-ups, arpeggio practice for piano, best exercises for pianists, best finger exercises for piano, best piano warm-ups, essential piano warm-ups, finger exercises for pianists, hand coordination for pianists, hand independence piano exercises, how to develop finger strength for piano, how to improve piano technique, how to warm up before playing piano, improve piano dexterity, piano exercises for beginners, piano practice tips, piano technique exercises, piano warm-up exercises, piano warm-up routine, scales for piano practice, wrist relaxation piano exercises

    Warming up before playing the piano is like stretching before a workout – it helps prevent injury, improves flexibility, and sets you up for a great practice session. Whether you’re getting ready for a concert, a rehearsal, or just a casual play-through of your favorite pieces, a few simple warm-ups can make a big difference.

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  • How to Memorize Piano Music in 6 Easy Steps

    March 20, 2019
    Music Education, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Exercises, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Piano Warm-Ups, Practice Tips
    best memorization strategies for pianists, best ways to memorize piano pieces, effective piano learning methods, how to improve piano memory, how to learn a piano piece quickly and efficiently, how to learn piano music faster, how to memorize piano music, how to practice piano without a piano, memorizing sheet music efficiently, mental practice techniques for musicians, muscle memory for pianists, piano memorization techniques, piano performance tips, piano practice routine, piano practice tips for beginners, step-by-step guide to memorizing piano music

    Learning a new piece of music can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re trying to memorize it. But don’t worry! Breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps makes it much easier (and even fun). Whether you’re tackling a classical masterpiece, a pop song, or a video game soundtrack, here’s how you can memorize piano music

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