Exams and Improvisation

Piano examinations can mark significant milestones in a student's musical journey. They test technical skills, but can also play a vital role in measuring progress and inspiring improvement.

As this term's examination dates approach, some of my students are working diligently to polish their pieces, improve their sight-reading, and refine their aural skills. However, it’s important to remember that while preparation is key, maintaining a sense of enjoyment is essential for a rewarding piano experience.

Making practise sessions fun...

I was inspired myself this week when one student shared a recording of something he had improvised. He was practising an exam piece and began to feel frustrated and bored (it happens to us all!). He enjoys improvising and began to create something that was based on the exam piece but with his own style and flair. The result was really impressive and i am so glad he shared it with me. You can hear the underlying tone of the original piece, but he had created something entirely new.

A cozy music room featuring a grand piano ready for practice.