Welcome
Welcome to Playing the Piano. This site has been created to help you master the art of piano playing and performance. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished player you will be sure to find something here of interest, whether it be tips on how to improve further, a book on piano technique or maybe an essential piece of equipment to assist in your learning. You can also check out the blog, or the events page for details of upcoming concerts.
Product of the Year: Digital Metronome.
A few years ago I decided to buy a digital metronome to assist me in my learning. My old analog metronome
had started beating erratically and was no longer fit for purpose, so I decided to go for a new digital model.
It was a simple design which allowed the BPM rate to be set using up/down buttons, along with a switch for enabling an audible
beat, flashing light, or both. Being small in size, it was possible to set it down on the left side of the keyboard or on the
music stand, and having not too many features made it easy to use.
Recent Concert: Review
The latest concert I attended was a candlelight concert held at Salisbury Cathedral, which
featured the pianist David Owen Norris who played a variety of pieces by composers Handel, Mendelssohn and Byrd, as well as some of his
own compositions. The North Transept of the ancient cathedral provided an atmospheric setting for the event, which was held on a dark
weekday evening in March. The music was interesting and diverse, and flawlessly delivered by this well known figure of the British classical
music scene.