ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stefan Joubert

About Stefan Joubert

Stefan Joubert manages the London Piano Institute, a premier destination for adult piano learners seeking individualised instruction and progress towards their musical goals. He believes anyone can learn to play regardless of age or ability!

Honouring the Life and Music of Alfred Brendel

2025-06-18T13:00:35+01:00

Alfred Brendel, one of the most respected and intellectually influential pianists of the modern era, passed away in June 2025 at the age of 94. His name became synonymous with depth, clarity, and poetic expression at the piano. Renowned for his searching interpretations of Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Liszt, Brendel devoted his life to uncovering the truth within the music. His legacy—rich, thoughtful, and uncompromising—continues to shape the landscape of classical performance. From Humble Beginnings to a Singular Voice Brendel’s path to the world stage was anything but conventional. Born on 5 January 1931 in Wiesenberg, Czechoslovakia (now Loučná nad Desnou [...]

Honouring the Life and Music of Alfred Brendel2025-06-18T13:00:35+01:00

From Hesitation to Distinction: Keith’s Inspiring Adult Piano Journey

2025-05-27T15:58:16+01:00

When Keith resumed piano lessons in 2022 after a long break, he never imagined he’d one day achieve a Grade 8 Distinction. In this heartfelt and insightful interview, Keith shares his journey from self-doubt to success—reflecting on the challenges, breakthroughs, and joyful moments that shaped his musical growth. What began with modest goals has become a true testament to the power of dedication, expert guidance, and a renewed love for the piano. Stefan: Keith, congratulations on your distinction! How did it feel when you received the news? Thank you very much! At first I felt relieved – the results took a [...]

From Hesitation to Distinction: Keith’s Inspiring Adult Piano Journey2025-05-27T15:58:16+01:00

Music Festivals in the UK

2024-10-03T10:42:06+01:00

The UK is famous for its vibrant and eclectic music festival scene, where there's something for everyone—from indie lovers to electronic dance enthusiasts to fans of good old rock and roll. Whether you're into discovering the hottest new acts or rocking out to legendary headliners, you’ll find it here! This guide highlights some of the UK’s most exciting festivals and why they’re a must for your summer (or autumn) calendar. So, pack your wellies, get your festival outfits ready, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure! 1. The Great Escape Location: Brighton Date: Early May If discovering fresh talent before they hit [...]

Music Festivals in the UK2024-10-03T10:42:06+01:00

Back to Basics with Your Piano Playing!

2024-06-24T16:45:05+01:00

As a pianist, whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional, it's essential to revisit the fundamental skills and techniques that underpin your playing. Take a step back and get back to basics with your piano playing—it's the perfect way to revitalise your practice and take your playing to new heights! Why Go Back to Basics? Even experienced pianists can benefit from going back to basics. Revisiting fundamental skills and techniques offers a multitude of advantages, ensuring continuous growth and development as a musician: Refine Your Technique and Eliminate Bad Habits Over time, even seasoned pianists can develop subtle bad [...]

Back to Basics with Your Piano Playing!2024-06-24T16:45:05+01:00

Mastering Piano Chord Playing: Techniques to Perform Like a Professional

2024-03-25T17:11:28+00:00

Playing chords on the piano is a foundational skill for any aspiring musician. From classical to jazz, pop to rock, chords are the building blocks of music, providing the harmonic framework upon which melodies and rhythms are built.Mastering technique is essential to playing chords like a professional. In this article, we'll explore four key techniques that will help you elevate your piano chord playing to a professional level.So read on to make sure your chordal techniques are up to par and ready to assist you with your pianistic expression!Hand ShapeThe first step to playing chords like a pro is to adopt [...]

Mastering Piano Chord Playing: Techniques to Perform Like a Professional2024-03-25T17:11:28+00:00

Piano Teacher vs Being Self-Taught

2024-06-27T22:09:01+01:00

Do-it-yourself (DIY) has become such a common phrase these days that when it comes to certain areas where a lot of skill is required, such as playing the piano, it can put your overall skill and technique in jeopardy. Yes there are many resources to help one with learning to play the piano by yourself, but is it justifiable to neglect the importance of having a teacher? You’re torn between booking that lesson or just teaching yourself. Which one is better? Well, in this article we are going to analyse both sides from a neutral perspective and compromise. The Benefits [...]

Piano Teacher vs Being Self-Taught2024-06-27T22:09:01+01:00

How to Care for and Maintain Your Piano

2024-01-23T21:19:03+00:00

Have you ever wondered whether a piano needs maintenance or not? Well, the answer to that question is yes. Pianos, like any other instruments, need to be looked after and cared for to prolong its use and keep the original value maximised. This blog will go over a few important aspects to keep in mind, as well as how to really look after your piano. How Does a Piano Work? The piano was created around the 1700’s by a man named Bartolomeo Cristofori. He removed the plucking mechanism of a harpsichord and replaced it with a hammer. A typical grand [...]

How to Care for and Maintain Your Piano2024-01-23T21:19:03+00:00

Digital vs Acoustic Pianos

2024-01-16T15:08:30+00:00

The piano is a beautiful and versatile instrument. If you are looking into buying a new piano for yourself, a family/friend or even a company, and are overwhelmed by all the options - it is important to know which one would fulfil the requirements of your current situation. Digital, or acoustic- which one is better? Let’s find out! The History of the Piano The first piano ever made dates back to the 1700’s where a man named Bartolomeo Cristofori took the harpsichord and made it “better”. He disliked the fact that musicians could not control the level of volume on a [...]

Digital vs Acoustic Pianos2024-01-16T15:08:30+00:00

The Importance Of Practising With A Metronome

2024-01-03T12:23:52+00:00

The further you submerge into your musical journey, the more technique is required to keep your talent and effort crisp and clear.Luckily the metronome has made a way for all piano players, guitarists and many more instrumentalists to achieve the perfection they want.Background and HistoryWhat is a metronome?It is none other than a device used by musicians that marks time at a selected rate by giving a regular tick.Metronomes date back to 1815 when Johann Maelzel created a wind-up metronome as a tool for musicians.He took Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel’s first mechanical musical chronometer and added a scale which created the so-called [...]

The Importance Of Practising With A Metronome2024-01-03T12:23:52+00:00

How Long Does It Take To Learn Piano?

2024-01-23T21:21:58+00:00

It is no secret that piano is a skill that can only be developed over time. But how long would it take before you are able to know some basics and play a few songs? And is it worth the money and time? Practice is crucial for learning the piano. The more hours you constantly put in, the more rewards you’ll reap. For beginners who have absolutely no experience whatsoever are advised to practise at least 30 minutes to 1 hour daily. Starting with basic scales and arpeggios will swiftly grow your technique. But is there a cheat-code anyone can [...]

How Long Does It Take To Learn Piano?2024-01-23T21:21:58+00:00
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