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 few weeks to arrive, and I had increasingly surreal nightmares about failing spectacularly. After that I was able to reflect and felt pleased and proud.

Stefan: Let’s go back to the beginning—what first drew you to the piano, and how did your journey start with the London Piano Institute in 2022?

Keith: It started when a friend bought a beautiful glockenspiel, and he was amazed when I sat down and started to play tunes on it. I had learned the flute as a child, and later the piano for a short time, but over the years as life got busier I rarely played any music at all.

My friend suggested I might like to have an electric piano to play at home, and eventually I decided it was time to have lessons again. The prospect was quite terrifying after so many years!

I was reassured, however, when reading about the London Piano Institute and their approach to adult piano learning.

Stefan: What were your initial goals when you began lessons, and how have those evolved over time?

Keith: The initial plan was to aim for ABRSM Grade 6, to “finish off” where I stopped as a teenager 20 years before – I didn’t believe I had the ability to proceed beyond that.

After my first lessons with Laura, and with her guidance in (drastically) improving my technique, scales and practice habits, it became much more pleasurable and less frustrating to play and learn new pieces.

Stefan: You’re currently taking online lessons with Sonja. How has that experience been?

Keith: Amazing! I always look forward to our lessons and come away with new knowledge, ideas, and of course things to work on over the next week.

One of my biggest fears was that I would plateau and become too frustrated to continue, and Sonja is great at helping me find ways around all the problem areas of my pieces.

I will never forget the “eureka” moment when she fixed an issue with one of the dreaded “double thirds” scales.

Stefan: As an adult learner, how have you managed to balance piano with work and life?

Keith: Gosh, making time to practise is often easier said than done, so I try to be realistic about it. If I can only manage 15/20 minutes some days, I will then try to sit down later in the week and get some quality hours in.

My home piano has a headphone slot, so fortunately I can play at unsociable hours if need be!

Stefan: Were there any practise routines or strategies that particularly helped you?

Keith: Attention to detail in scales worked wonders for me, and being strict with the accuracy and finger patterns. Learning some of the trickier scales slooowly was astonishingly frustrating but it really did work.

Slow practice too, trying to perfect small sections of a piece – but taking a break when it started to get frustrating, rather than just going through the motions of practise, and having something totally different or fun to play as a “breather”.

Stefan: Grade 8 is no small feat. What did your preparation involve, and what were some of the biggest challenges?

Keith: I made extra time for practise each day where possible, particularly for scales, with extra hours at the weekend.

When learning the pieces, I often video myself playing them – it was hard to deal with in the early stages, and quite horrific listening back to the first attempts, but helpful to compare with later recordings and see a bit of improvement.

I had a great fear of disappointing others, but with a gradual growth in confidence I instead tried to turn that into: make them proud that you did your best.

Stefan: Many find sight-reading and aural tests especially demanding. How did you prepare for those?

Keith: The ABRSM app and books were very useful for the aural tests. Particulary with the aural tests, I found it valuable to sit by myself and give the answers out loud.

Much of the detail was still lurking in the back of my mind from my old flute days, although I am not entirely sure how! Sight-reading was more of a challenge and in the months leading up to the exam I set aside time to sight-read short pieces every day.

On some occasions I found myself saying loudly “don’t stop!” after a slip. Fortunately I didn’t say that to myself in the exam.

Stefan: Was there a particular piece in your Grade 8 programme that resonated with you?

Keith: Barcarolle: Juin by Tchaikovsky. I did not imagine I would ever be able to play it, let alone memorise it. That in itself felt like an achievement; slowly understanding the musicality, appropriate pedalling, phrasing and the overall mood of the piece, though, was a real joy.

I don’t think I’ve ever managed that level of depth with a piece before. (An honourable mention to JP Johnson’s Over The Bars, which is enormous fun to bash out on a street piano when the opportunity arises).

Stefan: How did Sonja support your preparation, especially in the weeks leading up to the exam?

Keith: Sonja was very supportive with helping me think clearly about how the pieces should be played in the exam, making sure my scales were ready and not panicking (which I tend to do).

We could also talk quite frankly about timing – not rushing to try and take the exam early, but getting to the right point first. Although the exam day itself was full of anxiety, I felt we had prepared as much as we could.

Stefan: Looking back on your journey from 2022 to now, what do you feel has changed most in your playing or musical outlook?

Keith: It’s all still changing. I started with very limited ambitions and have been constantly amazed when things have gone well!

Overall I feel encouraged that it’s still possible to get better with practise and great teaching and most of all, to enjoy the whole experience for what it is.

Stefan: Has learning piano impacted other areas of your life?

Keith: “Sorry I can’t, I’ve got a piano studio booked!” was a regular refrain for me over the last year. Friends and family have been very understanding and supportive.

It’s definitely given me more confidence in my own ability to learn and apply myself – and not to be embarrassed to ask for help.

Stefan: What advice would you give to other adult pianists working towards their Grade 8 or similar goals?

I can’t emphasise this enough: enjoy it!

Decide your own personal goals, but be flexible and don’t restrict yourself. Remember that you’re doing it for you. And listen to your teacher!

Stefan: Now that you’ve achieved Grade 8 with distinction, what’s next for you musically?

I would like to work towards the ARSM diploma. This was simply unimaginable a few years ago. I don’t yet know if I have the ability, but hopefully it will continue to be a fun journey!

Conclusion

Keith’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue excellence in music.

With dedication, the right support, and a love for learning, adult learners can achieve truly remarkable milestones.

We look forward to following Keith’s continued journey as he sets his sights on the ARSM diploma!

David joined our piano family back in 2016, starting with in-person lessons at the London Piano Institute.

Since then, his journey has evolved beautifully as he transitioned to online lessons with the Online Piano Institute, allowing him to continue developing his skills and passion for piano.

In this interview, David shares his story—what drew him to the piano, his experiences learning in-person and online, and how playing has become such a meaningful part of his life.

Mae: So, David, tell me a bit about what first brought you to the piano. Was it something you’d always wanted to do, or did you just decide to give it a go in 2016?

David: I have always wanted to learn the piano and dabbled at school, although I never had time to commit to it until later on in life when I had more flexibility and more time on my hands. I now have more time with my children being adults. I also wanted an “adult only” teacher and I saw that the London Piano Institute advertised my teacher, Stefan Joubert’s lessons, which was specifically tailored for adults.

Mae: What do you remember most about your early in-person lessons at the London Piano Institute? How did they shape the way you approached playing?

David: I was nervous, but enjoyed it and I felt that I was finally learning something. I was playing simple piano in my own time but I had to go back to basics and start from the beginning, like learning scales. I had to go backwards to get me into a better position to progress forward. Originally, I had another teacher but he taught school children and I was an older student being taught simple rhymes but since joining London Piano Institute, I felt that they were more knowledgable on how to teach adults.

Mae: At some point, you decided to transition to online lessons. What made you take that step? Was it a big adjustment for you at first?

David: I went online as I am able to commit more regularly with lessons. There is no commute and I can fit it within my daily/work routine and family life. For example, having remote lessons during the Covid period was highly beneficial. Although, a bit of an adjustment, it was the best transition I could make to ensure consistency.

Mae: How have you found learning online compared to in-person? Are there things you enjoy more about the online format?
David: I really like being able to use my own piano as I am familiar with it and can practice with it. I never forget my sheet music or notes being at home and can continue to practice straight after the lesson rather than having to rush to catch a train home!

Mae: What is it about the piano that keeps you motivated? Is it just your love for music, or do you have dreams of playing at dinner parties or in front of friends?

David: The love for music is what motivates me, it keeps my brain exercised and provides a moment of peace and clarity and just a moment for just myself. Yes, I would love to play at a dinner party.

Mae: Do you ever think about performing for an audience one day (if you haven’t yet!), or is piano playing more of a personal outlet for you?

David: It’s more personal for me and I feel like my friends and family who have witnessed my journey would appreciate hearing my performances more so a bit more rewarding and less intimidating should I mess up a note or two!

Mae: Looking back over the years, are there any moments or achievements at the piano that you’re particularly proud of?

David: My biggest achievement is going from Grade 1 to Grade 5 and now having the ability to read music. I am now in a position where I can play personal pieces I want to play rather than having to play from standard exercise books.

Mae: Have you faced any challenges along the way? How did you work through them?

David: It’s always a challenge to every piano planner who wants to improve. I admire my teacher, Stefan, who can pick up random sheet music and play instantly. Though I can read music, it takes me a lot longer to learn but I am persevering through thanks to London Piano Institute.

Mae: How has your teacher supported you throughout your journey? Are there any specific lessons or moments that stand out?

David: Stefan has always supported me, if he or I can’t make a lesson, he will ensure that he can make another time so I do not miss out on a week. Stefan also takes into account what I want to learn. Stefan is patient, clear and understanding. All my lessons stand out to me as I learn something new each time, so no lesson is wasted.

Mae: Do you have a favourite piece or style of music to play? And what makes it so special to you?

David: I adore movie soundtrack music. My wife likes romantic music so I am enjoying ‘Kiss the Rain’ by Yiruma as it keeps her happy! Having a personal music connection resonates with me so makes it even more special.

Mae: Are there any composers or styles you’re hoping to explore more in the future?

David: I appreciate all the talented piano composers and I am open to a lot of music styles as it improves my technical knowledge. I do like classical and like to explore composers but I am not a massive fan of the Beethoven style, I prefer film composers like John Barry and the famous John Williams.

Mae: How has learning piano enriched your life? Has it had any unexpected benefits beyond the music itself?

David: It has been beneficial to my own mental health and to achieve something so special as an adult. I like the way it has brought my family together, especially at Christmas time playing songs around the fire and having a baileys! My daughter also has autism and she finds it relaxing to listen to me play which is really amazing to see as a parent.

Mae: For someone thinking about starting piano lessons, whether in-person or online, what would you say to them?
David: Have patience with yourself and be consistent, giving up is not an option if you have dreams of playing the piano and love it. Everyone learns at a different pace so take your time and learn with a company like London Piano Institute who take your learning style and capabilities into account.

Mae: Do you have any advice for students making the switch to online lessons?

David: My advice would be is to prepare 15 minutes before the lesson. Check your piano, sheet music and WiFi and even have a quick practice to warm up. I screen share my Zoom session on to a large TV and this is a great way to see my teacher’s piano and face more clearly.

Mae: Looking ahead, what are your goals as a pianist? Is there a piece or milestone you’re excited to tackle next?
David: My goal is to be an intermediate player and read music quicker and understand the language behind the notes. I also want to learn more complex pieces but really I’d love to learn a few new Christmas songs that everyone can sing along to when I host at home this year!

Mae: Is there anything else about your journey that you’d like to share?

David: It’s been a wonderful journey thanks to the London Piano Institute and can’t believe how far I have come. Do not give up and don’t get demoralised as you will get there. It is always hard learning as an adult compared to children who are like sponges and adults have more responsibilities so do not feel down if someone younger than you is more experienced. I also highly recommend London Piano Institute as the teachers are wonderful and support you on your dreams and encourage you and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Keep chasing the dream and make it a reality no matter where you are in life or who you are.

Conclusion

David’s journey is a great reminder of how music can grow with us, adapting to our lives while staying a constant source of joy and creativity.

It’s been a privilege to see him progress and stay committed to his passion for piano.

We can’t wait to see where this journey takes him next!