At Pinner Music Academy, we often encounter the age-old question: "How long should I practise the piano each day?" While there are varied opinions on this, we believe the key lies in asking a more insightful question: "How long should I practise the piano at a time?"

Understanding your unique physical and mental limits can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your practice sessions. Whether you're preparing for a major performance or simply maintaining your skills, breaking up your practice into focused, manageable sessions can lead to better results and a more enjoyable experience.

Read on to discover how to tailor your practice routine to maximise efficiency and minimise the risk of injury or burnout.

Learning to play the piano is a rewarding journey, but staying motivated can sometimes be a challenge. At Pinner Music Academy, we understand the importance of maintaining your enthusiasm throughout your musical journey. In this post, we share six effective strategies to help you stay engaged and excited about your practice. From exploring music you love and expanding your repertoire to setting unmissable milestones and optimising your practice space, these tips are designed to keep your motivation high and your progress steady. Discover how you can transform your practice routine and achieve your musical goals with us!

Choosing between a digital and an acoustic piano is crucial for any pianist. Acoustic pianos offer rich, organic tones and high touch sensitivity, making them ideal for classical music and advanced players. However, they require regular tuning and a stable environment. Digital pianos, on the other hand, are affordable, low-maintenance, and versatile, with various sound settings and headphone options for private practice, making them suitable for beginners and modern music genres.

At Pinner Music Academy, we guide you through this important decision, helping you find the perfect instrument for your needs and ensuring a fulfilling piano learning journey.

Mastering the art of dynamics is essential for any pianist aiming to bring depth and emotion to their music. Dynamics in piano music refer to the variations in volume, indicated by the composer, that dictate how loudly or softly to play each note. From the gentle whisper of pianissimo (pp) to the thunderous roar of fortissimo (ff), understanding and practising these dynamic markings can transform a simple melody into a captivating performance. In this post, we explore the key dynamic notations, techniques for playing them, and practical tips to incorporate dynamics into your practice routine. Join us at Pinner Music Academy as we delve into the expressive world of piano dynamics.

Reading sheet music is a valuable skill that many pianists cherish, but it’s not the only path to musical fulfilment. Some of the best pianists in history mastered the art of playing by ear, a method that offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience music.

If you think playing the piano by ear is out of reach, think again. With today’s wealth of resources—including piano lessons, YouTube tutorials, online courses, and smartphone apps—anyone can learn this skill in a relatively short time. Here’s a step-by-step guide from Pinner Music Academy to get you started.

Step One: Deep Listening

Start by selecting a song with a memorable melody. Listen to it repeatedly, focusing on the details—the pitch, rhythm, and any changes in dynamics. Pay close attention to every nuance. Try singing or humming along with the melody until you can perform it accurately without the recording. This process helps internalise the music, making it easier to translate onto the piano.

Embark on this musical journey and discover the joy of playing the piano by ear. At Pinner Music Academy, we’re here to support you with personalised lessons and expert guidance. Happy playing!