Did the Q&A session today with Ben. As I was the only person on the call, I had the benefit of asking numerous questions. It’s very generous of Ben to give up his time like this and appreciate it. Seamus

A tip I got from the above book was to build a system that over time will make change, rather than aim for a goal (often without a system to reach it). I realised I was just WISHING to practice the piano but always told myself I never had time. After listening to the above advice I decided to start a routine in which I would practice the piano after all chores etc done in the evening, for only 5 mins (if I do more, great, but no pressure). This way, even on the hardest, busiest days, I can still maintain my routine. Herbie Hancock said that you don’t need to be good straight away, you just need to be better than yesterday. So I have been doing this every evening for about two weeks now and loving it, and feeling like I am better than yesterday. Never done less than half hour cause I get so into it but I love knowing that if I can’t, 5 mins is also fine. Hope this helps someone!

This month, I want to share with you a resource that's been on my mind for a while, and I've been workshopping it with my students today (thank you, Seamus and Thomas!). It's called: The Pre-Lesson Report (dun, dun, dunnnnnn). It's designed to: - Focus your practice - Help you progress by yourself - Help us use lesson time more efficiently It's a natural progression of the Practice Journal (see previous posts for info about that). Here's how it works: Before every lesson, for each piece, create a table. At the top of the table, next to the title, write your target speed. Make sure you include "crotchet equals" or "quaver equals" etc.--not just a random bpm! Now for the table itself. From left to right, the columns are: - Section (you can write specific bar numbers, line numbers, rehearsal markings, etc.) - Hands separately/hands together - Safe speed (the speed at which you'll be able to play this section perfectly with a metronome in the lesson. Make sure you include "crotchet equals" or "quaver equals" etc.--not just a random bpm!) - Notes (any specific questions about the section, or any additional details) Then, under each piece, write 1-3 questions. Each question must start with "How do I...". Here's an online template so you can see how it works: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OAXYmEU-T4K5IqRsTxk-iNiYgVwPAwoWs4KfoiIhDyk/edit?usp=sharing Repeat this for every piece you want to look at in the lesson. If you're not sure what you want to look at in the lesson, do it for all your pieces! Your challenge is this: for every lesson this month, submit your Pre-Lesson Report the day before or on the day of your lesson. This will be much easier if you keep a robust practice journal! If you don't manage to do it sometimes, don't worry; we may do it together at the beginning of your lesson as an exercise to improve your practice skills.

I've been trying to play Ashokan Farewell for so long and never seem to make any progress and put it away again each time. Today I picked it back up and am determined to get a grip of it this time. I'm going to write down my practice and slow it right down, breaking it into smaller sections. Does anyone else have a nemesis piece you are going to revisit this year and how are you going to tackle it?

Hi All! Happy Monday! Did you know Monday is actually my favourite day of the week? We've got a workshop coming up on Saturday at 10:30am. What would you like to see or cover in that time? If you're thinking of coming, please fill out this 10-second form: https://forms.gle/q86ozZUucEAXQwFA7 It lets me know enough people are intending to come so this session definitely goes ahead. By the way, if you joined before 25/01, I have permanently upgraded your membership to the 'Premium' tier at no extra cost. This gives you two specific benefits: 1. Fixed Weekly Slots: The option to reserve a recurring lesson time, rather than booking ad-hoc. 2. Priority Feedback: You can send me fingerings, theory questions, or recordings for checking in between lessons. There is no pressure to use these, but if you would like to lock in a regular time or send something over for feedback, just drop me a message. Happy practicing this week!