Week 4 just dropped — and this one is a bit different. You get a full five-phase memorisation system you can take straight to the piano: how to read a score for structure rather than notes, how to build memory that holds up under pressure, and why muscle memory is the last thing you want to rely on, not the first. Worth saying: this is not compulsory. A lot of adult learners feel like they should be memorising and beat themselves up when they can't. The module opens with an honest conversation about when it's actually worth doing and when it isn't. For everyone currently on the Fast-Track, this Sunday is the start of the Independent Implementation Fortnight. Two weeks, no lessons, just you and the piano. It's the part of the programme that tends to surprise people the most. If you've ever wanted to actually understand what you're playing rather than just learn the notes, Week 4 is worth a proper look. See you there!

I am part of the 9 week fluency cohort and as part of this Ben provides a video copy of the lesson. This is a normal offering that Ben gives for all students. I didn’t always ask him to make a copy of previous lessons but now find in invaluable. I have got over the having to listen to my voice and some stumbling answers which on reviewing I am urging my video self to answer quicker and more clearly. There is the obvious benefit of hearing yourself play but it’s the theory aspect I find extremely helpful, as I don’t always grasp the concept straight away and sometimes need time to reflect. Depending on what level you are learning at I imagine we all get different value from these recordings.

Hi everyone! The main piece I'm currently working on is “why am I blue” and I'm at Stage 3 of the learning process, which means I'm working with the metronome / hands together. My current safe speed is 50 bps and my target performance speed is 96 bps. This week 3 finally clicked for me. Before my next lesson, I want to fix improving playing hands together. Has anyone else dealt with getting hands separate at the performance speed and then finding when you bring hands together that your speed is much slower? How did you handle it?

Welcome to The Independent Pianist Circle. We're thrilled to have you! The goal of this space is to help you stop practising alone and build connections with other learning pianists like you. And this helps you to improve your playing! Your First Task: Introduce Yourself It is completely understandable to feel a bit of resistance when joining a community of musicians. Try to ignore that voice. We're all in the same boat here, and we just want to get to know you! Drop a comment on this post to introduce yourself (you can use the template below if you want). Also, attach a photo of your current piano setup! Hi! My name's __________ and I'm based in __________. I'm currently working on __________, but outside of the piano, I love to __________. Welcome to the Circle! 🎹 P.S. Go to this link for your first steps for getting started: https://www.skool.com/the-self-taught-pianist-circle-7074/classroom/2a8184c9?md=887e605c9176458988e269e821fcee00 P.P.S. You're a musician. Craving some music? If you're on the website, go to the search bar at the top and type "Let there be cat". Thank me later :)

This module covers the full step-by-step method for learning a piece from scratch, using the sustained pedal correctly, adding musicality without overcomplicating it, and asynchronous learning. There's also a printable practice sheet in there!