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V is for…Visualisation! How The Stave and the Piano Keyboard Can Be Seen As One
Learn how the musical stave and the piano keyboard are closely linked and how visualisation can help you read and learn better!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 136 min read


1…2…3…4…5…6… SEVENTH Chords on Piano!
Can you play seventh chords on piano? Fancy learning? Read on...

Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 67 min read


Piano Scales: Similar vs. Contrary Motion
Learn the difference between similar and contrary motion piano scales, and decide which one would be best for you to start playing them hands together!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 255 min read


Relatively Speaking: Finding the Relative Minor
Improve your skill in finding the relative minor key from any major scale.

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 44 min read


Exposition, Development, Recapitulation: How Learning Sonata Form Can Dramatically Improve Learning Classical Piano Music
Learn about the structure of sonata form and how it can help you to better learn classical piano music.

Jack Mitchell Smith
May 2110 min read


The Art of Notating Piano Music
Notating music for piano is a great way to improve you understanding and reading of music! Read more here...

Jack Mitchell Smith
Apr 304 min read


Understanding Time Signature - Music Theory to Improve Your Piano Playing
Understanding what time signature means, why it is there and how to interpret it is essential to start reading music. Learn how here...

Jack Mitchell Smith
Mar 267 min read


Using Arpeggios to Find Your Way Up the Piano
Tackle the fear of not being able to span many piano keys by using some simple 'rearranged' arpeggios to develop a little bit more hand span

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jan 273 min read


A Post Christmas Refresher of All Things Piano: Kickstart Your Learning Back into 2025
We've had a great Christmas and New Year, but don't forget the piano! Read this blog to refresh your learning.

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jan 617 min read


The Devil’s Interval - Introducing Locrian Mode for Halloween
It's Halloween, so learn about Locrian Mode and - more inkeeping - the Devil's Interval - the tritone!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Oct 31, 20244 min read


Getting in the Mode - A Beginner’s Guide to Modes in Music Part One: Major Modes
Think you know how to describe key signatures? Think again and learn how to apply an understanding of modes to your music theory!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Oct 26, 20249 min read


Making Music with Chords I, IV and V
Chords I, IV and V are so useful when it comes to playing and writing music. Learn how to find them and how to use them!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Oct 12, 20247 min read


Finishing Your Music - the Four Cadences
Learn the difference between cadences in music and start to train your ear to hearing them!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Oct 5, 202412 min read


Utilising the Power of Intervals on Piano
Learn how to identify intervals on piano and how they can help you become a better performer, sight reader and musician.

Jack Mitchell Smith
Sep 21, 20249 min read


Using Pentascales to Understand Major and Minor Music
Train your ear to hear the differences between major and minor tonality using simple pentascales as a starting point!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Aug 14, 20247 min read


"Demystifying Stem Direction in Music Notation: Heads and Tails Explained"
Learn which direction the stem should and shouldn't face in music notation and boost your transcription skills!

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 26, 20243 min read


Crossing the Line - "When is the Right Time to Use Tied Notes vs. Whole Notes in Music?"
Unravel the mysteries of sheet music notation and understand the principles of rhythmic symmetry.

Jack Mitchell Smith
Jun 5, 202410 min read


"The Ultimate Guide to Finding Chords on the Piano: Tips and Techniques"
Discover how to find any major or minor chords on piano and start applying them to your music today!

Jack Mitchell Smith
May 29, 20249 min read


"Unlocking the Secrets: How to Perfect Your Piano Sight Reading Skills"
To be a natural at sight reading, it takes as much practice as the piano itself! There are, however, some tips and tricks up my sleeve...

Jack Mitchell Smith
May 15, 20248 min read


Exercises to Improve Voice Performance on Piano
Playing a piece with multiple voices well is what separates a good pianist from a great one. Try these exercises to develop your skill!

Jack Mitchell Smith
May 8, 20249 min read
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