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New Year’s Resolutions for Pianists

Happy New Year!


Are you a resolution maker?


Perhaps you ought to be if you are learning piano. But where to begin?


We could be generic and say things like ‘practise more’ or ‘learn this piece of music’, but is that really going to be enough to actually keep us improving throughout the year?



piano teacher Congleton lesson lessons
Trying hard to think of my own resolutions...


Why not try a couple of my own suggestions to kickstart your resolution making this year…



  • Compose More: Believe it or not, composing music directly affects how well you understand music and greatly improves at least one of the following - your musical ear, your improvisation, your sight reading. If you do take it to the most literal extreme, getting a hold of manuscript paper and writing out your composition by hand is incredibly effective as it really makes you think about the pitch of your notes, the rhythms you are employing and any special markings you wish to add. Away from this, it also allows you to understand how different intervals sound and complement - or clash with - one another (both within the key signature you are composing in and away from it). Therefore, your understanding of which pitches sound good together will benefit you massively when it comes to learning other pieces as when you start to identify these either visually, audibly or ‘to touch’ (i.e. muscle memory) then it puts you much further along the path to remembering how to play a piece.


  • Visualise More: This one relates to sight reading, and whilst it is important to be able to identify all the different pitches for the treble and bass clef, it isn’t always practical to rely on this knowledge whilst reading. Getting used to reading ‘by pattern’ is a really powerful thing, and the best way to practise your sight reading is to just try reading music and playing it alongside. Try to be more mindful of where your hands are on the keyboard and get familiar with the feel of the notes: how big are they? How far apart are the notes you need to play? What do the black notes feel like against the white notes? Visualising the keyboard is an incredibly powerful tool, and reading by pattern is also an incredibly powerful tool - so practise this more alongside pieces and exercises you are learning.


  • Relax More: Honestly, the number one limiting characteristic of most pupils of all standards that I see when I ask them to play a piece of music isn’t evidently their inability to play it, but it is their fear. Fear of me, perhaps (understandable), but generally fear of doing something awful to or with the piano. The piano will not break. The piano will not crash like a car. It won’t shout at you if you make a mistake. Sitting stiff and putting 100% of your concentration towards a “I must hit the right note” attitude will likely lead to a worse performance - even if you do manage to hit all the right notes. Relaxation creates fluidity, emotion and - most importantly - enjoyment from your part. Piano is your friend but it will channel the way you are through its sound so being ready to play is an essential part of preparing for a performance; even if just for yourself for a few minutes one evening. Believe it or not, relaxation can be learned. Remember to breathe and practice incorporating it and remember to focus on the music as a whole.



I hope these have kickstarted your inspiration into finding your own resolutions, but feel free to take one or more of the above if you need to.


And thank you for following me this past year - Have a wonderful and safe 2025!




Jack Mitchell Smith is a piano teacher based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Click here to find out more.


Weekly blogs are posted that may help you with your musical or piano journey. Click here to sign up to the mailing list so you never miss a post!


 
 
 

Get Into the Christmas Spirit with Me on Piano

No doubt that you've noticed that my blog writing has taken a slightly lazier approach with the impending excitement of Christmas, but as I'm sure you are getting ready with basting turkeys, roasting chestnuts, drinking mulled wine and visiting just about every friend and relative you've ever met - so am I!


But I didn't wish to be neglectful of my blog and - whilst time isn't quite enough on my side to be creating anything brand new - I thought I'd dig through the archives of my YouTube account and try and fill you with some festive cheer that I uploaded last year and prior - before the piano even joined my in Congleton!


So enjoy the following treats as I entice you into Christmas with the unmistakeable chiming of Mariah:





...I shall leave it to your professional judgement as to whether or not you prefer the piano solo or feel that Mariah's voice is necessary here.


Of course, there's nothing like picking up the pace with a bit of Jingle Bells. But why Jingle your bells when you can rock your jingle bells? Or something to that effect...anyway...





Of course, we can get all the more traditional with a bit of Bing. Are you a 'Holiday Inn' or a 'White Christmas' fan? Or both? Perhaps the latter, seeing as my interpretation below covers the much lesser known verse too! -





And now for Christmas films. There are so many...from Scrooge to Scrooged. From Home Alone to The Polar Express. From Love Actually to Die Hard (said merely to cause divide at this happy time). However, the following song comes from The Grinch / How the Grinch Stole Christmas:





Of course, we musn't forget the true meaning of Christmas and so - for those wanting to remember the Greatest Story Ever Told with a bit more direct reference, here's a lesser known but stunning carol - a piano cover of Pentatonix's version:





And that about concludes it! So now I conclude this blog by wishing every reader, pupil and human being in general the merriest of Merry Christmases.


Who can resist a blast of this to finish. Sing along, you know you want to! :






And just in case I ever add to it, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more festivities. And piano. And learning!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Jack Mitchell Smith is a piano teacher based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Click here to find out more.


Weekly blogs are posted that may help you with your musical or piano journey. Click here to sign up to the mailing list so you never miss a post!


 
 
 

Piano Lessons in Congleton

Good citizens of Congleton rejoice!


As if it’s not enough that Christmas isn’t just around the corner, you now have the added excitement of a neighbourhood piano teacher offering lessons in their home in Congleton.


What a joy!



Piano teacher Congleton Cheshire
The Piano on its first day in the new home in Congleton!


Consider the following:



  • Learn piano on a professional upright piano (Ritmüller P122) - a real treat if your piano is a little older or you need to use a keyboard or a digital piano.


  • Close to the town centre - I am just off Rood Hill, so whilst there is a free car park just at the end of our street I am a mere short walk to the bus station (approx. 25 minute walk from the train station if you’re quick, so not quite as convenient on that front!)


  • I am well reviewed! - In fact, here are some that I have pasted directly from the Google! -



A* piano tuition.

Jack is a fabulous piano teacher, an absolute treasure of a tutor who shows genuine interest in and dedication to the progress of his pupils. His lessons are always engaging, instructive and motivational. Each week I learn something new and am thrilled at the progress I have made, all because of Jack's guidance. He is always encouraging and informative, very much responding to the requirements of the tutee. Jack's teaching skills and expertise are impressive and inspirational. I highly recommend Jack and cannot praise him enough.


I always regretted not learning to play the piano as a child, and decided in retirement to finally start. Jack was great from my first enquiry, telling me it was never too late. We agreed goals, and he has been encouraging, patient, and a splendid teacher. He ends every lesson on a high so I leave feeling inspired.


Hurrah for the copy and paste function! And from pupils who I haven’t paid for the big up! In fact - they pay me! So I must be doing something right…right?


So…what on earth are you waiting for?


Taster lessons are just £20 for 30 minutes


AND


If you then book in for a regular slot, that gets deducted from your first payment: first lesson free!


Not to mention you can book your taster lesson online if you’re feeling a little shy (deposit required).


Read more here or e-mail me on jackmitchellsmith@gmail.com and find out more about how I can help you!



Piano Taster Lessons in Congleton



Your taster lesson is really just your first lesson with me. Whilst the name alone implies something of a beginner’s nature, this is still the case for those moving from a different teacher, starting again after many years or picking it up at a much more advanced stage!


In an absolute beginner’s taster lesson we may get your fingers working, explore rhythm a little and even work on the basics of a tune in one hand.


For a more intermediate / advanced taster lesson we may discover where about you are up to in your learning and check that there are no gaps in your knowledge / skill, checking things such as sight reading, keyboard geography, rhythm and more.


The important thing to remember about your taster lesson is that it commits you to precisely…nothing! If you don’t like your lesson (perish the thought) then that’s fine - you have no obligation to come back.


If you do, however, consider that first one a freebie as your first monthly payment will show a deduction of £20!



Debunking the Myths



Here are some things that you are not:



  • Too old: a worry amongst many people past a certain age, but not a valid one. If you are determined and realistic with your goals then you can do it!


  • Too young: Same point as above. I am always open to a taster lesson for most anyone and - whilst it’s true that many children just aren’t quite ready yet - it’s fair to say that many are too! So don’t be shy…we can only try (rhyme unintentional).


  • Too unmusical: If you have no rhythm or no musical ear then that is exactly the sort of thing that we will be developing, of course! Piano lessons cover a grander scope of learning music than just making a physical connection with the keyboard. Everything gets developed, and developing everything else - as we often focus on in lessons - develops piano!


  • Too stiff / arthritic: This is a common issue but one that piano can be of immense benefit for. It’s important that you recognise your own physical limitations and are realistic, so whilst you may not be destined for ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’, you can’t immediately cut off all the joy it could bring you with pieces such as ‘Gymnopedie’.


  • Too forgetful: If you want to learn piano, it’s important to enjoy the learning process but also to enjoy the practice process. Because if you enjoy practising, you practise more and if you practise more it helps all that skill and knowledge transfer to the long term memory! Unfortunately there’s no magic trick to a fast-track (much as the ads will try and convince you that there is…for a lot of money!), but if you have the time and the motivation then the rest will follow!



Do I Need a Piano?



Controversial topic, but actually no. Not if you’re a beginner.


However, I will always argue the point that the closer you have to a real piano the better. Ergo, if you have a 5 octave keyboard, it won’t be as good as an 88 key stage piano on a stand, which won’t be as good as a digital upright piano which won’t be as good as a digital grand piano which won’t be as good as an actual upright piano!


But you need to consider two things:



  • Are you buying for for trying or are you determined now? - If the latter, an investment will serve you better. A piano - or at least a digital piano - will not only save you money in the long run as you improve and improve, but if you’re testing the waters then maybe a 5 octave keyboard will do the trick for now, just as you find your feet.


  • Do you have the opportunity to play the real thing? - with the best will in the world, a piano can’t fit easily - visually or audibly - into a small apartment, for example. So if you find yourself in need of purchasing a small keyboard then it’s worth having a backup plan as to somewhere you can go to practise piano too! Churches often have them, as do schools the piano lessons are for your child. Having this will be a massive bonus for you if you can’t have your own piano and - even if you do - it’s always an idea to keep your options open and try different ones every now and then!




Jack Mitchell Smith is a piano teacher based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Click here to find out more.


Weekly blogs are posted that may help you with your musical or piano journey. Click here to sign up to the mailing list so you never miss a post!


 
 
 
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