Category: General

Geidō

“Geidō” (芸道) is a Japanese term referring to a traditional Japanese art or way, emphasizing a disciplined and lifelong pursuit of mastery. It’s not a specific, codified method solely for piano. However, we can apply the principles of Geidō to the study of the piano, creating a framework for dedicated and meaningful practice.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Geidō philosophy can inform piano mastery:

Core Principles of Geidō Applied to Piano:

* Shu-Ha-Ri (守破離):
* This is a fundamental concept in Geidō, describing the stages of learning.
* Shu (守 – Observe/Protect):
* This stage involves strictly adhering to the fundamentals, following the teacher’s instructions precisely. In piano, this means mastering basic techniques, scales, arpeggios, and musical theory.
* Emphasis is placed on correct posture, finger placement, and understanding musical notation.
* Ha (破 – Break/Digress):
* Once the fundamentals are solid, the student begins to explore and experiment, incorporating their own interpretations and variations.
* In piano, this might involve exploring different musical styles, improvising, and developing personal phrasing.
* Ri (離 – Separate/Transcend):
* In the final stage, the student transcends the established forms, achieving a unique and personal mastery.
* In piano, this represents a deep understanding of music, allowing for effortless expression and original interpretations.

* Shin-Gi-Tai (心技体):
* This principle emphasizes the importance of mental, technical, and physical development.
* Shin (心 – Mind):
* Cultivating a focused and disciplined mind is essential. This involves developing concentration, patience, and a deep appreciation for music.
* Mental practice, visualization, and mindful listening are crucial.
* Gi (技 – Technique):
* Mastering technical skills is paramount. This requires consistent and diligent practice, focusing on precision, control, and efficiency.
* Regular exercises, etudes, and challenging pieces are necessary.
* Tai (体 – Body):
* Maintaining physical health and well-being is vital for optimal performance. This includes proper posture, relaxation, and avoiding physical strain.
* Ergonomic practice habits and physical conditioning are important.

* Continuous Refinement:
* Geidō is a lifelong pursuit, emphasizing continuous improvement and self-reflection.
* In piano, this means never ceasing to learn, explore, and refine one’s skills.

Practical Applications for Piano Practice:
* Establish a Disciplined Practice Routine:
* Consistency is key. Dedicate specific time each day to practice, focusing on quality over quantity.
* Focus on Fundamentals:
* Master scales, arpeggios, and basic techniques before moving on to more complex pieces.
* Cultivate Mindfulness:
* Pay close attention to every aspect of your playing, from finger placement to musical expression.
* Seek Guidance from a Master:
* A qualified teacher can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

* Embrace the Journey:
* Focus on the process of learning and improvement, rather than solely on the end result.

* Deep Listening:
* Listening to many different styles of music, and many different pianists, so that you can broaden your musical understanding.

By incorporating these principles, you can embark on a journey of profound musical growth and mastery.

2023 Adults Social Concert

Thanks to Nick, Abi, Leanne, Trevor, Flora, Matt and Rachel for taking part in this year’s Christmas social music evening. Not to forget Sue who helped with the teas and coffees!

The evening was an opportunity to play pieces in front of other students and to make new friends. It’s always daunting to play in front of an audience, particularly other piano players, but everyone played beautifully and confidently.

Thanks to all, it was great fun!

Please observe the speed limit

Remember, when you practise it has to be SLOW. You cannot practise impatiently. Putting in the ‘time’ of practising is not enough. I would rather 30 minutes of slow practising and listening to 2 hours of just playing.

Practise slowly. Listen to what you are playing, pay attention. This helps you eliminate mistakes and bad habits.

1. Practise slowly
2. Have a plan, know what you want to achieve.
3. Do it in small sections.
4. Have patience.
5. Listen. Don’t just ‘hear’ what you are playing.

It’s not too late

If you’ve always wanted to play the piano but feel you’ve missed your chance then hear this:

It’s not too late. Learning to play the piano can improve cognitive function, memory, and coordination. It can also be a great way to relieve stress and express oneself creatively.

You’re not too old. The brain is constantly adapting and forming new connections, even in adulthood. With regular practice, anyone can learn to play the piano, regardless of their age.

How do I do it? You just need a simple method for learning that feels fun, motivating and geared to your needs. You’ll start slowly and focus on the basics. Learning to play the piano takes time and effort, but it is important to be patient and enjoy the process.

Online Piano Lessons

The Coronavirus pandemic makes humans think creatively and in this case offer online piano lessons. Having done some testing we’ve found the best solution for sound and video quality is to use Skype.

One-to-one lessons via Skype are available for existing students. Please contact me if you’d like to keep rolling!