MH Piano Lessons

01/10/2026

Places fill up fast.

30/08/2026

If you’ve ever felt stuck “doing scales the same way every day”, this article is a breath of fresh air. I explain how to build scale fluency through musical listening, smart patterns, and technique that actually carries into your pieces—without relying on mindless rote drilling. The goal is progress you can feel, guided by tailored instruction that meets your current level and your own musical targets. It’s the kind of practical, accountable approach that helps you practise smarter and play with more confidence.

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27/08/2026

Weekly Performer Focus: Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989)

Officially born in Kiev, modern day Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, Vladimir Samoylovich Horowitz is considered the greatest pianist of the 20th century. While some sources place Horowitz's birth date at October 1st, 1904, this is a fabrication invented by his father to allow him to escape military service under the Bolsheviks. His birthplace, too, was changed to escape the stigma attached to his true birthplace, Berdichev (cf. research conducted by Glenn Plaskin).

He began his study of the piano young, first taught by his mother, Sophia, who was herself a musician. Later, in 1912, he entered Kiev Conservatoire, where he was a pupil under Vladimir Puchalski, Sergei Tarnowski, and Felix Blumenfeld. The young pianist gave his first solo recital in May, 1920, at the age of sixteen; and, having been well-received, he went on to tour Russia.

During the Russian civil war begun after the October revolution of 1917, Horowitz turned to performing to help his impoverished family, dispossessed by war. Horowitz himself always claimed that his first intention and desire had been to compose rather than interpret music. However, he excelled in the latter and performed twenty-three concerts in Petrograd alone during the 1922-23 season.

In 1925, Horowitz emigrated to Berlin to study with Artur Schnabel, although relocating served the dual purpose of allowing the pianist to move away from Soviet rule. And when he was selected by the Bolshevik government to perform in the first International Chopin Competition in Poland, 1927, he declined that he might remain outside of Soviet control.

His American debut concert was in Carnegie Hall in 1928. In this concert, Horowitz performed Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham. Despite tensions between conductor and pianist being noted, Horowitz's skill was recognised and he became 'the most talked about pianist of his time.'

It was during his first visit to the United States that he met the composer and celebrated pianist Rachmaninov. This meeting, between a Romantic composer and the pianist who became best-known for his interpretations of Romantic era composers, was fortuitous. It has been described by Plaskin as 'fortuitous', unlike his relationship with Toscanini.

Plaskin credits Toscanini with helping to destroy the pianists confidence, leading to his multiple hiatuses from public performance. These gaps took place in 1936-1938, 1953-1965, 1969-1974, and 1983-1985. He died on November 5th, 1989.

26/08/2026

If you’re wondering how ABRSM Piano Grades work—or which grade is actually right for you—this guide breaks it down clearly and patiently. I’ll help you understand what each level expects (technique, reading, theory, and musicianship) and how to plan your progress with goals that genuinely fit your learning pace. The best results come from tailored guidance and consistent, focused practise, not last-minute cramming. If you’re preparing for an exam or building a confident route to playing well, you’ll find exactly how to move forward step by step.

https://www.mh-piano-lessons.com

24/08/2026

If you’re weighing ABRSM versus Trinity, it helps to look past the labels and choose the exam board that matches your goals, your learning pace, and the support you’ll get from your teacher. In this guide, I compare how the exams work in practice—what to expect from the repertoire, the theory, and the overall pathway—so you can make a confident decision rather than a rushed one. The right fit can make practising feel more purposeful, because the technique, musicianship, and exam requirements are taught together. It’s the clearest way to ensure your preparation is tailored to you, not the other way round.

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22/08/2026

If you’ve ever practised piano for hours but felt like you weren’t actually improving, it’s usually not a talent issue—it’s a planning issue. In my latest article, I share a practical way to structure practice so your technique, reading, and musicianship all move forward together, based on your goals (not generic timetables). The best part is learning how to practise more effectively between lessons, so progress doesn’t depend on motivation. If you want clear, accountable steps that lead to real musical growth, this one is for you.

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20/08/2026

Choosing between online and in-person piano 🎹 lessons isn’t just about convenience—it changes how progress is guided. In my latest comparison, I break down what works best for technique, music 🎶 reading, theory, and confident independent practice, whether you’re learning from Dundee or from further afield. You’ll also see how I adapt each lesson to your goals, from low-pressure first steps to exam preparation and recital readiness. If you want a clear, practical way to decide what will suit you, this one’s worth your time.

Link 🔗 is in the comments 👇

18/08/2026

Ever wondered if adults can learn piano quickly without feeling overwhelmed? In my latest article, I lay out a realistic path to progress—grounded in tailored technique, clear milestones, and practising in a way that actually builds independence (not just piece memorisation). Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning after years away, or preparing for exams or a recital, you’ll see what “quickly” can mean when the guidance matches your goals. If you want a patient, accountable plan you can stick to, this is worth your time.

https://www.mh-piano-lessons.com/post/can-adults-learn-piano-quickly-a-realistic-path

16/08/2026

https://marketspy.com/news/one-dundee-piano-teacher-two-paths-to-the-keys-d12yz

Michael Hegarty's MH Piano Lessons offers students a straightforward choice: chase the grade, or just play the music you love. When a child sits down for their first piano lesson…

16/08/2026

If you’re wondering whether piano exams really need theory, you’re not alone—many students feel they’re being pushed into theory when they just want to play. In my experience, the best results come when theory is taught alongside technique and repertoire, not as a separate hurdle, so you understand what you’re seeing and hearing as you progress. When students have the right foundations, practising becomes clearer and faster—whether you’re working toward an exam or building confidence for the long term. Find out what students actually need, and why the “theory or not” question is really about getting tailored guidance that sticks.

See below 👇 for the link 🔗