Uxbridge Piano School

12/07/2026

27/06/2026

🎹 Erik Satie: The Genius with the Strangest Habits 🎩

French composer Erik Satie was every bit as extraordinary as his music. Here are a few fascinating facts about him:

🎩 He wore the same outfit every day.
After receiving an inheritance, Satie bought several identical grey velvet suits and wore them almost exclusively. This earned him the nickname “The Velvet Gentleman.”

☂️ He collected umbrellas.
When he passed away, friends discovered more than 100 umbrellas in his tiny apartment, along with piles of unopened letters and two pianos stacked one on top of the other.

🥚 He claimed to eat only white foods.
In his writings, Satie said his diet consisted of eggs, rice, white cheese, sugar, coconuts, and other white foods. Whether he was serious or simply joking remains a mystery.

🎼 He turned sheet music into works of humour.
Instead of traditional performance directions such as “play louder” or “faster,” Satie wrote phrases like “Like a nightingale with a toothache” and “Arm yourself with clairvoyance.” These quirky instructions encouraged musicians to think beyond the notes.

✨ Despite his eccentric personality, Erik Satie became one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes continue to be performed in concert halls and featured in films and television around the world.

🎹 Sometimes, the most beautiful music comes from the most unconventional minds.

🎧 Listen to his most famous masterpiece, Gymnopédie No. 1:
https://youtu.be/TL0xzp4zzBE

💬 Have you listened to Erik Satie’s music? Tell us your favourite piece in the comments! 🎶

18/06/2026

When music comes straight from the heart 🎹🎤✨

Guda doesn’t just play and sing — he brings every note to life with passion, emotion, and confidence. A beautiful performance that leaves a lasting impression. ❤️

18/06/2026

🎹 Glenn Gould: The Genius Who Played by His Own Rules

The world of classical music has seen many extraordinary pianists. But only a few have become legends not only because of their artistry, but also because of their unique personalities. One of them was Glenn Gould, the Canadian pianist whose recordings of Bach are still considered among the finest ever made.

His life was filled with fascinating habits and remarkable stories.

🪑 The Legendary Chair

Gould’s most famous “musical partner” wasn’t a piano—it was an old folding chair modified by his father when he was a child. It was much lower than a standard piano bench, allowing him to sit unusually close to the keyboard.

The chair became worn, creaky, and heavily repaired over the years, yet Gould took it with him to every concert and recording session around the world. He believed this position gave him the control and sound he was looking for.

🧤 A Fear of Illness

Gould was obsessed with staying healthy. He often wore heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and hats even in warm weather. He rarely shook hands and generally avoided physical contact.

🎤 He Hummed While Playing

If you’ve ever listened carefully to his recordings, you may have heard a faint humming in the background. Gould almost always sang or hummed along while performing. Recording engineers tried countless times to remove it, but it became one of his most recognizable trademarks.

🎼 He Gave Up Concerts at the Height of His Career

In 1964, at only 32 years old, Gould shocked the music world by retiring from live performances.

He believed that the future of music belonged to the recording studio rather than the concert hall. Recordings, he argued, allowed musicians to create the most complete and thoughtful interpretation of a work.

🚗 He Loved Driving Alone at Night

Gould often spent hours driving through the night, reflecting on music, art, and life. Solitude was not something he feared—it was where many of his ideas were born.

💊 He Carried Numerous Medications

Because of his constant concern about his health, Gould regularly took various medications and vitamins. Biographers still debate how much this influenced his life and career.

🎹 He Changed the Way We Hear Bach

His recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations became one of the most celebrated piano recordings in history. Decades later, musicians and listeners continue to study and debate his interpretations.

✨ Glenn Gould’s story reminds us that true mastery comes not only from talent and discipline, but also from the courage to think differently.

Not all of his habits are worth copying. But his dedication to his art, attention to detail, and determination to find his own voice remain an inspiration to musicians everywhere.

Which fact about Glenn Gould surprised you the most? 👇

17/06/2026

🎵 Why Are Scales and Studies (Études) So Important?

No matter which instrument you play—piano, violin, guitar, flute, saxophone, or any other—scales and études are the foundation of musical growth.

✅ Build strong technique – They help develop finger dexterity, control, accuracy, and coordination.

✅ Improve muscle memory – Regular practice makes playing feel more natural and effortless.

✅ Develop musical understanding – Scales teach key signatures, intervals, harmony, and the structure of music.

✅ Strengthen rhythm and timing – Technical exercises help musicians play with greater precision and confidence.

✅ Prepare for real music – Études focus on specific challenges found in repertoire, making difficult pieces easier to learn and perform.

✅ Boost confidence – A solid technical foundation allows musicians to express themselves freely without being limited by technique.

Remember: scales and études are not just exercises—they are the building blocks of every great musician. The time invested in them today will make tomorrow’s performances stronger, more enjoyable, and more rewarding. 🎶✨

16/06/2026

🌙✨ Sweet Dreams from Uxbridge Piano School 🎹

As the day comes to an end, let the music you’ve played today fill your dreams with harmony and inspiration. Every note learned is a step closer to achieving something beautiful.

Rest well, recharge, and get ready for another day of musical growth and creativity. 🌟

Wishing all our students, families, and friends a peaceful night and sweet dreams. 🎶💙

Good night from Uxbridge Piano School! 🌙✨

🎹💫

From clarinettist David Orlowsky’s forthcoming album Petrichor, the...

16/06/2026

🎻 Have you ever wondered where music begins?

Not on a concert stage. Not on a sheet of music.

It begins here — in a workshop, where a master craftsman transforms a piece of wood into a future violin.

Before an instrument can sing, dozens — sometimes hundreds — of hours are spent shaping, carving, and refining every detail. Each cut is made with precision, patience, and passion, all to create a sound that can move hearts and inspire generations. ✨

Watch as a simple block of wood becomes a true work of art.

“This video features the renowned Ukrainian violin maker Volodymyr Solodzhuk, whose violins captivate audiences around the world with their unique and exceptional sound.

👇 Would you like to see the finished violin and hear its very first notes? Let us know in the comments!

16/06/2026

🎹 New ABRSM Piano Books Have Arrived at Uxbridge Piano School! 🎹

We are delighted to announce that the brand-new ABRSM Piano Exam Pieces 2027–2028 books are now available at Uxbridge Piano School!

📚 The complete collection is now in stock, from Initial Grade through to Grade 8, giving our students access to the latest official examination repertoire.

✨ What’s inside?
• Official ABRSM exam pieces for 2027–2028
• A diverse selection of music from different styles and periods
• Inspiring repertoire to develop technique, musicality, and performance skills
• Excellent preparation for upcoming ABRSM examinations

Our students can now start exploring the new pieces and selecting their favourites for the next exam cycle.

🎼 We look forward to helping our students discover new music, build confidence, and achieve their musical goals with the latest ABRSM syllabus.

📍 Uxbridge Piano School
Inspiring the next generation of pianists.

🎹📚✨

25/05/2026

🌙🎹 Good Night from Uxbridge Piano School 🎹🌙

As the day comes to a close, let the beautiful melody of A Gift of a Thistle carry you into a peaceful night.

May your dreams be filled with music, inspiration, and harmony.

Sleep well and see you at the piano tomorrow. ✨🎶

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

24/05/2026

🌙✨ Good night from Uxbridge Piano School.
As the day comes to an end, we hope your hearts are full of music, joy, and beautiful memories. Thank you for being part of our piano family. Rest well, dream big, and let tomorrow bring new melodies and inspiration. 🎹💙

Provided to YouTube by FiltrShallow (Piano Version) · Henry SmithPiano Pop Covers℗ 2019 Sony Music Entertainment Sweden ABReleased on: 2019-11-22Associated P...