LEGACY PERFORMANCE - SPRING CLEANING TROVE
An old video when I had some hair.
Sultry, languid, and quintessentially Spanish. 🎹✨
There is something incredibly "vocal" about Isaac Albéniz’s Tango in D. Even though it's written for the piano, it’s meant to sing like a human voice and dance like a guitar.
It’s a staple for intermediate-advanced students, but the real challenge isn’t the notes—it’s the rubato and that characteristic Tango lilt.
Piano Lessons Cork
Piano and music lessons in Cork by experienced teacher and accomplished musician
Piano and music lessons in the Cork and surrounding areas by experienced teacher and accomplished musician
06/04/2026
The paths of life which lead an adult to approach a musical instrument—either returning to it after an earlier stage or starting for the first time—are varied:
The kids have grown and moved out, leaving you with spare time, disposable income, and a perceived lack of purpose.
You are taking a sabbatical.
You are hitting a “mid-life crisis”
You tried it before and have always regretted quitting.
These and other factors are the drivers which eventually lead a fully grown adult to search the internet or local ads for piano lessons. Invariably, the first question they ask is: “Is it too late now?”
The short answer is no. The cliché answer is “It’s never too late.” But if you have been following me long enough, you know that as an educator, I feel it is my moral duty to do two things:
To tell you the truth.
To go beyond a cliché response aimed at closing a sale, and instead elaborate further.
While the truth is that it is not too late to start, we must have an honest discussion about what is realistically achievable.
Learning Piano as an Adult: The Bare Truth The paths of life which lead an adult to approach a musical instrument—either returning to it after an earlier stage or starting for the first time—are varied: The kids have grown and moved out, leaving you with spare time, disposable income, and a perceived lack of purpose. You are taking a
Transposing instruments are usually the point where ABRSM Grade 5 theory students want to throw their pens at the wall. In this clip, I’m breaking down a clarinet transposition exercise. The secret? It’s all about the interval, not just the notes.
Stuck on your theory paper? Drop your most hated topic in the comments. 👇
the online medium suits music theory particularly well, once the setup is tuned up towards maximising the experience for the student.
Today a snippet of an online lesson correcting an interval exercise
25/03/2026
Stop scrolling if you’re tired of the "3-minute piano mastery" ads. 🛑🎹
We’ve all seen them: the charismatic gurus promising you’ll be playing Rachmaninoff by next Tuesday with just five minutes of practice from your couch. It’s a beautiful, tempting Siren Song—but it’s a lie.
I believe in a different kind of work ethic. Real skills aren't "hacked"; they are built.
I’ve broken down the "Four-Act Play" these gurus use to hook you, and why the "3-minute routine" is actually a recipe for frustration. If you want the truth about what it actually takes to master the piano, read the full breakdown here:
https://pianolessonscork.ie/blog/the-3-minute-piano-practice-lie/
The 3-Minute Piano Practice Lie | Piano Lessons Cork You’ve seen the ads. A charismatic 'guru' promises you can master the piano in just three minutes a day while sitting on your couch. It’s a beautiful, tempting Siren Song—but like the myths of old, following it only leads to frustration and broken dreams. Whether it’s 'get
which work.
Multi camera setup, visual keyboard overlay, recorded for later review by student.
that work.
Going over the Pink Panther theme chords with an online student.
He sees the notes, hears the piano, and gets the video recording for later reviewing.
Quality piano tuition from Albuquerque to Zanzibar.
debunking myths one at a time. Today let's debunk the "Students can't see" myth.
In my setup I can zoom in and out as I speak, maintaining teaching flow and allowing to show detail in the movements
19/03/2026
In a world that constantly promises “mastery in three minutes” I have always aimed to provide a different path here at Piano Lessons Cork. Determining an effective piano lesson length is not just about scheduling; it is about acknowledging that learning an instrument is a journey of building neural pathways, refining motor skills, and developing a deep, internal understanding of music. While I have previously detailed the differences between 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions, I have made a strategic decision to prioritize depth over brevity. Starting immediately, I will only be accepting new students for 45-minute or 60-minute weekly slots.
Effective Piano Lesson Length: Why We’re Moving to 45 Minutes In a world that constantly promises "mastery in three minutes" I have always aimed to provide a different path here at Piano Lessons Cork. Determining an effective piano lesson length is not just about scheduling; it is about acknowledging that learning an instrument is
If you tried taking up piano online, especially during the pandemic, and thought "This is not working", stop and have a look at this: my setup will make you change your mind about whichever negative experience you might have had in the past with online piano tuition.
18/12/2025
Why "playing for fun" might be slowing you down.
As an adult student, the piano should be an escape—not another item on your to-do list. But here is the paradox: nothing creates boredom faster than a lack of progress.
My latest article explores the difference between "Playing" and "Practicing," featuring insights from the legendary Chick Corea on how to use a "Gradient" to make difficult pieces feel easily surmountable.
Stop hitting the wall and start finding the "Flow State."
Read the full post here: https://pianolessonscork.ie/blog/piano-practice-vs-playing/
Piano Practice vs Playing: Solving the Progress Paradox - Piano Lessons Cork “I just want to play for fun.” It is the most common phrase I hear from adult students. After a day spent managing a career, family, or the general bustle of daily life, the piano should be an escape—a place of creative release, not another item on
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Location
Category
Telephone
Website
Address
73 Ashmount Mews
Cork
T23N560
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |