Mypianoteacher

Reason why I don't recommend keyboards for learning piano. For those who don't know the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano, watch the video to find out why.

5 Digital Pianos To NEVER Buy (And 5 That Are Actually Worth It) Are some pianos worth your money, or are they just expensive disapp...

Why? It's because they didn't practice. Your voice is like an instrument; you can't expect to be able to sing well without practice. Just like learning a language, you can't expect to be able to speak fluently by just listening to it without practice. The same goes for singing and learning any other instrument.

My student playing Debussy's Reverie in preparation for her exam. This piece is a beautiful and popular piece that is often performed and chosen by many candidates.

Choosing a well-known piece can be a double-edged sword. When the examiner has heard the piece many times before, there is little room to hide. Every detail matters - the tone, phrasing, musical expression, interpretation and overall artistry.

But she rose to the challenge beautifully and achieved high marks for this piece!

This is a wonderful reminder that there is no need to avoid a popular piece simply because many others play it. What matters is how you make the music your own.

So proud of her hard work, musical growth and beautiful performance. And congratulations for getting a distinction overall with the highest marks for this piece!

Reverie | Debussy | ABRSM 2025-2026 C8 grade 8 distinction Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Discover how ABRSM’s new syllabus is making piano exams more inclusive for all.

Many parents think that choosing Practical grade exams is the best choice, as it is a more highly regarded and well rounded exam, but is it really the best choice for your child?

When I was a student myself, I would have jumped at the chance to do Performance Grade. Sight reading was my weakest area, and I absolutely hated scales - so the idea of focusing on presenting a polished program without any supporting tests would have been a dream!

Looking back, I can see how this option has made a real difference for some of my students too. A few of them may never have progressed all the way to Grade 8 or even Diploma level - and even achieved Distinction in it - if they had been forced down the Practical Grade route and struggled with the supporting tests.

That’s why I believe the choice between Performance Grades and Practical Grades isn’t about which exam is “better” or “more prestigious.” It’s about finding the right benchmark that keeps each student motivated, confident, and growing in their musical journey.

Link to article in the comments

🎹 What if the key to a sharper brain in your 70s was sitting in your living room collecting dust?

New research suggests that playing a musical instrument, whether you started as a child or picked it up later in life, may help protect your brain against age-related cognitive decline.

🔬 The findings are striking.

A 2023 study found that older musicians exhibited more youth-like brain connectivity patterns during challenging listening tasks compared to non-musicians. Their brains worked more efficiently, requiring less neural effort to achieve the same results.

🧠 How does this work?

Scientists believe musical training builds something called cognitive reserve. Think of it as extra neural backup your brain can draw on as you age. The intensive coordination between hearing, movement, and memory during practice creates stronger, more resilient brain networks.

📊 Multiple studies support this.

A meta-analysis found that playing an instrument was linked to a 36% lower risk of developing dementia. A 2025 study showed that adults in their 70s who continued playing for four years showed no decline in verbal working memory or brain structure volume, while those who stopped experienced typical age-related changes.

⚠️ Here's the important nuance.

The research suggests music may prevent or slow decline, not reverse damage that has already occurred. There's a meaningful difference between protection and repair.

💡 The takeaway?

It may never be too late to start. Whether you're dusting off an old guitar or learning piano for the first time, consistent musical practice could offer your brain real, measurable protection. Results vary by individual, and this isn't a replacement for medical care. But it's a beautiful reminder that the hobbies we love can also be the ones that help us most.

🎵 Your brain might just thank you for every note.

Sources: Grassi et al., PLOS Biology (2023); Seinfeld et al., Int J Geriatr Psychiatry (2022); Tabei et al., Imaging Neuroscience (2025)