Category: piano performance

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Why Piano Duets Deserve a Place in your Lesson

lizteachespiano

Why Teach Piano Duets?

Here’s why piano duets deserve a place in your lesson: There’s something a little magical about four hands on one piano. Piano duets—whether teacher and student or two students together—bring a fresh energy to lessons. They create connection, encourage listening, and add a little extra fun.

While solo playing builds independence, duets foster collaboration. Students must tune in to rhythm, timing, and phrasing—not just their own, but their partner’s too. It’s music-making as conversation.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Notes

  • Boost Listening Skills: Students learn to hear the whole, not just their part.
  • Strengthen Rhythm & Timing: Duets demand precision and ensemble awareness.
  • Build Confidence: Its good for students who feel a little nervous performing- in a sense they are performing because they are working with another person, but its still low stakes because the other person is not “watching” them.
  • Encourage Social Connection: Piano is often a solo instrument—duets add a sense of team and fun.
  • Improve Sight-Reading: Students are more motivated to read ahead because they need to keep up.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep an easy duet book readily accessible in your lesson- it can be great for if the student needs a break from the task at hand, and can be a good confidence boost and refresh!

Try It This Week

Next time your student’s motivation dips or you finish a piece early, pull out a piano duet. Whether it’s a silly beginner tune or a fun jazz piece, you’ll be amazed at how engaged they become, and you’ll see why piano duets deserve a place in your lesson.

🎹 After all, the best part of playing piano isn’t always the notes—sometimes it is who you’re sharing them with.

A fabulous student and I playing Coconut Rumba by Roy Stratford.

Want More Duet Resources?

Check out these ideas for some duet music- I really like Piano time books, so I’ve linked the one I’m using in the video:

Ready to bring duet magic into your piano playing?

Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in more tips ideas, or beginning your own musical adventure!

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Composition, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano performance, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Playing piano by ear

lizteachespiano

Have you ever heard a song and wished you could just sit down and play it—without sheet music, just by listening? That magical skill is called playing piano by ear, and the good news is: Anyone can learn it, and it’s a fun way to make music. I like to think over the years I have become relatively good at this, but it does take some training. Here are some of the keys to playing piano by ear: 

What does it mean to “Play by Ear”?

Playing piano by ear ( or playing by ear) means listening to music and figuring it out on your instrument without using written notes. You start to recognize patterns, chords, and melodies just by sound. Think of it like learning a new language—you start by hearing and repeating before reading or writing.

Why is playing piano by ear valuable?

  1. Improves Listening Skills – You become more in tune (no pun intended!) with what you hear. I encourage all my students to listen to lots of music, and listen to what they are playing. The more you can recognise notes and tones, the easier playing by ear is.
  2. Boosts Creativity – You can improvise, make your own arrangements, and even write music more easily. I work on improvisation and composition with my students, and it’s always really fun and interesting to hear the outcomes!
  3. Adds Confidence – You can deviate from the written music on your page (when the time and place is right!) you can collaborate with other musicians, and it becomes a lot quicker to play many songs you always wanted to play.

Some simple keys to get your started:

  • Pick Simple Songs You Know Well – Nursery rhymes, favorite movie themes, or pop songs with clear melodies.
  • Hum the Melody First – If you can sing it, you can start finding the notes on the piano.
  • Try One Note at a Time – Don’t rush. Finding even a small part of the melody by ear is a great start.
  • Practice. Immerse yourself in lots of different types of music.
We are ready for eurovision!

A Little Goes a Long Way

In piano lessons, I work on improvisation and composition with my students, and it’s always really fun and interesting to hear the outcomes!
Alongside reading music , some improvisation and composition tasks will help students grow into well-rounded musicians. Even just a few minutes a week playing by ear can spark new excitement and confidence.

Ready to give it a try? At Liz teaches Piano, I enjoy helping students explore music beyond the page. Whether you’re new to the piano or have been playing for years, Let your ears lead the way!

Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Composition, music performance, music production, piano performance, Review, synthesizer, Uncategorized

Arturia MiniFreak Stellar Review: Sounds from Another Galaxy

lizteachespiano

Arturia synthesizers, in my opinion are some of the best around. They have many different price ranges, and the quality I have found to be top notch. With the release of the limited edition MiniFreak Stellar, Arturia brings a new level of creativity and visual inspiration to the table. Let’s take a closer look and review what makes this spacey little synth a must-have for sound explorers.

🛸 A Cosmic New Look

The Stellar edition takes the classic MiniFreak and gives it a fresh look, featuring a matte black body, orange highlights, and whimsical star-map graphics. It’s compact, playful, and visually striking—perfect for anyone who wants their synth to spark ideas just by sitting on the desk. I could have bought the regular MiniFreak, but why not get the super cool one!?

Close-up of the Arturia MiniFreak Stellar synthesizer showcasing its sleek controls and vibrant orange accents. (Mine is a little dusty I know!)
Close-up of the Arturia MiniFreak Stellar synthesizer showcasing its sleek controls and vibrant orange accents. (Mine is a little dusty I know!)

Plus, when you buy the Arturia MiniFreak Stellar Edition, it comes with a free sound bank called “Stellar Infinity.” This collection features a range of synths, leads, sequences, and sound effects, all designed for ambient and atmospheric exploration. These sounds are compatible with both the MiniFreak hardware and the MiniFreak V software.

🎛️ Powerful Synth Engine

You’re getting the same dual-engine digital/virtual analog synth with:

  • 22 oscillator modes
  • Dual sound engines for layering
  • 6-voice polyphony
  • Built-in stereo effects and filters

Whether you’re after warm pads, chaotic textures, or rhythmic glitchiness, MiniFreak Stellar delivers with character. I have a Minilab too, and although that gives me outstanding sounds for the price, this does create a richness you can’t quite get with a controller. 

🎹 Performance & Playability

The synth features a 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, an OLED screen, a powerful arpeggiator/sequencer, and per-step modulation. While there’s no aftertouch on the keys themselves, it supports polyphonic aftertouch via MIDI. The Arturia MiniFreak Stellar is very easy to connect to your DAW, or should you want to play it live (as I will be shortly- see my special events here!), you can connect either with amp input like a guitar, or an aux cable, like a phone to a speaker. 

🎧 How It Sounds

Rich, punchy, and diverse. The sound engine shines with:

  • Lush pads and analog-style leads
  • Metallic FM and wavetable weirdness
  • Experimental glitch and ambient textures
  • Studio-grade FX: chorus, delay, reverb, phaser, and more

The sound when recording music is really professional!

Arturia MiniFreak sound is crisp clear and professional.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
Stunning limited-edition design
Versatile dual-engine sound design
Intuitive sequencer
High-quality built-in effects
Great value for the price

Cons:
No keybed aftertouch
Useful if you have experience of synthesizers- this little machine does A LOT
Limited edition—may be hard to find in the future

My review of the Arturia MiniFreak Stellar shows it is more than just a pretty face. It’s a serious sound design tool in a playful, inspiring package. Whether you’re a bedroom producer, live performer, or synth collector, it adds personality to your setup—and your music.

📦 Where to Buy

I bought mine directly from the Arturia website, but I believe you can also get the regular MiniFreak at Thomann, and probably many other online retailers.

Thanks for reading my review of the Arturia MiniFreak Stellar- Have you tried the MiniFreak or the Stellar edition yet? Let me know! Happy music making!

beginner tutorial, Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, piano lessons, piano performance, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Overcoming Performance Anxiety.

lizteachespiano

Plus a free resource!

Performance anxiety is something almost every musician experiences at some point. Whether you’re playing in front of an audience for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer, nerves can hit and make your performance feel impossible. But the good news is, with the right strategies, you can manage and overcome these nerves and turn that anxiety into something positive.

Understanding why you are nervous

Anxiety is a common experience for many people, including musicians, actors, and public speakers to name a few!

There are several reasons why people experience anxiety when performing, and it can help to understand that it is a normal feeling, and what exactly is causing the anxiety.  Performance anxiety can involve a combination of factors:

  • Fear of Judgment
  • Perfectionism
  • The Need to Control
  • Lack of Experience
  • Past Negative Experiences
  • The Desire to Impress

These are all valid reasons for performance anxiety and all things which I certainly have felt from time to time. My piano performances began with a baptism of fire- I didn’t have much choice as a child. Although I don’t believe this was a particularly healthy way to begin my musical performance career, and has no doubt added to my need for control, it has made me quite resilient when it comes to performing.

As an adult it made me see what I don’t like about performances and how to avoid that. I believe it has also made me more understanding and kinder to people who are feeling performance anxiety, and I can help them better because I understand the feeling. 

I’ve had some less than good experiences as an adult musician too. Through some difficult times, I’ve come into some better times, mentally and musically. And actually, I now have a very strong belief in what I do, which helps with overcoming performance anxiety.

I make sure to incorporate performance coaching and mentoring into my lessons, because I believe it is integral to learning an instrument in any way, let alone performing live.

Why overcome performance anxiety?

Ultimately, musicians perform because it allows them to connect with others, express themselves, challenge their abilities, and experience the magic of music in a way that practice alone cannot replicate. It’s the joy of seeing their art come to life and the fulfilment of sharing it with others that makes live performance such a central part of their musical journey. I’m not going to lie- I may have a strong belief in my musician hood, but other people validating that for me- there is little like it!

Here are some tips to help you overcome performance anxiety:

 Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

This is the most successful tip I have found to help overcoming my performance anxiety. Nothing helps build confidence like being well-prepared. This helps my need to control every element- I simply make sure I control every element WITHIN MY CONTROL. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in your abilities. Knowing your pieces inside and out means you’ll be able to handle any hiccups that might occur during your performance. This preparation also allows you to focus on the music instead of worrying about making mistakes.

Breathe and Relax

Anxiety tends to make us tense up, and this affects our performance. Learning relaxation techniques, like deep breathing can calm your nerves before and during your performance. I personally really like the app headspace, as it has a lot of different meditations, mindfulness activities, and and also some exercises for posture and movement.

Slow, deep breaths help reduce the body’s physical anxiety responses and allow you to focus on the music. I hold a concert for my students in the spring, and during performance week, I encourage my students to take a moment to do a breathing exercise before we even begin the music lesson!

Personally, I use this app in one way or another every day.

Focus on the Music, Not the Audience

I wish I could have told myself this even ten years ago. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how the audience perceives you, but the truth is, most people are just there to enjoy the music. 

Shift your focus away from yourself and instead, immerse yourself in the music. Let your passion for the piece guide you, and remember that it’s about the experience of sharing music, not about perfection.

Its a difficult one, and something I’m constantly trying to work at- this can also be used as an analogy for life too!

Start Small

If the idea of performing feels overwhelming, start small. Go and watch performances! Make a recording of yourself performing something you enjoy and send to a few friends or family members. Gradually increase the number of people in your audience as you become more comfortable.

Then, perhaps invite them to watch you play live in your home, then at an open mic night etc etc… The more you perform in low-pressure environments, the less intimidating it will feel when the stakes are higher. Seek out supportive people, fellow musicians, a music teacher, and others who can support you on your musical journey.

 Perform Regularly

The more you perform, the less intimidating it becomes. Regular exposure to performing will help you build a routine and reduce the anxiety that comes with it. Whether it’s for a small group of friends or at an open mic event, each performance is a stepping stone toward feeling more comfortable on stage.

Final thoughts

Overcoming performance anxiety is a journey that takes patience. Trust in your preparation, and let your passion for music lead the way.

Again I wish I could tell my younger self this, but performing, learning a musical instrument, being resilient with practice and preparation…these are all skills, and don’t let someone who has no experience or knowledge in these skills ruin it for you. Try to use those more difficult experiences to make you a stronger performer in the future.

I’ve added a little colourful handout to help with overcoming performance anxiety to my free resources page- feel free to print it, and take it with you to your next performance!

If you’re feeling especially anxious, or beginning to feel anxiety of any form is taking over your day to day life, then please don’t feel afraid to seek professional help.

Good luck, and happy playing! 🎶

beginner tutorial, Music Composition, Music Lessons, music performance, music production, piano lessons, piano performance, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Simple music composition: 4 useful chords for creativity!

lizteachespiano

When it comes to making music, sometimes all you need to begin for simple music composition are 4 chords to spark creativity and build something memorable. Here are four versatile chords, and the simple formula they follow.

A chord is a group of notes- to build a chord I would recommend starting with the Root (first), Third (3rd note) and Fifth (Dominant/ 5th note) in a scale. Music theory can seem very complicated, but once you know some building blocks, the more complex steps also follow the same logic.

C major piano scale

The starting scale. I call it this, because it is the first scale students will learn. The reason for this is :

a) It establishes middle C as the anchor for students to look for and recognise notes using C as a guide.

b) It is 12 o clock on the circle of 5ths- the Major scale with no sharps or flats.

For more on the Circle of 5ths , or more complex music theory, you can of course research. I’ve added a link to a website explaining in more detail, but there are many!

It is also extremely useful to find a music teacher who can guide you on what theory is useful to learn to begin with, and help you build up slowly. They can demonstrate the theory in practice.

The formula for 4 useful chords to know, using the scale of C major as the guide:

  1. C Major (I) The “Root” chord. C Major is often the starting point for many pieces and offers a sense of stability. Its bright sound makes it ideal for both happy and reflective moments in a song.
  2. A Minor (vi) A Minor is the relative minor of C Major, meaning it shares the same notes but has a more melancholic tone. The Minor Harmonic is more frequently used for popular music- the harmonic scale raises the 7th note- but we are getting a little too complicated for simple music composition! This chord brings emotional depth to your progressions and creates contrast.
  3. G Major (V) Known as the dominant chord. G Major has a strong, energetic pull towards resolving back to C Major. It provides a sense of tension that begs to be resolved, making it a perfect choice for building musical anticipation.
  4. F Major (IV) F Major gives your progression a smooth, uplifting feel. As the subdominant chord, it has a soft tension that leads naturally back to the tonic (C Major) or moves to the dominant (G Major), making it a staple in many iconic progressions.

Together, these four chords (C, Am, G, F) create a I-vi-V-IV progression, which is the foundation of countless hit songs.

In classical music this does not follow the rule of Cadences (Cadences don’t end on IV in classical music). However, in modern music it does happen. Think of ending on the IV as an interrupted cadence- the feeling of moving on going somewhere. More the end of a phrase than an official cadence.

Although I was classically trained, it is wise to learn different styles of music to help a variety of students achieve what they want to achieve. Some of my students want to learn music composition and popular music, so learning chord progressions such as these is useful for a well rounded music education. You can play around with these chords in a different order for more options as well.

They’re easy to play, but give endless ideas for crafting melodies, lyrics, and harmonies. Whether you’re writing pop, rock, or even more experimental genres, or looking for more classically structured lessons, please take a look at my music packages. If you’re local maybe try a trial lesson. Thanks for reading!