Tag: piano practice

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!

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, Business, Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Composition, music performance, music production, Uncategorized

New Album Release: Orion Felt

lizteachespiano

I’m excited to announce the release of my latest album, Orion Felt.  After months of hard work, passion, and creativity, this collection of tracks is finally out in the world, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

With a blend of EDM, pop and ambient, Orion Felt showcases my growth as an artist, experimenting with fresh sounds in this new album release while staying true to the core elements of my music. Each track carries its own story and emotion, (along with the overall story- this is the prequel to Solar flower- both are concept albums) and I hope they resonate with you just as much as they did with me while creating them.

From the sparseness of Monotown to the grandeur of Letter, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into EDM, pop, or experimental music, or just looking for something new, this album has something to offer.

Stream it now on Spotify ( available on other platforms too) and let me know your thoughts—I’d like to hear what you think of my latest album! You can also go to my music page to read more on my music.

Exciting New Release: Orion Felt: My new album is available to listen to now.
My new album is available to listen to now.

Thank you all for the support, and stay tuned for more!

Liz 🎶✨

Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Why music games are a great tool in music lessons.

lizteachespiano

Plus a free resource!

Music games are a great tool in music lessons, particularly for understanding music theory. 

Music games help make learning fun, interactive, and engaging. This can motivate students, especially younger students, (although I mix games into my adult lessons too!) to keep practicing. Here are some key reasons why music games are a great tool in music lessons:

Reinforce Learning: Music games allow students to practice musical concepts in a relaxed, hands-on way. They can reinforce skills like rhythm, note recognition, scales, and dynamics while still feeling like they’re playing a game instead of just “working.”

Improve Retention: Games can help with memory retention. The combination of repetition and playful competition can make musical concepts stick more effectively than traditional methods alone.

Increase Engagement: Not every student learns the same way. Some students find it hard to focus and concentrate for a whole lesson. So I often break my lessons into sections. We focus for a little while then have a brain break- this is a great time for a game. When music is turned into a game, it becomes more interactive and appealing. This can increase a student’s focus and enthusiasm. 

Encourage Social Interaction: I make sure the games I play mean I will have to play as well. Some of my games can work for multiplayer (get a sibling or parent involved!) which encourage teamwork, cooperation, and communication . These social aspects can make you seem more like a person to your student and increases motivation- if your students like you, they will want to learn and interact with you. This is very important.

Beneficial for teachers: This can also be great for you as a teacher- it can be hard to explain certain aspects of music theory and a game can help explain for you. Pre plan a few games in advance to help with time management.

Instant Feedback: Games can provide immediate feedback, which is useful for correcting mistakes right away. This instant response can accelerate learning and help students and parents understand their progress.

Build Confidence: As students win games or achieve small milestones, it can boost their self-esteem and encourage a sense of accomplishment. This can foster a positive attitude toward learning and create a growth mindset. Sometimes I begin a game in class and ask students to complete for homework- so it doesn’t feel like homework exactly, but is still something they think of outside the lesson, and can attempt independent of me.

Develop other Critical Skills: Certain music games focus on developing listening skills, pattern recognition, and problem-solving—all of which are useful for a musician.

Music games help make learning more dynamic and enjoyable while supporting the development of essential skills! I’ve created a very simple tic tac toe style game for students who are learning piano keys. Instead of an O or X, each player will be a particular note on the piano. Enjoy!

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

Short but Sweet: Short Music Courses

lizteachespiano

Short music courses offer a variety of benefits, making them a great choice for people looking to begin learning musical skills or explore new areas of interest.

Here are some reasons why short music courses are a great option:

🧁 Time-Saving

Short music courses are designed to fit into busy schedules. They allow students to learn new skills without committing to long-term programs or giving up too much time. This flexibility makes them ideal for people with jobs, families, or other responsibilities who want to improve their musical abilities without long term commitment.

🧁 Affordable

Short music courses are typically more affordable than full-length courses. This lower price point makes music education more accessible for people who might not have the financial resources to commit to a full-time program.

🧁 Immediate Results

Because short courses are more condensed, students often see quicker results. Whether you’re learning a new instrument or refining a particular technique, the focused nature of the course helps accelerate progress. This can be highly motivating, as learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned in a short period of time.

🧁 Variety of Topics

Short music courses often cover a wide range of topics. From songwriting to production techniques, students can explore different aspects of music in a short amount of time. This allows for the opportunity to discover new interests or skills.

🧁 No Long-Term Commitment

For those who are unsure whether they want to pursue music, short music courses offer a low-risk way to explore their interests. If they find that a particular course or subject isn’t a good fit, they can move on without feeling like they’ve invested too much time or money.

🧁 Hands-On Learning

Short courses often include practical, hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned immediately. This practical approach helps build confidence and ensures that learners can apply their new skills quickly, such as writing a song, producing a track, or performing live.

🧁 Opportunity for Networking

Many short courses are held in group settings, whether online or in person. This allows students to meet other like-minded individuals, who share their musical interests.

🧁Convenient Online Options

Many short music courses are available online, making it even easier for students to access education . Whether you’re learning from home, on the go, or from anywhere with an internet connection, online courses offer unparalleled convenience.


Are you interested in learning a musical skill? My short music courses are designed to improve your musical abilities in an engaging, simple way:

short music course

Lunctime Liz teaches piano

With the short course: Lunchtime Liz teaches piano, learn basic beginner piano skills in your lunchbreak!

Course information

short music course

Electronic music for adults

This course is for adults who have an interest in music production and making electronic music, but are not sure how to begin.

Course Information

short music course

Electronic music for children and young people

Perfect for children and young people who like computers, and might be ready to explore music as well!

Course information

Short music courses are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and focussed way to improve their musical skills, whether as a beginner or an experienced musician looking to expand their knowledge. They’re affordable, and provide immediate benefits, making them an excellent choice!