Music for beginners: the piano

The piano is a fantastic place to start for anyone who wants to learn an instrument, or for anyone who wants to learn about music in general.  It not only is a beautiful and mighty instrument - but it is incredibly versatile in terms of it's potential expression of genre and style.  It is a solo voice, or it is the orchestra in its entirety and it teaches both the ear and the mind about the infinite possibilities of interpretation and invention. 

I started as a pianist and intended to become a full time performer.  However, as a student at Oxford University I was drawn to composition and the musical possibilities that this enabled.  I am currently studying a Masters in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music which, allows me incorporate all my musical interests such classical, world music, pop and music technology - depending on the project that I am doing.

Although I have always had a wide interest across different musical genres, the piano has always remained close to my heart as it is the best teacher that I have ever had.  The skills I have learnt are absolutely transferable and apply when learning any musical instrument: first and foremost, you must learn to become a musician, and this comes from not just learning the instrument, but learning to enjoy it.

A believe a good piano teacher will compliment good classical technique with a freer approach - this might involve some improvisation, some jazz or even just a discussion about the piece, its mood and its context.  Grades are a useful way of focusing and achieving but it is also important to learn to perform and share music, whether this be at home with the family or at school concerts etc.

The piano can be a social tool and helps us learn to communicate - it is an excellent way for children and youngsters to get in touch with their emotions - in ways that we probably cannot even verbalise, even as adults.  Learning the piano will take you on an adventure, through the ages and continents, exploring different repertoire and should never be exclusive to anyone regardless of age or background.