Through my experience as a piano teacher, I have seen how important it is to train the students’ musical understanding as well as technical skills. Using ensemble pieces for pianists, students learn to listen to themselves but also to others in the group. Ensemble playing creates a fun and stimulating setting for students to develop skills vital to their growth as musicians.

Unfortunately, the piano is often regarded as a solo-instrument and it is a challenge for us piano teachers to create an instructive ensemble. With this in mind, I have composed piano pieces for six hands piano, and would like to encourage students and parents to create opportunities for more use of ensemble playing. There is lots of material out there for piano duets and six-hands piano!

Ensemble playing provides valuable experience in several key musical skills such as leading, counting-in, interaction, balancing, and blending with others. It allows the students to improve their musical ear as well as their technical abilities combining to make mastery of six-hands piano pieces incredibly beneficial.

The social learning opportunity that ensemble playing provides enhances the student’s motivation. Playing together with friends and with other pianists provides a unique opportunity for mutual feedback and a friendly, relaxed learning environment. It also provides appropriate opportunities for successful public performances.

So the bottom line is: play together!!

Ask in the shops or contact me for further advice on ensemble playing for pianists.

Some six-hands piano pieces can be found on the following website: 

http://www.musikk-huset.no/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=92&cat=Piano+6+hands