Jonathan Delbridge plays a Christmas medley on piano

Chopin Prelude in E minor Op. 28 no. 4 performed on a stylophone by Jona...

Chopin Prelude in E minor Op. 28 no. 4 performed on a stylophone by Jona...

J S Bach Prelude and Fugue in A minor transcribed by Liszt performed by ...

How to play duplets against triplets or 2s against 3s rhythms on piano

Jonathan Delbridge Improvisation on Gymnopodie no. 1 Satie on Kawai MP5

The correct hand shape for playing the piano and five finger exercises

Choosing the right edition

When it comes to learning a piece of classical music its amazing how much difference it can make if you have a good edition of the work. So many editors add their own dynamic markings, fingering suggestions and performance hints which can often be useful but can also be a distraction and take away from what the composer originally intended. I would suggest always trying to purchase an "urtext" edition to start with. "Urtext" editions contain only the composers original dynamics and performance markings. The editor may have added some fingering suggestions, although personally I prefer an edition with no fingering so I have plenty of space to mark in my own fingering. Also, choose an edition that has a clear print and is easy to read.

Having said this, its always a good idea to compare with other editions. If you purchase Schirmer's editions of Bach's keyboard works you will find a lot of dynamic and expression markings which were never included on Bach's original manuscript. However, some of these might give you some useful suggestions in adding some colour to your performance.

Order Tranquillo online

How to practise double octaves

Arpeggios for Pianists

Elegy by Thalben-Ball performed by Jonathan Delbridge at Liskeard Method...

How to improvise jazz piano for exams or for fun

Piano scales for advanced pianists

Piano scales for intermediate pianists

Improvisation 19 February 2011

Scales for beginners Video

Saltash Music Festival

Well I'm in the middle of doing a lot of accompanying work at Saltash Music Festival. Its great to have the opportunity of meeting some very promising musicians and singers and hearing them perform. The standard has been very high this year. There was quite an exception string recital class where all those in the class got marks in the 90s reflecting an exceptional performance artistically and technically.

If you're free on Saturday (5th) evening I'd highly recommend coming to the Gala concert and hearing some of the highlights from the festival. The concert begins at 7pm in Saltash Wesley Church.

Tips for Pianists no. 11: Practise with eyes shut!

I find playing with my eyes closed can be a great way of practising. Firstly it can help to really focus you on listening to the music and thinking in greater detail about the interpretation. Secondly it is a great way of seeing if you have a piece memorised fully. Thirdly it helps to make a piece really secure. If your hands can find the notes and negotiate difficult leaps with your eyes shut then you shouldn't have too many problems with your eyes open!

CD on its way and other new projects for the New Year!

Well having talked about it for a long time I'm now finally getting around to doing some recording. I'm going to be working on a CD of classical piano music which will probably include some popular works such as Schumann's Traumerie, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude. I've got the first recording session booked in for 20th January. If any of you have any particular pieces you'd like to see on the CD do let me know!

Over 2011 I'm going to be supporting MacMillan Cancer Support. MacMillan do a superb work and are celebrating their Centenary this year. I therefore thought it would be good to support them in raising some funds. Keep your eyes open for some forthcoming events supporting MacMillan!