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!