Reshmi Patel • July 23, 2020

How to Avoid Making the Same Mistakes in Your Piano Practice

Whilst we are all in the discovery phase of practice, we tend to make mistakes.

The upside of making mistakes is that they direct our practice sessions. Our aim should therefore be to not avoid making mistakes altogether, but avoid making the same mistake several times as this could lead to the cause of a bad habit.

Here’s how you can manage the mistakes you do make:

 

·        Avoid starting from the beginning

 

Whether we are struggling with a rhythmic, hand position or notation issue we should avoid starting directly from the beginning of our pieces - unless the section we are stuck on is the very first one. This is because we are wasting both our time and energy on sections of the music which we can already play well enough. When we focus directly on the bar or phrase of the mistake, we can utilise our time in a more productive manner.

 

·        Practice the mistake

 

This may sound obvious but it’s so easy to forget!

 

The reason we often avoid practicing the mistake directly is because it causes us to feel uncomfortable. This is most common when we can play a large chunk of a piece but there are small areas which require more of our attention. We’d rather play the music which we are good at, compared to the music which may require more thought.

 

The irony here is that the slower we go, the faster we will grow.

 

Researchers have discovered that to retain information properly we have to slow down in order to deepen our understanding of a skill or subject matter. This is particularly important in music as it is ‘brain heavy’, as we active both sides of the brain. The left-side being analytical and the right-side being creative. The benefits of this being, we are likely to improve our cognitive functions.

 

·        Practice the lead into the phrase with the mistake

 

In order to familiarise yourself with the transitions in the music, aim to work on the phrase or bar before the section with the mistake once you have tackled the mistake.

 

·        Don’t worry about who is listening

 

Sometimes practice doesn’t sound the most attractive as it involves wrong notes, rhythms and slips. The important thing to remember here is that this happens to everyone and it’s all apart of the journey. Regardless of who is listening, don’t worry about trying to perfect every little element of your piece for now. Try your best to play the piece as it is and take note of the areas which require more of your attention.

 

·        Record yourself playing

 

When we play a piece of music there are usually a few things to think about. We are usually thinking about the counts, fingers, hand position, rhythms and the list could go on. It’s therefore more difficult to recognise every little mistake whilst we are playing.

 

For example, even though we could be experiencing rhythmic issues in bar three of our piece of music, in the process of fixing these issues a notation issue could arise without us realising because we are in the middle of solving the rhythm.

 

Whether it’s a video or audio recording try to record yourself and watch this back to see which areas require more of your attention. When listening back to the recording it may be useful to listen to it several time but focus on listening out for a different element of the music each time.

 

For example: If you play line one of your piece of music the first time you listen to it you may focus on the right-hand rhythm, the second time you listen to it you may listen to the left-hand chords and the third time you may listen for the dynamic changes.

 

Finally, it’s important to not only understand what the mistakes are but the root cause of them, so that we can tackle them efficiently.

 

Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.

From First Note to First Performance_ A Gentle Guide to Your Child's Piano Journey

April 27, 2026
Starting piano lessons is an exciting milestone, but it’s completely normal for parents to wonder what the journey will actually look like. Questions like “How long before they play a song?” or “When will they be ready to perform?” often come up early on. The truth is, every child’s journey is unique but there are some helpful stages you can expect along the way. In the beginning, lessons focus on building familiarity and confidence. Younger beginners (typically from age 4-5+) start by exploring the keyboard, understanding simple rhythms, and developing coordination. Within the first few weeks, many children can play short, recognisable patterns and within a few months, they often begin playing simple songs. These early wins are incredibly important, as they build motivation and a sense of achievement. As your child progresses, you’ll notice a shift. It’s no longer just about playing notes, but about playing with control, expression, and understanding. This is when pieces become more musical, and students start to take pride in how they sound, not just what they play. Around this stage, many children are also introduced to performance opportunities, which help develop confidence and stage presence in a supportive environment. Performing doesn’t have to feel intimidating. In fact, when introduced at the right time, it becomes something children look forward to. Whether it’s a small group setting or a larger concert, these moments help students grow not only as musicians, but as confident individuals who can share their achievements with others. Actionable ways you can support your child through each stage: Focus on enjoyment in the early stages Keep things light and positive - enthusiasm at the start builds long-term commitment Create a simple routine at home A consistent time (even 5-10 minutes) helps piano feel like a natural part of the week Encourage “show and tell” moments Ask your child to perform for you at home - this builds confidence before formal performances Avoid comparing progress to others Every child develops at their own pace, and confidence grows best without pressure Celebrate milestones beyond songs For example: improved focus, smoother playing, or remembering pieces independently Over time, what starts as a few simple notes grows into something much more meaningful. By the time your child reaches their first performance, it’s not just about playing a piece, it's about confidence, resilience, and pride in their progress. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

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Exams, Theory & Playing for Enjoyment_ Finding the Right Path for Your Child in Piano Lessons

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One of the most common questions parents ask is whether their child should follow exams, focus on playing for enjoyment, or do a mix of both. It can feel like an important decision especially if you’re unsure what each route involves. The reassuring news is that there isn’t one “correct” path. The best approach is the one that keeps your child engaged, motivated, and progressing with confidence. Piano exams, such as ABRSM, can provide structure and clear goals. They help students develop discipline, technique, and a sense of achievement. Alongside practical exams, theory (including Grade 5 Theory) supports a deeper understanding of music, which becomes increasingly important as students advance. However, exams are just one part of a much bigger picture. Many children begin by learning pieces they enjoy - often songs they recognise - which helps build a strong emotional connection to music. This is particularly important in the early stages, where enjoyment drives consistency. As students grow in confidence, some naturally transition into exams, while others continue developing through performances, repertoire building, and personal goals. Rather than choosing between “fun” and “structure”, the most effective approach often combines both. A balanced journey allows children to enjoy what they play, while also developing the skills needed for long-term progress. This flexibility is what helps students stay motivated over the years, rather than feeling pressured or disengaged. Actionable ways you can support your child’s learning path: Follow your child’s interest first If they’re excited about a particular song, use that as a starting point for learning Have open conversations with their teacher Ask about the right timing for exams rather than rushing into them Understand that theory develops gradually It’s often introduced alongside practical learning, not as a completely separate subject Avoid putting pressure on grades alone Progress isn’t just measured by exams - confidence and musicality matter just as much Revisit goals regularly Your child’s interests may change over time, and their learning path can adapt with them Ultimately, the goal isn’t just for your child to pass exams - it’s for them to build confidence, enjoy music, and feel proud of what they can do. When the journey is tailored to them, progress becomes something they experience positively and consistently. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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