Reshmi Patel • March 8, 2021

No Sheet Music, No Worries

As piano students we can become so frustrated with ourselves when we play a wrong note on the piano and we wonder when we’ll be able to play the songs, we love FASTER. During times like these it’s important that we come together and share our music with one another. 

A few weeks ago, we collaborated with Vinaya Haria, a highly experienced and creative Piano Teacher and Artist based in Hertfordshire. We met Vinaya via mutual friends and have stayed in touch to support our teaching over the past few years. During the pandemic she too has been teaching a range of abilities and ages the piano online. 

No Sheet Music, No Worries – Our Top Takeaways


·       Melody and Chords


Vinaya and Reshmi have both taught students how to improvise and in their Facebook Live they explored the different ways they approach this.


For those who are unsure, ‘improvisation’ is when you create your own song.


Vinaya mentioned that she teaches her student to work out the melody or tune of the song they are trying to learn. After this the student can then begin to add in the bass line using chords.


However, whilst Reshmi encourages this method, she also teaches in the reverse order via theory concepts. She teaches students the bass line by working out the key and then adding in the melody or tune.


Both Vinaya and Reshmi encourage their students to start off with a song they know and love! This is because you’ll be able to learn the melody of the song much faster than you think as you will be very aware of how the song should sound. A common one students enjoy trying out is ‘Happy Birthday’.


·       Chord Patterns


There is a variation of chord you can play in the bass line of a song:


1)     If your piece is in a Major Key you can play the 1st, 4th, 5th or 6th chords

For example: If you had a key of C Major here is the chord sequence:


Chord One: C, E and G

Chord Four: F, A and C

Chord Five: G, B and D

Chord Six: A, C and E


2)     The 1st and 5th Chord


For example: If you had the key of D Major, the 1st and 5th notes are:



1st letter, also known as the Tonic: Letter D

5th letter, also known as the Dominant: Letter A

3)     Inverted Chords


For example: If you had the key of G Major, the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes are:


1st note: G, 3rd note: B and 5th note: D


An inverted chord is when you play these three notes in another order where G is not at the bottom of the chord.


For example: B, G or D or D, B and G.


Vinaya and Reshmi mentioned, these three suggested chord patterns above would compliment the melody well when they notes are in alignment with one another.


For example: If you are playing letter C in your right-hand melody, your complimentary chord in your left-hand melody should include letter C.


·       Resilience


Both Vinaya and Reshmi recommend being open to failing. It will take practice but it’s incredibly rewarding to play the songs you love!


If you missed our Facebook Live, feel free to catch the replay over on our Facebook Page here: https://fb.watch/3_226UHJBW/


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.


To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey: https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

From App to Actual Progress: When It's Time for a Real Piano Teacher

By Reshmi Patel • June 16, 2025
Piano apps are a brilliant way to get children engaged. They're interactive, colourful, and often the first step toward a real interest in music. At Key Sounds UK, we’ve seen many young learners light up with motivation after spending time on apps. They can boost early excitement, especially for beginners or those still deciding if piano is “their thing.” But for all their benefits, apps can only take a student so far. While they’re great for practising basics or learning short tunes, most apps don’t cover the foundational skills that support real, long-term progress like proper technique, musical interpretation, or deeper theory understanding. Many of these aspects are important for both students eventually interested in exams or interested in learning for expression. Students often hit a wall, becoming frustrated or bored when they don’t know how to move forward. That’s where a skilled, in-person teacher makes the difference. We don’t just teach songs we connect the why behind the music and adapt lessons in real-time to how a child learns best. Action Tips for Parents: ● If your child is using a piano app, ask what they’ve learned beyond the notes. Are they just copying movements, or do they understand what they’re doing? ● Not keen on apps? A simple trick: play your child’s favourite song followed by the word “piano” on YouTube or Spotify. Just listening and engaging rhythmically can spark interest and improve timing. ● If they’ve started learning via app and are now plateauing, book a trial package with us. We specialise in helping students connect the dots between what they’ve learned online and what they can achieve in person. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

Make the Most of the Summer Break with Our Piano & Theory Trial Sessions

By Reshmi Patel • June 9, 2025
Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new interests without the pressures of school. At Key Sounds UK, we offer flexible trial packages in both 1-2-1 piano lessons and fast-track music theory - ideal for families looking to add something enriching to the holiday break. Whether your child is brand new to music or already plays and wants to build confidence, our tailored sessions provide a great starting point. Our summer trials are designed to be relaxed yet focused. Students can try something new, build foundational skills, or fill in theory gaps between grade levels, all at a pace that suits them. These sessions often lead to surprising progress, simply because children have more time, energy, and mental space to focus without the term-time rush. Here are some action steps to guide those on the fence of deciding: ● Unsure where to start? Contact us for a quick chat - we’ll help you choose between piano or theory based on your child’s interests or needs. ● Book early to secure a spot, as summer sessions fill quickly. ● Not sure if they’ll enjoy it? That’s exactly what the trial is for - no long-term commitment, just a chance to explore. We’d love to hear from you and help your child make the most of their summer with music. Reach out anytime to learn more. Let me know if you'd like a version for print or email! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

How to Build a Long Term Passion for Playing the Piano

June 2, 2025
Passion doesn’t just happen it’s cultivated. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, building a long-term love for the piano is within reach. Here’s how to make it last. 1. Create a Meaningful “Why” Before you even touch the keys, ask yourself: Why do I want to play piano? Is it to express emotions? To play your favorite songs? To connect with others? Identifying your personal “why” gives your practice purpose and keeps motivation alive during tough times. Action Step: Write down your top 3 reasons for playing the piano. Post them where you practice. 2. Make Practice Enjoyable, Not Just Routine Rigid routines can lead to burnout. Blend structure with freedom by mixing technical work with creative play. Action Step: Try the “80/20 rule”: Spend 80% of your time on structured goals (like scales or assigned pieces), and 20% exploring: improvise, compose, or learn a favorite song by ear. 3. Set Small, Inspiring Goals Instead of vague goals like “get better,” aim for specific milestones that excite you, like “learn the intro to ‘Clair de Lune’” or “memorize one piece this month.” Action Step: Set a short-term (1–2 week) goal and a medium-term (2–3 month) goal. Reward yourself when you hit them. 4. Surround Yourself with Musical Inspiration Listen to a variety of piano music - classical, jazz, film scores, or even video game soundtracks. Inspiration from other artists fuels your curiosity and growth. Action Step: Create a personal piano playlist with pieces that move you, and add to it regularly. 5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection Progress isn’t always linear. Acknowledge improvements, no matter how small, and avoid the trap of constant self-criticism. Action Step: Keep a journal of musical “wins” each week, like “finally nailed that left-hand pattern” or “played for my cousin.” Remember: Passion is nurtured, not found. Stay curious, stay patient, and keep playing. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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