Are we too obsessed by melody?

Composing and improvising can seem difficult when we approach it top down, trying to come up with good ideas. Trying to come up with a good melody can often generate terrible pressure that blocks us creatively. Here I explore how to wriggle out of this common trap.

https://youtu.be/JwItjo_7il4?si=rLFgrQYAxk82Ac3G

How to do crossed rhythms in Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu

The crossed rhythms (4s against 3s) in Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu are notoriously awkward. In this video, I describe some simple practice approaches to demystify the difficulties and generate the wonderful flowing, agitato effect.

The courage to transform

Music can give us strength as we dig deep in order to find the courage to transform. Metamorphosis might be painful but ultimately it is beautiful.

How to get a free technique

In this video, I introduce the first and most important step to having a free technique, which is to feel the natural, flowing rhythm and groove of the music in your body.

‘Untouchable beauty’ piano improvisation on Pianoteq’s Steingraeber Intimate

My ‘Untouchable Beauty’ piano improvisation on Pianoteq’s Steingraeber Intimate. Nature is bigger than human beings. We arrogantly try to capture and control everything. Like trying to catch a butterfly, our exploits can easily cause harm or destruction. Some things are better left alone, in their natural state, untouchably beautiful!

‘Beautiful symmetry’ piano improvisation on Pianoteq’s Bechstein Cinematic

Musical tonality has a beautiful symmetry to its structure, especially when we see it within the piano keyboard. The shimmering patterns that this creates are like some of the most spectacular patterns in nature, such as we see when watching a butterfly slowly opening and closing its magnificent wings.

Defiant joy! Piano improvisation

This piece of improvising is exploring the rebellious feelings I have about success, achievement and other things the ego thinks it needs to be happy. The music itself is enough!

Pianoteq’s K2 Warm preset for my ‘Butterflies’ project

I’ve been thinking about using different Pianoteq presets in my current ‘Butterflies’ project and the K2 Warm preset has some really beautiful qualities.