E46: ABRSM 2027–2028 Piano Syllabus Review: concerns about the future of classical music education
I’ve spent the last four weeks carefully examining the ABRSM 2027–2028 Piano Syllabus. Listen to find out what’s changed, what I think of th...
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Heart of the Piano Podcast
Passionate, irreverent and often opinionated discussions on all things piano related as well as interviews, news, tips and reviews.
Episodes
20 of 41 episodesE45: A Grand Unified Theory of Scales and Arpeggios (Part 1)
The Heart of the Piano podcast is back! In this return episode, I dive deep into my ‘Grand Unified Theory’ of scales & arpeggios. This is a...
E44: New AI Revolution- Unbelievably Human, Hilarious Conversations with Legendary Composers!
In this episode, I dive into the mind-blowing world of ChatGPT’s brand new voice AI feature, where I have hilarious, shockingly human-like c...
E43: Why We Need To Be Able To Talk About Race And Gender In Classical Music: a Cautionary Tale
An exploration of the challenging but crucial conversations surrounding diversity and representation in classical music education, framed th...
E42: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 2- the individual grades
Please check the shownotes for timings if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade Show Notes: Init [1:40] Grade 1 [2:...
E41: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 1- embracing diversity or a subtle erosion of classical tradition?
In this thought-provoking first part of a two-part review, I explore the new books and discuss how ABRSM are navigating the complex landscap...
E39: Interview with Tim Topham: legend of the piano education community!
Tim Topham is a legend in the piano education world, his podcast “The Integrated Music Teaching Podcast” is a who’s who of...
E38: Trinity 2023 Piano Syllabus Review Part 2- the individual grades with audio clips from the official recordings
Check the shownotes for timings if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade Show Notes: Init [2:13] Terrible (almost n...
E37: Decolonising Piano Education… the radical new Trinity Piano Syllabus- and unpacking the many cans of unleashed worms
The most radical and indispensable piano syllabus ever! This will either be incredibly exciting for piano teachers & students- or highly...
E35: Tension & Release- we discuss the #5 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
Cheryl is back for a masterclass on how awareness of musical tension and release can make huge changes to our playing, and demonstrates that...
E34: We discuss the 4 most important psychological skills you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
My friend Cheryl is back to chat about and get a deeper understanding of the practical ways in which we can become truly great pianists by b...
E33: Comprehensive Review of Pop Performer! by ABRSM
An epic review (with music audio clips) of ABRSM’s hotly anticipated foray into pop music! I’m holding ABRSM to a high standard...
E32: The #4 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
This fourth skill is immensely practical, maybe some of you might think it’s a stretch to call it a ‘psychological skill’,...
E31: The #3 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
The third in a series looking at the most essential mental habits to practise at the piano that will give you the quickest and most profound...
E30: Review of Nikki Iles & Friends, Jazz Pieces For Piano
A must-listen review (with music audio clips) of 3 books of jazz piano sheet music from Nikki Iles & Friends published by ABRSM covering...
E29: The #2 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
The second in a series looking at the most essential mental habits to practise at the piano that will give you the quickest and most profoun...
E28: Self-Determination Theory For Pianists- how it can unlock & improve your musicality, and help you deal with performance anxiety
A lively and passionate discussion where we introduce the ideas and research behind Self-Determination Theory, which could help you make gia...
E27: ABRSM Piano Syllabus 2023 & 2024- Review
Can ABRSM bounce back from their last syllabus I was highly critical of? Listen to this episode for a comprehensive review of the new set of...
E26: The #1 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical
The first in a series looking at the most essential mental habits to practise at the piano that will give you the quickest and most profound...
E25: Interview with Matt Herskowitz- phenomenal classical and jazz virtuoso pianist with deep soul
Matt Herskowitz is quite simply one of the most skilful, versatile, and soulful pianists on the planet. Matt shines in many genres, but it&#...