Expert Advice
Alvin Zhu on why you should learn a new piece before you play a note
Three steps for learning new music from the Tianjin Juilliard professor: explore, divide and conquer, reevaluate.
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Lessons, advice and practice tools from leading pianists and teachers.
Expert Advice
Sean Chen on why your ears, not your feet, play the pedal
The Cliburn medalist on pedal shading, practicing sound with the notes and preparing for competitions.
Expert AdviceMichael Lewin on why the audition panel wants to like you
Boston Conservatory’s head of piano on choosing a teacher, building an audition program and what juries listen for.
Expert AdviceYoheved Kaplinsky on why excitement isn’t about volume
Juilliard’s piano chair on volume, direction and why a great piece keeps changing with you.
Expert AdviceEric Lu on playing the pieces everyone plays
The 2025 Chopin Competition winner on bringing something new to music everyone already knows.
Expert AdviceRobert McDonald on playing on the front side of the beat
The Juilliard and Curtis teacher on rhythm, silence and reacting to every harmony.
Expert AdviceRachel Naomi Kudo on why your scales should sing
The Gilmore Young Artist on scales, waltzes and the markings Chopin chose most carefully.
Expert AdviceAlan Chow on why rubato isn’t the only way to be expressive
Eastman’s piano chair on soft dynamics, pedal, pulse and ways to be expressive beyond rubato.
Expert AdviceSoyeon Kate Lee on playing an unfamiliar piece like it’s Beethoven
The Juilliard pianist on character, pedal, caution and why no phrase should sound like a template.