Blog
Notes from the piano stool
Practice ideas, learning psychology, gear, and stories from piano history. Looking for step-by-step help? Start with the beginner guides.
The Piano Has Been Drinking
From Tom Waits to Mozart, discover how alcohol shaped the lives of great composers—yet the piano always remained their sober partner.
Who Has Inspired the Most Songs? The Surprising Answer
Explore a world of inspiration for songs that combine piano and vocals, from love ballads to timeless jazz standards.
Women at the Piano: Talent, Barriers, and Breakthroughs
From Maria Anna Mozart to Clara Schumann, explore how women pianists overcame barriers and left a lasting legacy at the piano.
George Michael, John Lennon’s Imagine Piano, and the Journey of Peace
How George Michael preserved John Lennon’s Imagine piano as a symbol of peace, taking it on tour and securing its home at Strawberry Field.
The Great Piano Hoax: Joyce Hatto, William Barrington-Coupe, and the Biggest Fraud in Classical Music
The astonishing story of Joyce Hatto, the pianist at the centre of classical music’s greatest fraud, and how the hoax fooled critics and listeners worldwide.
The Brill Building : How Carole King’s Piano Helped Shape Pop History
How Carole King and the Brill Building shaped pop history, from Tin Pan Alley to Tapestry, and why its piano legacy still inspires today.
Erik Satie: The Eccentric Genius Who Changed Music Forever
Discover Erik Satie, the eccentric genius who reshaped piano music with simplicity and wit. Learn to play with Pianoforall Classics By Ear.
Why Your Brain Loves Rewards (And What That Means for Practice, Learning & Motivation)
Why some people don’t get music chills—and how to use the brain’s reward system so piano practice sticks.
If You Play Guitar, You Can Play Piano
If you can strum a guitar, you can play piano. Learn how guitarists can transfer to piano using simple chord “strumming” techniques.
The Magic of Singing and Playing Piano
Why singer-pianists like Elton John or Nina Simone can captivate a room — and how you can easily learn to accompany yourself on piano.
Beginner Keyboard Setup: What to Buy (and How to Set It Up Right)
Beginner keyboard setup: keys, action, touch sensitivity, stands, stool height, sustain pedals, posture, lighting and more.
Keys to the Game: How the Piano Found Its Place in Super Bowl History
From Billy Joel to Jon Batiste, here’s how the piano moved from sidelines to spotlight in Super Bowl anthems and halftime shows
Psychological Flexibility: The Invisible Pedal in Piano Learning – with Practical Exercises
Psychological flexibility in piano learning — practical ideas and exercises inspired by Todd Kashdan to turn discomfort into progress.
Marilyn Monroe’s White Baby Grand: A Love Story In Ivory And Song
The story of Marilyn Monroe’s cherished white baby grand — from childhood memory to becoming Mariah Carey’s prized keepsake.
Why Most Piano Courses Expect Too Much from Beginners (and How Pianoforall is Different)
Most piano courses overwhelm beginners with complex songs. Pianoforall takes baby steps that sound great — making learning fun and achievable.
The Fabulous Baker Boys: When Jazz, Sibling Rivalry, and a Red Dress Meet a Piano
Why the piano is the real star of The Fabulous Baker Boys—real playing, Susie Diamond’s spark, and a late-night jazz mood that still inspires.
How to Build a Piano Repertoire You Can Play Anywhere
Build a piano song repertoire you can play anywhere—song sheets, chords, backing rhythms, transposing, refining, and reading the room.
Good Grief and Great Music: How the Piano Brings Peanuts to Life
How Peanuts made piano feel alive—from Schroeder’s Beethoven focus to Vince Guaraldi’s jazz—and why it still inspires players today.
Finding Your True Voice at the Piano
Improve your singing at the piano with daily warmups, and practical techniques. Learn to sing in your real voice and make songs truly yours.
The Beatles’ Six Sensational Pianists
Discover six pianists who shaped The Beatles’ sound — from Paul McCartney’s iconic “Let It Be” to hidden gems of George Martin, Billy Preston, and more.
John Lennon – Poster Boy
Discover how a Victorian circus poster inspired John Lennon’s “Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite”
Piano Practice Can Be Fun Too
Discover how to turn piano practice into something fun—not a chore. Learn strategies to mix challenge and enjoyment for lasting progress.
Practice changing mindsets when you sit at your piano
Shift from a work mindset to a playful one at the piano and boost joy, creativity, and progress in piano learning.
WOOP for Piano: How to Break Through Practice Frustration with One Simple Technique
The WOOP method can transform your piano practice. Break through frustration, stay motivated, and achieve your music goals step-by-step.
Practice according to your Chronotype Animal
Discover how your chronotype—lark, owl, or third bird—can boost your piano learning. Find the best time for focus, energy, and progress.
Learning piano also happens between practice sessions
Learn why breaks between piano practice sessions boost learning. Perfect for adult beginners and Pianoforall students.
Pianos and Pianists At The Olympics
Explore the fascinating role of pianists at the Olympics, blending art with athletics in a unique tradition of excellence.
From Excited to Consistent – Mastering the Habit of Piano Practice
Build a daily piano practice habit with science-based tips. Perfect for beginners and learners using Pianoforall.
Summertime: The Song Everyone Loves to Hear
Discover the enduring magic of Gershwin’s Summertime, and why it’s the perfect piece for beginners to learn to play on piano
Public Pianos and the Romance of Train Travel
How public pianos in train stations are reconnecting people with music and inspiring travellers through spontaneous performances.
When Animals Meet the Piano
From cats and dogs to elephants and whales, discover the surprising and delightful ways animals have interacted with the piano — both on land and underwater.
When The Piano Played The Picture: A Salute To Silent‑Era Cinema Pianists
Discover the forgotten role of Silent Film Pianists in early cinema, from packed theatres to the sudden silence brought on by talkies.
The Frozen Piano: Music At The End Of The Earth
Discover the true story of a frozen piano left behind in Antarctica by Scott’s expedition. A haunting tale of music, morale, and human spirit in extreme conditions.
Moonlight Sonata: Beethoven’s Midnight Masterpiece
Discover the story behind Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata—why it was written, what makes it timeless, and how you can learn to play it with confidence.
The Best Jazz Piano Books for Beginners and Intermediate Players
Learn jazz piano? Best jazz piano books for beginners and intermediates, including blues progressions, and cool jazz favorites
How to Get Better at Piano Fast: The Power of Repetitive Practice
Want to improve at piano fast? Discover how focused repetition and smart practice can help beginners build muscle memory and play with ease.
Keyboard or Piano? What’s Best for You?
Trying to choose between a digital keyboard and an acoustic piano? Discover the pros, cons, and key buying tips to help you find the perfect instrument for your lifestyle.
We’ll Always Have Paris – How a Piano Shaped the Heart of Casablanca
Learn how the piano and As Time Goes By shaped Casablanca's story—and how Pianoforall helps you connect emotion and memory through piano.
Play It Again, Sam? The Real Story Behind Casablanca’s Most Iconic Song
Uncover the myths and truths about Casablanca As Time Goes By. Discover the song that nearly vanished from film history.