In my recent interview with pianist and educator Christopher Guild, we discussed a range of topics, including his experience with Ronald Stevenson’s recordings. During our conversation, Chris also shared his top three tips for beginner pianists. This is an excerpt from the full interview, which you can watch here or click below.

1. Practice Regularly – A Little, A Lot

Chris emphasizes the importance of consistency in practice. Rather than cramming long sessions a few times a week, he advises practicing little and often. Regular, shorter practice sessions help develop muscle memory and ensure steady progress. Embedding piano practice into your daily routine, even in small increments, will yield much better results than sporadic, lengthy sessions.

2. Listen with Full Attention

In today’s fast-paced world, music is often played in the background while multitasking. Chris suggests making a habit of listening to music with full attention. Set aside time to truly focus on a piece, whether through a streaming service, a CD, or vinyl. This kind of active listening helps develop musical understanding, interpretation, and phrasing, all of which contribute to a more intuitive and expressive playing style.

3. Record Yourself and Be Kind to Your Progress

Recording your practice sessions can be an incredibly effective tool. By listening back to your own playing, you gain a more objective perspective and can pinpoint areas for improvement. Chris highlights that as you progress, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Regular recordings not only help refine technique but also serve as a reminder of your growth over time.

Chris's recordings

Chris’s insights into Ronald Stevenson's music and the recording process are not just informative but deeply inspiring for adult learners. The way he speaks about the music—its cultural significance, its technical demands, and the joy of collaborative playing—reminds us that piano playing is about more than just mastering the keys. It's about expressing ourselves through music, whether we're alone at the piano or playing with others. You can learn more and purchase a copy of the CD by clicking on the image below and you can learn more about Chris' other performances and recordings on his website www.christopherguild.co.uk

Stay Connected and Keep Learning

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out my piano method book, Hey Presto! Adult Piano Method, designed to help beginners and returning players master the keys with confidence. You can also explore my comprehensive Adult Piano Beginners Course, which offers a wealth of resources to support your musical journey.

For more tips, educational content, and repertoire recommendations, join me on this exciting musical adventure. Together, we can make learning piano rewarding, fun, and stress-free.

Happy practicing!
Marcel Zidani
Award-winning composer, performer, and piano pedagogue