Lately, I’ve been connecting with my piano practice in a new way.

It’s not just about what I’m practising — it’s more about:
 

• how I’m showing up
• how I’m overcoming challenges
• how I’m discovering what I really love to do on piano, and
• how I’m keeping track of it all

I’ve been journalling during (and after) most practice sessions — capturing insights, strategies, and next steps.

And honestly? It’s becoming a bit addictive.
Why? Because it’s helping me improve the quality and effectiveness of every session.

Here are two quick examples:

Aiming for Complete Accuracy

This week, after watching a documentary about the Live Aid concert of 1985, I felt inspired to learn a beautiful piano arrangement of In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins.

I bought a copy of an intermediate-level score and started sight-reading.
But instead of rushing through it, I zoomed in on a single 4-bar loop — playing extremely slowly, with full focus on pitch and rhythm accuracy.

The insight?
Sometimes the most effective practice tempo feels almost too slow.
But that’s exactly what makes accuracy (and eventual fluency) possible.

Using the Left Hand to Lock In the Pulse

I’ve also been working on chord-based playing — developing my harmonic and rhythmic fluency as an accompanist.

Think of the piano’s role in a band:
You’re providing rhythm and harmony beneath a vocal or lead instrument. That’s the mindset and skillset I’m training.

And here’s what dawned on me during one session:
If my left hand bass parts aren’t locked into the groove, everything else falls apart.

Of course, both hands need to stay in time — but the left hand often acts as the rhythmic anchor.
When it’s solid, the right hand flows more freely. When it’s off, the whole groove becomes less tight.

This may be a simple insight, but it's powerful. And it's something I'll continue to focus on during my sessions.

Practising Smarter

Insights like these are reshaping how I practise — and I’ve started thinking:

If someone else could see this part of the process — the (often-messy,) figuring-it-out part — maybe it would help them too.

I’m not rushing to share everything just yet. (And I didn’t deep-dive into the examples above — that wasn’t the point of this post.)

But what’s become clear is this:
Growth happens in every practice moment — if you’re open, receptive, and paying attention.

That’s why I now see my journaling practice as just as important as my playing.
The feedback loop between the two is what’s driving my progress.

Right now, my brain feels like a sponge — and piano practice is something I look forward to every day.

If you’re on a similar path — figuring things out, whether in public or in private — I’d love to know what’s helping you most right now.

DM me and let me know.

_____

Thanks for reading,

Ian