stefanjoubert

About Stefan Joubert

Stefan Joubert is the manager of Online Piano Institute and The London Piano Institute. He is passionate about world-class piano education and learning via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.

Mistakes at the piano – a musician’s secret ally

2025-06-24T11:53:14+01:00

If you’re learning to play the piano, whether for the very first time or picking it up again after a long break, there’s one thing that becomes clear pretty quickly: mistakes happen. A lot. They show up when least expected, often just when things are starting to feel smooth. A wrong note, a missed rhythm, forgetting what comes next—it’s all part of the experience. And yes, it can feel frustrating at times. But here’s something that every pianist, from beginners to professionals, eventually comes to understand: mistakes aren’t the enemy. They’re one of the most powerful tools for progress. What counts [...]

Mistakes at the piano – a musician’s secret ally2025-06-24T11:53:14+01:00

Learn jazz piano online

2025-04-22T12:34:47+01:00

Learning jazz piano is a highly rewarding and enriching musical journey. Whether you are new to the genre or returning to the piano after a long break, the expressive freedom and rich harmonic language of jazz offer something truly unique. Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to explore this vibrant style from the comfort of your own home. What makes jazz piano unique? Jazz is an art form unlike any other. It encourages creativity, deep listening, and a conversational approach to music. More than simply playing notes on a page, jazz invites you to shape the music as you [...]

Learn jazz piano online2025-04-22T12:34:47+01:00

How to build hand independence on piano – online techniques that work

2025-03-28T12:02:45+00:00

Hand independence is one of the biggest challenges pianists face, especially in the early stages of learning. The ability to perform two entirely different tasks with each hand—such as maintaining rhythm in the left while delivering melody in the right—can initially feel daunting. But with the right techniques and consistent online-friendly practise, this vital skill becomes not only achievable but enjoyable. Whether you’re just beginning or have been playing for years, this guide will introduce exercises and strategies designed specifically for online lessons, allowing you to progress from the comfort of your home. Why hand independence matters Hand independence unlocks a [...]

How to build hand independence on piano – online techniques that work2025-03-28T12:02:45+00:00

Classical VS contemporary piano: which style should you learn in online lessons?

2025-03-13T11:45:14+00:00

Learning the piano is an exciting journey, but one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between classical and contemporary piano. While both styles offer unique benefits, they cater to different musical aspirations and learning styles. So, how do you decide which path is right for you? Let's explore the key differences, advantages, and challenges of each style, helping you find the best fit for your online piano lessons. Classical piano: mastering the art of tradition Classical piano has stood the test of time, with legendary composers like Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart shaping its legacy. If you dream of [...]

Classical VS contemporary piano: which style should you learn in online lessons?2025-03-13T11:45:14+00:00

Practising and performing piano from a healthier place

2025-01-22T14:11:30+00:00

For pianists, practising and performing piano are essential parts of their musical journey. But let’s be honest — without balance, these activities can sometimes feel overwhelming, both physically and mentally. Practising and performing piano from a healthier place can bring back the joy, turning what feels like a challenge into a truly rewarding experience. By embracing a healthier approach and building sustainable habits, you can not only improve your playing but also deepen your connection to the piano and the music you love. Embracing progress over perfection One of the most liberating shifts you can make as a pianist is to [...]

Practising and performing piano from a healthier place2025-01-22T14:11:30+00:00

What do the piano pedals do?

2024-08-21T21:06:33+01:00

If you’ve ever sat at a piano, you may have noticed the three pedals at your feet. Initially, they might seem like footrests, but these piano pedals are essential for enhancing the expressive potential of your playing. They allow you to transform simple notes into something truly magical. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose and function of each pedal and how they can elevate your piano performances to new heights. The three pedals: An overview Most modern pianos feature three pedals: the damper pedal (right), the sostenuto pedal (middle), and the una corda pedal (left). Each of these pedals has [...]

What do the piano pedals do?2024-08-21T21:06:33+01:00

7 Genre types (with multiple compositions) that every piano student should aim to learn from!

2024-07-23T18:43:19+01:00

As a piano student, learning a variety of pieces can help you improve your skills and keep your practice sessions engaging. In this article, we'll explore seven genres that every piano student should aim to learn from. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, these types of pieces will challenge you, entertain you, and help you develop your musicality. From classical masterpieces to crowd-pleasing showstoppers, we've got you covered. 1. Classical masterpieces Classical music is the bedrock of piano education, offering timeless works that refine technique, expression, and musicality. These pieces often serve as milestones in a student's progress. "Für [...]

7 Genre types (with multiple compositions) that every piano student should aim to learn from!2024-07-23T18:43:19+01:00

Piano practise techniques for building speed and accuracy

2024-07-23T11:07:53+01:00

As pianists, we all strive to improve our speed and accuracy when playing complex passages. However, it can be challenging to achieve this without proper practice techniques. In this article, we will explore simple yet effective piano practice techniques for building speed and accuracy. Warm-up exercises Before diving into your main practice session, it's crucial to warm up your fingers and hands. Simple exercises like scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises can help loosen up your muscles and prepare you for more intense practice. Spend at least 10-15 minutes on these warm-ups to prevent injury and enhance your overall dexterity. Slow practise [...]

Piano practise techniques for building speed and accuracy2024-07-23T11:07:53+01:00

Back to basics with your piano playing!

2024-06-06T09:05:46+01:00

As an intermediate or advanced piano player, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring new repertoire and techniques. However, it's essential to remember that a strong foundation in the basics is crucial for continued growth and improvement. In this article, we'll explore the importance of going back to basics in piano study, even if you're already an accomplished pianist. Why go back to basics? When you're already proficient in reading sheet music, understanding music theory, and executing complex finger exercises, it's natural to assume that you've mastered the basics. However, the truth is that even the most [...]

Back to basics with your piano playing!2024-06-06T09:05:46+01:00

The best keyboards for starting piano lessons

2024-05-08T16:09:35+01:00

Learning to play the piano is an exciting journey, and choosing the right keyboard can significantly influence how quickly you progress as a beginner. Piano lessons can serve as personal fulfilment or a way to help your child embark on their musical journey, making it crucial to select the most appropriate piano. Before diving into the list of recommended keyboards, let's first discuss some important information about keyboards. Should you choose weighted or unweighted keyboards? When it comes to keyboards, one of the primary distinctions is between weighted and unweighted keys. Weighted Keyboards: These keyboards simulate the feel of an acoustic [...]

The best keyboards for starting piano lessons2024-05-08T16:09:35+01:00
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