This blog features the ten calls we incorporate into lessons for any instrument at Stalybridge Music Academy. These calls are perfect for understanding The Harmonic Series, Triads, Transposition, composition, and The Circle of Fifths.

The Baroque era, spanning from approximately 1600 to 1750, marks a period of profound change and dramatic flair in Western music. The era is characterised by its ornate, highly decorated, and often complex textures, Baroque music is a rich tapestry woven with expressive melodies and rigorous structures. This period is pivotal in music history, solidifying many forms and practices that would influence music for centuries to come.

Robert Schumann's "Soldier's March" from his Album for the Young, Op. 68, is one of the most famous pieces you'll ever play on the piano. But who was the man who wrote this energetic, determined music?

Are you learning the famous 'Spinning Song' (Op. 14, No. 4) on the piano? It's one of those pieces that just sounds fast, fun, and impressive. But have you ever stopped to think about the person who wrote it?

Have you ever heard of a Gavotte? It's a fun and graceful French dance from a long time ago. The great news is you don't just have to dance it—you can learn to play it on the piano!

Thomas Attwood (1765–1838)  is a composer whose name often resides in the footnotes of music history, overshadowed by the giants of the Classical era. Yet, his story is one of direct connection to the greatest musical minds of his time—most notably, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—and his influence as a composer and educator helped shape the musical landscape of 19th-century England.

Public Domain image: Danish and German pianist and composer Ludvig Schytte (1848-1909) Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LudvigSchytte.jpg Ludvig Schytte (April 28, 1848 – November 10, 1909) is a name that deserves to be brought into the light of Danish music history. Although his name may not resonate as well as those of Gade or Carl Nielsen, Schytte was an exceptionally productive and influential composer, pianist, and educator whose works still hold great val

Frédéric Chopin's set of twenty-four Preludes, Op. 28, is a treasure trove of miniature masterpieces, each exploring a unique mood and technical challenge. Among them, the seventh—the famous Prelude in A major—stands out as a jewel of lyrical simplicity and a perfect piece for the intermediate pianist to explore.

A Balinese Gamelan is a captivating percussive ensemble originating from the island of Bali, Indonesia. Its most distinctive characteristic is a shimmering and pulsing soundscape, meticulously crafted through intricate interlocking patterns played by various instruments.

Maria Szymanowska (1789-1831) was a celebrated Polish composer and one of the first professional virtuoso pianists of the Romantic era.

Have you ever heard a piece of music that just makes you want to get up and dance? The mazurka is exactly that kind of music! It’s a fun, lively folk dance that started in the fields and villages of Poland and danced its way into grand ballrooms and famous concert halls.

Introduction: Your Adventure into Awesome Piano Playing Do you ever wish you had a secret code to unlock your best piano playing?

The Classical era (roughly 1750-1820) witnessed a pivotal transformation in the world of music, and at its heart was the burgeoning popularity of the piano. While earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord had their place, the piano's ability to produce a wide range of dynamics – from soft (piano) to loud (forte) – gave composers unprecedented expressive possibilities

Have you ever played the piano? It's an amazing instrument with 88 keys that can make so many beautiful sounds! Today, we're going to learn about a very important person who helped make the piano popular: Muzio Clementi.