13 great sites for pianists (other than No Dead Guys!)
I’m old enough to remember when all publications appeared in paper form. Books, magazines, and newspapers provided the information we needed and we had just a few options to sort through. I read the music publications, published articles in them, and watched as the industry changed and most of them disappeared. Music criticism—something that used to have a spot in all major American newspapers—now occupies a smaller and smaller corner of journalism. But musicians and music lovers are an enterprising group and for the past 15 years, a large number of blogs and sites have stepped into the vacuum left by former publications.
Recently, a No Dead Guys reader asked me what blogs and sites I like to read. His question made me realize there are few curated lists available for today’s piano lover and this post was born. While compiling these sites, I filtered out many excellent blogs aimed specifically at piano teachers. This is because the majority of my readers are either adult learners or composers. That said, if I haven’t included your favorite site, please share it with us in a comment. Thanks for reading No Dead Guys, and I wish you many happy hours exploring 13 of my favorite sites.
Piano sites
This is a go-to site for adult learners seeking concrete playing advice. Composer, pianist, author, and pedagogue Melanie Spanswick and multiple illustrious guest teachers offer tips on everything from interpretation to the mechanics of how to play the piano.
Written by pianist, author, and pedagogue Andrew Eales, Pianodao offers reviews of music published all over the globe, teaching and playing advice, as well as (my personal favorite) essays on the intersection of Taoism and playing the piano.
Pianist, author, and publicist Frances Wilson is one of the best writers blogging about classical music. From her popular “Meet the Artist” interviews to concert announcements to finely honed essays on music and playing the piano, The Cross-Eyed Pianist is a must-read site for pianists and music lovers.
Concert pianist and author Susan Tomes has authored multiple books on topics ranging from her personal concert experiences, the history of the piano, and women in music. On her blog she muses on life and her work from the perspective of an artist at the top of her musical game.
Always wanted to improvise (or teach improvisation to your students)? This brand-new newsletter by pianist and composer Garreth Brooke is a great place to start. Using classical music as his starting point, Brooke shows concrete ways to engage pianists and enhance musicianship.
Written by the eloquent composer and pianist Simeon Walker, The Cut Through is another brand-new newsletter that I can’t stop reading. Walker writes that this site is “a place for space.” It’s also the place to go for thoughtful observations on music and life.
General music sites
If you’re new to classical music, this site introduces readers to the masterworks through informative articles and (with a paid subscription) access to recordings as well. Articles focus on composers, compositions, performers, and general education for the classical music lover.
Based in Hong Kong, this site also offers multiple articles about composers, compositions, performers, and general musical knowledge.
Aimed at the well-informed classical music lover, VAN’s articles are in-depth, well-researched, and cover all forms of classical music. Many articles tackle industry concerns as well. This is an excellent site for those who have a working understanding of classical music.
If it happened in classical music, it will show up on Slipped Disc. Performance information, articles, reviews, industry gossip—little escapes the pen of founder Norman Lebrecht. He never “pulls his punches” and as a result, his reviews are refreshingly honest and entertaining to read—even if you disagree with them.
Now part of the American Composer’s Forum, I Care if You Listen is the go-to site for things happening in new art music. Interviews, reviews, upcoming concerts—you’ll find it all here.
Writer and former jazz musician Ted Giola offers “a trustworthy guide to music, books, arts, media & culture”. This is one of the best-written blogs on my list. Even though his articles range across many topics, they never fail to make me think deeply about whatever he addresses.
Tracking down what’s happening in the arts can feel like searching for a proverbial needle in a haystack. ArtsJournal does this for me. Newsletter subscribers get a daily mailing of articles—helpfully arranged by topic—that have appeared in publications all over the world.
Photo by Sincerely Media, courtesy of UpSplash