Pianodao Wellbeing

Wellbeing is the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, we’re thriving!

We all have a life beyond our piano playing, and it is worth exploring the connections between our lived experience, physical and mental health, and our ongoing musical development. But where do we start?

I have found that the ancient wisdom of Daoist philosophy can bring a fresh perspective and insight. This thought system underpins the qigong stretching and breathing exercises which have significantly helped my piano playing, as well as having broader health benefits.

What is Dao?

A very brief introduction to the Chinese philosophy of Daoism and the concept of “Dao”, the natural way. These ideas are at the heart of the wellbeing practices and lifestyle advice explored on Pianodao.

Qigong and Piano Playing

Qigong practice can lead to improved physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being. And it can also have a surprising impact on your piano playing…

Exercises & Resources

These easy stretching and breathing exercises, which draw from classic Qigong forms, support healthy piano technique, as well as offering significant general health benefits.

BALANCED LIFESTYLE
The following articles explore the intersections between playing and living, philosophy and practice, and consider our broader lives from a range of perspectives, traditions and contemporary insights.

The Pianist’s Silence

These days perhaps more than ever, the world is a pretty rowdy place. And by definition, as pianists we add to that noise. Lest we lose our way, let’s consider how we might bring a little bit more peace and quiet into our lives…

The Pianist’s Breathwork

Breathwork has made a significant difference to my quality of life, health and wellbeing, with a beneficial impact on my piano journey. I hope that by trying the simple exercises in this post you will discover similar benefits…

The Pianist’s Self-Care

In this post I will consider some basic elements of self-care from a Daoist (Taoist) perspective in the hope that readers will find some helpful suggestions, and that each of us can enjoy a piano journey that reflects an easier, more connected and settled experience of life…

The Pianist’s Air

Those visiting our studios are trusting us with their health and wellbeing. But how fascinating that, in addition to the health imperatives of clean air, we are now seeing a direct link and impact it has on teaching and learning…

The Pianist’s Brew

Why is Tea the perfect drink for piano players?

The Piano Teacher’s Posture

All good piano teachers are concerned to teach and monitor good posture to their students, and as players we are hopefully equally aware of our own posture at the piano.

Time for an Afternoon Nap

For those wanting to build power napping into their health regime, find a cool spot with good ventilation, leave your phone on silent, and embrace your time out. Personally, I never regret it…

Spring Awakening

Spring is the time for new growth, often characterised by explosive energy and optimism. The vivid colours and vibrant new life of the burgeoning season offer spectacular reminders that CHANGE is cyclical, that the world doesn’t continue moving in a single direction.

Wisdom for the Winter

There is a real danger that our over-exertion in the early winter leaves us physically depleted, mentally and emotionally exhausted, and more susceptible to infection, illness and a general sense of feeling “run down”. Let’s take stock…

Avoiding Excess, Cultivating Balance

In this short post, I want to address our need for a balanced approach to our piano practice and playing. But first, let’s take a step back and consider some more universal principles…

The Supreme Good

On Pianodao, I often quietly apply the wisdom of Daoism to our piano playing journey, but what of its broader relevance? Faced with misery on multiple fronts, can Daoism offer any hope?

Lingering awhile with friends

As in life, so too in our piano playing, let’s take time to linger awhile with our old friends…

When you feel ignored

“Help others for all the times that you have been ignored; Be kind to others, for all the times that you have been scorned.”

HEALTHY MIND
The articles in this section are cowritten with my wife Louise Eales, who has three decades clinical experience as an advanced mental health practitioner, and now also as a fully qualified, practising acupuncturist. Her professional expertise and insight offer an invaluable partnership with mine.

ADHD • A Pianist’s Guide

Discover how ADHD can impact piano practice, lessons, and performance events. In this authoritative article, you’ll read expert clinical advice about the condition, and discover effective educational strategies that can really help.

The Pianist’s Emotions

Emotions are an essential aspect of our basic humanity. But when they are out of balance they can become problematic, with the potential to leave us feeling shipwrecked and adrift…

The Pianist’s Humiliation

Recognised by psychologists as one of the most potent of all human emotions, humiliation can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s self-esteem, wellbeing, and mental health.

Making Peace with your Inner Musician

To what extent do ‘results’ cause anxiety in your life? How do we make peace with our inner musician?

The Pianist’s Kindness

How can we encourage the piano community to be a kinder one? As always, the answer must begin with ourselves…

The Pianist’s Overthinking

If we overthink an upcoming performance this can contribute to performance anxiety. And in the same way, if we overthink life in general, this can have a significant and debilitating effect on our whole lives…

A Streak of Calm

The older I get, the more aware I am that life is short, a too-brief window of opportunity. How important it is, then, to devote ourselves to that which we truly love, and which brings genuine meaning and intrinsic joy to our lives…

DAOISM & PHILOSOPHY
Pianodao includes several other articles and reflective blog posts which explore the intersection between piano playing and Daoist philosophy and practice. You can explore these here:

The Pianist’s Resolution

The start of any new year or season is for many a time for making resolutions: for ambition, grit and determination. But what are the ingredients of perseverance which will foster that success?

The Pianist’s Lineage

Until quite recently it never occurred to me to consider who my teacher’s teacher’s teacher’s teacher was…

Patience: The Greater Peak

Much is made of the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument, and rightly so. But perhaps the greatest of all these is this: the pinnacle of developing patience. Are those eager to progress as quickly as possible in danger of missing the point?