Richard Smith Encourages Piano Playing Together

So many people have told me of their renewed interest in playing over lockdown

From being responsible for marketing ‘The Beatles’ recordings in Germany, then writing, playing on, arranging, conducting and producing records, Richard Smith provides inspiration for a healthy hobby for families departing lockdown; to learn and enjoy piano together.

Since March 2020, picking up a musical instrument has attracted around one million adults, guiding them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this phenomenon, the mental health benefits of music have been highlighted, with musicians experiencing decreased levels of anxiety, depression, stress and isolation.

The piano has been a significant household piece dating back 300 years, making it the perfect instrument to bring your family together in a fun yet educational manner. Not only providing quality time with family, playing piano from childhood has a surprising myriad of strengths - heightening cognitive and academic abilities. This includes improved memory and spatial temporal ability - which is heavily used in maths and sciences.

Richard’s duet book 'Crazy Crotchets & Quirky Quavers' is particularly popular with families, it is unique and great fun. The players swap places, stand up, sit up, reach over each other, and even clean the piano with a rag, yet the music never stops!

“'Music is such fun, giving a lifetime of pleasure. I'm glad to provide families and music teachers with some new, fresh ideas for creating moments of joy through piano-playing. So many people have told me of their renewed interest in playing over lockdown, and I hope my books will help keep them playing into the future.”

With a passion for piano, Richard’s series of books are available on his own website, Amazon, Musicroom, examdots and all major sheet music retailers. Designed to inspire young children on their journey of learning, and with the country's anxieties surrounding the existing lockdown, these resources couldn’t be more relevant.

To find out more, visit eyeforideas.co.uk/