Welcome to Pianist's Compass

Your trusted resource for piano inspiration, education, and reviews.
At Pianist's Compass, we're here to guide pianists of all levels - from beginners taking their first steps to experienced musicians seeking fresh insights.

Find out more

Latest articles and reviews

Kawai CA501 digital piano

Kawai CA501 review: True Concert Artist piano under $4000?

Kawai’s CA501 digital piano is a step above the entry-level of the flagship Concert Artist series. At almost $1000 more than the cheaper CA401, it’s an expensive step. In this review, I’ll determine if the CA501 lives up to the Concert Artist name and is worth the extra investment.

pianist Paul Lewis performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto

The 12 greatest and most famous piano concertos ever written

The piano concerto is arguably the most powerful orchestral form because it covers so much ground; it’s percussive, rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic. While some concertos are among the hardest pieces a pianist can tackle, others are deceptively easy, but all showcase the piano’s ability...

keyboards and digital pianos in store

Digital piano vs keyboard: Which is better for your needs?

There’s an eternal debate among aspiring musicians over which is best, a digital piano or an electronic keyboard. The simple answer is that it depends on who’s buying; both are better in the right context, but that only leads to more questions.

Martha Argerich classical pianist

The 14 most famous female pianists of all time

Many things can make a great pianist, but often, the truest measure of greatness is the impact or influence a musician has on others. In this article, I’m looking at the most influential female pianists of all time.

learning to play piano by ear

How to play piano by ear in 4 achievable steps

Have you ever wondered how the pros can play along with any song they hear? Well, it takes some practice, but you might be surprised to hear that you don’t need to be a prodigy, a virtuoso, or have perfect pitch.

common ways to learn how to play piano

How to teach yourself to play piano following 11 key principles

Learning how to play piano is an extremely rewarding endeavor, but it can be challenging to fit lessons around your schedule and budget. If you can’t commit to regular piano lessons, it doesn’t mean you should give up; it means you have to find another way to learn.

American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk

The 10 best jazz pianists of all time

The best jazz pianist of all time is a title that you could arguably give to any artist on this list and just as easily to many who aren’t listed. In my opinion, jazz is the pinnacle of creative art forms, and today, we stand on the shoulders of giants who pioneered defining eras in jazz...