Practice Journals

Follow the process of learning, exploring, and mastering music. This category shares reflective practice journals by Tiger Han, insights into technical challenges, fingering strategies, sight-reading, and the gradual discovery of musical expression. Perfect for students, teachers, and classical music lovers curious about the step-by-step journey from first sight-reading to performance-ready music.

When Farewell Becomes Restless | Beethoven’s Les Adieux, Op. 81a

When Farewell Becomes a Struggle: Beethoven’s Les Adieux

Why does Beethoven’s Les Adieux move from a sad, reflective farewell to a fast and restless development? Tiger explores the emotional tension behind the music and the technical challenge of playing fast, evenly and accurately.

Oct 11

a young musician preparing thoughtfully at the piano

Three Things I’ve Learned Before a Piano Exam

The last few days before a piano exam can feel stressful. From my own experience preparing for exams and performances, here are three things I would focus on: know your music, check every detail in the score, and most importantly, trust what you've prepared.

Sep 30

A harmonious performance: Two choirs unite on stage alongside a small orchestra of four musicians, singing Schütz Musikalische Exequien II

Discovering Schütz Through Singing

Singing Heinrich Schütz’s Musikalische Exequien has been a very different experience from playing the piano. Without an instrument between myself and the audience, I’ve had to listen differently to my own voice, the German language, the other singers, and the words behind this remarkable 17th-century work.

Sep 20

Reading Beethoven #5 - Why C Minor Trio? Beethoven, Haydn and the Sound of Something New

Why C minor? Beethoven’s Op. 1 No. 3 reveals a composer testing the boundaries of Classical tradition. Exploring Haydn, C minor, and the emergence of Beethoven’s distinctive musical voice.

Sep 4

Op. 1 No.3 Finale, Prestissimo Score excerpt: piano + cello parts highlighted

Three Voices, One Conversation: When Piano and Cello Share a Voice

In Beethoven’s Op. 1 No. 3, the piano and cello sometimes share the same musical line. But in rehearsal, making both voices heard became the real challenge.

Aug 22

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