Rossina Grieco On What It Really Takes to Truly Master the Piano

“I often have the most wonderful dreams of melodic piano scores, rich with emotion.”, says piano virtuoso Rossina Grieco, the longest-standing recipient of the Ihnatowycz Prize in piano, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed in North America. With every chord, she leaves another audience enraptured. After numerous requests, the maestro reveals what it takes to truly master the piano.

While you will find hundreds of teachers out there who will give the information in black and white, playing the piano is an art, not a science. When Rossina Grieco sits down at the piano, lush sounds with their sheer opulence flow through, which is enough to invoke strong feelings in the listener. But, she says, that can only happen when the artist feels just as strongly about their art. “The instrument cannot create wonders on its own – you are the director of it, and the power lies in your hands to create magic. Play it with all your heart and your captivated audience will be transported with you.”

“Get inspired, play better.” – Rossina Grieco says that your hands flow effortlessly over the keys if you’re feeling inspired. If you know the “why”, you’re more likely to get a hang of the instrument. Music, when drawn from a place of fiery inspiration, will always come out golden.

However, challenging the popular conception that players must begin with formal training and learning to read sheet music first, Rossina Grieco stresses, “There is no right or wrong way of being creative. While it does not hurt to know the rules, one must never be afraid to experiment and explore – masterpieces were never created by playing by the rules”, is the award-winning pianist’s firm belief.

Building on these principles, Rossina Grieco has ruled the roost for quite a few years now – and we’re not complaining. The beauty of her work lies in the fact that you can always expect to be wowed. Rossina Grieco’s construction of silken melodies enriched with transcendental tones is sure to transport you to a state of sublime resplendence.