Due to popular demand I have added a second performance inside the Victoria Tunnel on Saturday 21st December. You can now see me at 6pm or 7.30om tickets on sale now at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music
“Experience an unforgettable evening of music on the winter solstice in one of Newcastle’s most atmospheric venues. Pianist and composer Steve will perform an intimate solo piano concert deep beneath the city streets in the historic Victoria Tunnel on Saturday, 21st December, at 6:00 PM.
Steve, known for his modern classical compositions, creates delicate, introspective pieces that have been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify and are regularly featured on TV and radio worldwide. His music has been described as “conjuring a world of moonlit rainbows, awakenings, and new beginnings,” blending subtle, emotive melodies with a sense of both melancholy and hope.The haunting acoustics and atmospheric darkness of the Victoria Tunnel provide the perfect backdrop for Steve’s gentle piano performances. On the shortest day of the year, let the unique resonance of this historic underground space amplify the sense of reflection, tranquillity, and beauty in Steve’s music.Tickets are limited due to the intimate nature of the venue, so book early to secure your place at this one-of-a-kind winter solstice concert.”
I hope you’re well. I’m really excited to invite you to a special piano evening at 36 Lime Street, in the heart of Ouseburn, where I’ll be performing alongside the fantastic Ieva Dubova. This is a rare chance to catch some live, original piano music up close and personal in a venue packed with character.
What to Expect
We’re performing in my studio, which is right inside 36 Lime Street, an amazing building full of artists and creators. The setting is cosy and intimate, so you’ll feel right in the middle of it all, with each note sounding just a little richer and closer than you might expect from a more traditional venue.
More About Ieva
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Ieva’s work, she’s a brilliant composer and sound artist with a fresh, distinctive style that’s rooted in classical but often takes a more exploratory route. Her latest project, Undercurrents, combines minimalist piano with sounds from nature, like the seaside and wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides. If you’re a fan of Ryuichi Sakamoto or Erik Satie, you’ll likely love her evocative and reflective approach. Her work has been featured on BBC Sounds and Radio Resonance, so I’m thrilled to have her join me.
When and Where
It all happens in Studio 2G of 36 Lime Street on Friday 15th November 2024 at 7.30pm. As we have limited seating in the studio, I recommend grabbing your ticket sooner rather than later if you’d like to join us for what promises to be an atmospheric and memorable night. For tickets please visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music
Thanks as always for supporting live music, and I hope to see you there!
Having taught piano for over 30 years, I’ve seen first hand the incredible impact music can have on young people, from building confidence to fostering creativity and resilience. I love teaching piano and I wanted to write this post to share some tried-and-true tips for supporting your child’s musical journey. Whether you’re a fellow musician or just love the magic of music, I hope you’ll find some useful advice to help inspire and motivate your young pianist.
Learning an instrument, like the piano, is about so much more than simply pressing the right keys. For children, this journey teaches valuable life skills—discipline, empathy, determination, cooperation—and it builds a sense of community and self-worth. It opens them to a world of joy, inspiration, and creativity that can enrich their lives in countless ways.
As a parent, you play a pivotal role in this musical adventure, even if you’re not a musician yourself. By fostering a supportive environment, setting realistic practice goals, and encouraging a joyful connection with music, you’re helping your child gain more than just musical knowledge. Here are some ways to nurture their growing love of music and encourage them on their piano journey.
1. Creating a Musical Environment
Value the Process: If you place value on music as an activity, your child will pick up on this. A positive outlook on practice time can make a world of difference.
Practice-Friendly Space: Set up a quiet area, free from distractions like TV or other noises, where they can concentrate.
Ensure Proper Setup: Make sure the piano stool is the correct height and distance, and that the piano is in tune and fully functional. If you’re using an electric piano, make sure to choose one with full-sized, weighted keys.
Show Your Own Interest: Play music around the house, attend concerts, stop and listen to buskers, and enjoy music together. Let them know music is for everyone.
2. Practice Routine Essentials
A Regular Practice Schedule: Make practice a daily habit rather than a task to be rushed through. A daily practice schedule might look like this:
Beginners: 20 minutes
Early Stages (Grades 1–3): 30 minutes
Intermediate (Grades 4–5): 40 minutes
Advanced (Grades 6–8): 1 hour or more
Focus on Frequency: Aim for at least five sessions a week for steady progress.
Help with Organization: Adding practice time to their timetable and setting small reminders can make it feel like a part of the day. Encourage them to stick with it because it’s fun and rewarding—not just another task.
3. What Practice Should Look Like
Set Targets for practice: Long-term (e.g. take a grade exam in a year), medium term (e.g. learn all of the notes of this piece by the end of the month) and short-term goals (e.g., learn the first four bars hands separately by the end of this practice). This way, they’re always reaching toward something achievable.
Balance Activities: Break down practice into scales, current pieces, and sight reading in roughly 20/60/20 proportions.
Technical Exercises Matter: Exercises like scales and arpeggios build skills essential for fluency, strength, and understanding patterns in music.
Vary Practice Styles: Clap and count rhythms, try slow or separate hand practice, break pieces into smaller sections, and visualize music when away from the piano. Developing control over these elements brings more expression and confidence into their playing.
Remember to make time to play through older pieces too so your child develops a repertoire.
4. Engaging with Music Beyond Practice
Encourage Performance: Inviting them to perform pieces for you and others (family, friends, or even pets!) makes performing feel natural.
Listen Together: Help them develop an ear for music by identifying instruments, tapping out rhythms, or singing along. Ask questions about the mood of the piece—getting kids thinking about music’s “story” boosts their engagement.
Reward Progress Creatively: Consider occasional incentives, like a live music experience, as a reward for meeting practice goals. Star charts or positive reinforcement can be motivating, but always reinforce that the best reward is the joy of playing.
5. Staying Motivated Along the Journey
Acknowledge the Ups and Downs: Every musical journey has its own rhythm—there will be periods of rapid growth and times of slow progress, and that’s normal.
Reflect on Progress: Encourage a cycle of play, listen, reflect, and try again. Remind them that mastery comes from patient, mindful repetition.
Celebrate the Wins: Small achievements are worth acknowledging. Helping children see these moments as stepping stones fosters both confidence and resilience.
Using praise is a magic tool that, when genuine and specific, boosts confidence, motivation, and the desire to keep learning. It helps children recognize their progress, feel proud of their achievements, and develop a positive relationship with their practice.
With your support, your child can find lasting joy in music, discovering that, yes, they are lucky to play! And with these small changes, you’re cultivating a practice that enriches both their life and yours.
What are your thoughts – are there other ideas you can suggest that would help young learners? Are these things different if you are an adult learner? I suspect, not that much. Leave your comments below.
Also get in touch with me if you would like to talk about taking piano lessons either online or in person. I would love to hear from you.
I’m excited to let you know about two upcoming concerts happening in my studio at 36 Lime Street as part of the Atmospherica Concert Series, which highlights modern classical composers performing their original works. Each concert will feature two sets of solo piano music.
The first concert is on Friday 25th October at 7:30pm and will feature the incredibly talented South Shields-based pianist Philip Alexander, alongside myself. Then, on Friday 15th November at 7:30pm, I’m thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Latvian pianist Ieva Dubova, with another performance from me as well.
You can grab tickets for both shows at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music There are some early bird tickets available for the concert with Ieva priced at £10, but act quickly—these intimate performances are likely to sell out fast! With limited seating, each concert will offer a close-up, special experience with two amazing pianists performing carefully selected pieces of their original music.
For something a bit more unique, I’m also holding my winter solstice concert in the Victoria Tunnel on Saturday 21st December at 7:30pm. This underground concert will be performed in near-total darkness, and it’s set to be my 30th performance in the tunnel since 2018. I’ve played there for over 1,200 people and it’s always an unforgettable experience! If you’d like to come along, you can secure your tickets now at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music
A bit about the other artists:
Philip Alexander will perform tracks from his Blindsided EP as well as some unreleased works. He has played at various historic venues around the Northeast, including a unique outdoor performance at Penshaw Monument. His debut EP was released during the pandemic, and he has lots more music set for release in 2025.
Ieva Dubova is an award-winning pianist, composer, and sound artist based in Newcastle. She’s performed across Europe and her music has been featured on BBC Introducing, BBC Sounds, and Resonance FM. Her upcoming album, Undercurrents, blends minimalist piano with field recordings inspired by the Northern Seaside and the Outer Hebrides, creating evocative soundscapes.
I’ve also just released my latest single, Halcyon, which is now available on all streaming platforms. On Spotify its had a very good opening week attracting more than 7000 listeners. It’s a reflective piece, inspired by those long, sunny summer days that seem to last forever but are gone in a blink. I hope this piece brings a moment of calm reflection to your day.
Yamaha Music School, 3 Seaforth St, Blyth NE24 1AY, UK
About the event
Steve Luck is an experienced and award-winning composer and pianist hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. He has enchanted live audiences with his introspective and emotive compositions. Steve’s modern classical piano miniatures explore the delicate interplay between melancholy and hope, forming an engaging body of work which is both contemplative and uplifting. His music has been streamed on Spotify more than three million times.
As a media composer Steve has worked on more than one hundred projects. In 2007 he won two awards from the Royal Television Society for Professional Excellence in Music. His work with production music libraries results in regular use of his music on TV shows across the world.
In addition to his work as a recording artist and composer, Steve is also active within the music community, advocating on behalf of fellow composers. He founded the Atmospherica Concert Series in 2018 giving a platform for contemporary classical composers to perform their own music. He is a long-standing member of the music writers committee of the Musicians Union and the founder of the Guild of Northern Media Composers.
He believes that music has the power to bring people together and is committed to using his talents to create a positive impact.
In this concert Steve will be performing pieces from his album ‘ Be Curious’ which was recently described by The Crack magazine as “…a pure joy… each track here is a little vignette, aural mini-movies if you will, that will send listeners on journeys that are ultimately incredibly moving.”
Saturday 23rd March 2024 at 7.30pm inside the Victoria Tunnel, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne. The tunnel is a wonderfully atmospheric venue for a piano concert and to make it extra special the performance will take place in (almost) complete darkness, creating an intimate shared experience where you are truly able to focus on the music and let it transport you to another place. Tickets are priced at £16 plus booking fee and are available now at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music
Piano Day Celebration Concert
Thursday 28th March 2024 at 7.30pm in Studio 2G, 36 Lime Street, NE1 2PQ
In a celebration of International Piano Day (the 88th day of the year), join pianist and composer Steve Luck, along with the innovative Ieva Dubova, for an evening of captivating piano performances in the historic 36 Lime Street building in the heart of the Ouseburn. The event, set for March 28th, promises an unforgettable experience and offers attendees the chance to savour the distinct artistry of both performers, each taking their turn to perform a carefully curated selection of original pieces. With an extremely limited number of seats available in this exclusive setting, patrons are invited to secure their tickets promptly for an evening that promises to be nothing short of magical. Tickets on sale at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/steve-luck-music
The Late Shows
I will be performing live in my studio as part of the Late Shows, the award-winning late-night free culture crawl.
During The Late Shows, open art studios, music and performance venues, galleries, museums, studio collectives and landmark historical buildings come together to host intriguing interactive events for visitors. It’s all about encouraging people to do something cultural with their evening.
The Late Shows take place across the Ouseburn valley between 6-10.30pm, with last entry at 10pm on Friday 17th May 2024 and then open out across rest of the city on Saturday 18th May.
Entry is free.
Yamaha Music School, Blyth
I’m delighted to announce that I will be playing a concert in Blyth at the newly opened Yamaha Music School in Blyth, on the afternoon of Monday 1st July 2024 at 1pm. I’m excited to be part of this series which is carefully curated by the music school owner and acclaimed percussionist Steven Moore. Check out the website concert page for the full list of concerts they have coming up and if you live in or near Blyth this looks like a great place to learn music and seems to be rapidly turning into a hub for a range of musical activities. https://www.yamahanorthumberland.com/concerts
Win an exclusive limited edition artwork print and get a credit on the sleeve notes of my next release!
I have a new piano piece and I need you to think of a title. All the details are in the video below. To enter the competition reply to this email or leave a comment with your name and suggested title for the piece. The competition will close at noon on Friday 22nd March 2024.
I will be performing this new piece along with some others, live and for free, all this weekend here in my studio in 36 Lime Street NE1 2PQ as part of the brilliant Ouseburn Open Studios event. I will be giving short piano concerts every half hour between 10am and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th March 2024. Do come and say hello.
“Steve Luck creates quiet, emotional, and pure solo piano music… heartfelt vignettes… all you must do is play it, and you would not need any words.” Headphone Commute
“I was so moved by the music on first hearing it that I was tearful…. It is something that literally soothes the soul and something that, in the current climate of ugly wars and hate crimes that makes you just think of beauty.” NE Love Magazine
“Steve Luck is a classical, award-winning pianist from Newcastle, and his latest album is a pure joy… Each track here is a little vignette, aural mini-movies if you will, that send listeners on journeys that are ultimately incredibly moving.” The Crack
“Steve’s subtle but emotive embrace of the instrument sees him conjure a world of moonlit rainbows, awakenings and new beginnings… modern classical piano miniatures that explore the delicate interplay between melancholy and hope, forming an engaging body of work which is both contemplative and uplifting.” Sunderland Echo
“Steve Luck’s Be Curious is an invitation to enter into isolated atmospheric landscapes and saturated emotional states….the tracks feature undulating piano chords and sloping melodies that bleed into each other… Blue Dot is a personal favourite” 4/5 NARC Magazine
“Repetition can be a hell of a thing when used correctly. Lucks left hand creates a mesmerising bassline that can easily soothe you as you ease into micro-sleep. Have you ever been in the middle of being awake, whilst simultaneously having a lucid dream about something that elates you? That is how this music feels….” Swanodown
“Ethereal melodies and gentle piano themes in this enchanting and soothing set of compositions are so blissful. The harmonic structures bring deep emotions with every key press. Let the soft, delicate sounds, caress your soul, transporting you to a realm of tranquillity and inner peace. ” Nagamag.com
Steve Luck, the award-winning composer, pianist, and producer, has recently unveiled his album Be Curious, featuring an intimate solo piano treat as its title track. Inspired by a quote attributed to Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgemental“, the composition takes on an esoteric, almost hollow quality. The piece, with its spine-chilling and timeless ambiance, reflects Luck’s ability to create a deeply emotive and atmospheric experience. Through the delicate interplay of the piano, Be Curious invites listeners into a contemplative space, encouraging curiosity and eschewing judgment… Last Day Deaf
” Newcastle-based pianist and composer Steve Luck’s heartfelt collection of 12 solo piano pieces is a joy to behold. Opening track ‘Bloom’ is wistfully beautiful and takes the listener on an introspective journey through atmospheric landscapes, and the ebb and flow of life. Highly recommended.”
Due to popular demand I will be performing a 2nd solo piano show inside the Victoria Tunnel on Friday 22nd December at 8.30pm. The first show at 7.15pm has now sold out. Tickets for the 2nd performance are on sale now. Come down and enjoy atmospheric solo piano music performed 30ft underground in pitch darkness three days before Christmas.
Thanks to all those who came to see me play in my studio as part of the Ouseburn Open Studios event. If you saw me play please leave a comment below about what you thought of the music you heard – in particular please comment on how the music made you feel. All responses gratefully received
