Piano was - well, all musical instruments were taught in this very rigid, formal, classical method when I was young

Piano was - well, all musical instruments were taught in this very rigid, formal, classical method when I was young

Hugh Laurie, best known for his acting roles in television shows like "House" and "Veep," is also a talented musician and pianist. In interviews, Laurie has spoken about his early experiences with learning to play the piano and how the classical method of instruction shaped his musical education.

Laurie has mentioned that when he was young, all musical instruments, including the piano, were taught in a very rigid and formal manner. This classical method of instruction focused on technique, theory, and repertoire from the classical music canon. Students were expected to practice scales, arpeggios, and etudes diligently in order to develop their technical skills and musical understanding.

For Laurie, this traditional approach to learning the piano provided a solid foundation for his musical development. He learned to read music, understand musical notation, and interpret the works of great composers with precision and accuracy. The discipline and structure of the classical method instilled in him a deep respect for the art of music and a commitment to excellence in his playing.

However, Laurie has also acknowledged the limitations of this formal approach to music education. While it gave him a strong technical foundation, it did not necessarily encourage creativity, improvisation, or personal expression in his playing. As he grew older and gained more experience as a musician, Laurie began to explore different styles of music and develop his own unique voice as a pianist.

Today, Laurie is known for his versatile and eclectic musical tastes, which range from jazz and blues to rock and pop. He has released several albums showcasing his skills as a pianist and vocalist, and has performed with renowned musicians from around the world. Despite his classical training, Laurie has embraced a more fluid and open-minded approach to music, incorporating elements of different genres and styles into his playing.