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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.

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Latest articles and reviews

Kawai ES60 review: Flagship grand piano tone on a budget

I’m a massive fan of Kawai digital pianos, and the ES series has long been a great source of value for money. Kawai is stretching that value for money even further with the release of the ES60, the most affordable model so far. In this review, I’ll discuss whether or not the new ES60...

The 12 best classical solo piano pieces of all time

Piano pieces from the Baroque era’s complexities, Viennese Classicism’s elegance, and the Romantic era’s intensity represent some of the best, most beautiful, and famous classical solo piano works ever written. As a pianist and composer of over 20 years, I’m certain the pieces...

Studiologic Numa Compact SE review: Lightweight powerhouse

Studiologic is one of my favorite manufacturers for a few reasons, not least because it’s drastically undervalued. Despite being undervalued, in my opinion, Studiologic has a habit of over-delivering value for money. The Numa Compact SE is an affordable stage piano, and in this review...

Roland RD-88 EX review: Affordable RD for performers

The Roland RD series has produced some of the best-loved stage pianos of the last few decades and continues to introduce cutting-edge, performance-driven innovations. Roland’s RD-88 EX is the latest generation of the mid-priced RD model and an upgrade to the original RD-88.

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The most common chord progressions, and how to use them

Chord progressions are the key to unlocking all your favorite songs (well, lots of them, anyway). Countless songs share the same chord progressions, and in this article, I’ll discuss what they are, why they are so common, and how you can use them.

The world’s most iconic piano brands that you should know

Steinway, Yamaha, Blüthner, Kawai, and Fazioli – these brands define excellence in piano craftsmanship. But is there a single best brand? Not quite. Each builder has a unique tonal character, touch, and heritage, making the ideal piano a deeply personal choice.

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.

The 8 best Yamaha keyboards and digital pianos in 2025

Yamaha has a stellar reputation for creating excellent instruments for all levels and budgets. That reputation, whether buying a concert grand piano or a beginner keyboard, makes Yamaha one of the most popular and trusted brands by students and professionals.

Roland RD-2000 EX review: Flagship stage piano just got better

The RD-2000 EX is the latest edition of Roland’s flagship stage piano. Roland’s RD series has been around for many years and is always a reliable choice. In this review, I’ll highlight the difference between the RD-2000 EX and the older RD-2000 and discuss the merits of both in...