The Pianist’s Book Club. A forum for all at  the London International Piano Symposium March 15th 2026 (RCM)

We are delighted to welcome four authors to come and introduce their books on piano performance. Issues will be addressed such as: ’embodying a ‘yes’ attitude; evidence-based perspectives on performance; rethinking piano performance  by examining research at the interface between science and the art of piano performance, the touch-tone relationship, the scientist’s perspective; using the body, and much, much more.  The audience will be encouraged to ask question during the talks and meet the authors during the tea break.

Dr Laura Ritchie, is a Professor of Learning and Teaching at the University of Chichester Conservatoire, UK, and a Visiting Professor at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani (Unjani), Indonesia. Laura will introduce us to her  most recent book Yes I Can: Learn to use the Power of Self-efficacy (2021), which  explains   ways in  which performers’  can  see and enact positive agency  throughout their lives.  She is not only vibrant in her teaching, research, and music-making, but her approach also  inspires people to realise their goals through positive achievement and reach beyond their dreams. She is a musician, a BPS Chartered Psychologist, and a National Teaching Fellow.

Dr Cameron Roberts  draws upon on his expertise as a medical professional and active pianist,  providing us with an understanding of how piano playing works and,  most importantly from an evidence-based, scientific perspective. Using accessible language, this wealth of information will help readers steer away from uncertainty, suboptimal performance, and injury.

Penelope Roskell is an acclaimed international pianist and Professor of Piano and Pedagogy at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London.  She is  the author of the award-winning book The Complete Pianist: from healthy technique to natural artistry and  a world leader in the field of injury prevention and piano adviser to the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine.