Most pianists who end up here are not beginners. They already practice. They already care. Effort isn’t the issue. What stops progress is usually something subtle in technique, sound, or decision making. And no amount of repetition seems to fix it. So here’s the real question. When you practice, do you actually know what isn’t working or do you just feel that something is off? If you know exactly where things break down, keep observing. If you don’t, that gap is usually where progress stalls. No need to respond unless this lands close to home.

Good afternoon family! In observance of the upcoming holiday, there will be no masterclasses for the next two weeks as I will be traveling and spending time with family. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Before anything else, I want to say this clearly. Thank you. To everyone who joined Cliff’s Keys to Mastery early, supported it, trusted me, and helped shape what this space is becoming thank you. This community exists because of you. Because of that, everyone who is already here is considered a Founding Member. Founding Members will: - Remain inside the community - Keep their access - Never be forced to upgrade Now, here’s the shift. Cliff’s Keys to Mastery is moving forward as a paid training community. This space was never meant to be casual. It was built for pianists who already practice, already care, and know that something subtle in their playing isn’t translating. Tone. Control. Decision making. Artistry. Those things don’t change through repetition alone. They change through structure, diagnosis, and guided work. Going forward, new members will join through paid tiers that include: - The COPET Essentials training library - Structured technique and sound frameworks - Weekly masterclasses breaking down touch, tone, and control - Direct exposure to how I analyze and rebuild playing This change is not about excluding people. It’s about building the right room. If you’re a Founding Member, nothing changes for you unless you choose it to. If you’re new and serious about transforming how you play, this community is now built for you. We’re building with the ones who decided. Comment KEYS if you want details.

Happy New Year. I hope the start of 2026 has been meaningful for you — whether that meant time with family, quiet reflection, rest, or simply enjoying life. As we move into this year, Cliff’s Keys to Mastery is entering its next phase. Beginning now, all three weekly masterclasses will be reserved exclusively for members on an upgraded monthly or annual plan. New live session times (EST): • COPET Q&A Mondays — 1:00 PM • Skills Give You Freedom Wednesdays — 1:00 PM • Expression Lab Thursdays — 1:00 PM For members who are unable to attend live, replay access will be available based on subscription tier. This decision is intentional. CKTM has evolved into a focused training environment for pianists who are serious about their technique, artistry, and long-term development. Moving these sessions behind the subscription allows me to: • teach with greater depth • engage higher-level questions • run more focused, structured sessions • protect the quality of the learning environment If you’re ready to commit to that level of work, you can view the upgraded membership options below. Additional details regarding weekly structure, submission guidelines, and how each masterclass operates will be shared shortly. I’m excited about the direction we’re taking this year and the standard we’re setting moving forward. — Cliff

Here is the COPET method in action. In this clip I’m breaking down the Chasse-neige by Franz Liszt for one of my students that’s in the VIP membership. I explain that so many pianists tend to play the piece faster than it needs to be because they’re not using emotional storytelling. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section!