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‘A musical bridge to the world of classical music’

Tautrinker on the piano

Tautrinker – this stage name is not only a translation of the surname of Austrian-born Michael Zlanabitnig but also reflects his visionary approach to music education. Inspired by the music he listened to during his childhood, Tautrinker was drawn to the piano from a young age where he began to explore improvisation and composition.

His aim with his innovative Piano Mantras series, is to build a musical bridge between the world of classical music that is modern, accessible and intuitive. Following the first volume, "Imagine Beethoven", in which he reimagined the powerful music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Tautrinker devotes himself to the immortal melodies of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the latest volume, "Magic Mozart".

This article explores how these short piano miniatures make playing the piano even more enjoyable, whilst also offering an entirely new approach to the greatest masterpieces in music history.

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In memoriam Dr Peter Hanser-Strecker (1942–2026)

Peter Hanser Strecker in front of a black background. He is wearing a grey jacket with intricate patterns and textures and is smiling warmly at the camera with his arms crossed.

“Music is the language of humanity.” Faithfully following this motto, Dr Peter Hanser-Strecker shaped not only the destiny of the Schott Music publishing house for over half a century but also acted as one of the most influential figures in the international world of music. With his passing on the evening of 22 January 2026, surrounded by his family in Wiesbaden, the cultural world loses a tireless visionary, an understated patron of the arts, and a publisher of the venerable tradition who instinctively knew how to balance courage for innovation with a respect for heritage. 

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The Viola in 2026: Events, New Releases, and more

Close-up of a viola against a dark background. A bow is laid against the strings, with only part of the instrument fully visible, evoking a brooding and serious scene.

January sets the stage for the Viola on both sides of the Atlantic. Whilst the instrument is celebrated in the USA openly, with performances alongside teaching initiatives set as part of National Viola Day, in Europe there are various events that happen to coincide, bringing a well-deserved spotlight to the instrument. Through no specific collaboration across the western hemisphere, January has quietly become a rather significant month for viola players and enthusiasts.

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Learn to Play the Piano by Yourself: A 13-Step Plan for 2026

Close-up of hands playing on the keys of a piano. The scene conveys concentration and music-making in a calm atmosphere.

With 2026 already well underway, it’s time to make good on those classic New Year's resolutions: whether you’re hoping to exercise more, have a healthier diet, or perhaps finally learn to play an instrument. At the top of many people's lists is the dream of learning to play the piano.

Perhaps you've also asked yourself: can you teach yourself to play the piano? The answer is a resounding yes! With the right method, a little patience and the appropriate teaching materials, you can definitely teach yourself. In this article, we'll show you how to turn your resolution into reality.

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Salome's Dance of Seven Veils

Cover of Salome's Dance of Seven Veils by Strauss from Edition Schott, featuring a minimalist grey and white design with bilingual text, a small piano illustration, yellow accent line, and Schott logo on a light blue background.

Salome’s Dance of Seven Veils, the famous orchestral dance from Richard Strauss’ opera Salome, has been newly arranged for two pianos by Marco De Prosperis. The arrangement captures the drama, intensity, and colour of the original orchestration, translating the musical dialogue between orchestral sections into a dynamic exchange between two pianists.

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