Benjamin Grosvenor: 6 things… that become habits for a concert pianist

Well, thanks to Benjamin Grosvenor we are able to get an insight into how one top level pianist gears himself for performance after performance, night after night. Having won the BBC Young Musician competition at just 12 years old, Grosvenor has gone on to gain fans across the world with playing described as making you ‘sigh with joy’ by The New York Times and ‘simply phenomenal’ by Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Here, Grosvenor kindly sets out six things that have become habit to him in his career, as he tells us, ‘everyone has their own methods and rituals, whether you are an aspiring musician or an appreciative listener. I hope this offers an insight into my routines’.

Meticulous preparation


An obvious one to start with, studying the score. Before every performance, I engage in a thorough study of the repertoire, delving deep into the nuances and historical context of each piece. This process allows me not only to overcome the technical challenges but also to convey the composer’s intentions and emotions effectively. Attention to detail is key. I find mental practice away from the piano increasingly important, giving clarity to one’s thoughts and preventing the cultivation of unwanted habits.

Cultivating adaptability; the habit of avoiding habits

Adaptability is an indispensable quality for any concert pianist. The ability to adjust to different pianos, acoustics, and performance conditions is a valuable skill. For example it’s not always a given that one will have a piano to warm up with backstage – one has to stay very flexible, and I try not to create a rigid pre-concert routine. However, I will always arrive early at concert venues to familiarise myself with the piano and acoustics. Every piano has different qualities to discover, and the only way to find these takes some time to explore.

Find time for tea


One of the challenges of being a musician is that most often we have to be at our best at a time of day when everyone else is winding down. As someone who has never quite mastered the art of napping, every now and then a well-timed dose of caffeine is necessary. 

‘Adaptability is an indispensable quality for any concert pianist’

Always bring a portable steamer 

My only fixed ritual in the hour before a concert is steaming my clothes. It’s a routine I find particularly calming before a performance, and the worry of whether I will find one at the hotel or venue is something I’ve learned to live without. 

Give a little back

It’s important not to become too insular in this profession and I’m fortunate to be able to work with younger people in my role as an ambassador for Music Masters, a charity dedicated to making music education accessible to all children regardless of their background.

Find a good technician

The piano has over 12,000 parts and is a wonderful machine that needs careful and regular attention, without which no pianist can be at their best. At the Southbank Centre we are hugely lucky to have Peter Salisbury who keeps the instruments in top form – not just the tuning. He is a master at voicing the instruments so they sound just right in a particular acoustic, and in providing the right amount of variety among his fleet of instruments so there is something for every pianist who comes through the doors, and for the repertoire they are performing that day.