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An Exclusive Interview with Award-Winning British Concert Pianist Tyler Hay

  • Muzaffar Shah
  • May 6
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 7

Insight into the World of Piano with Tyler Hay


In our inaugural conversation series featuring prominent piano personalities, we had the pleasure of interviewing concert pianist Tyler Hay. He will be performing at our grand piano showroom this May.


Tyler's extraordinary talent for the piano emerged at just 11 years old. He won the Dennis Loveland Award in Kent for his rendition of Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No. 1. His academic journey is impressive, culminating in a bachelor’s degree from the Royal Northern College of Music and a master's degree from the esteemed Royal College of Music.


Concert pianist Tyler Hay at the keyboard of a grand piano. Tyler Hay performs at our grand piano showroom this May.

Tyler has graced many iconic venues. These include Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, and the Purcell Room. He has captivated audiences with performances of Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand Alone at Queen Elizabeth Hall and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 at Birmingham Symphony Hall. He was accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. His accolades include First Prize at the Dudley International Piano Competition in November 2022 and First Prize in keyboard at the Royal Overseas League piano competition in 2016.


Memorable Concerts and Achievements


What’s a memorable concert you’ve presented, and why did it stand out?


Playing Ravel’s Concerto for Left Hand Alone at Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2013 is one of my favorites. It represented the peak of my achievements as a student at the Purcell School. Performing such a masterpiece to a packed hall in London was exhilarating. I even had a pint of lager beforehand to ease my nerves! I still chuckle at the thought of my teenage self.


What would you consider your greatest achievement as a pianist so far?


For me, winning the 2022 Dudley International Piano Competition stands out. I am not someone who enters many competitions. However, it was gratifying to know that my best playing could stand alongside the finest. The competition was fierce, with many participants, including me, who had also played in the Leeds competition the previous year.


Influences on My Musical Journey


Who have been the biggest influences on your musical journey - teachers, pianists, or even non-musical figures?


There have been countless influences throughout my career. My Granddad John was the very first—and probably the most significant. He was an incredible jazz pianist who provided me with my earliest lessons. An unexpected influence outside of music is Steve Davis, the six-time world snooker champion. His discipline and work ethic were exceptional during his peak.


The Rigors of Practice


How many hours a day do you tend to practice, and how has that changed over the years?


My practice routine varies based on my current workload. There are weeks when I might not touch the piano at all, while at other times, I can practice up to 12 hours a day if necessary. During my teenage years, I dedicated 6 to 8 hours daily to practice alongside school commitments. That’s when I polished my technique.


Conquering Challenges


What’s a piece that presented particular challenges, and how did you overcome those?


One piece that challenged me immensely was Variations and Fugue by the remarkable British pianist John Ogdon. Its difficulty is staggering—almost laughable; it borders on unplayable! I put in countless hours of work and am proud of the recording I made on my debut album.


Hidden Gems in Music


Who is an underrated composer that you admire, and which work would you recommend as an example of their best writing?


Oh, where to begin? I could fill a book with my thoughts. One composer who comes to mind is Carl Czerny. His works are superb, especially his Piano Sonata No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13. This piece exemplifies classical music from the early Romantic period and elegantly marries melody and structure. Additionally, I consider him one of the most natural contrapuntal writers after JS Bach. Also, I highly recommend any of William Alwyn’s five symphonies; they are truly magnificent!


Calming Pre-Performance Nerves


How do you calm your nerves before going on stage?


I enjoy joking around, which helps ground me and reminds me that there are much worse things than a potential mishap during my performance. I once spoke to fellow pianist Peter Donohoe, who shares similar pre-performance habits.


Collaborations Across Time


If you could collaborate with any musician - alive or from history - who would it be and what would you play?


There are too many choices, but collaborating with Johann Michael Vogl for a performance of Winterreise before Schubert would be fascinating!


Misunderstandings in the Life of a Pianist


What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about being a pianist?


Many believe it’s a glamorous life. However, traveling can be isolating, and performing often comes with immense pressure. I don't play the piano to relax; I play to manage stress in a controlled environment!


Advice for Aspiring Pianists


What advice would you offer to aspiring young pianists at the beginning of their career?


Always be yourself and trust in your uniqueness. Don’t take criticism to heart. Allow your voice and experiences to develop in their own time, without the urge to constantly compare yourself with others.


Tyler Hay will be performing at the Grand Passion Pianos showroom on 10 May 2025.


Showroom address:

32 Newman Street, London W1T 1PU


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This post is part of our "Conversations at the Keyboard" series, featuring interviews with distinguished pianists who appreciate the exceptional quality of our Steinway and Pleyel grand pianos.

 
 
 

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