Tickling the Ivories

Pianist and author Keith Jacobsen tells the story of his lifelong passion for the piano as performer and teacher from early childhood in post-war Liverpool to the present day. 

By interweaving practical examples of how the piano works and how to play a simple tune, he hopes to inspire readers wishing to start their own piano journey. But above all this is a compelling human story, rich in vividly recalled moments and memorable characters. 

David Crystal, Honorary Professor of Linguistics, University of Bangor, says:

“A delight to read, a very natural style. Jacobsen succeeds in achieving a balance between the home and piano worlds, and the bridge between the two comes across very clearly. He tells the family story very movingly and fairly. The descriptions of the various piano pieces are really interesting and evocative, and will surely appeal to any piano learner.”