Glyn MacLean Releases ETUDES, a Collection of Live Improvised Piano Compositions Exploring Trauma, Recovery, and Real‐Time Creativity

Perth, Western Australia - March 6, 2026 - Oikos Music announces the release of ETUDES, a new album by pianist and composer Glyn MacLean, presenting sixteen live improvised piano compositions recorded in real time.

The collection documents MacLean's unique approach to "improvised composition," a discipline shaped by his background in improvisational comedy, his experience with healing trauma, and his long‐standing relationship with the piano as a tool for emotional processing.

ETUDES features twelve pieces composed spontaneously during performance and four improvisations based on MacLean's existing works. The album reflects his belief that music can support emotional regulation and recovery, particularly for individuals navigating the long‐term effects of trauma.

MacLean describes the project as emerging from a decade‐long personal journey. After experiencing a significant traumatic event, he turned to the piano as a way to remain connected to feeling rather than withdrawing into dissociation or avoidance. "Pain teaches empathy," he explains. "Trauma heightens sensitivity, and if a person can stay present with those feelings, that sensitivity can become a pathway to healing."

The album also draws on MacLean's early career in New Zealand's improvisational comedy scene, where he performed as an accompanist and cast member with Jesters Court Theatre (Christchurch), Wellington Improv Troupe, and Auckland's Improv Bandits. His work included participation in the TV2 Laugh Festival Award‐winning show Sounds Like Music, regular performances at BATS Theatre, and winning the MICETRO newcomer award during his improv graduation.

These experiences developed his ability to create fully formed musical motifs, genre‐based variations, and complete instrumental pieces in real time. MacLean notes that even his first solo recital-filmed during a period of national media attention following the release of his composition ANZAC Tribute-featured extensive real‐time improvisation unknown to the audience at the time.

MacLean says he is releasing ETUDES in the hope that the work may support others facing emotional hardship. "My piano love saved me," he says. "If even one piece helps someone else hold, face and process their feelings long enough to heal, then sharing this work is worthwhile."

The album is available on Apple Music at: https://music.apple.com/au/album/etudes-live/1882719422
Etudes is also available on all good online music stores worldwide.
Search: GLYN MACLEAN Etudes

About Glyn MacLean
Glyn MacLean is a New Zealand-born pianist, composer, and producer based in Australia. His work spans improvised piano, electronic music, blues and country and cross‐genre composition. MacLean has performed with leading New Zealand improvisational theatre companies, contributed to award‐winning productions, and released multiple recordings through Oikos Music. His original music catalogue includes both solo piano works and electronic releases under three project names GLYN MACLEAN, HOBOS REBELLION and ALMS ELECTRONICA.

Oikos Music
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4091, Shop 13, 175 - 179 Mandurah Terrace, Silver Sands, Perth, Western Australia
Press & Full Contact: Glyn MacLean glyn@glynmaclean.com +61 449 951 191

OIKOS MUSIC is an Australian Music Record Label run by GLYN MACLEAN that distributes the original works of GLYN MACLEAN, ALMS ELECTRONICA and HOBOS REBELLION worldwide to DSPs via DANMARK MUSIC GROUP.

This release was published on openPR.