I ran across this little video that shows how to learn the chords simply and easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U0DfLRxSBU
In a nutshell...
1. The root note, or bottom note, of the chord names the chord.
2. To play Major chord, or triad (3-note chord):
Play the root + count up 4 notes + count up 3 notes.
3. To play minor chord, or triad:
Play the root + count up 3 notes + count up 4 notes.
4. Turn the chord into a Major 7th, by adding 3 notes at the top (Major 4 + 3 + 3; minor 3 + 4 + 3).
The related website is http://www.chordmusic.net/chordfinder.html, which gives additional information on chords.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
Teaching Preschool Children to Play the Piano
Can an old dog learn new tricks? I've always felt that the best time to start teaching a child to play the piano is when the child has a good handle on reading. But I'm beginning to see that I may be wrong. I've been studying this paper by Paula M. Thomas-Lee about beginning very young children in music instruction:
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/thomas-lee_paula_m_200312_dma.pdf
I'll be exploring some of the aspects of this paper in this blog.
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/thomas-lee_paula_m_200312_dma.pdf
I'll be exploring some of the aspects of this paper in this blog.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
It's About People
Some of the most beautiful music ever written is Christmas music. I love the carols of Christmas. They pluck the heartstrings of the soul.
And please remember in all the busy-ness of the season, Christmas is all about people, not things.
And please remember in all the busy-ness of the season, Christmas is all about people, not things.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
The Music of Christmas
Last night I went to a wonderful Christmas Concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, at which the Sesame Street Muppets and Santino Fontana performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. An audience of 21,000 people, including children ages 5 and up, were enchanted with the delightful and magnificent performance.
I was especially intrigued watching the little children, including my 7-year-old grandson, as they witnessed this magical performance. What a wonderful experience...to not only enjoy the fun of the Muppets and the wonderful dancers, the lights and decorations and special effects, but also to have a chance to listen to a full symphony orchestra and exceptional choir perform.
These are the kinds of experiences that help mold children...experiences they never ever forget.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Free Hanon Lessons Online
http://www.hanon-online.com/the-virtuoso-pianist/part-i/exercise-n-1/
Hanon exercises are great for developing precision and good piano technique. Here's a site where you can print free Hanon exercises.
This from a previous post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF1_zGpwbPQ
How do you effectively practice Hanon exercises? Check out this great Robert Estrin video. Some of the points he covers include:
1. Always use a metronome. Start with a setting of 60--play one note per click initially.
2. It's all about finger strength. Use only the fingers, not the arms.
3. Keep fingers raised.
4. Once you've gone through this exercise several times at 1 note to a beat, move on to 2 notes to a beat, still with fingers raised.
5. Next, move on to 4 notes to a beat. There's no time to raise fingers now. Fingers close to the keys. ROUNDED hands.
6. Practice Hanon every day--focusing on one exercise a week.
7. After you've gone through the first 10 exercises, you're ready to move on to scales and arpeggios.
Hanon exercises are great for developing precision and good piano technique. Here's a site where you can print free Hanon exercises.
This from a previous post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF1_zGpwbPQ
How do you effectively practice Hanon exercises? Check out this great Robert Estrin video. Some of the points he covers include:
1. Always use a metronome. Start with a setting of 60--play one note per click initially.
2. It's all about finger strength. Use only the fingers, not the arms.
3. Keep fingers raised.
4. Once you've gone through this exercise several times at 1 note to a beat, move on to 2 notes to a beat, still with fingers raised.
5. Next, move on to 4 notes to a beat. There's no time to raise fingers now. Fingers close to the keys. ROUNDED hands.
6. Practice Hanon every day--focusing on one exercise a week.
7. After you've gone through the first 10 exercises, you're ready to move on to scales and arpeggios.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Distance Between You and the Piano
- Measure the distance between you and the piano: put your arms straight out from your body, closing your hands to make loose fists.
- Your knuckles should just touch the fallboard. That's how you measure the distance between you and the piano
Measure the distance between you and the piano by putting your arms straight out from your body, your hands in loose fists. Your knuckles should touch the fallboard (that's the board that comes down when you cover the piano keys.
Remember, sit tall. Your arms should be level with the keyboard. If they aren't, you may need to use a cushion to elevate yourself a little.
Good posture at the piano is important. Good technique is dependent on it.
Good posture at the piano is important. Good technique is dependent on it.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Using a Metronome to Practice Links
First, keep shoulders and arms as relaxed as possible when practicing. Don't tighten up. Rhythm should be steady and even. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the tempo.
Divide your piece into "links," like chain links, either 1-, 2-, and/or 4-beats or 1-, 2-, and/or 4-measures. Divide 16th notes into beats; divide quarter and eighth notes into measures.
Start with short links and master the rhythm and notes for each link. Using a metronome will help you keep the rhythm steady.
Play the link from the first note through the first note of the next link. In this way, you are linking the them. Repeat over and over, using the metronome set at a slow tempo, until that link is mastered.
Keeping the slow tempo, expand the link, from 1-beat to 2-beats or from 2-beat links to 4-beat links, and so on.
Divide your piece into "links," like chain links, either 1-, 2-, and/or 4-beats or 1-, 2-, and/or 4-measures. Divide 16th notes into beats; divide quarter and eighth notes into measures.
Start with short links and master the rhythm and notes for each link. Using a metronome will help you keep the rhythm steady.
Play the link from the first note through the first note of the next link. In this way, you are linking the them. Repeat over and over, using the metronome set at a slow tempo, until that link is mastered.
Keeping the slow tempo, expand the link, from 1-beat to 2-beats or from 2-beat links to 4-beat links, and so on.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
How to Practice with a Metronome
Here are some simple guidelines in practicing with a metronome:
1. Practice one phrase at a time.
2. Start with a slow tempo.
3. At first, practice playing hands separately.
4. Once you've mastered separate hands, play phrase with both hands.
5. Once you can play the phrase well at the slow speed, gradually increase tempo a notch or two at a time.
6. Repeat process.
7. Always keep the rhythm and notes even and steady.
8. Relax shoulders and arms when you play.
9. Work on individual phrases, slow to fast tempo, and then begin practicing them together in the same slow-to-fast routine.
1. Practice one phrase at a time.
2. Start with a slow tempo.
3. At first, practice playing hands separately.
4. Once you've mastered separate hands, play phrase with both hands.
5. Once you can play the phrase well at the slow speed, gradually increase tempo a notch or two at a time.
6. Repeat process.
7. Always keep the rhythm and notes even and steady.
8. Relax shoulders and arms when you play.
9. Work on individual phrases, slow to fast tempo, and then begin practicing them together in the same slow-to-fast routine.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Video #25: Learning to Play Major and Minor Triads
Check out this website for a good video on learning Major and minor triads in a progressive format. As is pointed out in the video, watching the video only takes a few minutes but it may take years to master this exercise. It combines visual plus audio plus hands-on to learn the triads.
http://www.true-piano-lessons.com/how-to-play-the-piano.html
Video: Major & Minor Triads Progression Of Learning
Friday, October 31, 2014
Video #24 How to Play Faster
http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/robert/faster/
Another great Robert Estrin video on how to play the piano faster.
He points out that the two things that are required to increase speed is finger strength and using proper technique.
Practicing naturally will add strength. Adding scales, arpeggios and exercises to your practice that enhance that strength.
He offers a couple of ways to develop greater speed in your piano playing.
One is to practice slowly, using a metronome, increasing speed one notch at a time.
Another way is to take the piece apart, one small part at a time. Focus on mastering a particular phrase using one hand position/finger patterns. Practice that one phrase slowly, with the metronome. Gradually increase it until you can play it rapidly and fluently.
Take the next little phrase and practice it the same way.
Then then the last couple of notes of the first phrase and add them to the second phrase. Practice until flawless. Then play the entire two phrases together until mastered.
Continue through the piece.
Use minimal arm weight. The fingers are basically fluttering over the keys.
Another great Robert Estrin video on how to play the piano faster.
He points out that the two things that are required to increase speed is finger strength and using proper technique.
Practicing naturally will add strength. Adding scales, arpeggios and exercises to your practice that enhance that strength.
He offers a couple of ways to develop greater speed in your piano playing.
One is to practice slowly, using a metronome, increasing speed one notch at a time.
Another way is to take the piece apart, one small part at a time. Focus on mastering a particular phrase using one hand position/finger patterns. Practice that one phrase slowly, with the metronome. Gradually increase it until you can play it rapidly and fluently.
Take the next little phrase and practice it the same way.
Then then the last couple of notes of the first phrase and add them to the second phrase. Practice until flawless. Then play the entire two phrases together until mastered.
Continue through the piece.
Use minimal arm weight. The fingers are basically fluttering over the keys.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Music Lessons Make Smarter Kids, Studies Show
Children who take music lessons test higher than those who don't, studies show. This article sites sources:
To quote from the article:
"The Canadian study lends support to the idea that musical training may do more for kids than simply teach them their scales--it exercises parts of the brain useful in mathematics, spatial intelligence and other intellectual pursuits.
'With music lessons, because there are so many different facets involved--such as memorizing, expressing emotion, learning about musical interval and chords--the multidimensional nature of the experience may be motivating the [IQ] effect,' said study author E. Glenn Schellenberg, of the University of Toronto at Mississauga."
I believe that music lessons help develop a person's brain because when you're playing a musical instrument, you're utilizing all the modes of learning--auditory, visual, hands-on, etc.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Video #23 Small Hands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NbxmFEXd0
In this video Robert Estrin admits that he has small hands but here is how you get around that difficulty:
1. Develop a great deal of strength to overcome that challenge.
2. Use the pedal to help in the reach problems.
3. Break, bottom up, to get the balance you want.
In this video Robert Estrin admits that he has small hands but here is how you get around that difficulty:
1. Develop a great deal of strength to overcome that challenge.
2. Use the pedal to help in the reach problems.
3. Break, bottom up, to get the balance you want.
Video #20 Pedaling
Another Robert Estrin video, this one on pedaling techniques.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZXsKWt9Xs
Here are some tips Estrin offers when pedaling:
1. Keep heels firmly on the floor.
2. The ball of the foot is how you control the pedal.
3. Always keep the ball of the foot in contact with the pedal. If you don't, and you come down on the pedal, it creates noise.
4. The pedals of each piano is different. They all release the dampers at different points. You have to experiment to see how you can pedal quietly and effectively.
5. One of the first things you want to do before playing a piano, especially for a concert, is how the pedals respond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZXsKWt9Xs
Here are some tips Estrin offers when pedaling:
1. Keep heels firmly on the floor.
2. The ball of the foot is how you control the pedal.
3. Always keep the ball of the foot in contact with the pedal. If you don't, and you come down on the pedal, it creates noise.
4. The pedals of each piano is different. They all release the dampers at different points. You have to experiment to see how you can pedal quietly and effectively.
5. One of the first things you want to do before playing a piano, especially for a concert, is how the pedals respond.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Video #20 How to Handle Large Leaps in Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI7uabNseUc&list=PL499BBD56D503F986
Robert Estrin addresses the situation of large leaps in a piece of music. The way to practice these large leaps, he says, is to stop just before the note after the leap. Study your hand. Make sure you're right over the right note.
Do that again and again, making sure that you are consistently over the correct key.
Once you're used to being over the right key, still pause before playing the note. Gradually shorten the pause between that interval.
You'll never get rid of that pause in your mind even though rhythmically it may be gone.
Eventually you'll get so relaxed, says Estrin, that you won' stop at all. It becomes a fluid motion. That's the objective.
Robert Estrin addresses the situation of large leaps in a piece of music. The way to practice these large leaps, he says, is to stop just before the note after the leap. Study your hand. Make sure you're right over the right note.
Do that again and again, making sure that you are consistently over the correct key.
Once you're used to being over the right key, still pause before playing the note. Gradually shorten the pause between that interval.
You'll never get rid of that pause in your mind even though rhythmically it may be gone.
Eventually you'll get so relaxed, says Estrin, that you won' stop at all. It becomes a fluid motion. That's the objective.
Video #19 More Sight Reading Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7NaCC3KCDM
Robert Estrin gives sight reading tips.
1. Incorporate sight reading into your daily piano practice.
2. Playing with other musicians add in the objective of not correcting mistakes--to keep on going.
Robert Estrin gives sight reading tips.
1. Incorporate sight reading into your daily piano practice.
2. Playing with other musicians add in the objective of not correcting mistakes--to keep on going.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Video #18 Hanon: Playing Scales and Arpeggios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4I99R-DXRs
This Robert Estrin video deals with using Hanon in playing scales and arpeggios.
1. The hands are mirror images.
2. Scales and arpeggios utilize a series of finger crossings. Memorize these.
3. The good news is that the fingering for C Major scale is the same for many other major and minor scales.
This Robert Estrin video deals with using Hanon in playing scales and arpeggios.
1. The hands are mirror images.
2. Scales and arpeggios utilize a series of finger crossings. Memorize these.
3. The good news is that the fingering for C Major scale is the same for many other major and minor scales.
Video #17 How to Play Hanon Exercises
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF1_zGpwbPQ
How do you effectively practice Hanon exercises? Check out this Robert Estrin video. Some of the points he covers include:
1. Always use a metronome. Start with a setting of 60.
2. It's all about finger strength. Use only the fingers, not the arms.
3. Keep fingers raised.
4. Once you've gone through this exercise several times at 1 note to a beat, move on to 2 notes to a beat, still with fingers raised.
5. Next, move on to 4 notes to a beat. There's no time to raise fingers now. Fingers close to the keys. ROUNDED hands.
6. Practice Hanon every day--focusing on one exercise a week.
7. After you've gone through the first 10 exercises, you're ready to move on to scales and arpeggios.
How do you effectively practice Hanon exercises? Check out this Robert Estrin video. Some of the points he covers include:
1. Always use a metronome. Start with a setting of 60.
2. It's all about finger strength. Use only the fingers, not the arms.
3. Keep fingers raised.
4. Once you've gone through this exercise several times at 1 note to a beat, move on to 2 notes to a beat, still with fingers raised.
5. Next, move on to 4 notes to a beat. There's no time to raise fingers now. Fingers close to the keys. ROUNDED hands.
6. Practice Hanon every day--focusing on one exercise a week.
7. After you've gone through the first 10 exercises, you're ready to move on to scales and arpeggios.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Video #16 Are You Ever too Old to Learn to Play the Piano?
No. Learning to play the piano is possible for all ages. A parent, or grandparent, learning to play the piano can be an inspiration to a child. It can motivate the child to also want to learn, or to be more diligent in practicing.
A unique and cool thing about playing the piano is you can have a complete musical experience all by yourself. When you've developed some piano skills, you will not only find enjoyment for yourself but can also provide enjoyment to others, as you perform, collaborate with other musicians or accompany singers.
As you continue to practice, you will continue to progress for the rest of your life. It's an ongoing process. You never really "arrive" at mastering the piano.
Robert Estin in this video encourages a potential student (of any age) to get an instrument that you enjoy playing and find a good teacher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FURFyi4Uo2I&list=PL67CdyKIXy38rk8tkJ-o0xJQLviVr4mnX
A unique and cool thing about playing the piano is you can have a complete musical experience all by yourself. When you've developed some piano skills, you will not only find enjoyment for yourself but can also provide enjoyment to others, as you perform, collaborate with other musicians or accompany singers.
As you continue to practice, you will continue to progress for the rest of your life. It's an ongoing process. You never really "arrive" at mastering the piano.
Robert Estin in this video encourages a potential student (of any age) to get an instrument that you enjoy playing and find a good teacher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FURFyi4Uo2I&list=PL67CdyKIXy38rk8tkJ-o0xJQLviVr4mnX
Monday, October 6, 2014
Video #15 Power Versus Speed
An excellent Robert Estrin video on when to rely on the power of the arms versus the speed of the fingers to accomplish desired effect. And when to use wrists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcGJQoh-Dss
In a nutshell:
Arms: Use the arms for powerful passages.
Fingers: Use fingers for speed.
Wrists: Wrists are important in chord technique, especially when playing staccato, octaves and phrasing.
You need to use different parts of the body for different passages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcGJQoh-Dss
In a nutshell:
Arms: Use the arms for powerful passages.
Fingers: Use fingers for speed.
Wrists: Wrists are important in chord technique, especially when playing staccato, octaves and phrasing.
You need to use different parts of the body for different passages.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Video #14 How to Play Trills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv4nN-Bc9YA&list=PL_KsX1f0Qm3CxJ1I1LxU-0DD-P6A9AMWd&index=6
A wonderful Robert Estrin video on how to play trills. Here are some of his hints:
1. Minimal arm weight. Fingers kind of float above the keys with hardly any weight.
2. Fingers held very close to the keys. Rounded.
3. Not just a bunch of notes--treat a trill as any other passage of notes and must be measured.
4. Start by slowly playing the passage of notes that make up the trill.
5. Once you've mastered the trill slowly, increase speed one notch at a time on the metronome.
6. How fast to play the trill? Play a series of just the upper note (or the bottom). Then add other notes.
7. What note does a trill start on? You usually start on the next note on the scale above the written note of that key.
8. One of the hardest parts of a trill is ending it. Play the trill to the end of the trill and stop. Wait. Then add the ending that you've practiced and mastered. Gradually make that wait a little shorter. Eventually the wait will only be in your head.
9. Metronomes are crucial in working with any fast passaged, including trills.
A wonderful Robert Estrin video on how to play trills. Here are some of his hints:
1. Minimal arm weight. Fingers kind of float above the keys with hardly any weight.
2. Fingers held very close to the keys. Rounded.
3. Not just a bunch of notes--treat a trill as any other passage of notes and must be measured.
4. Start by slowly playing the passage of notes that make up the trill.
5. Once you've mastered the trill slowly, increase speed one notch at a time on the metronome.
6. How fast to play the trill? Play a series of just the upper note (or the bottom). Then add other notes.
7. What note does a trill start on? You usually start on the next note on the scale above the written note of that key.
8. One of the hardest parts of a trill is ending it. Play the trill to the end of the trill and stop. Wait. Then add the ending that you've practiced and mastered. Gradually make that wait a little shorter. Eventually the wait will only be in your head.
9. Metronomes are crucial in working with any fast passaged, including trills.
Video #13 Why Sight Reading is Important
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko9D8TdFNVg&index=3&list=PL_KsX1f0Qm3CxJ1I1LxU-0DD-P6A9AMWd
This Robert Estrin video addresses why learning to sight read is important. Here are some main reasons:
1. Sight reading will expand the amount of music that you will be able to play. There is a limited number of pieces that you master and you want to be capable of playing many more.
2. It's essential for playing with other musicians--you must listen to each other and keep moving ahead even if you make a mistake.
3. It helps to maximize the effectiveness of your practice because it allows you to zero in on the trouble areas. You will then know what parts to practice more.
This Robert Estrin video addresses why learning to sight read is important. Here are some main reasons:
1. Sight reading will expand the amount of music that you will be able to play. There is a limited number of pieces that you master and you want to be capable of playing many more.
2. It's essential for playing with other musicians--you must listen to each other and keep moving ahead even if you make a mistake.
3. It helps to maximize the effectiveness of your practice because it allows you to zero in on the trouble areas. You will then know what parts to practice more.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Video #11 Hand Position
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAV-XUZ5kWI
This is a wonderful Robert Estrin video on correct hand position. As he points out, a pianist shouldn't be using any muscles to hold the hand position. It should feel comfortable. Check this out.
This is a wonderful Robert Estrin video on correct hand position. As he points out, a pianist shouldn't be using any muscles to hold the hand position. It should feel comfortable. Check this out.
Video #11 How to Play Repeated Notes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtlCldRtokk&list=PL7ir4ALMvepUxQhFEdXtk6vEg7-5thFXE
A great video on playing repeated notes.
Here are some tips:
1. Using the 3-2-1 fingering!.
2. Play lightly.
3. Play close to the keys.
4. Practice clean release of notes.
5. Practice slowly and use metronome, increasing speed one notch at a time.
6. Practice sectionally, then group notes together.
A great video on playing repeated notes.
Here are some tips:
1. Using the 3-2-1 fingering!.
2. Play lightly.
3. Play close to the keys.
4. Practice clean release of notes.
5. Practice slowly and use metronome, increasing speed one notch at a time.
6. Practice sectionally, then group notes together.
Video #10 Chromatic Scale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMEj-IZ4-Yk
A Robert Estrin video on the chromatic scale, which is a scale that doesn't skip any notes.
When playing a chromatic scale, use the correct fingering. The black keys are played with the 3 finger. It doesn't matter what note you start on, you use this fingering:
B--1
C--2
C sharp--3
D--1
D sharp--3
E--1
F--2
F sharp--3
G--1
G sharp--3
A--1
So, for the pairs of white keys (B/C and E/F), you use 1-2 fingers (ascending) and 2-1 (descending). Black keys use 3 fingers. The white keys within the black-key ranges (D and G/A), use the 1 finger.
That's more complicated than it is but oh well.
A Robert Estrin video on the chromatic scale, which is a scale that doesn't skip any notes.
When playing a chromatic scale, use the correct fingering. The black keys are played with the 3 finger. It doesn't matter what note you start on, you use this fingering:
B--1
C--2
C sharp--3
D--1
D sharp--3
E--1
F--2
F sharp--3
G--1
G sharp--3
A--1
So, for the pairs of white keys (B/C and E/F), you use 1-2 fingers (ascending) and 2-1 (descending). Black keys use 3 fingers. The white keys within the black-key ranges (D and G/A), use the 1 finger.
That's more complicated than it is but oh well.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Video #9 Pentatonic Scale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK295TJwBFE
A pentatonic scale is five notes long--the black keys on a piano form a pentatonic scale. The beautiful thing about a pentatonic scale is that all the notes sound good together. This makes improvisation easy and fun. Check out this Robert Estrin video.
A pentatonic scale is five notes long--the black keys on a piano form a pentatonic scale. The beautiful thing about a pentatonic scale is that all the notes sound good together. This makes improvisation easy and fun. Check out this Robert Estrin video.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Video #6: How to Practice Scales and Arpeggios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8xDEzeKxVM&list=RDO6AAkGBc0eg&index=7
Robert Estrin points out that the reasons you should practice scales and arpeggios:
1. A great deal of music is made up of scales and arpeggios--they're building blocks.
2. Scales and arpeggios help you develop good finger technique.
3. They're a good warm-up--SLOW scales are especially good for warm-up.
4. Hanon's 60 exercises are a must--all the scales and arpeggios.
Robert Estrin points out that the reasons you should practice scales and arpeggios:
1. A great deal of music is made up of scales and arpeggios--they're building blocks.
2. Scales and arpeggios help you develop good finger technique.
3. They're a good warm-up--SLOW scales are especially good for warm-up.
4. Hanon's 60 exercises are a must--all the scales and arpeggios.
Video #8: How to Prevent Injury Playing an Instrument
A great Robert Estrin YouTube video!
Main things to think about:
1. Think holistically. Yoga. Walks. Exercises. Eating healthy.
2. Height of bench is absolutely critical. Arms/wrists should be straight.
3. Don't sit too close to a piano.
4. Proper posture!
5. Take time to adjust the bench, even at a performance.
6. Take frequent breaks in your practice, walking around, stretching arms.
7. Varying the music and practice techniques. Keep it changed up--it'll make a more effective practice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMEj-IZ4-Yk
Main things to think about:
1. Think holistically. Yoga. Walks. Exercises. Eating healthy.
2. Height of bench is absolutely critical. Arms/wrists should be straight.
3. Don't sit too close to a piano.
4. Proper posture!
5. Take time to adjust the bench, even at a performance.
6. Take frequent breaks in your practice, walking around, stretching arms.
7. Varying the music and practice techniques. Keep it changed up--it'll make a more effective practice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMEj-IZ4-Yk
Video #7: Hand Position and Finger Technique--That's What it's All About
Wow. I am so impressed with Robert Estrin's YouTube videos on piano technique.
This particular video points out that hand position and finger technique is what it's all about. The one point he makes that is especially important is when maneuvering through a piece with different hand positions, you must instantly place your hand in the new position on the first note of the new passage. For example, you cross under your thumb then INSTANTLY put your hand in the new position.
He says that's critical to learning to playing difficult passages. It's all about hand position and finger technique. When practicing a piece, play one phrase at a time until you have it down. Then practice that phrase with the first note of the next phrase (in the new hand position).
That may be as clear as mud but watch this video because it is really excellent. Wonderful practice ideas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF6nqqLQslI
This particular video points out that hand position and finger technique is what it's all about. The one point he makes that is especially important is when maneuvering through a piece with different hand positions, you must instantly place your hand in the new position on the first note of the new passage. For example, you cross under your thumb then INSTANTLY put your hand in the new position.
He says that's critical to learning to playing difficult passages. It's all about hand position and finger technique. When practicing a piece, play one phrase at a time until you have it down. Then practice that phrase with the first note of the next phrase (in the new hand position).
That may be as clear as mud but watch this video because it is really excellent. Wonderful practice ideas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF6nqqLQslI
Video #5: Secrets of Sight Reading
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31ag-P4fBvg&list=RDO6AAkGBc0eg&index=5
A great Robert Estrin video on learning to sight read. Some of the points he points out:
1. It's a matter of keeping your eyes on the music.
2. Don't look at your hands or you'll lose where you are.
3. Count like crazy.
4. Just keep going. Don't stop and correct (which is human nature).
5. A good idea: Play with another musician. Stay with them. Add dynamics. Balance. Even if you don't get all the notes right. Listen to yourself and the other person.
A great Robert Estrin video on learning to sight read. Some of the points he points out:
1. It's a matter of keeping your eyes on the music.
2. Don't look at your hands or you'll lose where you are.
3. Count like crazy.
4. Just keep going. Don't stop and correct (which is human nature).
5. A good idea: Play with another musician. Stay with them. Add dynamics. Balance. Even if you don't get all the notes right. Listen to yourself and the other person.
Video #4: Brilliant Fingerwork--Practice Scales Slowly and Raised Fingers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KdWG-zIFY4&index=4&list=RDO6AAkGBc0eg
Another great YouTube video by Robert Estrin on how to develop techniques to get the brilliant fast finger work. The secret he discusses in this video is to practice scales SLOWLY and with RAISED FINGERS.
Another great YouTube video by Robert Estrin on how to develop techniques to get the brilliant fast finger work. The secret he discusses in this video is to practice scales SLOWLY and with RAISED FINGERS.
Video #3: How to Practice the Piano--Memorization
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDEI0dGW_w&list=RDO6AAkGBc0eg&index=3
A great YouTube video by living pianos.com on memorization techniques.
A great YouTube video by living pianos.com on memorization techniques.
Video #2: Finger Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6AAkGBc0eg
Check this out for finger technique. The secret is that as soon as you cross under your thumb, immediately get your hand placed in the next position, ready to play!
Check this out for finger technique. The secret is that as soon as you cross under your thumb, immediately get your hand placed in the next position, ready to play!
Video #1: It's All in the Wrist--Great Octaves Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkWx0Xwldgk
This is a great website to show how to play octaves effectively.
This is a great website to show how to play octaves effectively.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Drills and Exercises
When a piano student is assigned a simple drill or exercise, she may be tempted to play it through quickly a couple of times and call it good since it looks so simple. Here's a better way to practice drills and exercises:
1. Practice them slowly and precisely.
2. Make sure to have good hand position--keep those fingers curved and try not to let that pinkie fly into the air.
3. Practice for perfection.
4. Use correct fingering.
Practicing drills and exercises effectively can help improve technique and control.
1. Practice them slowly and precisely.
2. Make sure to have good hand position--keep those fingers curved and try not to let that pinkie fly into the air.
3. Practice for perfection.
4. Use correct fingering.
Practicing drills and exercises effectively can help improve technique and control.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Introducing the Great Composers to Children
I discovered a great website for introducing children (and adults) to the great composers, including a short bio of the ones featured. They're broken down by musical era and links are even provided to listen to some of their works. Wonderful!
I'm going to use this resource when teaching students to play the piano. Instead of just learning a piece by Mozart, I'll use this to add meaning and music appreciation.
I'm going to use this resource when teaching students to play the piano. Instead of just learning a piece by Mozart, I'll use this to add meaning and music appreciation.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
I've been studying a book by James W. Bastien called How to Teach Piano Successfully. Now I've been teaching piano a loooong time but I'm learning a lot.
One thing that I learned today that I will be incorporating into my teaching is the use of flashcards--not only for learning notes and musical symbols, but also for learning how to sight read.
I like the idea of showing a student a short musical phrase and having him identify the pattern/inversions/chords/fingering/etc. etc.
It seems like musical phrase flashcards are a great stepping stone to eventually sitting down a sight reading a complete piece of music.
One thing that I learned today that I will be incorporating into my teaching is the use of flashcards--not only for learning notes and musical symbols, but also for learning how to sight read.
I like the idea of showing a student a short musical phrase and having him identify the pattern/inversions/chords/fingering/etc. etc.
It seems like musical phrase flashcards are a great stepping stone to eventually sitting down a sight reading a complete piece of music.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Somebody smart said...
Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Music for the Very Young Child
It's never to early to expose a young child to a variety of music forms. A love of music seems instinctive even to a baby. A newborn can be calmed by a mother's lullaby.
I remember visiting in the home of my son's family. Their young daughter was (and is) a very active child. She had trouble falling asleep because her mind would continue racing and imagining. Her wise mother would play peaceful music softly on the CD player. It set such a sweet, calm atmosphere.
I remember as a very young child dancing as my mother played the piano.
Expose your child to a variety of music styles. Play some Souza's marches and all march around the house waving flags. Hand everyone a rhythm instrument and enjoy playing Latin music. Tape a strip of crepe paper to a stick and twirl it around as you dance to Swan Lake.
Let your child see you enjoy many types of music.
What a marvelous smorgasbord of musical genres are out there to be enjoyed...by all ages.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Proper Hand Position
Study Jon Schmidt's hand position and posture. I love his music--and I love the Piano Guys!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P9hAN-teOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P9hAN-teOU
Friday, August 1, 2014
Get Smart—Music Lessons Can Increase IQ
Studies have been conducted showing that music lessons can increase a person's IQ. See the following for one source:
http://www.erin.utoronto.ca/~w3psygs/MusicLessons.pdf
How can playing the piano increase a person's smartness?
For one thing, when you are playing the piano you are utilizing all the learning styles—auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Learning to play the piano can increase your focus and it can help develop discipline and follow-through. These are skills that can easily be transferred to other learning—schoolwork, for example.
If a person is practicing correctly, by the end of the practice session she will be mentally tired.
http://www.erin.utoronto.ca/~w3psygs/MusicLessons.pdf
How can playing the piano increase a person's smartness?
For one thing, when you are playing the piano you are utilizing all the learning styles—auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Learning to play the piano can increase your focus and it can help develop discipline and follow-through. These are skills that can easily be transferred to other learning—schoolwork, for example.
If a person is practicing correctly, by the end of the practice session she will be mentally tired.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Expose Your Children to a Variety of Cultural and Musical Happenings
Summer is a fantastic time to expose your children to a variety of musical, art, and cultural events. Many communities have free concerts at the park, featuring a variety of genres. If you live near a university, find out about recitals that may be open to the public. The wider the variety, the better. Museums, art shows, dance festivals, celtic festivals...the list goes on and on.
I'll be forever grateful to my dad, who took his children to many cultural events even though money was very tight. I remember the thrill of sitting in a huge auditorium and being blown away by a full evening of Beethoven. He took us to the Ice Capades and to "The Nutcracker." We went to many community plays and concerts.
Largely because of this exposure, I have loved music, theatre and the arts all my life.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Memorization
Memorizing piano music takes skill. In this blog I will share memorization tips.
This website gives you several basic memorization techniques to get you started:
http://www.nazzaromusic.com/6-quick-tips-memorizing-performing-music/
There are three memorization techniques that aren't mentioned in this article.
One is to play slowly. Playing slowly and counting the rhythm are helpful not only in memorization but they're important when learning to play any new piece.
The second is to use the articulation and dynamics from the start. Don't wait until you've memorized a piece to start including them. It's more difficult to re-learn something than it is to just learn it a certain way to begin with.
The third is to decide upfront that you will memorize a certain piece. Then as you learn it, section by section, memorize that section.
Once again, don't just learn (and memorize) the notes, rhythm, and fingering; add the articulation and dynamics from the beginning of the learning process. Memorize each section in its complete form.
This website gives you several basic memorization techniques to get you started:
http://www.nazzaromusic.com/6-quick-tips-memorizing-performing-music/
There are three memorization techniques that aren't mentioned in this article.
One is to play slowly. Playing slowly and counting the rhythm are helpful not only in memorization but they're important when learning to play any new piece.
The second is to use the articulation and dynamics from the start. Don't wait until you've memorized a piece to start including them. It's more difficult to re-learn something than it is to just learn it a certain way to begin with.
The third is to decide upfront that you will memorize a certain piece. Then as you learn it, section by section, memorize that section.
Once again, don't just learn (and memorize) the notes, rhythm, and fingering; add the articulation and dynamics from the beginning of the learning process. Memorize each section in its complete form.
Incentives!
I don't know about you but I love incentives. Piano students also thrive on incentives. This website offers several incentive ideas to help motivate the piano student:
http://www.pianodiscoveries.com/html/motivate.html
I'd love to hear your ideas for incentives for piano students!
http://www.pianodiscoveries.com/html/motivate.html
I'd love to hear your ideas for incentives for piano students!
Parents Can Help Piano Students be Successful
Parents and other family members can be of great support to the piano student. Here is a website with lots of suggestions to parents on helping their child maintain a positive attitude towards playing the piano--and particularly towards practicing the piano:
http://www.pianodiscoveries.com/html/parent_student.html
Musical Symbols Identifying
Here is a great website for quizzing yourself on musical terms, notation, and symbols:
http://www.pianodiscoveries.com/html/dictionary.html#topAnchor
http://www.pianodiscoveries.com/html/dictionary.html#topAnchor
Friday, July 18, 2014
Identifying Music Intervals
This is a good website for learning to identify musical intervals, both by sight and by sound. A good help in learning to identify a specific interval is matching a familiar song in which the interval is played the first few notes.
file:///Users/Marianne/Desktop/The%20Musical%20Intervals%20Tutor%20:%20Listen%20to%20Intervals.webarchive
Free Printable Flashcards
This is a great resource of free printable music theory graphics. If you can't negotiate the link, just type in the url. There's a long listing of various types of flashcards, etc. along the right side of the website.
http://linkwaregraphics.com/
http://linkwaregraphics.com/
Friday, July 11, 2014
Learning About Composers
I ran across this fun website that helps children learn about the great composers of the past--Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, and the like. Click on Composer Time Machine.
http://www.classicsforkids.com/games/
http://www.classicsforkids.com/games/
Friday, July 4, 2014
Rhythm Matters
After a morning of giving piano lessons, I find myself counting rhythms out loud in my head for the rest of the day (1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and). Learning to play the correct rhythm is critical to being able to play the piano well. And thinking the rhythm in your head just doesn't cut it--especially for beginning pianists.
Even experienced pianists resort to counting the rhythm out loud for a tricky section of music.
Counting the rhythm out loud is also important when sight reading or when playing a piece for the first time. By doing so, the pianist can come much closer to what the piece was intended to sound like! He or she will avoid being tripped up by a complicated, or even a simple, rhythm just by counting out loud.
Before playing any piece of music, the wise pianist will always check the key signature (how many flats and sharps?) and the time signature.
Even experienced pianists resort to counting the rhythm out loud for a tricky section of music.
Counting the rhythm out loud is also important when sight reading or when playing a piece for the first time. By doing so, the pianist can come much closer to what the piece was intended to sound like! He or she will avoid being tripped up by a complicated, or even a simple, rhythm just by counting out loud.
Before playing any piece of music, the wise pianist will always check the key signature (how many flats and sharps?) and the time signature.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Free Sheet Music Online
I always love it when I find an additional website for free piano sheet music. Here are some of the sites I've discovered:
http://www.gmajormusictheory.org/Freebies/freebies.html http://makingmusicfun.net/htm/printit_piano_sheet_music_index.htmhttp://www.mutopiaproject.org/
And my most recent find (thanks to my daughter, Heather):
http://cqcounter.com/site/allpianoscores.com.html
Friday, June 20, 2014
Name That Note
One of the things that can slow down progress for the beginning pianist is being unable to identify the notes on the staff. Yes, there's the tried-and-true flashcards, but the the generation that loves being on the computer, try out this great website:
http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/namethatnote/?service_path=namethatnote
http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/namethatnote/?service_path=namethatnote
Friday, June 6, 2014
Proper Hand Position
Maintaining proper hand position while playing the piano is crucial. Here's a great video to show you how:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAV-XUZ5kWI&index=1&list=RDrAV-XUZ5kWI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAV-XUZ5kWI&index=1&list=RDrAV-XUZ5kWI
Practice the Piano Efficiently
So, you want to learn to play the piano. Terrific! Let's help you succeed by teaching you some of the secrets to practicing efficiently:
1. Be consistent! Develop the habit of DAILY practice. Yes, you can have the Sabbath off...and Christmas...but don't always be looking for excuses not to practice. Having a set time of the day when you practice is ideal. Also, stick to a set practice time length. For beginners, 30 minutes is about right.
2. Enlist the help of your peeps to limit distractions during practice sessions. Who knows, you may even get out of doing the dishes because you're practicing the piano (a nice incentive!).
3. Begin with warm-up scales and arpeggios (Hanon exercises are great). They build precision, dexterity, and finger strength. But don't get stuck in a rut. Use a variety of rhythm patterns and playing styles (for example, staccato, legato, or even a combination of the two). Play slowly and with a metronome. For fun, gradually increase your speed. Lift those fingers and play precisely and evenly.
4. Then, to get yourself in a positive frame of mind, play something you enjoy—something you've already mastered.
5. Now on to the hard work. Focus on difficult sections first. Don't just play each assigned piece several times, mistakes and all. Dissect the piece into little parts and tackle one section at a time. Play slowly, each hand by itself at first. Repeat until you're mastered that part. Again, the metronome is your friend.
6. Maintain good posture and hand position at all times. Don't slouch. And keep those eyeballs on the music, not on your hands.
7. You've heard it said, "Practice makes perfect." Better than that, let's set as our goal: "Practice for perfection." Don't be satisfied with making errors. If you're making mistakes, chances are you are playing too fast or you need to stop and focus on each tricky section.
8. Getting the rhythm right from the beginning is essential. Counting out loud isn't just for beginners.
9. Use dynamic markings from the start. Dynamics add drama and excitement—and fun!
10. Understand the proper fingering and practice that fingering each time you play a particular piece.
11. Complete your practice session again with a piece you enjoy playing.
Whew! At the end of a practice session, you have every right to feel tired. You've had a wonderful mental workout and, with a habit of daily, efficient practicing, you're on your way to learning to play the piano.
Those are just a few practicing tips. We'll be sharing others in future posts.
1. Be consistent! Develop the habit of DAILY practice. Yes, you can have the Sabbath off...and Christmas...but don't always be looking for excuses not to practice. Having a set time of the day when you practice is ideal. Also, stick to a set practice time length. For beginners, 30 minutes is about right.
2. Enlist the help of your peeps to limit distractions during practice sessions. Who knows, you may even get out of doing the dishes because you're practicing the piano (a nice incentive!).
3. Begin with warm-up scales and arpeggios (Hanon exercises are great). They build precision, dexterity, and finger strength. But don't get stuck in a rut. Use a variety of rhythm patterns and playing styles (for example, staccato, legato, or even a combination of the two). Play slowly and with a metronome. For fun, gradually increase your speed. Lift those fingers and play precisely and evenly.
4. Then, to get yourself in a positive frame of mind, play something you enjoy—something you've already mastered.
5. Now on to the hard work. Focus on difficult sections first. Don't just play each assigned piece several times, mistakes and all. Dissect the piece into little parts and tackle one section at a time. Play slowly, each hand by itself at first. Repeat until you're mastered that part. Again, the metronome is your friend.
6. Maintain good posture and hand position at all times. Don't slouch. And keep those eyeballs on the music, not on your hands.
7. You've heard it said, "Practice makes perfect." Better than that, let's set as our goal: "Practice for perfection." Don't be satisfied with making errors. If you're making mistakes, chances are you are playing too fast or you need to stop and focus on each tricky section.
8. Getting the rhythm right from the beginning is essential. Counting out loud isn't just for beginners.
9. Use dynamic markings from the start. Dynamics add drama and excitement—and fun!
10. Understand the proper fingering and practice that fingering each time you play a particular piece.
11. Complete your practice session again with a piece you enjoy playing.
Whew! At the end of a practice session, you have every right to feel tired. You've had a wonderful mental workout and, with a habit of daily, efficient practicing, you're on your way to learning to play the piano.
Those are just a few practicing tips. We'll be sharing others in future posts.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
How to Sight Read
1. Look over the whole piece. Carefully analyze each aspect of the music--the key signature, time signature, tempo, accidentals, fingering, key changes, tricky rhythm patterns, dynamic markings, key changes, unfamiliar notes, etc.
2. Play through the piece. Don't stop if you make a mistake. This is an important habit to develop. When you accompany singing groups, you must keep going even if you mess up. Go as slow as you wish but keep going.
3. Evaluate how you did. What mistakes did you make? What are the areas in which you can improve?
4. Play the piece again, trying to correct the errors you made the first time through.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)