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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.