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.

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.