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.
Showing posts with label VIDEOS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VIDEOS. Show all posts
Friday, October 31, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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