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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
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.
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