piano tips

The Art of Playing Fast Octaves Fluently: Mastering the Technique

2025-01-14T11:33:31+00:00

Playing fast octaves fluently is one of the most exciting yet challenging skills for pianists. This technique is essential in many virtuosic compositions, from Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies to Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. To execute them with precision, speed, and musicality requires a combination of physical mastery, mental preparation, and consistent practice. This article explores the techniques, strategies, and exercises that can help pianists develop fluency in fast octaves. Understanding Octave Technique What Are Octaves? An octave spans eight notes on the scale, from one pitch to the next with the same name (e.g., C to the next C). In piano playing, [...]

The Art of Playing Fast Octaves Fluently: Mastering the Technique2025-01-14T11:33:31+00:00

The Taubman Approach to Technique and Musicality: A Comprehensive Perspective

2024-12-25T14:27:28+00:00

The Taubman Approach is a groundbreaking methodology in piano pedagogy that emphasises the relationship between physical efficiency and musical expression. Developed by Dorothy Taubman, this approach addresses common pitfalls in piano technique, such as pain and injury, and redefines the art of playing with a scientific understanding of biomechanics. This article delves into the key aspects of the Taubman Approach, focusing on its principles related to pain-free practise, physical shaping, musical phrasing, weight allocation, key speed control, and the risks of finger isolation, as well as its role in enhancing expressive performance. Practising Hurts: Understanding the Problem For many pianists, [...]

The Taubman Approach to Technique and Musicality: A Comprehensive Perspective2024-12-25T14:27:28+00:00

Instantly Improve Your Thumb Technique with These Tips

2024-10-17T12:22:47+01:00

Mastering thumb technique is essential for pianists to achieve control, fluidity, and a dynamic range in their playing. The thumb plays a pivotal role in connecting phrases, transitioning between notes, and enabling smooth passagework, particularly in scales, arpeggios, and chord transitions. While it might seem like the thumb should naturally fall into place, many pianists struggle with "the thumb problem," an issue rooted in anatomy, dexterity, and coordination. This article will explore tips for instantly improving your thumb technique, drawing insights from several renowned teachers and pianists. https://youtu.be/wgTnvNsgQIg?si=_KNlEee3Az5z-Ot1&t=94 1: The Anatomy and Shape of the Thumb: The 'O' Shape with Boris [...]

Instantly Improve Your Thumb Technique with These Tips2024-10-17T12:22:47+01:00

10 Reasons Why It’s Still Worth Learning The Piano Today

2024-10-03T11:09:11+01:00

“I am too old”, “What is the point?”, “It is too complicated.” Did you fall victim to some of these excuses? Does even thinking of the piano become a huge killjoy? Pause, take a breath and read through this article to unlock the desire to start learning the piano! Learning the piano can be challenging and intimidating, since most rather like staying within the borders of their own comfort zone. Yet is it worth venturing beyond those borders to have a chance to see even a glimpse of success? Yes, I believe most definitely so. If you start learning the piano [...]

10 Reasons Why It’s Still Worth Learning The Piano Today2024-10-03T11:09:11+01:00

How to Get Started with Blues Piano

2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

The blues is one of the most soulful and expressive genres of music, and its rich tradition is deeply rooted in American history. Originating in the deep south of the USA in the late 19th century, the blues has since influenced countless musical styles, from jazz to rock to modern pop. The piano plays a significant role in the blues, offering a dynamic range that can capture the genre's emotional depth, as well as imitating the styles of other blues instruments such as the guitar. If you’re looking to get started with blues piano, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey [...]

How to Get Started with Blues Piano2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

How to Play Piano by Ear: Developing Your Listening Skills

2024-09-04T16:58:23+01:00

Learning to play the piano by ear is a valuable skill that can enhance your musical abilities, allowing you to play songs without relying on sheet music.While some musicians are naturally gifted with the ability to pick up tunes by ear, this skill can be developed and honed with practice and dedication.In this article, we'll explore the steps and strategies you can use to start playing the piano by ear, helping you develop a deeper connection with music and increasing your overall musicianship.1. Understanding What It Means to Play by EarPlaying by ear involves listening to a piece of music and [...]

How to Play Piano by Ear: Developing Your Listening Skills2024-09-04T16:58:23+01:00

Tips to Stay Inspired When It Gets Tough in Your Piano Journey

2024-05-30T10:53:06+01:00

Embarking on a piano journey is a thrilling endeavour, yet it comes with its share of challenges. From tedious practise sessions to self-doubt and frustration, it's natural to lose motivation and enthusiasm. However, maintaining motivation is essential for long-term progress and achieving your goals. Here are some innovative tips to keep your piano journey inspiring and engaging: Musician's Journaling Start a musician's journal where you jot down your thoughts, feelings, and inspirations before and after each practise session. Reflecting on your musical journey can deepen your connection to the music and provide valuable insights into your progress. Write about what you're [...]

Tips to Stay Inspired When It Gets Tough in Your Piano Journey2024-05-30T10:53:06+01:00

Mastering Piano Chord Playing: Techniques to Perform Like a Professional

2024-03-25T17:11:28+00:00

Playing chords on the piano is a foundational skill for any aspiring musician. From classical to jazz, pop to rock, chords are the building blocks of music, providing the harmonic framework upon which melodies and rhythms are built.Mastering technique is essential to playing chords like a professional. In this article, we'll explore four key techniques that will help you elevate your piano chord playing to a professional level.So read on to make sure your chordal techniques are up to par and ready to assist you with your pianistic expression!Hand ShapeThe first step to playing chords like a pro is to adopt [...]

Mastering Piano Chord Playing: Techniques to Perform Like a Professional2024-03-25T17:11:28+00:00

Thriving

2023-04-05T12:30:57+01:00

There is no feeling like being in the flow of doing something and flourishing at a particular craft. The first time you rode a bike without falling, or when you took up running and ran your first 10k is an excellent feeling of freedom and achievement. However, getting to this level is not simple, and requires practice and effort- but how do we achieve this? Thriving in piano playing has similarities to other high-performance areas and none more so than high-level elite sports performance. In a study on thriving in elite sports performers, Dr Daniel Brown, a sports scientist at [...]

Thriving2023-04-05T12:30:57+01:00

Classical Music VS Modern Music

2023-03-16T08:55:09+00:00

Classical music and modern music are two very different genres that have evolved over time, each with their own unique characteristics. Classical music is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and intellectual pursuits, whilst modern music is often characterised by energy, simplicity, and emotion. One of the most significant differences between classical music and modern music is their instrumentation. Classical music is often performed by a full orchestra, consisting of various instruments, each with its own unique sound and role to help produce the overall desired result. The use of acoustic instruments creates a warm and natural sound that many people find [...]

Classical Music VS Modern Music2023-03-16T08:55:09+00:00
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