Recently, a student emailed me this question: "Can you guarantee that I will be successful with your piano course?" I thought about that, and here is how I responded: "As you know, your success lies in how often you practice. I can't tell you that you will be successful because I don't know how much you will practice. However, what I can do is assure you is that the curriculum continues to be presented in very easy to follow instruction and in small increments so that you can progress without confusion. I can also assure you that you will receive a very high quality level of support as a preferred member. I hope this helps you feel more comfortable with trusting that if Continue Reading
How to Position Yourself at the Piano
Advice about position can only be given in general terms, since much depends on variables like height, build, and length of arms and fingers. Just make sure that your back and arms don't get tired from playing and that you can reach the keyboard without strain. Adjust the height of your chair so it feels comfortable to you. You might want to use a pillow. If you have a stool, adjust it to find the height that suits you best. Sit forward and at the center of the keyboard. Sit at such a height and distance from the keyboard that your arms are naturally bent and your fingers fall on the white keys easily and can reach the black keys when stretched out a Continue Reading
Do You Have Clumsy Finger Syndrome?
Does this sound like you?...... "I can play my right hand perfectly, but I can't get my left hand to cooperate." "My songs don't sound like they're supposed to sound because I make too many mistakes." "My songs sound choppy and slow even after hours of practice!" "I have to keep starting over because I get confused with where my fingers are supposed to be!" "I can't keep the rhythm right!" "I can't think and move fast enough!" "I know what I am supposed to do, but I can't do it!" "My mind goes blank even after I memorize something!" Eventually, you find yourself saying things like... "I'm just not musically inclined." "I don't have the talent to play the piano." "This is Continue Reading
Piano Lesson Tips
1. If you're learning a piece that you find complex, learn each hand's part separately. Learn piano from one hand to the other for a much easier learning curve. Once you've mastered playing each hand separately, it will seem like you are playing without even thinking. This will make it much easier when you combine both hands to coordinate them both because you won't be trying to think about two separate processes at once time. 2. Change your practice routine every three to six weeks. While it is important to have a consistently balanced practice routine, that doesn't mean you have to practice the same stuff in the same way forever. Learn a different style or piece now and then. You may Continue Reading
Using Correct Fingering
Fingering is very flexible, and over time you will naturally learn the smoothest way to play a song. Most songs have fingering recommendations (I call them recommendations because it is flexible). While learning a song, you can stop and write in the fingering that you feel is comfortable, following some of the maneuvers I teach in the lessons. Just apply them where it feels right, and feels comfortable. It is easy to know when your fingering is not working. Most of all, don't let fingering intimidate you... enjoy playing the piano.. if it feels good and sounds good, then that's what matters. Continue Reading
Tips for Making Piano Practice Easier
Relax, Breathe, Back-up. You are probably rushing yourself. Now...practice the piano again...see, it works! Learning piano takes time. Each day you will be a little better than the day before. Yes, a few days you missed your practice,, BUT...Get back on track, in the groove, on schedule. Don't fret. Your piano skills will show the progress! Take action, get your inspiration. Be the best piano player today that you can be! Oh..and Happy Almost Valentines Day! Continue Reading