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 taking too long and I don’t have this much time anyway.”
“I’m taking a break and will start again later, when I have more time to dedicate to it.”
And so your dream of playing the piano continues to tug at your heart, with the unending intention of starting on a tomorrow that never seems to come.
If you answered yes to any of the above Clumsy Finger symptoms, I have good news..(And I need your help!)
I have been developing a powerful video series that will enable you to easily overcome your most frustrating challenges when playing the piano!
Are you tired of hours of practice without feeling progress? If you are like hundreds of other students who struggle with their finger and hand coordination, then keep reading…
Here are some of the solutions I have included in this series:
- How to make both hands work together without feeling clumsy.
- How to know which fingers to use when feeling like you don’t have enough fingers.
- How to keep the rhythm when playing both hands at the same time.
- How to leverage chords and scales for instant location of notes on the piano.
- How to use special “touching” techniques to make your songs sound more professional.
- How to reach notes out of range and not lose your place on the piano.
Even though it looks as though I have covered all the common “progress complaints”… I still need to know if I covered it ALL.
This is where I need your help.
I need you to tell me what your biggest challenge is when trying to learn a new song.
Your Response will Enter You into a Special Drawing
To Win A Free Download of this
Powerful New Video Series!
Tell me about your specific challenges with playing the piano, and you will automatically be entered into a special drawing to receive a free download of this new video series… I will be giving away 35 downloads so that your chances of winning are pretty good!
How to Enter the Special Drawing
It’s simple… all you need to do is submit your most challenging piano problem as a comment, using the little tiny comment link at the top of this page, right above the title “Are You Frustrated With Your Piano Progress?”
You can include any challenge that prevents you from making progress, and you may also comment about the preview video and let me know how it helped you.
*If your challenge is listed above, please let me know so that I know that I am on the right track in developing the solution.
*If your challenge is not covered above, then make sure you tell me the exact details of your challenge so I can include a solution for you.
This special drawing will be held on
Thursday, April 1st, 2010.
Winners will be notified by email.
Again, the way to submit your most challenging piano problem is click on the little tiny comment link at the top of this page, right above the title “Do You Have Clumsy Finger Syndrome?”
I am looking forward to reading about your challenges so I can help!
Start Taking Piano Lessons Right Now with a Free Membership!
Don't forget to Sign Up!
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Nancy West says
I have been practicing for some time a song that I will play April 4, but it still sounds choppy. It is mostly chords on the right hand. Can you help?
Lisa says
Sure, if you can send me a video I can evaluate it for you. It would also helpful to see a snapshot of the sheet music as well. You can show me in the video.
To send a video, you can use a smart phone and upload to youtube and send me the link.
abraham packiaraj says
The preview video is very good. Your passionate teaching program and the way of presenting lessons and topics give me confidence to overcome the struggles. as i follow every tiny instructions and directions like (count out loud, finger numbers ) i didn’t feel like very clumpsy ( when this comment i am level 5 week 13 practicing alouett e )
arif says
Dear Ms Lisa,
I am not yet your student but I am working on it.
Know I am reading and learning free piano lessons from the free web site -and people like you, who posted and trying to grab international student -like me!!, it is a noble attitude, who is as wise as you and sharing the knowledge to teach piano like me,
I am 48 years young man, just bought a keyboards in a month ago and eager to learn how to play since my childhood but never had money to buy a piece of machine nor had time or a peach full place ,now I believe I have some free time to practice keyboard in the evening.
recently I bought a basic package from the web that teach me how to learn.
these are my short fall,———
I am unable to recall or command my fingers to play as per sequence even the shortest song i had ,which I have just learnt.Though I am concentrating my finger movements and the position and trying heard to remember the sound and sometimes I have notice that I am totally lost where I was practicing for longer hours .
what I should or should not do to correct myself or have some check list to follow there after .
Apart form practice do I have to do some sort of mental piano practice or what ?
that’s all , I hope u understood my situation and come up with some solution
Thanks’
Arif Ghuznavi
Dubai, U.A.E.
MJ says
Lisa:
I am just starting your free lessons and I love them. I am an older student and some of my family tell me that I am too old but I do not believe that for I have such a desire to learn. My hearing is bad but I have hearing aids to help with that problem. I have a very hard job to get both my left and right hands to work together as well. I want to learn gospel music so that I can play at our church, we have a piano but no one knows how to play. Our piano player died a few years ago. You are very patience and are a really good teacher and I pray that I will be able to learn.
Renju says
Dear Lisa ma’am,
I can do the piano well with my right hand. But I am not able to do well with my left hand especially when playing the chords. What can I do to change this?Should I practice more time? I am already practicing for a much longer time but still I can’t. Please tell me a solution for this. Waiting for your valuable reply.
Renju
Billy Dennis says
I look down too much, when trying to read music as I’m playing I loose my place easily and even at times when I playing a song like Fur Elise I loose my place trying to look at my right and left hands at the same time. Luckily for what I lact in musical talent I make up for with OCD 🙂
Brunilda says
Hello Lisa:
Is really true that the biggest issue is finger coordination
But my recommedation is never give up and continue
Practice , Practice and Practice , consistency
and perseverance. Enjoy your Journey.
Brunilda
Michelle Burgess says
When playing worship music, I don’t play the melody, but the more “fancy” I try get with my right hand, I loose the timing on my left with the chord changes.
Meyanui says
Finger coordination is the biggest issue really. Followed by sheet reading
Danny says
Dear my teacher Lisa,
I really thank you for you helped me to realise my
dreams.Eventhough ican not piano to the high level as you but i am so happy when ican it on piano and play my own song.
I would like to see you playing your most prefered song.
thank you very much and may bless you
Brunilda Davila says
Hello Lisa:
I practice along with you this exercise. At the Beginning
I start slow and second I increased my speed
and I can play this exercise fast.
Thank you the video is very helpful
Brunilda
Hla Win says
I’m trying out the lessons and find it very effective and easy to understand. Thank you for your patience and understanding that make the videos very easy to understand. I like the way you showed which key to press with one finger in “rhythm_busters_5.mov, as it is more clear to see which key are press. Also thanks for the High Quality videos that I watched and downloaded without any problems. I’ve completed practicing “Rhythm busters” and found it a bit challenging but after repeated practicing now I can play correctly with moderate speed. I’ll try the others now and looking forward for more update video lessons from you.
KF says
Hi, Lisa, thanks for your e-mail. My problem is the coordination of reading the notes with fingers transposition as I move.
Sergio says
My two hands finds vvery hard to cooperate. And i am discourage.
please help me.
kathy douglas says
I will try again,
thank you
slow-poke
kathy
online piano course says
Playing the piano is not that hard if you are really dedicated and determined! Good luck to everyone!
Evelin says
My problem – or challenge – is perhaps a little bit different: I actually can play difficult pieces, read notes (7 years study: Bach, Mozart, Sibelius etc.), but it’s somehow academic, I would like to entertain people in parties, improvisate accompanements to songs or dancing. I’d like to feel me more free and confident playing piano and something is definitely missing. Can You help me too?
Marge says
hi teacher Lisa,
thanks for this kind of tip!my problem in playing a piano is that I’m so slow in reading notes and finger positioning. I really want to play piano and so I can musics.
Alejandro says
Hi Lisa again,
Other problem I have is that my pinky finger is hard to move, and that I play at a specific speed with some fingers, and at other with the others. This also happens with different hands.
Hope to hear about you soon!
Alejandro says
Thank you very mucho for the video, It’s really helpful. A problem that affects me is that my both hands want to play notes at the same time, and how you know sometimes First we need to play a note with a hand, then other with the other. Sometimes we even need to play two notes with one hand, then just one note with the other. And we it’s time to combine notes and chords, when these are not played at the same time, It get really difficult for me to do it correctly.
I hope you can help me, and I would be glad to receive one of the free Downloads if I Win. See you!
TS -Tui says
Thank you, this is very good idea for practice..
Heriati Rafiqi says
Dear, Lisa
Thanks for sending me the clumsy finger demo. Its simple but powerful.
Cheers
Heriati
Guillermo says
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your constant advices, all of them have been so usefull, exercises like this ones can help to overcome synchro fingers problems, personal tendency is to key opossite fingers with results in lost of concentration and frustrations.
Thank you for your smart exercises, continue helping people
Luis says
i have tried counting out loud it doesn’t work for me cause i get to concentrated on counting and a metronome doesn’t either so what i do is tap my foot on the floor,
but i don’t have clumsy fingers but I’ll try this anyway and i’ve come a long way since the begining i’ve improved
june hart says
Thanks LISA!
This helped me a lot!
June Hart
Joy Ford says
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for all your assistance and for the opportunity to share my frustration of not clumsy fingers so much as having trouble with counting the timing. I have no trouble with playing both hands when not counting but have trouble doing all three. I am almost 65 so guess my brain is not as alert as it used to be. I have a metronome but have no idea how to set the timing on it.
Doris Graham says
Hey Lisa,
Yep, seem to have all of the above…I have started & stopped a few times, haven’t been able to get passed Level 5, not sure if fingers are moving faster than brain or vice versa…lolol, then lose motivation and think, just because I love to hear the sound of a piano doesn’t mean that I can learn to play one!?!?! I have tried taking lessons from two teachers in the past with little results, however, through you I have made progress & have recommended you to others.
You are on the right track, this video is a definite plus, so keep up the good work, encouraging, inspiring, & motivating me not to give up…your emails usually come at a good time & help spark the interest:-)) Luv ya
Wayne Fluitt says
How do I order these lessons
Sue Elliott says
I used to play the guitar for years, and I still want to play the left hand free-style according to the chords. This sometimes messes up my timing too. My mind and fingers need to be re-trained and I think the exercise you demonstrated is great! I have to coordinate both fingers with my brain according to the notes on sheet music. More demos would surely help. Thank-you for coming up with this.
Yee says
Dear, Lisa
I facing all this problems you mentioned. Every time when I start a new song I need to practices two hand one by one, then both hand.When I start both hand I always forget my left hand. I hope this video can help me solve all this problem. Thanks a lot.
Mona says
All the problems of clumpsy fingers especially the left ones go haywire when it comes to playing chords together with the right hand fingers..
You have pointed out exactly all my problems. With your guidance I hope to overcome it. . I was practicing on a 48keys Yamaha keyboard. Thanks to the generosity of my daughter & son in law, I now own a Digital piano a Yamaha CLP 320M.
I hope to play proper music so I will be worthy of this piano gifted to me.
Thank you Lisa, Take care
Mona
Mona says
All the problems of clumpsy fingers especially the left ones go haywire when it comes to playing chords together with the right hand fingers..
You have pointed out exactly all my problems. With your guidance I hope to overcome it. . I was practicing on a 48keys Yamaha keyboard. Thanks to the generosity of my daughter & son in law, I now own a Digital piano a Yamaha CLP 320M.
I hope to play proper music so I will be worthy of this piano gifted to me.
Thank you Lisa, Take care
Mona
Yuwei says
My biggest problem is to know when and which fingers I should use when the notes go beyond 5 keys. I want to know if there are simple principles of changing fingers that I can follow for all different songs.
Carol Coltrin says
I have been playing for a while now but these simple exercises are making me much more confident about playing the notes. I like the idea of exercises along with learning songs.
My biggest problem is “stopping at the bars”. What is the best way to be able to move from one measure to the next in a smooth way. Something makes me pause way to often.
Thanks Lisa, this is so much fun.
rama says
dear lisa thks for all the free lesson that you continue to send.my biggest problem is to count the pulse and remembering which fingers for which note.
thks all the best
rama
Arnold says
Hi Lis,
My biggest problem is my left hand not coordinating and sometimes my eyes not focusing enought on the notes. Your video will really be a big help to all your students including myself. Can’t wait to see your video. Thanks.
Meyanui says
My biggest problem is coordinating both hands. i play nodes instead of chords
Debbie Maupin says
My biggest problem is time and the fact that I will soon be 61. I haven’t been able to spend enough time learning to plan although I have wanted to learn for years. My goal is to at least learn something to play at Christmas to surprise my family. Thank you for the tips.
Dorothy Masseburg says
My biggest challenge when trying to learn a new song is when I have to remember to change finger in a new position.
Dorothy
Shan says
Hello teacher Lisa:
Sometimes, I experience each of the problems mentioned above.Once I learn the song I start to memorize it rather than reading it.I don’t know whether it is good or bad sign in learning piano?.
Apart from this, I have to take break because of nasal problem..
Finger exercises and tips were really useful to improve speed and co-ordination of both hands.
Thanks for giving us opportunity to share our problems and improve mistakes.
Looking forward to any extra help could be provided…
With kind regards,
Shan, Seema
ANNA says
Hi Lisa, thanks for your emails and video. Perhaps it will give me animation to follow the practice. I’m a grandmother (with five grandchildren) and I begun to play on piano at the beginnig of the last year. I have memorized some easy, short and slow songs. And later my very slow progress stopped and I lost my inspiration. My biggest problem to coordinate my two hands while reading the notes, to play faster, to play chords with left hand. So I get frustrated, unpatient and then I give up. I think I have no ability playing on piano.
Thanh-Truc says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for sending this video which can help us to work out the problem of clumsy finger syndrome. Yes, I have most of the issues listed above, especially in keeping the rhythm right and in coordinating both hands at the same time. The other big challenge for me is making time to practice. I am quite busy now; however, I try to keep my practice on going and being on the right track. Thanks again for your help.
Desi says
Dear Lisa,
You must have been reading my mind. My biggest obstacle is trying to read the Bass cleff. I have started playing by chords (and by ear) and find that my left hand timing and rhythm need serious help.
Gary says
Yes I seem to be having all the problems you listed. Your help is always welcome. Thank you.
José A. alicea says
Dear Lisa: Thanks for the lesson…really help me a lot..
Doreen says
Hi Lisa. My biggest problem is being able to easily identify which fingers to use when playing a song. It just doesn’t seem to come naturally to know what fingers to use without spending a great deal of time figuring it out.
Thank you!
Eddie says
can not get my fingers to cooperate together
Ed L says
Wow! This is fun! I finally got to see the video by using a different browser.
Immediately I went to my keyboard to try it. It is a fun exercise.
The rhythm when you played it quickly made me think of a child skipping. It brought a smile to my face, And I practiced it for twenty minutes before coming back to write this message.
Definitely count me in on this lesson package!
elena says
Hi Lisa !:)
mi biggest problem i keeping with the timing,so the song doesnt sound like i t should, i i make mistakes even when i have practiced a lot ,the re are notes on the piano that i cant reach ,and my fingers get all slow:(
thank you Lisa:)
Carmen says
Hello Lisa,
I am glad that you sent us that e-mail. My problem since the beginning, is my left hand, some time I think that I have brain problem because is difficult to coordinate both hand at the same time in different nota. I am stock in lesson 7, I go back practice and practice bout I can’t go better. I hope you can help us this matter, I keep working on it , even that some time I am loosing interest, thinking that because I am 57 years old and I my hands are not flexible as use to be.
Thank you
Mike Walsh says
Hi Lisa,
This is a great idea. By far the biggest problem I have is playing chords with my left hand and keeping in sync with the tune I’m playing with my right.
A definite co-ordination issue.
Kent says
Hi Lisa,
My biggest challenge is making the time to practice. I have a busy veterinary practice and 8 yr old twins and a 7 yr old asperger boy. It seems like by the time I can practice , which is usually late at night , I am too tired. I am also 61 yrs old but healthy.
Thank you in advance
Kent
Gladys Youong says
My most challenging piano problem is making my eyes and hands work together with the right beat while playing with both hands.
Ronie A. J. Doherty says
Dear Lisa,
Like so many older folk, I find difficulty in playing with both hands and any help and assistance will be appreciated more than you might think. Un fortunately, at 77 years I am losing my sight. ( I am diabetic). Also, when I was about seven years old, an accident rendered the first finger of my left hand short and permanently straight.
I am still anxious to learn, even so slightly, to play some music.
Thank you for your help and I am eager to find out
what is next.
Thank you.
Your elderly Northern Irish Student.
Ronie A, J, Doherty.
Pelothomogi says
Hello Lisa,
I am doing lesson 7 of your couse. My greatest challange is being unable to read and play a new song without having first practiced it for some time. At what level is one expected to take a completely new song and play it straight away?
Dawn says
hya Lisa – I am only new to your piano lessons (I’m just starting lesson 5)and new to the piano – I am almost 50 years of age so my fingers are struggling a little to go where they are ment to be….but I loved doing the “clumsy finger excercise” – and even succeeded….I am loving every minute of working through your lessons.. I look forward to signing up in the near future!!!!
Vera says
Hi Lisa,
My biggest problem is Staying Motivated. I noticed you had this listed under Lessons and FAQ. I would like to suggest that one of the best motivators to play piano is to leave it out in the open, if possible. I appreciate your enthusiasm in teaching, your encouragement and that you share your experiences with your students.
Thank you
Jeff Ramos says
Dear Lisa,
Wow, what a simple exercise in your video but great at getting the mind to begin to work independently (right and left sides of the body). My biggest challenge with songs is getting the rhythms correct. I will play a song the way I think it should sound without taking the time to learn and read the correct rhythm, especially with songs I am familiar with. By the time I realize I am playing it wrong, I have already committed it to memory and it is hard to unlearn the mistake. The brain remembers too well. The other problem I have is not keeping a consistent tempo throughout the song. I slow down when I get to a difficult part and again I “learn” to play it incorrectly. Good Luck with the series and I hope you are doing well in your life. It is good to hear from you again regularly.
Peace and Thanks,
Jeff
Em says
Some challenges: bass clef hand coordination; translating printed music into flowing melody, finger position awkwardness, sight reading
Mary Weitzel says
I have all the problems listed. I’m looking forward to your video.
Verda says
Thanks Lisa
I am enjoying all of your videos. I think I have most of the above but you do a great job of teaching. I have company in now but will get with you in a couple of weeks so to sighn up. I can play by ear some but do get nervous over Clumsy Fingers as you call them. I know you will be able to help. Will talk soon. Yes put me in the contest. Thanks. Verda
Gary says
Most of the problems you listed I am having. The biggest challenge for me has been changing from the F cord to low C in Deck the Halls. Thanks for the lessons.
Qi says
Thanks, Lisa.
I don’t find it’s challenging at all for this exercise. For me, the most challenging part is remember to use which finger to play each notes on the sheet. My memory getting poorer. I couldn’t keep up with the rhythms and had to stop to think to use which finger to play.
Gary says
I make a lot of mistakes even after a lot of practice. I am getting there but progress is very slow. The hardest song I have tried to learned so far is Deck the Halls when I change from the F cord to low C. Even with that I have learned to play and that is something I thought I would never do. Thanks Lisa.
curtis says
I have a problem with each hand working independently of each other, especially when I play chords in one hand and individual notes in the right hand.
Doreen says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for know exactly what difficulties we encounter, and I experience the majority of the ones you listed. The video was helpful and I will certainly start practicing.
One of my problems is losing my spot on the music sheet because I have to look at the keys to find the ones I need to play. This slows my timing and coordination and sometimes stop me in my tracks and I have to start all over again.
Cathy says
Making a commitment to setting aside time to practice and sticking to it. Are there any “baby steps” that will help with this?
mila stewart says
Hi Lisa, I”m replying, today is 03-29-2010, my problem is why my left hand kinda slow & press the wrong key sometimes, & there are times when i practice both hands kinda slow, & sometimes I cannot make up the notes, seems I am not well verse esp. if I started the new song notes I have to think what it is . I practice practically everyday, maybe you can advice me what to do, hope you will read this.
Lynn Ludlow says
When I look at a new piece of music I have trouble waiting for enough practice to play it correctly. I always want to play a little preview before learning to play it correctly. I am having trouble with the thumb over and fingers over on some songs.
Hannah Byler says
i think this is really going to be very helpful!!!! 🙂 thank u!!! 🙂
Ken Minnich says
Hi Lisa,
The greatest problem I have with learning to play the piano is the counting out loud as I am playing. I can’t seem to do three things at the same time. I don’t think it has had an effect on my overall timing while playing because I am familiar with most all of the songs in your lessons and know how they should sound. But I am thinking that I may be developing a bad habit, but one that I can’t seem to overcome. I am currently at the end of chapter eight (B I N G O).
Walter says
Hard to coordinate the grand clef. Slow and forgetful
ernel says
I have problems when both hands are to play together. I also having trouble playing the correct note when I have to jump several notes on the keyboard.
Kathleen says
Hi Lisa
Thank you for your video. I am off work tomorrow so I will be itching to practice clumbsy finger excercise most of the day. I was finding the Floricking lesson 7 a struggle so it will help me enormously to play it more smoothly. I keep going back to practice previous lessons to see if I can play without making mistakes and I find that maybe I should not have moved on .I would appreciate your advice on this .
Ed says
I haven’t seen the video yet. The link seens to be broken.
But all help that I can get that will help me to get both of my hands to work together will be great. I have very little trouble getting either hand to play its part adequately. It is putting the parts together that I can’t seem to wrap my brain around.
All of the lessons that I have gotten from you are really good and I have learned a lot.Your gentle persuasion and kind encouragement help to keep me dedicated and on track to keep learning.
Thank You !
Ed
glen holden says
hi lisa,
i know a poor habit i’ve developed is to call out the names of the notes rather than the numbering of them as new notes are introduced, consequently i sometimes have timing and rhythm issues. I feel sure your new video series will help me so much, a real hands on approach that i’m sure will equip and motivate me in a way that hasn’t been opened up to me before .
thanks for all your doing, Glen
v bronecke says
two problems; how to set a metronome , when music only lists 3/4 time etc. used to show the setting, when i was a kid, long ago. second; arthritis; fingers are a little shorter /shriveled, i don’t know, and don’t have the “reach” i used to. thanks.
Gwyn says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the video. It is sure to be a big help. I’m looking forward to more.
One of my biggest challenges is getting my clumsy fingers to move past the first five keys. Honestly, I don’t know if the problem is in my fingers are my brain!
My frustration causes me to take my eyes off of the music (a big no-no, I know) so that I can look at the piano.
I need more practice and lot more patience.
Thanks for all the encouraging e-mails.
Best regards,
–Gwyn
Lena says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks a million for this video, it definitely addresses one of my problems. I do have a challenge getting both hands to work together, also finding notes quickly when practicing, and reaching notes that are out of range. Your tips are always very thoughtful and helpful, and are greatly appreciated.
Terrie Donnelly says
Lisa
I love the piano and took organ lessons when I was younger. I had just began some piano lessons when I quit. I have an electric keyboard with a full set of keys that I purchased several years ago and have been slowing attempting to get back to where I was. My biggest hurdle besides reading base cleft, treble is not that much of an issue, is what you showed on this video. My right and left hand do not want to listen to my brain. Thank you for all your wonderful work on the lessons via the internet. They do help but video such as this series would improve my keyboarding ten fold.
Thanks again
Terrie
william says
great video and it is exactly the solution i have been looking for because i have had some struggles i.e hand coordination,rhythm,chord progression with playing but my heart is in love with the piano.
James Easterly says
Lisa,
I am at the end of Lesson 5. Working on these pieces. This program is just in time for me to develop the finger movements to move forward into the other lessons. Thanks for your great work. I appreciate it.
Catherine says
Hi Lisa
My most challenging piano problem is playing with both hands. The clumsy finger video is very helpful. I also need more time to practice but we are in the process of moving to Alaska. Once we get there and finally settled in I hope to be on your website more often. I enjoy your lessons very much!
thanks,
Catherine
edmilson says
Hi lisa
I got frustrated with my piano playing when I can´t cooperate the right and left hands..yes I indeed have had some practices but still didnt work.Well one said that practice makes perfect, and I have to.
Anita L says
My biggest hurdle has been the 1/8 note. I was doing good until I reached that part and it threw me for a loop, and can’t seem to overcome this obstacle. I enjoy receiving your e-mails because it give me encouragement to try again.
It seemed my left hand could do better than my right hand, which was very surprising.
I ordered the CD’s for my guide because at that time I didn’t have fast internet, is there a way to still download the videos for beginners?
Thank you.
Ray says
I play guitar and have wanted to play piano as well as I play guitar. I am left handed but when I try to play piano, I can never seem to get my left hand to work as well as my right. I can never seem to get the song to flow
Mel Scroggins says
Always had a passion to play the piano, so I bought an inespensive 76 key Yahama. After it arrived I thought, “now what do I do”. I purchased a book that taught, learn by ear. I can’t read music, but know I should. I play cords and have progressed very well in 3 years. I really have a hard time with my left hand when playing a different cord, note or whatever, than the right hand is playing. I invert my cords but sometime running the scales and making things come out at the right place is a nightmare. Thanks
ms aretha young says
good morning,
my most challenging situation is trying to get my left
hand to coordinate with the right hand at the same time. if i look at the note for the right hand how to concentrate on the left hand notes too.
Linda Bradley says
I am still having problems. I have had to start over several times. Now I am just taking as much time as I need for each lesson. I’m watching one hand or the other and that throws everything off. But I will not quit. If it takes me the rest of my life, I will learn to play the piano. Thanks Lisa for all the help you give. God Bless You.
Rita says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your lessons and videos, I have been learning a lot, but I find that I don’t get enough time to practice, But I can play the piano some, but I will get there one day Thanks again! May the Good Lord Bless you!
Rita says
Hi Lisa,
I am haveing a hard time finding the time to practice, but when I see your videos I get inspraed to try at least for a few minutes, thank you very much for your videos and lessons
Jabu says
Hi Lisa, can’t play with both hands and can’t recall the notes quickly.
faeza says
i got frustrated with my piano playing when i cant cooperate the right and left hands..yes i indeed have had some practices but still didnt work..another thing is i cant playing the chords very well.well one said that practice makes perfect.and i have to.
Doug says
You hit a home run with this one Lisa.
My biggest struggle is remembering the correct fingerings for pieces that I should be able to remember well. I find that even after being able to play a piece well that I can’t seem to be able to consistently remember it all the way through. I can play it fine once through and then the very next time I will mess up a bunch of notes or not be able to do it at all. It seems as if my fingers have a mind of their own. When I slow myself down to try to figure out what is happening I usually find that my fingers are not in the correct spot. It doesn’t seem to matter if I have played it 20 times or 100 times, the same thing happens time and time again. I try not to look at the keys except when starting to establish the correct starting position and occasionally if I have to make a big move, instead concentrating on the sheet music. Once I have a piece memorized it becomes easier to get it right because I can now look at my hands longer.
claudine says
i find it hard to play with my left hand as smoothly as the right hand. i can play chords easlily, but when it comes to play one note at a time that’s when it becomes more difficult.
Fei says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for this clumsy fingers video – it’s really helpful.
My biggest challenge when learning a new song is ‘countinging out loud’ and playing at the same time, especially when playing with both hands. Sometimes I concentrate too much on counting, and I get confused with playing the right notes, and vice versa.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
faypollock says
hi lisa
i found your video on (clumsy fingers ) great and looking forward to more of the same.i have trouble with coordinating two hands together i am okay on songs that i know as i also love singing so dont have much trouble with the melody.i will do what you said and keep trying and smile god bless fay
Nelson says
Hi lisa, i saw the video and it was really amazing.With the help of your video, i have greatly improved on my piano skills but I still find it difficult to combine my right and left hand. I also have difficulties with sight reading (notes). I’ll be most grateful if you can assist me in solving these problems.
Jerome Craft says
Hey Lisa,
As I am learning I find playing the cords, with 3 fingers, and moving up and down the key board it is frustrating. The fingers I am using are the C, 2 & 5. Many time I get it right and it sounds so good but then my finger do not stay in the correct position as I am moving. I know I need to focus and concentrate more and I am trying. I also know practice, practice, practice.
Thanks,
Jerome
Christine Ng says
I have all the clumsy finger syndromes listed above.But with more practices I am improving (very slowly) and I am confident that given more time ( a lot more time) and with your frequent instructions I should be able to eventually overcome these problems.
zafeera says
hi
my biggest problem would have to be trying to sync my two hands while reading the notes. i fall into the bad habits of writing the letters underneath the notes to help me play. i cant seem to get both hands to play a different tempo at the same time. one of the hands tend to follow the other. like i hv to pause my right hand while i figure out what to do with my left. sounds horrible. i also hv the tendency to bang the keyboard so it gives the cluck cluck sound which is ugly too. i need all the help i can get. so pick me pls!
Nora says
Hi Lisa,
My greatest hurdle in playing is coordination of reading the notes with fingers transposition as I move from measures to measures. My counting gets missed up. Then I give up.
I appreciate any tip you can give me.
Thank you,
Nora
Alice says
Hi Lisa
Thanks for you emails, Being a left handed person I do have clumpsy piano fingers, I like your clumpsy fingers program, I think it’s a great idea and would benefit me alot. I have tried going through the program I ordered from you but I find it hard and don’t have the concentration to do it. But I know I would learn quicker from video learning instead.
ernesto bandarlipe says
hi maam lisa good pm
thanks a lot for giving us your video because it takes a lot of practice to be able to coordinate with both left and right hand as i was reading all the comments i was laughing because when i start learning to play is i get a short bond paper draw a one octave and shade the black keys and white keys and start looking at your free lessons that you send it to me and you know they are very effective and then i say to my self i want full 88 keyboard and what i deed is to get a piece of plywood and started to paint it and there i had 88 keys and started again to learn your lesson and after that i try to buy a made in china portable keyboard and apply what i have learn in your lesson and im so surprise of the outcome because i enjoyed playing with my both hands and praise the Lord im accompanying already during our daily devotional in our church and im thanking you so much for the free lessons that you have send it to me it really have a big help to me to learn the piano and im encouraging everyone to give time for your self to practice at least 20 minutes a day in order to play the piano much better. God Bless You and your Family.
Gary Barbiaux says
My biggest problem seems to be remembering which fingers and in what position on the keyboard they should be. Bass clef seems to be the area I need to work on most. I learned the Treble clef in grade school but need to spend more time on the Bass clef.
EVA ANDERSON says
HI LISA….I CAN’T REMEMBER ALL THE NOTE ON THE LEFT HAND AS WELL AS ON THE RIGHT…THE RIGHT HAND COMES AUTO WHILE THE LEFT HAND REQUIRES MORE TIME AND THIS MAKES THE SONG SOUND DIFF…..ALSO THE CLUMSY FINGER PROBLEM NAILS IT ON THE HEAD FOR ME. I’LL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED THAT I WILL BE ONE OF THE WINNERS.
Bernadine says
Thanks Lisa for the emails. Everything you name seems to be my problem it’s as if you personally know me and have heard me play. I also think I try to push myself to hard and try to move (progress) to fast. I jump from one song to the next without learning the first. I only know the first line of a few songs. not one whole song. how can I stay focus? I not as young as I use to be. I really want to learn to play the piano.
Michael Zylan says
Hi Lisa,
Great Video and just what a beginner really needs. I have just turned 60 and started playing about 9 months ago. But I think you need to re-emphasize counting OUT LOUD (silently does not work in the long run) and/or preferably the use of a metronome.
I thought I was playing well and raced to your level 8, playing similar piano pieces from all over the place. Then I taped myself playing and worse still, I then listened to myself.
What a surprise no timing, coordination, rhythm. etc. Heaps of pauses, hesitations. Plain ugly.
The exercises you are proposing together with a steady rhythm via counting or metronome is the way to go. Cheers
I have now gone back to Level 5 and forcing myself to count and keep beat with a metronome. The exercises would as you said, then complement the songs you have put together.
krishna says
hi lisa,
i am really thankful to you, how can you do that ? i was wondering every time i saw you playing piano.so, i got the answer., from your video and i will try to exercise the same for my clumsy fingers. i really was thinking that i just will end up seeing somebody play piano for me but i won’t be able to play but i started now to think positive,.thanks very much again lisa.
Bill says
I can play a little by ear, and when I know the tune my biggest challenge is to stick with the music notes as printed and not try to play them from memory.
Irene Ng says
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your kind initiation to care for the “clumsy finger stundent like me”.
Yes, what you have listed in some of the solutions are my main problems. Hope you will guide me to overcome these problems.
I’m at the age of 47, so my fingering moving is not so flexible and especially my pinky finger is hard to move.
Thank you.
celine says
Syncopation while keeping the left hand steady…
Jill says
Hi Lisa, I’ve only just started learning from your free lessons (at the ripe age of approaching 60 and with no prior musical education) and have appreciated what I’ve learned so far. But now that I’m up to the stage of making a C chord with my left hand, what I’m finding is that I cannot make my ring finger stay up when I’m trying to hold down my ‘pinky’ and ‘tallman’ on the C and E keys – I have the same problem with my right hand, although it’s not quite so bad. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Rodrigue Nze Eyo'o says
Hi Lisa,
I’m definitely encouraged by this video and this message. It seems that my fingering problems (more than one among those listed…) are in a way to be solved. I find myself progressing at a too slow pace. I’m struggling playing the right fingering when i don’t have any indication of which finger to start with. Look forward having this new tool available. God bless !!!
Cathy says
Hi Lisa
I have been a member for a few years,I always get to about lesson 6 and give up ,my fingers just don’t do what I want them to.
I thought at 65 yrs I was too old to begin!!!
Perhaps there may be an answer to these clumsy fingers of mine
Cathy
marilee hylant says
Lisa, I agree with all the difficulties you have listed and since I’m 67 coordination cames even slower but one just has to remember the purpose is to develop brain capacity not just to learn piano. Lesson 6 took 3 months because of developing coordination but once you’ve got the brain thinking that way it gets easier and progress is faster. lesson 7 is going much faster. My problem is the fingers just don’t move that fast anymore. Okay so I can’t play frollicking as fast as you can. SO what! I’ve no intention of ever being a concert pianist. Just enjoy the brain exercise. My biggest hurdle is when the bass clef has 1/8 notes and the treble has 1/4 notes so how does one play that without running at the 1/8 notes and then jumping on top of them with the treble 1/4 notes?
I have not given up with this because I started these lessons with the understanding that I was doing this to develop my brain to keep alzhimer’s disease away so I keep plunking away
Lovey says
Hi Lisa:
I have problems with clumsy fingers and rhythm. I have gotten discouraged to the point I don’t really practice anymore.
Nitin says
My hands do not co-ordinate especially when i try playing with both of my hands.
Even after hours of practice i feel the same and end up getting frustrated and lose my interest of learning piano.
This video has helped me a lot thank you
jeni says
great vid…
but my main problems seem to be
1. not being able to play more than two notes at once
2. going into a phrase and going blank because im so focused on not messing up the melody so far
3. stopping too long between notes to reposition each hand
Bonnie Crawford says
My biggest problem playing the piano is reading the music. I have to stop and think what the note is, thereby interrupting the song! Once I learn the song, I feel that I’ve memorized it, rather than reading the music, and I want to be able able to quickly read the music. I read online about a program for $40 that will teach a person to be able to read music quickly in one week, but it sounds too good to be true. it was on a site that was something like “Speedy reading music,” or something like that. I would buy the program, if I could be certain it worked, but I can’t afford to waste $40.00!
I enjoyed the video and will practice that. Thanks for all you do.
aaqibi says
The most disturbing thing is that I can’t find the appropriate key to hit the desired note
I know the tune in my mind but some time I try every key of the piano & I can’t find the right key suitable with the note
Giulio Santagostino says
Dear Lisa,
I’m very interested on this new series and I think it’s timely.
Of course I have all the symptoms (has\physicians well know) and I underline four points:
– some rigidity (and sometimes a light pain) in the left hand wrist when trying to play quickly;
– the detail of fingering pattern (hand position …) may appear inadequate when trying to increase the speed; the frustating point is that the brain authomatize the sequences that must be changed;
– loss of precision in the touch (unwanted faible pressure on a key, double key clicking …)
– I need a long time to warm up, so I think that some specific exercise could help to get the proper relax.
Thank you Lisa,
Giulio Santagostino
Debra Post says
Getting my hands to work together!
Pete says
I haven’t had time to practice in the last three months, but getting your email has encouraged me to get back on the bench and move some keys again. I hope that
april will be a new start for me. Thanks for the clumsy finger routine. I will try harder.
Robert Briggs says
Hi Lisa, I have a problem with reading the music an knowing when to play chords or each note individually
Thank you for the encouraging e-mails and helpful videos like this one.
Robert N TN
Robert Briggs says
Hi Lisa, yes one of my challenges is on your list and the
other one is not knowing when to play the notes with my right hand as chords or at the same time I am using L/H with chords or to play notes individually with R/H
while playing chords with L/H or both at the same time or visa verser! I get discouraged and quit practicing for some times week and then start again, mostly due to having to have someone to help me move keyboard around from one place to another and plugging and unplugging electric cord for me. I can’t get down enough to do that myself when I am by my self which is a lot any more. My mobility problem is getting worse or so it seems. Maybe I can only go so far in playing the
piano. Thank You for help and the example looks like it will help. God Bless, Robert Briggs
Vera says
I cannot coordinate my left and right hand, as you already have it on your list. I enjoy your lessons, but maybe need more practice or a few tips how to improve my left hand.
Cathy Brock says
Reading the music Is hardest for me just can’t read it fast enough to play it.
Jim says
Hi Lisa havn’t been able to practice as often as i like
with new grand daughter and other family things. But
your lessons and videos are the best. I do have trouble with my fingers but will keep working and smiling.
Jim
virginie lykins says
Hi !
I think my problems are all of the ones you mentioned, and more.
I tend to make some notes louder than others. And I do have a hard time keeping rythm when I have to strech my fingers, or do switching of the hand to reach further keys.
Sirisha says
Hi Lisa,
When you are playing the piano in your videos , sometimes I don’t make out which of your fingers are moving. But when I am playing, my fingers separates. when I am playing with my pinky(left or right) all my other fingers will be in the air. So playing the next note immediately is a big problem for me. There will be a bit pause playing the 2 notes. does this make any sense ?
siri.
fadila says
i wanna learn paino and my finger are clumsy and i wanna learn quick
Jean Lear says
Hi Lisa, what I have decided to do is to learn my right hand notes first and then to learn my left hand and then put the two together. Trying to read the music altogether can be very frustrating and I have found that to do each hand separately until you are comfortable enables me to put both hands together. Jean
Diana Clang says
Hi,
Having difficulty playing both hands together and also playing the occasional low base note and not loosing my place.
ZHIRI GANA says
MY HAND CORDINATION IS VERY CLUMSY INDEED. I FEEL VERY FRUSTATED SOMETIMES.
Veronica says
Hi Lisa, my biggest problem when it comes to learning a new song is overwhelmed by too much. First I try to repeat 21x a certain measure then i move on and procrastinate. therefore my biggest problem is procrastinating and giving up.
ZHIRI GANA says
My hand cordination can be miserable. Sometimes I really feel frustated with the experience. At other times, it can be good.
David says
Hello Lisa,i am from Africa.Thanks for your effort so far..i am grateful.However,my greatest challenge lies in not knowing how to use both hands correctly..
Maureen says
It’s difficult moving from the middle C position to another position and knowing where to land. Keeping my left hand in sync with what my right hand is doing is another challenge. I also have trouble with the tempo of different songs. Thanks for lessons and all your help.
Nohemi says
Hi Lisa
The first 3 lessons were easy, but I got frustrated when I started lesson 4, because you have to change your fingers position. I think these videos will help us a lot in moving our fingers all around the piano.
Thank you for trying to do your best in helping us how to learn to play the piano, and also for thinking always about us.
Nohemi
Nohemi says
Hi Lisa
The first 3 lessons was easy, but I got frustrated when I started lesson 4, because I have to change my finger positions, I saw the video and I really like it, I think this will help us a lot to move around the piano with both hands together. Thank you for doing your best in helping us, and thinking always about us.
Nohemi
claudia phillip says
i would like to be eligable for the draw because most of the problems i have. i can seem to get the link to send it.i am enjoying all the lessons so far so could i please be considered.thank you.
Alex says
When I try to learn a new song it is usually easy to play each hand by itself. I can play each hand separately almost immediately. I struggle with putting both together. It might take a few days to be able to play the song as a whole. I tend to start playing both hands at an extremely slow tempo and gradually pick up speed as it gets more comfortable.
joe yurko says
I am very interested in this upcoming video series.
One of my problems is either counting too fast or too slow I find myself trying to sing the words of the song at the same time i try ro count.
Sherry says
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for the opportunity to win this download. I have been have problems with combining both hands and counting the rhythm at the same time. I can play each hand individually but when I combine them, the left hand trips and the right hand runs away leaving it.
It is also difficult to count and read both the treble and bass clef.
The preview video is helpful and I hope that I am the lucky winner on April 1.
Sherry
Gwen says
Lisa this is what I have been needing I had almost decided that I was too old to get my brIN TO DO BOTH HANDS AT THE SAME TIME. after pratising this exercise I think ther eis hope Thankyou! Thankyou! Gwen
Trish Hall says
Lisa, I find it most difficult to keep track of where my fingers are supposed to be when they have to shift to a different position during a song. Basic songs where you can simply cover the same five notes that you start on or simple shifts of one or two notes aren’t too bad, but when you have to jump several keys over I find it almost impossible to consistently land in the right position and hit the proper notes. I lose my place and get frustrated.
Thanks for developing these new videos!
Trish
Pat says
Even after I learn a song I get confuse where I’m suppose to go from one measure to the next which then causes me to start over.
Lori Thompson says
Hi Lisa;
I bought your course a few years ago and I still don’t play! I got to lesson 8 and stopped. Now, this is by no fault of yours, ( the lessons were very good.) I just couldn’t get myself to keep practicing and by lesson 8, I felt like I needed someone to start showing me the things I wasn’t comprehending in text. However, I think my biggest challenge was that I wanted to be able to accompany myself ( I make my living as a singer,) sooner. I’m not really looking to be a great keyboard player, I just want to be able to play along with my midi tracks. It would open up a lot more work for me if I played an instrument but I don’t want to just pretend to be playing, (that’s sooo cheesy!!) Also, I’m interested in song writting and I have the band in a box program that would be great for that if I could play well enough to plug my keyboard into it!
As for a suggestion on the preview video….the excercise was great but it would be nice if you could use picture in picture now and then, or just at the beginning and end. It’s like…. there’s a piano and this voice coming from nowhere. It would be nice to see you!
Regards;
Lori
Netaji Ediga says
Comments: I can play my right hand perfectly, but I can’t get my left hand to cooperate.
George Carambot says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the preview from your down load video. Boy do I ever need help! My right hand and left hand coordination needs improvement. Also, I tend to lose my place when I take my eyes off of the music. Help! Thanks for your excellent tips.
George
Cory Wood says
Hi Lisa,
I’m 51 years old and just now learning to play the piano. As a child, I had always wanted to learn to play the piano, however my parnets could never afford piano lessons, or a piano. My biggest challenge now is teaching my hands to work together. It’s frustrating, and I’ve wanted to give up a couple of times, but I know with the right guidance, and a lot of practice, I will finally get it.
Nitin Chandna says
Hi Lisa,
This video is the exercise, I was looking for Adityaa (my son – 6 years old) to gather confidence in syning up left hand with right hand. More finger exercises to strengthen left and right hand combinations from simple to tough ones would be definitely of help.
Regards,
Nitin
Francisco Valentin says
Mi problema es el tiempo que tomo entre leer la nota musical y la ejecucion de la nota. Como podria acelerar el tiempo de lectura de la nota a la ejecucion de la misma? Tu video es excelente. Me ayudara a resolver mi problema. Perdona que te contesto en espanol pero mi redaccion en ingles no es la mejor.
KaviRaj says
Well i am self-studying in playing piano, and so far, i’ve got the melody very well but the chords sound rather difficult. And moreover i try hard but my hands always end up moving together at the same time, kind of parallel-like… so i play one hand most of the time, just with the melody…
but i just started going through your videos n all… and i’ve been doing quite well but still i want to be able to manage playing easily with both hands…
Thank You for your attention. Take care and hope to hear back from you.
William S. davis says
I am in my mid-fifties and started your lessons in earnest a few months ago. I have been playing lesson six for several weeks trying to get both hands to play. The above video should help tremendously. Still I am motivated and pleased with my progress to date. But it is frustrating not to have my left hand fingers cooperate.
joyce sykes says
I left a comment but on the wrong one so i had 61 emails 3/27 how do i stop that. Joyce
Susan Porter says
I relate especially to Wayne who when he returns to a song after learning a new one has to start over. Is this common? I am 72, Can’t wait to start the exercises on the video. I have been taking the lessons for 5 mos.
HECTOR COLLAZO says
•How to leverage chords and scales for instant location of notes on the piano
That is only one of my problems! I felt sometimes that I will never learn to play it. My hands just do not want to work together! Also I need to learn to read the music “naturally”… I get so frustrated that I stop practicing…
Thank you very much for your continuous efforts to help us!!!
Regards
Susan Porter says
The video is great and hearing from others who have similar problems is great too. I especially relate to Wayne who learns a song and then comes back to it only to find he has to learn it again. Is this common? I am 72 and have been taking the lessons about 6 months.
chuck Allen says
Hello Lias,
the videos sound like they can be a very helpful tool.
My personal biggest challenge in my journey to play the piano
are two things: Coordination and Motivation.
My left hand doesnt cooperate with my right hand.
This video looks to be very helpful, will you have more available on the web site? or only as a download?
CORA says
Hi Liza
I am really frustrated about my lessons becase of the problems you mentioned.I thank God really for your life you always find ways to encourage us and to inspire us.Honestly, I stopped my lessons for few months now but i am encouraged by your e mails.Thanks for being a great teacher and your patience to us.Im looking forward for this lesson.
Teresa Palm says
I am brand new at playing the piano, but it truly is a lifelong dream…..I bought a piano and I play it every single day just to have my hands on it. I have an amazing ability to play by ear, but I want to learn to read music!! I do each lesson over and over and over. My right hand is the leader, but I want to use both hands equally. I’m afraid of establishing bad habits. Your instructions are awesome and I think if I just stick to the plan and I’m patient…I will see a dream come true!!!
Thank you so much!!
Barbie says
Thanks Lisa, Keep the video’s coming! We appreciate you & all you do for us. You make us ~Smile~
Steve says
Hi Lisa
I’m really looking forward to this series. I’ve been playing the piano for a year now with the help of your lessons and have been really enjoying it. I feel quite pleased to have reached lesson 10 however I still have clumsy fingers that always want to hit the wrong notes and this can be quite frustrating. I’m sure these lessons will help immensely.
Chris Vann says
I still have some problems putting both hands together, but I do a lot better since taking your courses.
Chris
Jane Jore says
Hi Lisa,
You’re right on track – my problems are certainly on your list! Co-ordinating left and right hands, finger placement … definitely my problems as an extremely new but enthusiastic debutant.
I’m looking forward to trying your ideas out.
Best regards
Jane
Christel Hero says
Hi Lisa,
My son is 6 years old and has just started to learn to play the piano and I have decided to try to follow him after having longed for this skill most of my life. I must say I envy how easy everything comes to him while I have to struggle sooo hard :-). And still I have a “musical ear”. I agree with all the difficulties above. To be fast enough when playing certain songs is a problem for me (for example I try to follow a fantastic jazz-pianist Jan Johansson from Sweden playing folksongs and often I just end up wondering how the …..did he do that). The biggest problem though is coordinating left and right hand when the rythm differs, my brain wo´nt follow….
faypollock says
hi lisa
thanks for your email ,all the things you said in your video is what i am having trouble with so looking
for ward to more tips on the left hand
regards fay
feera says
hi lisa.
you just described me, you must be psychic 😉
my biggest problem that often leaves me frustrated is my left hand. it also doesn’t help that i am so slow when translating the notes on the music sheet! so when i’m trying to glide from one chord to another, it’s just not graceful and i end up keying the wrong keys sometimes.
the other problem i had is when the left hand is also playing a certain rhythm (not chords). when im playing my left, my right hand automatically stops. they just refuse to work together. i’m doomed!
it seems my right and left hand can only work independently. 🙁
pleaseeee help.
faypollock says
Hello lisa
i love the clumsy finger exercise ,.but can,t seem to
get my timing with both hands ,still i am sure it will all come together with practice..i can play well with the
the right hand that is why iam determined to learn .the piano method
fay
Melanee says
Hi Lisa,
I think the video series is a really good idea! I also have the problems above and even when I have practised a song many, many times it is so choppy, this has been so dicouraging to me. I used to think that I didn’t practise a song enough times. I have been told my playing is choppy. I know that I always feel unsure about my fingers even when I am playing the right notes, and practised a song many, many times. I took the full year coarse and now I am a life member. I haven’t been practising or playing for a few months either, because I have been unhappy with my progress. I haven’t thought about this being my problem until now! Just having clumsy fingers, I thought maybe at 54 I was getting to old to catch on like I desired.
Nitin Chandna says
Hi Lisa,
My son, Adityaa (now 6 years) is now at the end of lesson 5. He is able to play songs without mistakes if the speed is slow (less than 90 beats per minute).
But once we increase the speed, then mistakes come in. Especially incorporating the mix of the following:
– right hand playing various count notes
– left hand playing bass notes
– left hand playing chords
This is a challenge at the moment.
Hoa Nguyen says
I have all of the problems that you mention above. My brain is not helping my rt and lt hand together at the same time. Thank you for being so helpful
Alan Taylor says
My clumsy fingers get clumsier when I’m trying to match the note on the page to the finger to the key while my ears are screaming “That’s not music!” How do I prioritize? Which is most important to master first?
David M Doan says
Hi, I am a struggling pianist, and I wish to learn more. I really enjoy your message and how you teach this to me. Your fingering lesson is really easy for me cause I play by ear and I dont have the block the fingers ussually would have. But even though that being said I still need the insight to bring about my fingers and thier bad habbits. I think you are on to something about how us pianists have certain blocks and proper fingering is the key to unlock those blocks, I love you as a teacher and wish to learn more. I hope this finds you and finds you well, Your aspiring student David M Doan
Karla Baker says
Hi Lisa, you are definitely on the right track. I’ve had almost all of those problems. I’m not practicing currently as much as I should which is also a problem. It seems I’m just spinning my wheels some days. It looks so easy when you’re doing it but when I try, no dice, my hands don’t coordinate and I lose my place so easily. Once we get back from the funeral next week, I need to get back to practicing faithfully. You’re a super teacher and very patient. Thanks.
retyawanto says
I’m playing only on “C” chord and I got difficulties to improve another chord
Beverly Atherley says
I have been looking for some interesting finger extercises. I am not a piano teacher, but I am helping a few kids with learning the piano. I have used several of your lessons and they have really helped. I plan to try the new fnger excercise. I would also like to fine some kind of piano games to help learn piano notes. (games that are not used with a computer like the quarter game.) Thanks for all your help.
Michael Deruise says
I’m having a couple of problems my first is syncing my left
hand with my right that has been giving me a problem. The other is that I have real short fingers my palm is wide but my fingers are shorter than ninety percent of the women hands that I meet seriously. I want to thank Lisa for the video I think this will help my smoothness of playing better.
Ted Moore says
Very excited about your Clumsey finger Exercises. Started playing the piano last year at age 77, need all the help I can get to help me move fingers around the keyboard smoothly. Your piano videoes have been terriffic. I need help in learning to sense where my fingers are ar all times.
Donna Kell says
Hello Lisa..so nice to see your face again and to get back on track with your inspiration.
My main frustration is not being able to coordinate both hands at the same time. However, after watching your new video, i feel very encouraged.
Thank you so much. I will work on the pattern starting tonight. Donna
Tom says
My biggest challenge when learning a new song is turning the pages. I have to stop playing and turn the page and the song dosen’t sound complete.
Amanda says
Lisa,
I know you are on the right track with the video. I get lost when I am playing a song and have to move my hands to a different position on the key board. my left hand is weak when playing with both hands. Enjoyed your lessons. You are the reason I love playing the piano today.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Brunilda Davila says
Hello Lisa:
I Put the video and I practice this exercise with you
I felt my fingers moving smoothly and Steady.
Brunilda
Gavin says
Hi Lisa
Thank you for your helpful instruction and you are surely on the right track with the clumsy fingers. I would like to add something though from my experience at trying to play the piano I have all the theory down but just can’t get the fingers to do the work. I have learnt some songs though but they take so long to learn.
Evelyn T. Villanueva says
Lisa,
I did not practice for a while, but any way thanks for your new tips.
Wendy Estabrooks says
Lisa,
I am feeling that I may never be able to really get my left hand to play smoothly along with my right hand …any exercises available I would be willing to try.
Ron Brewster says
This video is great. I’ve always had problems getting my hands to do different things. I think exercises like this will help my problem.
Thanks RonB
Cheryl says
My right hand can keep a rhythm, my left hand falters and has a slower pace. I am also fine in the C position, but moving from that position is a challenge that I hope will be cured from extra practice
Robert E. Murphy says
I’m too new at the lessons to really know what my problems are. However, when I get to lesson three and am trying to play with two hands, I feel that my wrists are at awkward angles
Neville Cournand says
Hi Lisa,
My problem is also finger co-ordination,also,as I had some previous exposure to music (chord relationship etc.)by “ear”,instead of trying to play your simple arrangement I always get myself too involved trying to insert a relative major here, or a relative minor etc,there,with my limited experience on the piano
nevacour@yahoo.com
Clarence Kieffer says
Wonderful! I look forward to it.
I have a similar problem in that I have difficulty playing left hand bass notes and maintaining the integrity of the melody.
I am 75 years old and I have flexibility and fingering problems typical of senior citizens. I would hope that you may have some good tips for us.
Thanks!
CK
Sharon Suess says
I make too many mistakes so the song is choppy
Brunilda Davila says
Hello Lisa:
My Biggest challenge in my journey to play the piano
are two things: Coordination and Motivation.
My left hand doesnt cooperate with my right hand.
This video is very helpful.
Brunilda
David says
Lisa,
I have the same problem as many of those that have submitted comments. I guess my biggest problem is getting both hands to play what they are supposed to. I have no problem with one hand, but I run into problems when incorporating both hands. It takes me a while to get a song down.
Ken Eck says
Lisa, I have probably experienced all of those problems at one time or another. Over the past several months I had moved away from the lessons as a consequence and spent some time learning a few songs using the right hand to play a simple melody line and playing chords with the left. While this has maintained my interest, it can still leave me frustrated with fingering in the right hand when moving up and down the keyboard. Learning chords for the left makes it a bit easier to get to a decent sound, but doesn’t build the fundamental skills. I expect to be retiring soon and will have more time to spend on the piano. I would like to return to the lessons and this video series might help get me back on track. Looking forward to it.
Gerald Henderson says
Lisa, I have a strong urge to play a left hand chord with every single right hand note. Also the brain link is not working fast enough.Thanks for your continuing support.
Dave Anderson says
That seems so simple that everyone should be teaching it, but you are the TEACHER and the LEADER.
I can’t wait to practice this technique.
Mahalo
Virginia Mayo says
Lisa, I’m excited about your new videos. I am open to anything that can help the process of learning to play the piano. I didn’t have much problem playing what was in the sample video but I really have to work at coordinating both hands on songs like “Frolicking”. At this point I also have problems consistently reaching notes that are out of range. I also need to get more familiar with fingering when there are more notes than fingers. I can relate to needing help in all the things you mentioned. My chiropractor told me that playing the piano is one of the best activities to be involved in as we get older. He said it is beneficial both physically and mentally. He was thrilled to hear I was taking lessons. I’m 59. Your emails have been very encouraging. Thanks for being such an understanding and helpful teacher.
Shirley says
My problem is me! I feel I must be perfect to move on to the next song. I keep repeating the lessons until I make no mistakes. That has me stuck and feeling frustrated. Then add to that, the coordination of the fingers of the right and left hand wanting to do different things. I keep doing the exercises, but reading notes seem to come slowly and that, too, is frustrating. I think I have the treble clef down but the base clef throws me. Oh frustration, frustration! I will eventually get it, I know, but getting over the frustration is something else. Your clumsy finger exercise demo will help, but I must get over the mental block. At my age, it’s difficult but gotta admit…it’s keeping my brain active. Alzheimer’s is in my family genetics!
Thanks for your continued support, Lisa. You are wonderful!
Norman Petres says
Excellent exercise for all fingers, especially the ‘pinky’. I highly recommend this program be part of a daily practise session; also great to keep the brain alert and active.
Judith Cameron says
Loved the video for “clumbsy finger”. That certainly discribes my hands. Also, reading notes and connecting my fingers/brain is difficult. I want to avoid practice because my brain just doesn’t pick it all up fast Enough.
Thank you for your continual support. Judy
Silvian says
So far I encountered these problems when learning a new song:
– sometimes I am not able to hit at the same time the keys for the left hand and for the right hand, and if you listen carefully you can hear the playing of those keys is not synchronized. Usually the left hand is the problem. And this tends to happen when learning new patterns or new notes.
-my second problem would be keeping a steady rhythm. When playing along with the metronome I can hear clearly how I sometimes I hit the keys either too soon either too late.
Karen says
Lisa,
This will be great! The sample video lesson is exactly what I needed at this time in my lessons. I have been a member for a year now, but I am not satisfied with my progress. I admit, I have stalled for a few months. Maybe it is due to some of the issues you talked about in your video. I love the exercise you gave and oh yes! it actually does hurt my brain a bit. Looking forward to the download!
Karen
Wilfreda Rizane says
Dear Lisa,
I thank to God for inspiring you to make this video. To tell you the truth,I have given up already this piano lesson for months already . I lost hope. I have almost all the problems you have stated,especially the coordination. I can read notes alright but the problem is how to play it with both hands beautifully and smoothly.
Thank you very much Lisa,I am inspired again to continue this lessons. Happy Easter in advance.
Wilfreda
Julio Barreto says
Lisa my left hand all the times follow what the other hand do it I can’t isolate both. Do you think that course can help me?
Julio Barreto says
Lisa I can’t make that my left hand be independent of the rigth hand, she follow all the time what the rigth do it.
Do you thing that this course can help me?
Gail Gresham says
I have trouble when I have to change from the basic
middle C finger position. I have trouble knowing which
finger postion to use for certain songs. My playing is
hesitant and choppy when I try to change finger positions. Also, my left hand notes are not as smooth
as the right hand. Hope these exercises will help.
Thanks!
Patty says
I have had all the problems that you have covered. I felt at times I will never learn to play the piano. My hands just do not want to work together especially when I have to move my hands up and down the keyboard. I get lost and frustrated.
Wayne says
I make too many mistakes even after I’ve learned the song and have many hours of practice. I can usually learn each hand independently and perform with that hand quite well but have difficulty playing well with both together, particularly when each requires a different rhythm. What is especially frustrating to me is after I eventually learn a piece and play it reasonably well and then move onto a new song when I do go back to the first song it’s as if I’ve never played it before and I have to learn it all over again. I’m looking forward to more clumsily finger videos. I’m practicing the technique you’ve presented in this first lesson.
Virginia Mayo says
Lisa, To some degree I have had to deal with all you mentioned above. My biggest problems now are in reaching notes out of range without losing my place and fingering. The touching techniques sound very interesting. I feel in the little over a month I’ve been taking the lessons, I have made progress and really enjoy practicing everyday. I believe the fingering warm-up excercises are very helpful. Thanks Lisa for your encouraging emails. You are a great teacher. You make the process easy and fun even when it is hard.
joyce sykes says
Hello Lisa, We have chatted be for & hope you are well. Wow clumsy finger are the word for me. As you know my Husband died 11/14/09 i am now getting back to my music lessons with you. I find when a sheet of music has notes way above & below of the lines my mind boggles…have to go to the paper piano sheet to help me. Also as i have a piano & key board with all kinds of sounds some help with a sound to go with the lesson music would be nice i did it with Frolicking, i did send it in.Now to get on with the finger lesson.Thank you.With Best Regards. Joyce.
carolyn lindsay says
My biggest problem in playing the piano lies in the fact that my hands do not work together. I am a beginner/intermediate and am very, very slow.
Adell Jenkins says
I have a wife a 2 year old and a demanding job. My main problem if finding a persistant practice schedule and staying motivated. After a week or so of practice If I dont see any results I tend to slack off. Any suggestions on how much I should practice per week? Thanx…
Tom Kelly says
Lisa, you probably have my problem covered already. I have trouble playing anything without looking at my fingers, even when I’m supposed to be playing from music. I just wish my fingers “knew” the keyboard throughly without help from my eyes.
temmy says
Please i do experience clumsy finger of a thing,because i am used to the left hand, and i do feel uncomfortable when am playing the piano,please is there any way you can help me.
Carolyn says
Comment No. 2. I tried your exercise. It was pretty simple for me. So, to make it a bit advanced, I changed positions every other finger. That is truly difficult and I’m still working on it. I feel I will have accomplished a great deal in control when I can perfect that one. It trains your fingers, but your mind must be trained first, so a good exercise on both counts. You remain a great motivator. Thanks!
Isabella Borges says
Hello Lisa (:
I have many problems that make me so furstraded. Some of them is my irregular pratice (I don’t have many time); keeping rhythm with both hands is so complicated to me and I can’t read music fast. Sometimes I was absolutely disheartened, but play piano is my dream.
Thanks for this video, every execise quick and easy is perfect for me.
-Sorry for my bad english, I’m Brazilian =.=’-
Doreen says
Hi Lisa, I think my biggest problem is concentration, but I also seem to loose my place easily if I look down at the keys and then back to my notes on the page.
BETH BLACKBURN says
I LEARNED TO PLAY THE FLUTE AT 10 YEARS OLD. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN THE PIANO BUT I CAN’T GET MY BRAIN TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND WORK SEPARATELY. I HOPE THESE LESSONS WILL HELP MY 41-YEAR-OLD BRAIN TO FINALLY LEARN!
Ella Nelson says
Hi Lisa
I have most trouble making my fingers work together smoothly and counting as I play, I am 71 years old if its an age thing will I ever be able to over come this, I get frustrated and quit then say I can do this and try again I want to play strictly for myself Thanks Ella
Ed says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the video. The “flats” – especially Eb Ab Bb etc are giving me the blues especially transitioning between these chords coming from major or minor chords like A or Gm and back (for some tunes). My hands just “break down”. Other problem issue I have is the lack of “flow”. Sometimes it sounds like I am chopping meat with a cleaver. Thanks!
Michèle says
Hi Lisa. I think that’s a great idea and look forward to this video series. My main problem is simply playing both hands together. When I play them separately no problem, but the brain is a bit slow when it comes to combining both. I know it has a lot to do with practice but a little help from your professional touch wouldn’t go astray. Keep up the good work, your lessons are very enjoyable and accessible and your good humor cheers us up! Thank you.
Dennis Durens says
My main problem is coordination between left hand and right hand. I am having a hard time playing the same scales together using left and right hands. Likewise, I have seen pianist play almost using all the keys but they are doing very smoothly. I need to learn the transition from left hand to right hand then to left hand again until all the octaves have been played.
Susan Hayes says
My hands/fingers are too small/short. I cannot stretch my fingers far enough to play chords that require 4 notes like the Fmaj7, my thumb always lands on the D instead of E or my pinky lands on the g instead of F. I also have great trouble when the minor 7th chords when 2 keys are next to each other, those are the only 2 keys my fingers seem to want to play.
Dave G says
I follow the program and do the exercises but still have trouble making both hands do different things at the same time. The new exercise seems as though it will be helpful. I will work with it and await the release of your new series
dimitrios tsamis says
Hi Liza…
The biggest problem with piano and keyboard is that eventhough I can play almost any melody I hear using my left hand… –I am left-handed— without knowing many things about notes.. only the basics..,
I can’t paly piano or keyboard because I have to play melody with my right hand and Chords with my left hand.. So, this exercise helps when it comes to coordination.. I just have to train my right hand a little more!!
Thanks for this free video..
missy says
Lisa, thank you for introducing this new exercise. I often fnd myself frustrated because my left hand fingers always seem to play the wrong keys. I’m very excited about your new excrcise because i know that it will help me alot
Joseph says
Hi Lisa,
I don’t even know where to start from because nothing seems to bge working for me. I don’t know how many times I have to restart all over again, yet I don’t seem to get anywhere.
I have two of my own keyboards and I have so much interest in learning to playing, yet no tangible progress to talk about.
As a professional teacher, please, help me the best way you can.
Best regards.
Charles Pitts says
Lisa, I have problems with left and right hand coordination which continues to destroy the timing and rhythm of my playing. I tried the exercise in the video and found it to be harder than it first appeared, but after a few attempts my hand coordination began to improved. Now I hunger for more. Thank you.
Sincerest Regards,
Charles
kingsley says
pls i really will appreciate a followup video
Skip Riendeau says
I’m working on book 3 now and I think I’m doing ok, but…
When I’m pllaying using, say my pinky, my other fingers tend to come way up off of the keys. This sometimes makes me lose my place. There are other times when I get to places with the music and with the keys, and I don’t know what fingers to use. I need a sixth and maybe seventh finger.
p.s. Your lessons are great, Lisa! Thanks so much.
Gabriel Wang-Herrera says
Lisa, thank you for showing us this new exercise. I can see how it will train my mind and fingers to work independently. As for my biggest problem I think its a combination of lack of practice (which I can only work on) but also the fact that I’ve begun getting used to playing chords only for the worship songs that I sing at church. It just sounds so much better than playing the individual notes, but unfortunately this has the side affect of making me lazier as a well-rounded piano player. It’s been a while since I touched a regular piece of sheet music. I think what would be helpful to me at this time is doing more of your exercises and “cracking open” the website once in a while. Thanks!
lili Wang says
thanks Lisa for this opportunity, i do have problom with my both hand which they cant work together well.
Rose says
Frustrated sometimes after learning thouroughly a piece of music I cannot remember where to put my fingers when I come back to play again.. I have to practice and repractice and always finish by searching the help of the sheet of music. I have good memory for other things. What is my problem?
Carol says
Hi Lisa, Thank you, I really feel these lesons will help me, I do have trouble with my left hand not following what my brain is trying to tell it!! I also have tried and tried to read music but sadly I am failing, so I try to listen to the piece and remember it, but I so wish there was an easy way to learn to read music.
Thank you so much for all your teaching and God Bless you.
lili Wang says
i felt that my both hand cant work together well, and always foget my left hand, they cant coordinate well. thanks lisa to give us chance to improve hand moving skills
bob says
Lisa I love you!. All the above apply to me. My main stumbling block is reading the base line. I keep reading it as egbdf instead of gbdfa.Why won’t my brain work properly?? . Have you any tips for this problem? Also I wish my motivation could match my determination. It’s hard to keep going when you keep making the same mistakes over and over. Can never seem to progress to the next step. I will keep trying, Your regular e-mails are a great idea. They make me feel I’m not on my own.
Thank you for being there. Best regards. Bob
Leigh White says
I always have trouble when playing three finger chords. My ring finger always pushes down and it messes up the piece. It’s annoying as well as frustrating because it’s just automatic and I’ve been trying forever to teach my finger not to do it.
Tony Wolfs says
Hi Lisa
I have your course for a few years now.
I practice irregular, but when I do, I enjoy it.
My problems are stiff fingers and the fact that my left hand has a will of its own.
Also, reading those small black dots on the lines is a problem for my weak and slow eyes.
Please keep up the good work.
If it wasn’t for your support letters, I most probably had given up one time or another
afritimal says
Coordination is my biggest challenge when I play piano. I have problems to make my left and right hand work together, just as you listed above, but it is also hard to me to keep rythm when I have to change the place of my hand on the piano. For example when I play a song and I keep my hands on the middle C position, I can do it rather smoothly. But then when suddenly the song make me to change the position of one of my hands I have to find the correct place on the piano and I lose rythm.
evelyn says
hello? my beautiful teacher,i miss you and i am sorry to not writing much because i was always busy at school,and i am learning alot more now to play music
also i love to play blues and country song now it’s very wonderful things happening of my life sorry about my english it’s not very good.
Lisa thank you for your and god bless you…
Eileen says
My problem is that I sometimes forget which key I am in. I have to keep referring to the beginning to remind me. But I too am over 70 – I am mostly self taught and never really did the ground work. What can I do? Is it too late for me now?
Yuli Chuang says
My problems in playing piano is :
1. I need to think for a while everytime i want to start playing piano, or everytime i find a quite difficult part. It feels like my brain need to arrange and choose which fingers i have to move and press on the keys.
2. I can’t read music. I just can play a song i know with my right hand.
3. keeping rhythm with both hands is difficult for me
4. I rarely practice, because I don’t have piano, and don’t have so much leisure time : P
And my other problems are just exactly same like you wrote above, those sound really like me. Shame on me.. : (
Honestly, when I sit in front of a piano, I don’t feel any bored feelings though in hours and hours. I really enjoy it and keep trying to reach progress. But the longer i exercise, the more chaotic tone i play. And I don’t know why this could happen, lol..
I think my biggest challenge to play a new song is i have to be able to read music, or i have to find out how this song sounds. if i don’t know how it sounds, i really can’t play it at all in case that i can’t read music.
I want to thank to you, Lisa..
you give us a chance to share our problems and try to give us the solution. That’s so nice… : )
Chris says
If follow up videos are as good as demo they should be very helpful
kati says
I love your lessons. Very easy to follow and when I do the results are very good. Please bring on more. I very much want to play well.
You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you, Kati
jason says
hi lisa.my biggest problem is playing with two hands that have different tempos
Kristin says
Hi Lisa,
I have been trying to learn for so long, however, I was without a piano for a couple of years and now that I have one again, I have forgotten the notes.
Also, I have an issue with timing and rythmn.
Rudina says
Hi Lisa,
your video series sounds terrific! I struggle with keeping counting as I play, I tend to skip counting, and also I struggle with playing fast. Also I would love to learn about how to use special “touching” techniques to make your songs sound more professional. This sounds really exciting.
Max Lindberg says
Wow, this is very helpful, my left and right hands have minds of their own and this will help a great deal. Thank you, Lisa!
JEMIMA HAGAN says
Hi Lisa, thanks for your offer to help. My main problem is how to cross over from one section of the keyboard to another and return to continue without having to either look at the keys or make mistakes. it is quite frustrating sometimes. i believe your plan to help will be of great help. the sample play you put up to help is helpful and i have tried it and will continue to do so. thanks and God bless.
JEMIMA HAGAN says
I am for this opportunity to do with clumsy fingers. I am mostly able to play the treble cleff notes alone and the bass notes alone. Bringing them together is not very easy. It becomes either very slow indeed or else, rather clumsy and then the mistakes come. How do i get to play efficiently with both hands and quicker too?
Arun says
I am having problems with getting my right hand fingers cross to play the notes. Often this embarrasses me and I tend to feel I am not good at it. Please help me in getting it right.
Steve Weber says
This video would be great. I am always looking for ways to make my practice sessions better.
Eileen Wyncott says
I love this because I have problems with my hands arthritis and coordination. I do have it in my heart to some day finding the time to learn. Unfortunitly my son is adopted and we are having alot of issues. Also my husband and I are out of work
when life gets better and the right deal I would choose your course and teaching method . I’m not that great with the computer and still learning the computer. I love music so much and all types of music. Dream come true when I find the time. Thank you for your time and patience. Best of luck. Eileen
Charles says
Hi Lisa,
I’m 73 years old and have been learning with you now for a couple of years. My main problem is my co-ordination when trying to read and play music at the same time. I can’t read and play, I have to learn each hand separetly then try to combine them together, but I keep making mistakes, then after weeks of work if I leave it and learn something else I can’t play the original song fluently when I come back to it. I would like to be able to read and play, not, have to learn parrot fashion, and then struggle with it again when I come back to it down the line. Maybe this is just an age thing?
Dimples says
My main problem is not being able to coordinate my hands when each hand has a different rhythm, especially when the notes in one hand has lots of ties while the other hand is doing something else. I guess this will be covered in your third point? Thanks, Lisa!
Gary Chapin says
Good strategy for teaching two handed play. Practice improves performance! Also, I am interested in leaning how to play rock in roll and blues on the piano. Would you kindly let me know if there is any “show me how” music for such. Thank you, Gary
Carolyn says
Hi Lisa: I think at one time or another I’ve experienced all the above. However, memorizing is my biggest hurdle. In many classical pieces I play, the notes (rhythm) come so fast, you could not possible read all the notes so your automatic memory comes into play. The problem is, I will hit the wrong notes many times before I can remember the correct ones, and sometimes will stop dead in the middle because I can’t remember what comes next. Is there a cure for this. Slower practice does help somewhat.
Polly Dudek says
My problem is keeping rhythm with both hands and accompaning myself while singing. I have good reading skills, but when it comes to putting them to practical use, I stop. I think the clumsy finger excersices are a wonderful idea and I’m going to work on them. You’ve taken me a long way in a short time and I trust you as a teacher to get me through this next hurdle. Thank you for your lessons and your premonitions.
Donna says
I have always wanted to play, I started with a teacher then stopped . I found your videos really helpful but stopped as I didn’t commit the time needed. I want to start again but don’t want to quit. I am concerned as to how to allot the time and stay with it. It may appear that I am not disciplined enough, which is probably true. I want to be able to play improvisationally. just play songs in my mind. read notes and play from what I see on the sheet music. My left hand appears to be stronger than my right although I am right handed. Is there help for me I really want to play well but with a love and passion for it and to share with others.How much time should I set aside each day for practicing without feeling overwhelmed
Natalia says
This sounds great! I’ve been so frustrated trying to play with both hands at the same time. I practice and practice but can’t seem to get my hands to do different things! I look forward to overcoming my clumsy finger syndrome. Thanks for your help!
Mary says
My problem is I am very slow in playing both hands together at the same time. I have to study first how to play the right hand then the left hand then combining the two hands. It takes time for me to learn how to play the whole piece, like a 4 page piano piece. Even if I already know how to play a music piece, if I don’t play that piece for a week or so, when I play it again, I could not play it. I had to start from the beginning again.
Gary Johnson says
Progress can be frustrating
For my left hand I am getting the notes upscale but my stops when I have to go down scale my right is much better but with practice it seems to be easier
On the left side I know here the keys are sorta but am having a really hard time reading the music and then play can’t seem tot remember the notes, very slow progress here
Bernard W Fallon Sr says
Hi Lisa, The video was great. I don’t have a problem anymore with my hands working together because I did a similar thing for practice at the beginning of my course. Only I did the scale C to C with both hands up and down over and over. It worked but I can use this to get better.
My problem is that I have a hard time with the left hand when I go below C. I cannot figure out how to read the music down there. Mental block I think. I also for some reason can’t seem to memorize a song. I have to have the music in front of me.
I think your video will certainly help those that can’t play both hands together. Practice will do it. Funny, once you get it working it comes natural to you. Don’t over think it, it will come.
I also got cocky at times with new lessons, thinking I knew it all. When I had problems I went back and read your insturctions. If I did that in the first place I would have saved myself a lot of time.
Thanks Lisa for all you do for us. Bernie
Catherine says
I am on lesson 10 and I still don’t know the left hand notes well and can’t seem to learn them! I am also stuck on Grogan’s Goat and have moved on to Home on the Range, but I feel like I’m missing something important skipping that other song and my progress is very poor. I am very distracted by my mother’s illness and hospitalization and all the stuff that goes along with that, so I am essentially at a standstill now and I fear if I will ever complete the 12 lessons. I truly enjoy playing, especially when I play a song well, so for now, I am trying to get faster playing Etude – you play it so very fast on the audio, I don’t know if I will ever get it that fast, but I am trying!
Steven Ludm says
Hi Lisa
As always you are an inspiration to all of out here learning this wonderful instrument!
Like everyone else here I also suffered from clumsy fingers for a while so I looked for ways to teach them how to behave.
The best thing I found is simply playing scales!
So now the first thing I do when I sit at my piano is to spend a few minutes just going up and down the keyboard – left hand, right hand, both hands one actave apart, a third apart, a sixth apart and also in contrary motion. Scales sound cool too 😉
Kind regards, Steve L
Sharron O'Hara says
Hi Lisa
I have the most trouble in reading the left hand notes. I can’t seem to remember them as well as the right hand notes. I am looking forward to the video as I also have trouble trying to get from a flat or a sharp back to a white key. Something I would really like to learn is how to chord along with a fiddle playing a jig or a reel. Thanks for the great lessons Lisa.
Joyce Ann Kreuter says
I always enjoy new ways you develop to help me along the way. I get so frustrated with my slow progress. I can’t seem to sit down and play anything unless I go back a few chapters to review. I can’t remember what I worked so hard on just the week before. I practiced Frolicking for at least three weeks until I got it. I was so proud but after two weeks out of town I came back and couldn’t remember how to play. Nothing stays with me. I can’t memorize the notes at all. Too much to read and think about all at once. Hopefully your finger exercises will help me. Thank you Lisa for the many hours of enjoyment at the piano. Hopefully someday with your help, I will learn.
John Palek says
My biggest problem is with my left hand. It can’t keep up with my right hand and I have terrible trouble trying to form chords. Having poor co-ordination between the hands is fustrating and hinders good motivation.
Eve says
Hi Lisa as I told you before I can’t concentrate to play with both hands, besides your lessons I am learning moonlight sonata , I love that song ,I can play 28 measures by now but only with the right hand.I start with both hands but can’t go on with both. I am trying to memorise them but the song is too long to memorize all, and I’m not so young anymore.I am exited to get your lessons on april 2 ,I am counting the days. Your video is very good it is helpfull indeed , sorry for my bad english.
LInda Meziere says
When I play a song that spans more than an octave for one or both hands I lose my place and have to search for the key. When I look back at the sheet music I am lost there as well and have to search.
Carl says
I struggle with all of the above, especially keeping the right tempo, producing lively sounds – most of my sounds are flat, choppy and unpleasant to the ear!
Christine says
I know what my biggest problems is, I still haven’t memorized the notes on the scale. My 12 yr old has been playing the trumpet for 3 years and she learned her scale in a few weeks. I’ve been trying for years. I just need to lock myself in a room and do it!
I also have a problem getting my fingers to work together. I can play the melody of a lot of songs with my right hand but I wish I could play the chords with my left hand.
Thanks for the video Lisa! I can’t wait to see more.
Patricia says
Hi Lisa, i have put my learning piano on hold for this very reason, I have very- very clumsy fingers, I’m 56 years old and i can’t see me learning to play well at this late in life, i wish i could have learned to play 30 years ago,and if i could have had a teacher like you i think i could have learned,i think you are a wonderful person to help people like you do,thank you and may God bless you and yours.
Carol says
Thank you so much Lisa for this opportunity to improve, I really need it. My problem is counting, am thinking about getting a metranome (sp). Will that be helpful?
sofia nadira says
I hv a dream that I can ply any song , and we hv start to learn last 8 month , together with my doughter kirana . play both hand while playing new song is very difficult , we sud excercise more and more . I hope your lesson will very helpfull , we need some technic to practise the righ way so we can enyoy to play the piano . my teacher here just instruction to play w/o give some solution how to play easily .
Jan says
I’ve practiced parallel scales for hours (maybe I’m a bit obsessive :-), so the exercise in this video was pretty easy. I think it’s a pretty good exercise, though.
My current problems when playing songs are:
– Pausing between phrases as I try to remember the next notes and fingerings.
– Making the same mistakes over and over. I can practice a couple of measures until I get it perfect. Then, next time I play the song all the way through, I make some of the same old mistakes over again.
By the way, I practice for 2-5 minutes, several times per day. Playing a song once or twice through is a nice way to take a break from other work!
Shaylyn Jacobson says
This video sounds awsome. I’m 20 and have been leaqning piano on-and-off since I was 8. I give up after trying for several months each time because my major problem is my hands do not listen to my brain. Simple tunes I can play, I can change hand positions midplay, I can even use the pedals and keep a rythm. But when it comes to using both hands at once, all of a sudden they don’t work. I’ll be reading the sheet and playing, I know which note is which finger and all of a sudden the wrong finger (on the wrong hand!) plays the note. The little excersize in the preview has really helped (struggled with it for a while but I got it! I Have to do it several times to get it of course). Looking forward to hopefully seeing the whole video!
S.J.
Robert Johnson says
I subscribed to your course two years ago and have been practicing every morning of these 24 except for five months when I went off on a tangent to try a different method to learn to play.. I am back now for about 6 months and even bought a new Yamaha piano to help … It really didn’t . I am on lesson 10 and keep going back over lessons 8 and 9. I am just not retaining what I am learning.. I just had my 88th birthday on the 24th of March and I attribute a lot, maybe most, of my problems to old age..
I can associate with all the problems you list at the beginning of this email plus I lose track of the beginning of the next line in the song and have to start over again. At my age I really appreciate this course and the tremendous amount of fun looking forward to each morning at 5:30 AM for the 1/2 hour of practice before I walk my dogs to the park ..
I will thank you again Lisa for this piano course that you offer. I just hope that I will be able to accomplish a song or two before too much longer.
Sherry says
I am so excited about this exercise! I have a hard time doing new things in the left hand and with rhythm. I also stay frustrated with the mistakes I make and my mind going blank. Your list is very much on target for me!
Paul Derrington says
My wife and kids have just bought me a baby grand
piano for my 70th birthday. I have been having lessons now for 3 years but am still struggling-particularly using
both hands.
Would love to improve
Renee Nelson says
At one time or another, I experience each of the problems you outlined. Mainly though, my issues are with keeping the right rhythm, and remembering the correct finger placement. Sometimes I’m in the middle of a song, doing fine, and suddenly all the different things I’m supposed to be remembering at once seem overwhelming and my mind goes blank. I look forward to any extra help you can provide! Thanks.
Monique Loubert says
OHHHH! Dear Lisa, YES, YES, oui, oui, I do have clumsy finger syndrome. I really have problems having my two hands making sounds with different fingers AND one note repeted with one hand and not with the other. I do hope I am clearly expressing myself, excuse my mistakes in english.
Thanks for the “new trick” to help,
Monique from Quebec/Canada
sandy says
Lisa, This sounds terrific! I was getting frustrated at not being as motivated as I used to be, and you covered a lot of the reasons why! Learning new songs are hard, especially if I don’t already know the tune and Getting my right and left hand to work together at the same time is tricky! Thanks for your help!
Maritza says
When playing chords, I have a hard time switching between chords and yet playing the right hand keys in unison. My counting is off at times when I use both hands to play a song. I am better with the right hand than with the left hand. I would like to be able to coordinate both to play as they should…;-)
Judy says
Thanks for all you hard work. My problem is my Husband has to travel for his work. Just about the time I have practiced alot and feel really good about my music, we have to leave and go on a trip. When I return I have to backup and start again. I feel like I am one step forwards and two steps back. Hopefully I can get past this.
Looking forward to the videos
JN
Alice R. says
My left hand and my right hand don’t always want to work well together. Sometimes they do, but non consistently. My fingers don’t always know where they need to be even after I have practiced, practiced, practiced.
christine rockett says
Clumsy fingers! As an Occupational Therapist I am always looking for ways to help my students and often use the piano to help them with finger and hand skills. Have you heard of brain gym exercises? I have my students do these exercises before playing the piano and then use the piano keys ot help them with individual finger muscle control. Your demo video is perfect. I usually start with twinkle twinkle little star but look forward to different tunes. Thank you for your emails.
Jo says
Getting both hands to work together is my biggest problem. My left hand a mind of its own no matter what!
Brandon says
My problem is pretty much what you are trying to train. I cant seem to separate my hands so they can ‘think’ for themselves. I will try this and hopefully it will make them think otherwise! Thanks!
Brunilda Davila says
Hello Lisa:
My biggest problem is that my Left hand and my Right
hand doesnt Cooperated.
Brunilda
Toy Chapman says
I always wanted to play the piano but never had the opportunity as I came from an alcoholic, dysfunctional family. Music was never a part of our lives and I always wondered why I was put into a family where education and music were not important. Now I am 57 and married to a wonderful man who happens to be a professional musician, a classical trumpet player. He bought me a very nice keyboard but I wonder if I am too old to begin. He is not a piano player but has tried to help. I want to play for my own enjoyment and feel I have accomplished at least one dream of mine. I have looked at your website for awhile now but worried I would not be able to play and spent the money for naught. I really want to play and am willing to try very hard. Can you really help me play?
Brunilda Davila says
Hello Lisa:
I am in Lesson 10. The video is wonderful, but one my
biggest Problem is the Rythm. and my second problem
is coordination. How to coordinated My Left Hand
with my Right Hands and My third problem is when
I playing any song I made a lot of Mistakes.
Brunilda
Donna says
I have trouble with all the above :-). I can do pretty good sometimes. But, my playing is choppy. I’ve been doing this now for a year. But, I don’t get as much practice time in that I should and I know that’s not helping me. But, any help from any one is greatly appreciated. Thanks Lisa.
Malvia says
I enjoyed the exercises was just about to give up and call it quits because noatter how much I try my fingers keep going where they are not supposed to there is no coordination so I’ll see if I’ll be able to grasp this thank you
MARTHA WHITEN says
LISA
I AM SIXTY SIX,I DO HAVE CLUMSEY FINGERS.I WANT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY A FEW SONG. AM I TO OLD TO LEARN ? I HAVE COME A LONG WAY WITH YOUR HELP AND EMAILS. DO YOU THINK THE VIDEO CAN HELP ME?
Denise says
I also have trouble freezing up when I play for people. Even If I have played the piece 100 times to myself. What can I do to get me past that hump?
Denise
Steve McRoberts says
I read music so slowly that I have to memorize in order to play anywhere near tempo. But if I don’t play each “learned” piece at least once a day I rapidly forget it and have to start over.
For longer pieces, if I try to get one section “perfect” it never happens and I don’t move on to finish learning the entire piece; I get stuck.
Even when I know where my fingers are supposed to go it often seems there’s not enough time to reach those notes, so I settle for an “easier” (but wrong) note to keep the rhythm.
Or, I have to stop and think about the next notes, and I get annoying pauses in my playing.
Lance says
I have to say that your list you have above pretty sums up a lot of the problems we all run into trying to play the piano…Nice to see this kind of approach to playing the piano…..The future is starting to look bright again…
looking forward to seeing this video…
LW.
nougene midi says
when i started with the first,second third and 7 lessons it was a little easy to move your fingers ,but when i got to lessons 8 and 9 ,moving my fingers it is not someting easy ,I have to find out by myself how to move my fingers there are no video for lessons 8,9,10,11,so for each of these lessons.i am struggle i would to know if you have one of students is done completely with these lessosns
Denise says
My problem is always running out of fingers for the rest of the measure. I can play them slowly but when I play to tempo if feels clumsy and my fingers seem to take on a mind of their own. Then I am crossing over and under to get it done and it tires my hands out really quickly. I also have trouble looking ahead at the notes to see where I am going to need to position my fingers. Too much thinking involved when I’m trying to get my two hands to play different rhythms at the same time then I still have to get my brain to figure out when to change positions too? My pinkies are weak and need strength – I also want to play the songs I love in my easy piano collection but find it difficult to read all the notations and pauses and repeat signs. I love the piano and every time I see one it makes my heart skip a beat. It calms me down in a life of such uncertainty. I really want to play Cannon in D like you do on the videos – you make it looks so easy – but the fingering blows me away! Heck your little girl even makes it looks easy – kudos to her. I hope you add that one to the Classical Club soon. You are a wonderful teacher Lisa and a blessing to us all. I just wish I could take lessons from you in person!
Denise
sandra says
the video seems very helpful. I still find it difficult when trying to play both hands together; specially when playing cords, my fingers sort of freeze and my right hand wants to copy the left as well. I am interested in the “touching techniques” hoping they will help my fingers relax and follow more smoothly. thanks 🙂
Denise says
My biggest problem is wanting to do too much to fast. I want Cannon in D to come as easy as you make it seem on your video’s – and heck even your 9 year old knocked out Cannon in D like it was nothing – kudo’s to her!!! I hope you feaqture this on your Classical Club- PLEASE! but I can’t get my fingers right. I can’t figure out which fingers to use automatically and I always run out of fingers – I’m having to cross over and under and really get my hands tired very quickly. Youre positioning of the fingers make sense when I go slow but when I play to tempo it feels better to use other fingers and then I am a few fingers short -again- UGH!!! My pinkies are weak – need to strenghten them more. I get bored of the beginning learning songs – they seem to come easy to me – but can’t master anything like the easy piano songs I love. I know I must go slow to get good but I’m so impatient with myself – I also have a problem playing for someone else – I freeze and mess up – even if I have played it perfectly to myself over 100 times. How will I ever be able to play Christmas songs for the family? I hope this isn’t too long but I really love the piano – it just calls to me. I see a piano and my heart skips a beat – I long to play for myself and it seems to calm me down in a world of uncertainty – I always know it will be waiting for me and I just can’t get enough of it’s wonderful sound. Thanks for helping us Lisa you are a wonderful teacher – I only wish I could take lessons from you in person. Please keep sharing your wonderful gifts with us.
Diane Whiting says
WOW, thanks for the video. I set my timer and practiced this for 10 minutes and then thought I would switch it up by doing the two notes on the left hand. That is taking some time. But fun! Glad no one else is home!! Looking forward to the next. Thanks for all the extra you put in for your students.
Diane in NH
Kath says
My difficulty is the counting on songs like ‘Frolicking’. I manage the right hand ok and the left on its own but both together doesn’t seem to work for me. (yet)! Will I ever get it? Kath. Spain.
Barbie says
Lisa:
The video sounds exciting! Most of what you have planned I need help with. This really caught my eye: How to use special “touching” techniques to make my songs sound more professional. Looking forward to the video.
Thanks,
Barbie
Barbie says
Lisa:
The video sounds great! You are so on target for many of us.
My needs are:
1.How to make both hands work together without feeling clumsy.
2.How to keep the rhythm when playing both hands at the same time.
3.How to use special “touching” techniques to make my songs sound more professional.
4.I would love to be able to memorize songs & retain them.
Thanks,
Barbie
Diane Whiting says
My troubles are with making the left and right side of the “brain” work seperately and then have it trickle down to the fingers! Also, trouble with the counting. Some songs seem to be faster than I can count outloud. I find I can just play without counting. And I also find I am still “reading” the lines/spaces to tell which note it is. I know this will come with much more practice.
Diane in NH
Lisa says
Hi Everyone! This is Lisa, your piano teacher. I am leaving the first comment to get you started!