It is well known that practicing is essential to improving any skill. From an early age, we have all heard the phrase "Practice makes perfect". However, piano playing is a complex skill which requires conscientious practice techniques. This knowledge is garnered over years of experience with much trial and error. Simply spending time practicing will not always produce results. However, consistent and thoughtful practicing will produce results. So, how should you implement the right kind of practicing? We would like to share with you some tips of our own:
1. Practice everyday (even if only for 10 minutes). Daily exposure to the concepts, exercises, and pieces your teacher assigns to you will contribute greatly toward your improvement. We all have those tough weeks at times, but cramming is stressful and never works in piano playing. We know from experience!
2. Have fun while you practice! After all, who wants to practice every day if it’s no fun? Think of your piano lessons and practicing as a musical journey where you are continually discovering new possibilities. Each new piece you learn is a whole new world of sound and experience! Piano playing is also extremely challenging, so give yourself a pat on the back for learning to play one of the most difficult instruments there is! If you find yourself getting frustrated and not getting anywhere with a certain piece, take a break from it for a day or two and work on something else. A little time away from a piece can give you a fresh perspective on how to better approach it. Also, finish your practice sessions by playing something you love, and don’t worry if you make mistakes!
3. Figure out which times of day you feel the most alert, and plan to get your practicing in during those times. For some people, early in the morning before school or work is best; for others, the evening might be better. Whatever the time is, make sure you are alert and focused when you practice.
4. Always have a goal in mind when you are practicing. Set one goal that you would like to accomplish by the end of your practice session, and then work to meet that goal. Goal-oriented practicing keeps you on target, making your time at the piano really count! Perhaps it is helpful to write down your goal and set it in front of you to keep your practicing focused toward an end result. One example of a good goal would be, “I will play this passage in the correct rhythm by the end of this practice session.” Some other good goals could be, “I will play this phrase with the correct fingering,” or “I will memorize the first line of this piece”. The possibilities are endless, but be sure to sit down at the piano with one goal already in mind before you begin practicing. Also, it is counter-productive to overwhelm yourself with 20 goals. Keep it simple: one goal at a time!
5. Take it apart, and then put it back together! If you are having trouble getting through a section of music without making a mistake, refrain from starting over repeatedly until you get it right. Take a moment to really figure out exactly what is giving you difficulty and isolate the problem area. Work on it slowly and in small sections--note by note if needed--then begin to put the piece back together. Slowly but surely, it will get better!
6. Tap the rhythm out on the piano lid (or your lap) before playing it on the piano. If a certain rhythm is giving you a hard time, forget about the notes for a minute and just work out the rhythm. Tap the rhythm, using the hands the notes are supposed to be played with, and count out loud while tapping. Once you’ve mastered the rhythm of the music, put it together with the notes on the piano.
7. Lastly, show off your skills! Don’t be bashful about all of your hard work, give a recital for your friends or family once you feel comfortable with a piece. Part of the joy of making music is in sharing it with others, so play away!
In closing, remember that practicing should be an enjoyable experience. Music is about self-expression and inspiration. Sure, inspiration comes and goes. That is when a certain amount of will is required to get through those moments, but as long as you continue to do thoughtful practicing, you will make progress, perhaps without even realizing it! Eventually, you will be rewarded by being able to express yourself more clearly, accomplish difficult pianistic feats, and experience the beauty of making music.
-Joe Backer
Backer Piano Studio offers quality piano instruction in the Cincinnati area.
Click here for more information.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Tips for Piano Students' Parents
Looking back on my own experiences as a piano student, I remember fondly the hours I spent practicing from week to week. My parents never had to set a timer for me to practice my necessary assignments.I eagerly hopped on the bench before and after school, excited to play of my own free will. However, my parents certainly did other subtle things that fueled my love and dedication to music. So for all the parents who are wondering how to constructively participate in your child's musical progress outside of their piano lessons, I hope my insights can be of some help.
Show a genuine interest in what your child is learning in lessons. If you are interested and excited about it, they will be too. Ask your child throughout the week what they're learning; ask them to show you or explain any new concepts. Explaining something is a great way for them to solidify a concept more thoroughly. After they've finished practicing/performing something, ask "What's that you were playing? It's beautiful".
Encourage your child to be in charge of their practice schedule, while keeping an eye on how much they are practicing. Enforcing set times, rigid schedules, or using a timer can create feelings of dread and resentment about practicing. Try to approach your child at all times with the concept that music is about a journey of discovery for them as well as yourself, not a mandatory activity.
If you're not already familiar with basic music history, do a little research online and educate yourself. Then surprise your child with fun historical tidbits about the composers or songs they are playing. Learning about the historical context of musical concepts, styles and details about the composers can often bring the music to life in a new way.
Take time to sit down near the piano and just listen inobtrusively while your child is practicing. Often, knowing someone is listening develops pride, confidence, inspiration, and validation in students. If you show your enjoyment while you listen, this helps to show children the therapeutic benefits of music, and the power of music to touch the musician's and listener's heart.
Last but not least, your attitude about your child's piano lessons and practicing plays a vital role in your child's attitude. They certainly don't want to feel that they are displeasing anyone, most of all their parents. Remember, music is about the more spiritual, subtle, and unseen elements of life; music is many things, but it is not a popularity contest or a competition with anyone else. Any achievement, whether you think it is great or small, should be highly praised and greatly encouraged. There is no official standard or age at which a student should be playing certain pieces. Music is a privilege and an individual journey, so celebrate you and your child's experiences in the musical world.
-Joe Backer
Backer Piano Studio offers quality piano instruction in the Cincinnati area.
Click here for more information.
Show a genuine interest in what your child is learning in lessons. If you are interested and excited about it, they will be too. Ask your child throughout the week what they're learning; ask them to show you or explain any new concepts. Explaining something is a great way for them to solidify a concept more thoroughly. After they've finished practicing/performing something, ask "What's that you were playing? It's beautiful".
Encourage your child to be in charge of their practice schedule, while keeping an eye on how much they are practicing. Enforcing set times, rigid schedules, or using a timer can create feelings of dread and resentment about practicing. Try to approach your child at all times with the concept that music is about a journey of discovery for them as well as yourself, not a mandatory activity.
If you're not already familiar with basic music history, do a little research online and educate yourself. Then surprise your child with fun historical tidbits about the composers or songs they are playing. Learning about the historical context of musical concepts, styles and details about the composers can often bring the music to life in a new way.
Take time to sit down near the piano and just listen inobtrusively while your child is practicing. Often, knowing someone is listening develops pride, confidence, inspiration, and validation in students. If you show your enjoyment while you listen, this helps to show children the therapeutic benefits of music, and the power of music to touch the musician's and listener's heart.
Last but not least, your attitude about your child's piano lessons and practicing plays a vital role in your child's attitude. They certainly don't want to feel that they are displeasing anyone, most of all their parents. Remember, music is about the more spiritual, subtle, and unseen elements of life; music is many things, but it is not a popularity contest or a competition with anyone else. Any achievement, whether you think it is great or small, should be highly praised and greatly encouraged. There is no official standard or age at which a student should be playing certain pieces. Music is a privilege and an individual journey, so celebrate you and your child's experiences in the musical world.
-Joe Backer
Backer Piano Studio offers quality piano instruction in the Cincinnati area.
Click here for more information.
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