Learning to play an instrument comes through practice. But what does practicing actually look like? Here’s a peek.
HOW TO PRACTICE
> Choose a part of the music you do not know and follow these steps order.
> When a step becomes easy go to the next step.
> If a step does not become easier after 6 tries then try going slower and/or break the music down into a smaller chunk.
> If this still doesn’t help then go back to the previous step and master that one before moving on.
PRACTICE STEPS
Steps 1-3 are done each hand alone.
1. Name the notes without using the piano. Write in pencil any notes you do not know.
2. Find the notes on the piano.
3. Choose a fingering for the notes. Write it in pencil in the music. Always use this fingering.
4. Tap and count aloud the right hand part.
5. Play and count aloud right hand alone. After a few repetitions of playing and counting aloud listen for the articulation and phrasing (dynamics). If the music does not sound stunningly beautiful stay where you are and experiment with creating a beautiful tone.
6. Tap and count aloud the left hand part.
7. Play and count aloud left hand alone. After a few repetitions of playing and counting aloud, listen for the articulation and phrasing (dynamics). If the music does not sound stunningly beautiful stay where you are and experiment with creating a beautiful tone.
8. Tap and count aloud hands together.
9. Play and count aloud hands together. After a few repetitions of playing and counting aloud, listen for the articulation and phrasing (dynamics). If the music does not sound stunningly beautiful stay where you are and experiment with creating a beautiful tone.
*If you run into any problems, bring your questions to your next lesson.