The Blog
For many piano players, the metronome is a source of frustration rather than a helpful tool. It seems straightforward: just set the tempo and play along. Yet, in practice, it often feels like the metronome is working against you rather than with you. If you’ve ever struggled to keep up with...
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Keep essential tools at your piano – Always have a metronome, pencil, notebook, and post-its ready to go.
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Plan your practice ahead of time – This ensures you make the most of each session. [Watch this video if you don’t know how.] And make sure you’re realistic. [...
Why Consistency is the Foundation of Learning
Imagine driving to work. When you take the same route every day, it becomes second nature. Your brain remembers the path, and the process requires less effort over time. But if you take a different route daily, it takes much longer to figure out the...
Jumping into advanced piano music too soon can be detrimental to your development. While pieces like Chopin etudes or Beethoven sonatas are tempting, it’s important to progress gradually to avoid setbacks. Here's why:
The Three Dangers of Playing Advanced Music Too Soon
1. Lack of Confident...
Every pianist, knowingly or unknowingly, has encountered a chord progression that forms the backbone of countless musical pieces. Whether you play classical, pop, rock, blues, or jazz, this progression has been your silent companion. It's the 1-4-1-5-7-1 progression—a foundational sequence...
Choosing the right fingering for piano music is one of the most essential steps in learning to play musically. It’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about playing them in a way that feels natural, fluid, and expressive.
Unlike other aspects of piano playing,...
Consistency is the cornerstone of effective piano practice. Without it, your brain struggles to retain and recall information from one session to the next. Today, I’m going to share a transformative secret that will revolutionize the way you approach your practice. And before you roll your...
Many piano players unknowingly make these common mistakes, which hold them back from playing chords effortlessly and beautifully. Let’s identify the three worst mistakes and learn how to correct them for smoother, more confident playing.
1. Improper Positioning
The Mistake:
- Playing chords...
Understanding major key signatures is essential for improving sight-reading skills, learning new pieces more efficiently, and deepening your overall grasp of music. By following these three simple steps, you can memorize all major key signatures and elevate your piano-playing skills.
Step 1:...
We're diving into how to master playing triplets quickly and smoothly. Often, when someone struggles with triplets, there are two main issues at play. We'll address each one, so in just two steps, you'll be able to 10x your triplets.
Step One: Get the Rhythm Right
The first step to playing...