“Piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn.”

Every pianist has heard this before.Even though piano is a beginner friendly instrument, the more you advance the more you realise how difficult it really is.

Most people will only tell you about the easy things, yet are reluctant to talk about the hard parts.

The phrase implies that piano is not a hard instrument to tackle, but could not be farther from the truth for more advanced pianists.

What the phrase actually means is that learning piano is easier than other instruments due to the fact that when you press a key, it makes a sound.

Whereas other instruments, specifically wind instruments, there is a specific way in which you create a sound.

Let’s take a violin for example, there is a special technique for finger placement and how to use the bow to produce a desired sound.

If not done correctly, it creates a harsh and jarring cacophony. Which is not the same with a piano, but this is where most get it wrong.

There is a technique to pressing down keys to create a better sound, yet not many know this.

This article will uncover things about learning the piano that no one tells you about.

What Makes Learning Piano Difficult?

Do not let the piano fool you with its enthralling beauty and sound. Here are some of the top things that make learning the piano challenging.

Individual Finger Dexterity and Control

Challenge: Individual finger dexterity and control refers to the ability to move each finger independently and with precision, allowing for fine motor control and coordination.

It enables a pianist to play each note smoothly and accurately, with each being of the same duration. The pianist should be in control of each finger independently, being able to execute fast and complex movements without error.

Why it’s difficult: The difficulty lies in each finger not being as strong or competent equally. Weaker fingers, such as the pinkie and ring finger, do not have the same strength or agility to keep up with the other fingers.

It can lead to faulty playing and some notes having different durations than others. It also makes it harder to progress to more challenging pieces because of the lack of basic skills.

How to overcome it: Regularly do finger exercises that focus on strengthening each finger individually. Incorporate staccato finger exercises to your practise to make it more challenging.

Reading Sheet Music

Challenge: The ability to read and perform music from sheet music, without preparation is called sight reading. The challenge is to do so but without fault or error, while still maintaining emotion and expression while playing.

Why it’s difficult: You already have to focus on playing different things for each hand, now there is another element to focus on; sight reading.

Sight reading requires a good hand to eye coordination where you must quickly be able to read the music while also playing it. You cannot rely on memory to help you and it is difficult to focus on all the musical notations that accompany it.

How to overcome it: Sight reading is something you have to do as often as possible, as consistently as possible. Just like any skill, the more you do it, the more you will improve. Start slowly with easy sheet music, forcing yourself to keep a steady flow throughout the piece.

As you advance, you can add speed and take on more complex pieces. It is important to know that you should not compromise good playing just for the sake of being able to play more challenging pieces, since it can lead to creating bad habits.

Hand Coordination

Challenge: It refers to the synchronising of both hands to play complex music simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, fluidity and control.

Each hand has a different role to play. In most cases, the right hand plays the melody while the left one plays the accompaniment. Hand coordination requires both hands to play different things at the same time.

Why it’s difficult: Playing both hands together while each is playing something different requires a lot of mental focus, which can be quite tiresome. It can be hard to learn hand independence since most people’s hands are naturally dependent on each other.

Strain and tension can arise in the wrists and hands, preventing smooth and fluid notes. All these hurdles and obstacles can be discouraging, making it harder to find the motivation and discipline needed to continue.

How to overcome it: Start by practising slowly, focusing on getting everything right before adding speed. Use a metronome to help set a rhythm and speed to ensure the timing stays the same throughout the whole piece.

If one hand is particularly struggling, practise each hand separately.

Cultivating a Solid Sense of Rhythm and Timing

Challenge: To develop the ability to perceive and execute rhythmic patterns flawlessly, keeping a steady tempo throughout.

Why it’s difficult: To some people, rhythm does not come naturally and is a skill they need to learn. Some music pieces have complex rhythms and unnatural beats which makes it hard for the pianist to keep up and stay consistent.

How to overcome it: Practise with a metronome to focus on the beat, gradually increasing the speed as you become better and more comfortable. Break up complex phrases into smaller parts, practising the challenging segments over and over until you get it right.

Conclusion

Piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn, but it does not stay easy the more you advance.

This article should not scare you away, but rather enlighten you that there is a cost to wanting to be good at piano.

Just like there is a cost to everything good in life.

Learning something new is always challenging and improving on something is even harder, but sometimes the reward is worth all the pain.

What challenges are you choosing?

One of the most crucial elements of expressive piano playing is voicing—the art of making a melody stand out clearly above the accompaniment.

Whether you’re playing classical pieces, jazz improvisations, or pop arrangements, voicing helps create a more natural, vocal-like quality in your playing.

Without proper voicing, even the most beautiful melodies can get lost within the harmonic texture, making the performance sound muddy or unclear.

Imagine a singer performing a song. The melody is what captivates the audience, while the harmonies and accompaniment provide support.

In the same way, pianists must ensure that the melody is always the star, supported by a well-balanced background.

The challenge lies in developing control over different layers of sound while maintaining expressiveness and fluidity in the music.

In this article, we’ll explore a simple but effective VOICING strategy to make your melody sing.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these techniques will help bring out the musicality in your performance, making your melodies more engaging and expressive.

What is Voicing in Piano Playing?

Voicing refers to the balance between different layers of sound in a piece of music.

The goal is to ensure that the melody is heard clearly over the accompaniment without overpowering it.

Many pianists struggle with this balance, either making the accompaniment too loud or failing to bring out the melody with enough definition.

Good voicing requires control, finger independence, and intentional phrasing.

By training your hands and ears, you can develop the ability to highlight the melody while keeping other elements in the background.

It’s not just about playing the melody louder—it’s about shaping the sound to create depth, contrast, and emotion.

The VOICING Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

The VOICING strategy is a systematic approach to improving your control over melody lines. Follow these steps to refine your playing:

1. Isolate Your Melody

Before adding harmony or accompaniment, play the melody alone. This allows you to focus on its natural shape and phrasing.

Imagine a singer performing it:

• Where would they breathe?
• Which notes would they emphasise?
• Would they use vibrato or dynamic changes?

Exercise:

• Play the melody with a singing quality, exaggerating phrasing and dynamics.
• Experiment with different touches—legato for smoothness, staccato for articulation.
• Record yourself and listen to the phrasing. Does it sound natural and expressive?

2. Balance Melody & Accompaniment

A common issue in piano playing is an overly loud accompaniment that competes with the melody. To fix this, practise playing the melody louder while keeping the left hand softer.

Techniques:

• Ghosting: Play the left-hand accompaniment almost silently while emphasizing the right-hand melody.
• Hand Separation Practise: Play only the melody at first, then add the accompaniment with reduced volume.
• Weight Distribution: Use more arm weight on the melody notes and a lighter touch on the accompaniment.

Exercise:

• Play a simple piece and exaggerate the difference between melody and accompaniment.
• Use a decibel meter or recording to check the balance.

3. Develop a Nuanced Touch

Melody shaping is not just about playing louder—it’s about dynamic contrast and articulation.

Here’s how to refine your touch:

• Use crescendo and decrescendo to shape phrases.
• Highlight important notes with a subtle increase in pressure.
• Use rubato (slight tempo variations) for expressiveness.

Exercise:

• Play a simple melody and exaggerate the dynamics, then refine them into a natural flow.
• Experiment with finger legato to connect notes smoothly.

4. Practise with Different Textures

Different pieces require different voicing techniques. Try these:

• Classical Music: Often requires a strong but controlled melody over intricate left-hand passages.
• Jazz & Blues: Focuses on voicing within chords, bringing out certain notes over others.
• Pop & Contemporary: Often requires a delicate touch to bring out lyrical melodies.

Exercise:

• Take a piece from different genres and apply the voicing strategy.
• Record yourself to compare and adjust accordingly.

5. Sing the Melody While Playing

One of the best ways to internalise voicing is to sing the melody while playing. This helps you connect emotionally with the phrasing and dynamics.

Exercise:

• Hum or sing the melody while playing the accompaniment softly.
• Try to match the expressiveness of your singing with your playing.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Overpowering Accompaniment

Solution: Use a lighter touch, ghost notes, or separate hand practise.

2. Flat, Expressionless Melody

Solution: Add dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.

3. Inconsistent Voicing Across a Piece

Solution: Record yourself and adjust as needed.

Advanced Voicing Techniques

For those looking to take their voicing skills to the next level, consider these techniques:

• Thumb Lightness: In many melodies, the thumb plays key roles. Keeping it light can improve phrasing.
• Chord Voicing: When playing block chords, emphasise the melody note within the chord.
• Pedal Control: Using the sustain pedal effectively can help smooth transitions while maintaining clarity.

Exercise:

• Play a piece with chords and experiment with bringing out the top note.
• Practise melody voicing with different hand positions and articulations.

Conclusion

Mastering voicing is a journey that requires patience and practise. By isolating your melody, balancing dynamics, developing a nuanced touch, and applying different textures, you can make your piano playing more expressive and engaging.

The VOICING strategy provides a structured approach to achieving this goal, helping you make your melodies truly sing.

Start incorporating these techniques into your daily practise, and soon, your playing will resonate with greater clarity and emotion.

Happy practising!

Related article:

• Creating jazz piano voicings for the adult beginner
  

Mastering thumb technique is essential for pianists to achieve control, fluidity, and a dynamic range in their playing.

The thumb plays a pivotal role in connecting phrases, transitioning between notes, and enabling smooth passagework, particularly in scales, arpeggios, and chord transitions.

While it might seem like the thumb should naturally fall into place, many pianists struggle with “the thumb problem,” an issue rooted in anatomy, dexterity, and coordination.

This article will explore tips for instantly improving your thumb technique, drawing insights from several renowned teachers and pianists.

1: The Anatomy and Shape of the Thumb: The ‘O’ Shape with Boris Berman

Boris Berman, a renowned pianist and pedagogue, emphasises understanding the natural shape of the thumb and its role in hand positioning.

One of his key ideas is that the thumb, along with the index finger (finger 2), should naturally form an “O” shape when relaxed.

This shape reflects the optimal positioning of the thumb when playing, allowing for both strength and flexibility in movement.

The thumb, unlike other fingers, is more robust but lacks the same level of independence due to its shared muscular control with the other fingers.

Berman’s approach focuses on maintaining this natural curve and avoiding unnecessary tension.

When you see your thumb aligned in this ‘O’ shape, you know that you’re using the thumb in its most efficient form.

Applying the ‘O’ Shape in Practise

To apply this concept, try a simple exercise:

• Relax your hand and allow your thumb and index finger to form a gentle circle.
• Press lightly with your thumb, focusing on the point where it makes contact with the keys.
• Ensure that your wrist and hand remain relaxed, avoiding any stiffness or gripping.
• Repeat this motion while moving your thumb between notes, maintaining the natural ‘O’ shape.

This technique helps avoid overextending or collapsing the thumb, which is a common cause of tension and inefficient playing.

2: Exercises for the Thumb Joint with Seymour Bernstein

Seymour Bernstein, a highly respected teacher, focuses on the mobility of the thumb joint, which is crucial for smooth transitions and avoiding strain.

The thumb joint must be flexible enough to allow movement, but strong enough to support fast passages. Bernstein highlights the importance of strengthening the thumb joint while ensuring it remains relaxed and free from tension.

Thumb Joint Strengthening Exercises

One of Bernstein’s go-to exercises for improving thumb mobility is a repetitive motion designed to strengthen the thumb joint:

• Place your thumb on a single key, gently pressing down.
• Without moving the rest of your hand, allow your thumb to “rock” back and forth, focusing on the joint’s movement.
• Repeat this slowly at first, increasing speed as the motion becomes more natural.

This exercise builds strength and control in the thumb joint, promoting flexibility without sacrificing stability.

When done consistently, it also helps prevent injuries from repetitive strain.

3: The In-and-Out Hanon Exercise with Penelope Roskell

Penelope Roskell, known for her work in piano health and injury prevention, stresses the importance of hand movement in relation to thumb technique.

Her “in-and-out” approach to exercises like Hanon helps pianists avoid over-stretching the thumb and encourages a natural flow during passagework.

Rather than keeping the thumb rigidly in place, Roskell advocates for subtle hand movements that bring the thumb in and out of the keybed as necessary.

How to Practise the In-and-Out Movement

The next time you practise Hanon exercises or any repetitive scale-like patterns, try the following:

• When playing passages where the thumb needs to cross under or over the other fingers, allow your hand to naturally adjust by moving inwards and outwards.
• Avoid stretching your thumb out too far; instead, think of your thumb as part of a larger hand movement.
• Focus on the fluidity of this motion rather than the speed, and try to play with as little tension as possible.

This in-and-out movement promotes flexibility and reduces the strain often associated with difficult thumb crossings, allowing for smoother, faster playing.

4: The Thumb Fan Exercise for Arpeggios with Dominic Cheli

Arpeggios present a unique challenge for the thumb due to their wide intervals and rapid movements.

Dominic Cheli’s “Thumb Fan Exercise” helps pianists develop greater dexterity in the thumb by focusing on controlled, sweeping motions during arpeggios.

Cheli emphasises that the thumb should act like a pivot point, helping the hand fan out over the keyboard while remaining stable.

Thumb Fan Exercise for Arpeggios

Here’s how you can practise Cheli’s Thumb Fan Exercise:

• Start with a simple C-major arpeggio, slowly moving your thumb across the keys.
• As you transition from one note to the next, allow your thumb to lead the movement, guiding your hand while your fingers “fan” across the keyboard.
• Make sure the thumb remains relaxed and that you aren’t pressing down too hard on the keys.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the fanning motion.

This exercise helps develop a more relaxed and fluid thumb motion, particularly useful in arpeggios and large interval leaps.

5: A Few More Thumb Puns (and Mozart!)

Mozart’s music is known for its intricate passages and fast-paced runs, which require a deft thumb technique.

In many of his pieces, the thumb plays a pivotal role in ensuring that passages are played smoothly and without interruption.

One “thumb pun” you can use is thinking of your thumb as the “glue” that holds phrases together.

When practising Mozart, or any similar repertoire, try to think of your thumb as the connecting link between notes.

Rather than focusing solely on speed, focus on how your thumb moves between phrases and how it helps maintain a consistent flow.

This mindset shift can greatly improve how you approach thumb technique in faster passages.

Fun Thumb Puns for Practise Motivation

• “Thumbs up for a better arpeggio!”
• “Give your thumb a round of applause—it’s doing all the heavy lifting!”
• “Don’t thumb your nose at a tough passage—let your thumb guide you through it!”

These puns can serve as fun reminders of the importance of thumb technique while lightening the mood during practise sessions.

Improving your thumb technique is essential for any pianist looking to enhance their playing.

By focusing on the natural anatomy of the thumb, as Boris Berman suggests, and incorporating exercises from teachers like Seymour Bernstein, Penelope Roskell, and Dominic Cheli, you can develop a more fluid and relaxed thumb motion.

Remember, the thumb plays a vital role in passagework, arpeggios, and scale transitions—so treat it with care!

With consistent practise and attention to these tips, you’ll find that your thumb technique improves almost instantly.

Learning to play the piano by ear is a valuable skill that can enhance your musical abilities, allowing you to play songs without relying on sheet music.

While some musicians are naturally gifted with the ability to pick up tunes by ear, this skill can be developed and honed with practice and dedication.

In this article, we’ll explore the steps and strategies you can use to start playing the piano by ear, helping you develop a deeper connection with music and increasing your overall musicianship.

1. Understanding What It Means to Play by Ear

Playing by ear involves listening to a piece of music and then reproducing it on your instrument without the aid of written music.

This skill requires a strong sense of pitch and rhythm and the ability to identify intervals and chords.

While some may associate playing by ear with improvisation, it also includes the ability to replicate existing pieces of music after hearing them.

Developing the ability to play by ear enhances your musicianship in several ways:

Improved Musical Memory: When you play by ear, you’re engaging your memory, which helps reinforce your understanding of musical patterns and structures.

Enhanced Listening Skills: By focusing on the sounds you hear, you’ll become more attuned to the nuances in music, such as dynamics, articulation, and tone.

Increased Creativity: Playing by ear encourages improvisation and experimentation, allowing you to express yourself more freely.

2. Start with Simple Tunes

If you’re new to playing by ear, start with simple, familiar tunes.

Childhood songs, folk melodies, or popular tunes that you know well are ideal because they typically have straightforward melodies and simple harmonic structures.

Here’s how to begin:

Listen Carefully: Play the tune several times, paying attention to the melody and the rhythm. Hum or sing along to internalise the melody.

Identify the Key: Try to determine the key of the piece by finding the tonic (the “home” note or chord) that the music seems to resolve to. This is usually the note or chord that sounds the most stable or at rest.

Play the Melody: Using your ear, find the starting note of the melody on the piano. Then, try to play the melody note by note, relying on your ear to guide you. As you practise, you’ll become more adept at finding the right notes and chords, and you’ll start to recognise common musical patterns, such as scales and intervals.

3. Practise Identifying Intervals

One of the key skills in playing by ear is the ability to recognise intervals—the distance between two notes.

Intervals are the building blocks of melodies and chords, and being able to identify them by ear is essential for recreating music.

To practise interval recognition:

Start with Simple Intervals: Begin by identifying simple intervals like a major third or perfect fifth. Play these intervals on the piano and sing or hum them to internalise the sound.

Use Reference Songs: Many musicians use well-known songs as references for intervals. For example, the interval of a perfect fourth can be associated with the beginning of “Here Comes the Bride”, and a major third with “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In”.

Test Yourself: Have a friend or teacher play intervals for you while you try to identify them by ear. Alternatively, use interval training apps or online tools to practise on your own. With consistent practice, you’ll start to recognise intervals more quickly, making it easier to pick out melodies and harmonies by ear.

4. Learn Basic Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that form the harmonic foundation of a piece of music.

Most popular songs use relatively simple and predictable progressions, which makes them easier to identify by ear.

To develop your ear for chords:

Familiarise Yourself with Common Progressions: Learn and practise common chord progressions, such as the I-IV-V-I (tonic-subdominant-dominant-tonic) progression, which is found in countless songs. Another popular progression is the I-V-vi-IV, used in many pop songs.

Listen for Bass Notes: The bass line often outlines the chord progression, so try to pick out the lowest notes you hear. These notes usually correspond to the root of the chord being played.

Identify Chord Qualities: Once you have the bass notes, try to determine the quality of the chord (major, minor, diminished, augmented, etc). You can do this by listening to the overall mood of the chord or by trying to match it on the piano. As you become more comfortable with recognising chord progressions, you’ll find it easier to accompany melodies and even create your own arrangements.

5. Transcribe Music by Ear

Transcribing music—writing down a piece of music you’ve heard—is an excellent way to develop your ear and reinforce your understanding of musical structure.

Even if you don’t write it down formally, the act of figuring out a piece by ear is a form of transcription.

To transcribe by ear:

Choose a Piece to Transcribe: Start with a piece that is relatively simple and that you enjoy. Listen to it repeatedly until you’re familiar with the melody and harmony.

Work in Sections: Break the piece down into small sections and focus on transcribing one section at a time. This approach makes the task more manageable and allows you to focus on accuracy.

Use the Piano to Assist:

As you listen, try to play along on the piano. Match the notes and chords to what you hear. If you’re unsure about a specific note or chord, try different possibilities until you find the correct one. Over time, transcribing music will become easier, and you’ll find that your ability to play by ear improves as well.

6. Practise Regularly and Be Patient

Like any skill, playing by ear takes time to develop. Regular practice is essential, so try to incorporate ear training into your daily practice routine.

Set aside time to work on specific ear training exercises, such as interval recognition, chord identification, and transcribing music.

Be patient with yourself. Progress may be slow at first, but with consistent effort, you’ll notice improvement.

Celebrate small victories along the way, like successfully figuring out a melody or identifying a chord progression.

7. Use Technology to Aid Your Practise

There are many tools and apps available that can help you develop your ear and practise playing by ear.

Ear training apps, such as Tenuto, EarMaster, and Perfect Ear, offer exercises for recognising intervals, chords, scales, and rhythms.

You can also use slow-down software or apps like Transcribe or Amazing Slow Downer to slow down recordings of songs, making it easier to pick out notes and chords.

8. Play with Other Musicians

Playing with other musicians, especially in informal settings like jam sessions, can be incredibly beneficial for developing your ear.

When you play with others, you have to listen carefully, adapt to the music, and often figure out your part on the spot.

Playing in a group also helps you develop a sense of timing, rhythm, and dynamics, all of which are important for playing by ear.

9. Experiment and Improvise

Don’t be afraid to experiment and improvise at the piano.

Try playing familiar tunes in different keys or changing the rhythm and harmonies.

Improvisation encourages you to rely on your ear and helps you develop a deeper understanding of music theory and structure.

10. Stay Motivated and Enjoy the Process

Finally, remember to enjoy the process of learning to play by ear. This skill opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to play music freely and creatively.

Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals, and take pleasure in the music you create.

Learning to play the piano by ear is a rewarding journey that enhances your overall musicianship.

By following these steps and practising regularly, you’ll develop the ability to play the music you love by ear, enriching your musical experience and deepening your connection to the piano.

As a pianist, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, it’s essential to revisit the fundamental skills and techniques that underpin your playing.

Take a step back and get back to basics with your piano playing—it’s the perfect way to revitalise your practice and take your playing to new heights!

Why Go Back to Basics?

Even experienced pianists can benefit from going back to basics. Revisiting fundamental skills and techniques offers a multitude of advantages, ensuring continuous growth and development as a musician:

Refine Your Technique and Eliminate Bad Habits

Over time, even seasoned pianists can develop subtle bad habits that may hinder their performance.

Returning to the basics allows you to identify and correct these issues, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient technique.

Focusing on proper hand position, finger placement, and posture can help you play more comfortably and avoid strain or injury.

Enhancing Your Musicality and Expression

Focusing on phrasing, dynamics, and articulation nuances is crucial for expressive playing.

By revisiting these foundational elements, you can deepen your understanding of how to shape a musical line, create contrast, and convey emotion through your playing.

This attention to detail enriches your performance, making it more compelling and engaging for your audience.

Expand Your Knowledge and Understanding of Music Theory

A solid grasp of music theory is essential for interpreting and performing music effectively.

Revisiting basic theory concepts can help you see familiar pieces in a new light, allowing you to uncover deeper structural elements and relationships within the music.

This expanded knowledge aids in memorisation, sight-reading, and improvisation, making you a more versatile and informed musician.

Improve Your Creativity and Improvisational Skills

Developing a deeper understanding of harmony and form can significantly enhance your ability to improvise and compose.

By revisiting fundamental theory and practising improvisation within simple harmonic structures, you build a toolkit of creative resources.

This foundation enables you to experiment more freely and confidently, fostering originality and innovation in your music-making.

Rekindle Your Passion for Playing the Piano

Returning to basics can reignite the excitement and curiosity that you felt as a beginner.

Exploring new techniques, pieces, and concepts can bring a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm for the instrument.

This sense of discovery keeps your practice sessions enjoyable and motivates you to continue growing as a pianist.

By going back to basics, you reinforce the essential skills that support advanced playing. This approach not only helps to maintain high standards of performance but also inspires ongoing learning and exploration in your musical journey.

Exercises to refresh and rejuvenate your piano skills

Finger Independence

Begin by positioning your hand relaxed on the keyboard, ensuring your fingers are gently curled over the keys. To start the exercise, lift each finger one at a time while keeping the other fingers stationary.

Focus on moving each finger individually, which will help isolate the movement and enhance your control.

Repeat this action multiple times for each finger. This exercise is beneficial for loosening up your fingers and improving their flexibility.

It also aids in increasing dexterity and can be particularly useful in preventing stiffness or strain, especially for those who spend prolonged periods typing.

As a pianist, I find it essential to have excellent finger independence.

Numerous useful exercises are also available, such as pressing down CDEFG and then playing combinations of notes randomly while holding the other fingers down. This will certainly assist with finger independence.

Take care never to overdo anything that can result in injuries.

Make sure to stay loose throughout with just enough tension for the sound to be created!

Practice Scales and Arpeggios in all Twelve Keys

Practising scales and arpeggios throughout the circle of fifths is an ideal way to reconnect with the piano and ensure the basics are well covered. It will give you a sense of the key and an amazing feel for the geographical areas of the various keys on the piano keyboard.

I would advise practising majors and minors (inc. natural, melodic and harmonic) throughout all twelve keys.

On the arpeggios side, I recommend working out major, minor, diminished, and augmented arpeggios throughout all twelve keys.

You will be surprised at how your power of musical understanding increases as you develop a more keen feel for the sound and geographical locations of theses various scales and arpeggios throughout the keys!

It really reconnects you both melodically and harmonically to the instrument!

Rhythm Exercises

Engage in rhythm exercises by playing along with a metronome, using various time signatures such as 3/4 and 4/4. Begin by setting the metronome to a slow tempo, ensuring that you maintain accuracy and control.

Focus on keeping a steady beat and synchronising your playing with the metronome’s ticks. To establish a solid foundation, start with simple rhythms, such as quarter notes or half notes.

As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo in small increments. Introduce more complex rhythms, including eighth notes, triplets, and syncopations, to challenge your sense of timing and coordination. Experiment with different time signatures to broaden your rhythmic skills and adaptability.

Practising with a metronome improves your timing and enhances your ability to play in ensemble settings, where precise rhythm is crucial.

Ear Training Exercises

Improve your ear training by listening to recordings of famous pianists and attempting to mimic their playing by singing or humming along with the music.

This practice helps you internalise the nuances of their performances and develop a keen sense of pitch and rhythm.

Focus on capturing the subtleties of their phrasing, dynamics, and articulation, as these elements contribute significantly to their unique sound.

Additionally, try singing popular songs or classical pieces to enhance your ear-training skills.

This exercise encourages you to recognise melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions, essential for developing a well-rounded musical ear.

You can, of course, also practice recognising intervals.

An ideal way to do this is to use your smartphone to record a bunch of intervals and see if you can recognise them.

So record a set of major and minor thirds both melodically and harmonically and see if you can actually answer them correctly.

You can play the interval, leave a space and then say the interval. During the space, when you play it back, you can then say what the interval is, and then you will hear from the recording whether you are correct or not.

This is far better than any app as you connect directly with the piano and also make a recording by yourself. All this will help you get the basics and fundamentals of music-making rock solid!

Practise Slowly

When practising, start by playing slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to accurate finger placement, hand position, and overall relaxation.

This methodical approach allows you to build a solid foundation and correct any technical issues before they become habits.

Focus on playing each note clearly and maintaining a consistent tone, ensuring that your movements are precise and controlled.

As you become more comfortable with the piece, gradually increase the tempo in small increments. This gradual progression helps you maintain accuracy and control as you speed up, preventing tension and mistakes.

Additional Tips

Practise Pedalling Techniques

Pedalling techniques are essential for achieving nuanced dynamics and expression in your playing.

Practise using different pedalling techniques, such as sustain, sostenuto, and una corda. These techniques allow you to manipulate the sound and resonance of the piano, adding depth and richness to your performance.

By refining your pedalling skills, you can master the art of blending notes smoothly and creating a seamless legato or achieving crisp staccato effects when needed.

Work on Your Sight-Reading Skills

Sight-reading is an indispensable skill for all pianists.

Practise sight-reading exercises to enhance your ability to read music quickly and accurately.

Set aside dedicated time in your practice sessions to work on sight-reading pieces of varying difficulty levels.

This practice not only improves your sight-reading proficiency but also expands your repertoire by enabling you to learn new pieces more efficiently.

Additionally, sight-reading exercises challenge your musical interpretation and strengthen your overall musicianship.

Record Yourself

Recording yourself playing can be a valuable tool for identifying areas of improvement in your technique. Listen back to your recordings and make notes on what you need to work on.

Pay attention to aspects such as dynamics, timing, and phrasing. This self-assessment allows you to track your progress over time and tailor your practice sessions to address specific areas that require attention.

Recording yourself regularly can significantly enhance your self-awareness as a pianist and accelerate your overall improvement.

Conclusion

Going back to basics is essential for pianists of all levels to maintain and improve their skills.

By revisiting the fundamental skills and techniques that underpin our playing, we can refine our technique, enhance our musicality, and reignite our passion for playing the piano.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an advanced player seeking to refine your skills, going back to basics can help you achieve your goals.

So take a step back, revisit the fundamentals, and discover a new level of passion and enjoyment for playing the piano!

Stefan Joubert: When did you start playing the piano and why?

Xinyue: I started playing the piano at the age of 4. My parents quickly noticed my fascination with the piano. They saw that I had an ear for music and an unusual sense of rhythm for my age. They decided to nurture my budding talent by enrolling me in piano lessons.

Stefan Joubert: What is your worst memory as a piano student?

Xinyue: It was a warm summer evening, and the concert hall was filled with eager and expectant faces. I had been preparing for this piano recital for months, pouring my heart and soul into the music. My family and friends were in the audience, and the pressure was high. As I walked onto the stage, the grand piano gleaming under the spotlight, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I took my seat, adjusted the bench, and took a deep breath. The moment had arrived. The first notes of the piece sounded bright and promising. The audience was in rapt attention. But as I progressed through the performance, something went awry. My fingers, which had been so reliable in practice, began to falter. The intricate passages that I had mastered suddenly felt foreign, and I struggled to maintain the rhythm and tempo. The more I tried to correct my mistakes, the worse they became. I could feel the eyes of the audience on me, and the anxiety built with each wrong note. It was as if the piano had turned into a daunting adversary, and I was losing the battle. By the time I reached the climax of the piece, it had become a series of disjointed, dissonant notes. I could hear whispers in the audience and the uneasy shifting of seats. I was overwhelmed with a sense of humiliation and disappointment. As I reached the final note, the silence in the hall was deafening. I stood up, bowed, and hurried off the stage, my face flushed with embarrassment. Backstage, I couldn’t hold back the tears. The sense of failure was crushing. While this memory is a painful one, it’s important to remember that even the most accomplished pianists can face moments of failure. What’s crucial is how they choose to learn from these experiences and use them to grow and improve as musicians.

Stefan Joubert: How do you choose the repertoire for your students?

Xinyue: I would take a thoughtful and individualised approach to ensure that the pieces I choose align with each student’s skill level, interests, and learning objectives. Here’s how I might go about it:

1. Assessment of Skill Level: I would start by assessing each student’s current skill level. This includes evaluating their technical abilities, sight-reading skills, and understanding of music theory.
2. Consider Student Preferences: It’s important to consider the student’s musical preferences. I would ask them about the styles and genres of music they enjoy. This helps to keep them engaged and motivated.
3. Balancing Challenges: I would choose pieces that strike a balance between being challenging and manageable. The repertoire should be neither too easy nor too difficult. It should be a stretch for the student but within their capabilities.
4. Progression: I would plan a progression of pieces that gradually increase in difficulty. This ensures that students continuously develop their skills and have a sense of achievement with each new piece they learn.
5. Incorporate Variety: To keep the learning experience interesting and well-rounded, I would incorporate a variety of musical styles, time periods, and composers. This exposure can expand their musical horizons.
6. Educational Goals: I would align the choice of repertoire with the specific educational goals of the student. For example, if a student is preparing for an exam or competition, I would select pieces that fit those requirements.
7. Challenging Weaknesses: If a student has specific technical weaknesses or areas that need improvement, I would select repertoire that targets those areas to help them grow as a pianist.
8. Provide Opportunities for Expression: I would also choose pieces that allow students to express themselves and convey emotions through their playing. This helps develop their interpretive and artistic skills.
9. Listening and Analysis: I would encourage students to listen to recordings of the chosen pieces and analyse the music. This helps them understand the context and interpretation better.
10. Regularly Review and Adjust: Repertoire choices are not set in stone. I would regularly review the progress of my students and make adjustments as necessary. If they have mastered a piece, it’s time to move on to the next challenge.

By taking this comprehensive and personalised approach to repertoire selection, I would aim to create a positive and effective learning experience for each of my students, tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.

Stefan Joubert: What is the most valuable advice you were given as a student?

Xinyue: Invent Stories: Consider the possibility that your piano playing can evoke stories from the past. What tales or scenes could your music be telling? Create your own narratives and convey them through your playing.

Stefan Joubert: What do you think could prevent a pianist from becoming as successful as he could be?

Xinyue: Maybe Inflexibility and Resistance to Change: Stubbornly sticking to one way of playing or being resistant to feedback and new approaches can limit a pianist’s growth. Career Choice: While a love for piano music is important, some pianists might not pursue a career in music due to practical considerations, which could limit their opportunities for success in the music industry. Over-specialisation: Focusing solely on piano and neglecting other aspects of musicianship, like composition or music production, can limit a pianist’s potential avenues for success.

 

Stefan Joubert: How do you deal with technical difficulties?

Xinyue: I employ several strategies to overcome challenges and improve my skills:

1: Isolate the Problem: When facing a technical issue in a specific passage or technique, I isolate that section and practice it separately from the rest of the piece. Focusing on the problem area allows me to address it more effectively.

2: Practice Rhythmic Variations: To enhance my rhythmic control, I experiment with different rhythmic patterns while practicing. This helps me tackle complex rhythms more confidently in the actual piece.

3: Visualisation: When not at the piano, I mentally visualise the passages or techniques I’m working on. This mental practice can reinforce muscle memory and improve overall performance.

Stefan Joubert: What is the most valuable tip you would give someone who is about to give his or her first public performance?

Xinyue: The most valuable tip I would give is to “embrace nerves and focus on the music.”

Here’s what I mean:

1. Embrace Nerves: Feeling nervous before a performance is entirely normal and even experienced musicians still get nervous. Instead of trying to suppress these feelings, acknowledge and embrace them. Nervousness can actually be a positive force, adding an edge of excitement and energy to your performance. Remember, the audience is rooting for you, and they want you to succeed.

2. Practice Performance: As part of your preparation, practice performing in front of others. Play for family members, friends, or in front of a small audience. This will help you get used to the feeling of performing under some pressure and simulate the performance environment.

3. Forgive Imperfections: Understand that mistakes happen, even to the best performers. If you make a small slip, don’t dwell on it. Keep going and maintain your focus on the music. Most audience members won’t notice minor errors, and they are more interested in the overall performance. By embracing nerves and keeping your focus on the music, you can give a memorable and enjoyable performance, leaving a positive impression on both yourself and your audience.

Good luck!

Stefan Joubert: When you listen to someone else’s performance, what matters the most to you?

Xinyue: When I listen to someone else’s performance, several aspects matter the most to me:

1: Tone and Touch: The pianist’s tone production and touch on the keys are essential. A rich, warm, and varied tone, coupled with sensitivity to the music’s dynamics, can bring out the full potential of the instrument.

2: Phrasing and Articulation: I listen for how the pianist shapes phrases and articulates individual notes. Skilful phrasing can add nuance and elegance to the performance, making the music more engaging and expressive.

3: Balance and Pedalling: The pianist’s control of balance between melody and accompaniment and their judicious use of the pedal are crucial. Proper pedalling can create a sense of depth and resonance in the music. Overall, I value performances that not only showcase technical prowess but also convey a genuine passion for the music and a strong desire to communicate and share the beauty of the repertoire with the listeners.

Stefan Joubert: What is the most common mistake you see among beginners?

Xinyue: As a piano teacher, the most common mistake I see among beginners is improper hand and finger positioning.

Here’s why it’s a significant issue:

1: Tension and Inefficiency: Beginners often tense up their hands and fingers while playing, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency in their playing technique. This tension hinders fluidity and can cause fatigue during practice sessions.

2: Limited Range of Motion: When beginners don’t position their hands properly, their fingers might not have the necessary range of motion to navigate the keyboard effectively. This limitation can hinder their ability to play more complex pieces as they progress.

3: Difficulty with Hand Independence: Hand and finger positioning are critical for developing hand independence – the ability to play different rhythms and melodies with each hand simultaneously. Without a solid foundation in hand positioning, this skill becomes harder to achieve. As a piano teacher, I emphasise the importance of correct hand and finger positioning from the very beginning. I guide my students on how to position their hands comfortably and relaxedly, with rounded fingers and proper arches. This foundational aspect helps them develop a strong technical base and sets them up for success as they progress in their piano journey. Regular reminders and exercises to reinforce proper hand positioning are crucial in overcoming this common mistake among beginners.

Stefan Joubert: What are your favourite pianos and why?

Xinyue: My favourite piano definitely would be Steinway & Sons because Steinway pianos are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and rich, expressive sound. They have a warm and resonant tone that is highly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles and genres. Playing on a Steinway gives me a sense of connection to a long tradition of great pianists and musicians who have embraced this iconic instrument.

A short tip: Embrace mistakes as stepping stones to greatness. Each wrong note is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your artistry.

 

As a musician, learning how to play the piano is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. But, simply being able to play the notes on the page is not enough – it is equally important to understand and interpret the music you are performing. Understanding and interpreting your piano music allows you to bring your own unique flair and personality to a piece, and helps you to connect with the music on a deeper level.

So, What Does It Mean To Understand And Interpret Piano Music?

To understand a piece of music, you need to have a basic knowledge of its structure and form. This includes understanding the time signature, key signature, and phrasing. It also involves becoming knowledgable on the style and genre of the music, as well as any historical or cultural context that may be relevant.

Interpreting a piece of music goes beyond simply understanding its structure and form. It involves bringing your own artistic interpretation, and making it your own. This involves considering the emotional content and finding ways to convey that emotion through your performance. It also involves making decisions about how to phrase the music, how to shape the dynamics, and how to bring out the various musical elements in the piece.

So, Why Is Understanding And Interpreting Your Piano Music Important?

1. It allows you to fully express yourself through your music. By understanding and interpreting the music you are playing, you are able to bring your own unique flair and personality to the piece. This allows you to fully express yourself and to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
2. When you understand and interpret a piece of music, you are able to understand the emotion and therefore can convey that emotion to your audience. This helps you to fully immerse yourself and to create more meaningful and powerful performance.
3. It helps you to improve as a musician. Understanding and interpreting your music allows you to make more informed and thoughtful decisions about your performance and helps you develop your artistic skills as you understand the context behind the musical writing.
4. It allows you to communicate to your audience. This allows you to be more engaging, and to create a more meaningful and enjoyable listening experience.

So, How Can You Improve Your Understanding And Interpretation Of Your Piano Music?

1. 1. Study the score. Take the time to carefully study the score of the music you are playing. Pay attention to the time signature, key signature, phrasing, and any other musical elements that are present. Try to understand the structure and form of the music, and consider the emotion and intention behind each passage.
   2. Research the composer and the time period in which the music was written. Understanding the historical and cultural context of the music you are playing can

help you to better understand and interpret the piece. Research the composer, and try to learn about their life and musical influences. Consider the time period in which the music was written, and think about how that may have influenced the composer’s style and intention.

 

• Practice with intention. When practicing, try to focus on specific aspects of the music that you want to improve. This might include phrasing, dynamics, or specific technical challenges. Practice with the intention of bringing out the emotion and meaning in the music, rather than just going through the motions.
• Experiment with different interpretations. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches to the music you are playing. Try out different phrasing, dynamics, and tempos to see what works best for you. This can help you to find your own unique stance on the piece, and to develop your artistic skills.
• Seek feedback from others. It can be helpful to seek feedback from other musicians or music educators. They may be able to offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Attend concerts and listen to recordings. Attending concerts and listening to recordings of other musicians performing can be a great way to learn about different interpretations of a piece. Pay attention to the choices that other musicians make in their performances, and consider how they make you feel and how you might incorporate some of these ideas into your own playing. As well as this, think about what you may dislike in someones performance and really think deeper into why you may feel like that.

 

In conclusion, understanding and interpreting your piano music is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded musician. It allows you to fully express yourself through your music, and connect on a deeper level with not only yourself but the audience too. By taking the time to study the score, research the composer and time period, practice with intention, experiment with different interpretations, and seek feedback from others, you can develop your understanding and bring your own unique flair to your performances.

So, always try to connect to your piano music on a deeper level to make your performance more meaningful and enjoyable.

Remember, it’s important that understanding and interpreting music is not a one-time process – it is a continuous journey that requires ongoing study and practice. As you become more proficient at the piano and develop your musical skills, technique and understanding of a piece may evolve and change. This is a natural part of the learning process, and it is important to be open to new perspectives and approaches.