Description:
Piano Playing Tips
Contents:
Meditation and Piano Playing
I have been spending at least an hour every day meditating, using Holosync® by Centerpointe.
One of the unexpected discoveries I have made is how weak my left hand piano playing was. My left wrist was injured years ago, and my left shoulder has been tense and sore ever since. I have tried many therapies and [...]
More on Hand Position
I have some computer problems so am not able to make recordings, but am playing as much as I can. I am working on Debussy’s Dr Gradus from the Children’s Corner. I have not been satisfied with the video I posted of that piece.
The challenge in Dr Gradus is to play the rapid notes evenly [...]
Basic Piano Technique - Hand Position
One of the most common mistakes piano players make is to reach for the keys with the fingers. Of course, the fingers are “playing” the notes because they are in direct contact with the keys, but the fingers must be supported by the arm and hand at all times.
When practicing, ask yourself: Are you [...]
How (not) to Teach Piano
Adventures in Accompanying
I had the pleasure of attending a performance of Glorious! at the Arts Club, with the incredible Nicola Cavendish as Florence Foster Jenkins.
This brought back many funny memories of accompanying amateur musicians at the piano. I would play for weddings, and someone in the family would like to perform. Sometimes it was really fun, other [...]
Technical Issues Playing Clair de Lune
When a pianist first looks at a new piece, there are usually technical challenges that must be figured out before the piece can be performed. In Debussy’s Clair de Lune, there are several:
- the dynamic markings are all piano or quieter, with only one forte which lasts for one bar. This tells us that Debussy [...]
Debussy - Clair de Lune
Happy Holidays!
Arabesque #1 - Debussy
The Arabesque in architecture is an elaborate design of repeating geometric forms, often based on plant and animal shapes. These design elements were the foundation of the Art Nouveau movement, from 1880-1914.
The Arabesque #1 by Debussy, written in 1888, was very much influenced by the idea that thought could be expressed by the line [...]
Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
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