Hey guys, Jacob Dupre here. As the creator of this video, I feel compelled to add some context and comment on some things which have been brought up by others: 1. Some have commented that isolating your fingers can cause pain in the long term. Obviously, if ANYTHING you do causes you pain, do not do it, or at least consider limiting the time you practice that thing to prevent repetitive stress issues. Repeating the same physical movement for extended periods can always cause problems, which is why taking breaks and timing your practice is a good goal. 2. The finger isolation exercises are for a specific facet of playing: It is a common strategy for technical passages, especially those in the 5 finger position or within an octave, to play with curved fingers and relaxed wrists/forearms, letting your fingers drive the attack of the note. As I said, you don't want to over-curve your fingers. I repeat, this is NOT to say that you should force your fingers to curve more than what feels natural. I also wouldn't advise you to play this way ALL the time. There are many situations in which you may want to let your fingers lengthen, such as playing large chords or intervals in which forcing your fingers to curve could cause discomfort. For instance, I can only play tenths in my left hand by letting by thumb and pinky stretch. Curving them would make no sense. You may also notice my arms and wrists were never completely immobile when playing the seventh chord exercise, or even when playing scales. There is always an ebb and flow there. Sometimes you may use a combination of arm weight and force to play large chords loudly, for example. Again, you obviously can't ALWAYS rely on finger movement. There are many situations where you need to generate more force than the fingers can supply. 3. Furthermore, how much you can curve your fingers over larger intervals will also depend on the size of your hands/fingers. Regardless, when dealing with playing passages that fit under the hand and don't require many jumps, I find that a natural curve and playing with intention in the fingers can help with accuracy and CLEAN articulation, rather than blurring faster passages together without precision. In my opinion, exercises which isolate the fingers, especially the weak ones, can help a great deal. Again, this is something I work on that helps me. There are many ways of playing; this is not the ONLY WAY. 4. In my experience, forearm tension has been the biggest culprit for myself and my students. It's easy to tense up your arms to force yourself to play faster, louder, or more accurately. In my opinion, using a combination of wrist or arm rotation when playing smaller range passages like scales is not the way to improve your results. This extra movement is cumbersome and could cause fatigue or at least limit the duration in which you can play comfortably. At higher speeds, things like scales become more like one complete motion. There will be a certain tempo where you will have to stop thinking in terms of individual notes and more about larger gestures; for example, thinking per octave rather than per note when playing scales or arpeggios across the keyboard. Practicing the exercises in this video with a metronome can help you articulate each note more cleanly at a slower tempo so that when you do speed up, you will play more evenly. Then, you can focus on larger gestures over single notes. 5. I've looked at the Taubman approach. Throughout my entire history as a pianist, no one has ever recommended it as a method for playing. However, if it works for some, then it's valid for those players. Again, there are so many ways to play. You want the method that allows you to play your best while staying comfortable, whatever that is. 6. Everyone has physical quirks that don't fit into the "right way" to play. For instance, I have a habit of tapping my foot with the beat. Sometimes I lean down towards the keys rather than sitting up straight. There are fantastic players who allow their wrists to drop below the keys. Some people play with flat fingers. Some pianists beat the piano to death and use a lot of muscle. All things that would not fit into traditional piano technique. But ultimately, if you play well with your chosen or natural technique, then that's really the most important thing. But I would also say that limiting unnecessary tension is a universal goal for everyone. If you have any more questions, comments, or ideas for future videos, please add them below. Thanks and happy practicing! Jacob Dupre Sweetwater Keyboard Artist
I like all of the suggestions for hand independence and practice ideas with metronome, but the technique for using fingers more than forearm and shoulder weight is completely backwards from the way I was taught. My teacher initially taught the way Jacob prescribes here, and developed carpal tunnel. My teacher and his students all had to relearn different techniques utilizing hand and finger shapes, arm and shoulder weight, forearm rotation and hand depth/position at the keyboard. Too many details to cover here, which is why learning piano online is a slippery slope. It's much better to take lessons from a teacher in person.
Thank you. I listen to your different demos and love your style. I just bought a DGX670 to start playing again after many years of not touching a keyboard. These are great tips which I know will help me. I turned 75 yesterday and playing music on my guitars, or now on my keyboard, helps keep my brain working. Keep playing! Wes
A lot of what your doing is from "Daily Technical Studies for Piano" by Oscar Beringer. That's a book Herbie Hancock supposedly still warms up playing parts of. Anytime you're having trouble playing something in a tune, isolate that part and turn it into an exercise.
I still have my S90es. I used it on stage for some 15 years. You are correct, it’s action is excellent. I recently replaced it as my main piano with Yamaha’s CP88. It has superb tactile feel and response.
The finger strength tip is important, and my piano teacher used to refer to it as "articulation", especially when playing Baroque music or other stuff that needed a very precise, even tone. However, she also strongly encouraged me to use the weight of my arm to play heavy or expressive parts. Generally it was: finger strength, yes. Arm weight, yes. Wrist input, not so much. Also, fingers almost never "flat".
3:11 I actually used to make up this technique called "the chromatic lick" technique, which focuses on going up/down chromatically....but using the lick, which trains you on how to do the lick while working on your fingering to the next key to the next key to the next key to the next key.
This is a really well done video on improving your keyboard technique. I’ve been playing for about 2 1/2 years so still very much a novice and picked up some tips that I will be able to use to improve my fundamentals - thanks 👍
Great video, Jacob. I've been grinding through Hanon to work on technique, but I'm definitely going to incorporate some of your "creative practice" ideas.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO! Been messing around with the keyboard for years. Learning courses, jazz hands and all that .. this video really allowed me to understand a more practical approach the piano in a way I needed to see, because that's all I want to do. Increase the flow of keys and implementing concepts off the top of my head. THANK YOU!
Hi Jacob, I was looking for keyboards on SW and discovered your videos. You do a great job and I will be checking out more of your videos ..I did hit the subscribe button... thanks !!
independent hands AND independent finger exercises are must ..! as is using your imagination while you practice the more boring stuff ..! = scales , arps , etc .... wanna get better - put in the time ..!! These are great ideas to ad to your routine . Yes I have ' been there, done that ' since around 1963 ..!! old dude here that still plays , practices every day ... and always on the look out for some new ideas ... ! thanks for sharing Jacob ..!! wanna try something different = play ALL 12 scales using the fingering from C major .. ha - fun
I love your teaching style, but I've got a little problem playing on different keys(1) without making mistakes and(2) consistently. So is there a way u can help me and others like me??🙏🙏
Great video, forgot step number one! Step #1: Buy a new weighted key electric piano (best done thru sweetwater for easy buying experience). My latest generation Yamaha feels absolutely amazing, the newer electric piano designs are so close to acoustic weighting now. The practice such as finger attack, etc, are best done with keys of good weight feel. Step #2, avoid the angry piano instructors who like to yell at students when they make a mistake (yes they still exist in 2020 and are out there teaching).
Jack the Rabbit - I actually have the NS3 88 and the NS3 Compact - I can tell you this .. the sound quality fr the Nords r Amazing, as well as it’s visually beautiful. It’ll encourage you to play just by the visual alone.
I think a lot of these exercises make sense and I can definitely see how they can get you creative. Also, some of the arpeggios you’re using vaguely reminds me of the dungeon theme in the original Legend of Zelda. Any chance you might do a video on the music in the Legend of Zelda?
apparently no, its too cool and pro for it to have a metronome. it does have a led for the delay which some people use on stage, especially with changing tempo intros, etc.
Anyone else feel uneasy when he does 10ths? Taken me years to develop the muscle memory for the usual scales left and right so I find the thought of playing different things in both hands scary!
Yeah, isolating your fingers is generally not a good idea. Not trying to exaggerate, but it just might lead to injuries to some people. I would recommend the Taubman approach.
My tip is getting a real piano instead of keyboard, even 600 bucks used upright is better than the Nord when you work on your technique and yes I have 20 keyboards.
Since I always have my phone and the metronome app is on my phone, I literally always have one in my pocket. I decided to bring it out later in the video to show that metronome practice is important. Practice what you preach, as they say. :) Jacob Dupre Sweetwater Keyboard Artist
"Finger Strength"? "Attacking with your fingers"? "Not using my arm"? I'm sorry, but those concepts are wrong on so many levels. The video has good intentions and some good ideas about practicing, but the technique part is unfortunately a disservice to all aspiring musicians out there. You should read more about modern piano technique before posting something like this. P.S.: I have a master's degree on piano performance.
I have talked to many pianists with masters degrees in piano performance and they still insist on stupid things like forcing students to play Ode To Joy or only use specific piano benches. Masters degree in piano performance means you've been brainwashed by the ivory tower elites to believe what they told you believe. There's two types of muscles and this video's exercises will improve fast twitch muscle response by practicing fast attack, muscle response which is required for advanced playing.
Nice exercises but don't call it finger strength, you should call it finger coordination. You don't need strength in the finger to play piano. And don't detach completely the finger from the arm.
Hey guys, Jacob Dupre here. As the creator of this video, I feel compelled to add some context and comment on some things which have been brought up by others:
1. Some have commented that isolating your fingers can cause pain in the long term. Obviously, if ANYTHING you do causes you pain, do not do it, or at least consider limiting the time you practice that thing to prevent repetitive stress issues. Repeating the same physical movement for extended periods can always cause problems, which is why taking breaks and timing your practice is a good goal.
2. The finger isolation exercises are for a specific facet of playing: It is a common strategy for technical passages, especially those in the 5 finger position or within an octave, to play with curved fingers and relaxed wrists/forearms, letting your fingers drive the attack of the note. As I said, you don't want to over-curve your fingers. I repeat, this is NOT to say that you should force your fingers to curve more than what feels natural. I also wouldn't advise you to play this way ALL the time. There are many situations in which you may want to let your fingers lengthen, such as playing large chords or intervals in which forcing your fingers to curve could cause discomfort. For instance, I can only play tenths in my left hand by letting by thumb and pinky stretch. Curving them would make no sense. You may also notice my arms and wrists were never completely immobile when playing the seventh chord exercise, or even when playing scales. There is always an ebb and flow there. Sometimes you may use a combination of arm weight and force to play large chords loudly, for example. Again, you obviously can't ALWAYS rely on finger movement. There are many situations where you need to generate more force than the fingers can supply.
3. Furthermore, how much you can curve your fingers over larger intervals will also depend on the size of your hands/fingers. Regardless, when dealing with playing passages that fit under the hand and don't require many jumps, I find that a natural curve and playing with intention in the fingers can help with accuracy and CLEAN articulation, rather than blurring faster passages together without precision. In my opinion, exercises which isolate the fingers, especially the weak ones, can help a great deal. Again, this is something I work on that helps me. There are many ways of playing; this is not the ONLY WAY.
4. In my experience, forearm tension has been the biggest culprit for myself and my students. It's easy to tense up your arms to force yourself to play faster, louder, or more accurately. In my opinion, using a combination of wrist or arm rotation when playing smaller range passages like scales is not the way to improve your results. This extra movement is cumbersome and could cause fatigue or at least limit the duration in which you can play comfortably. At higher speeds, things like scales become more like one complete motion. There will be a certain tempo where you will have to stop thinking in terms of individual notes and more about larger gestures; for example, thinking per octave rather than per note when playing scales or arpeggios across the keyboard. Practicing the exercises in this video with a metronome can help you articulate each note more cleanly at a slower tempo so that when you do speed up, you will play more evenly. Then, you can focus on larger gestures over single notes.
5. I've looked at the Taubman approach. Throughout my entire history as a pianist, no one has ever recommended it as a method for playing. However, if it works for some, then it's valid for those players. Again, there are so many ways to play. You want the method that allows you to play your best while staying comfortable, whatever that is.
6. Everyone has physical quirks that don't fit into the "right way" to play. For instance, I have a habit of tapping my foot with the beat. Sometimes I lean down towards the keys rather than sitting up straight. There are fantastic players who allow their wrists to drop below the keys. Some people play with flat fingers. Some pianists beat the piano to death and use a lot of muscle. All things that would not fit into traditional piano technique. But ultimately, if you play well with your chosen or natural technique, then that's really the most important thing. But I would also say that limiting unnecessary tension is a universal goal for everyone.
If you have any more questions, comments, or ideas for future videos, please add them below. Thanks and happy practicing!
Jacob Dupre
Sweetwater Keyboard Artist
I like all of the suggestions for hand independence and practice ideas with metronome, but the technique for using fingers more than forearm and shoulder weight is completely backwards from the way I was taught. My teacher initially taught the way Jacob prescribes here, and developed carpal tunnel. My teacher and his students all had to relearn different techniques utilizing hand and finger shapes, arm and shoulder weight, forearm rotation and hand depth/position at the keyboard. Too many details to cover here, which is why learning piano online is a slippery slope. It's much better to take lessons from a teacher in person.
Thanks so much for these tips! I was having sucha borrying practice, now i can make it very diverse! Thanks so much
Thank you!
Thank you. I listen to your different demos and love your style. I just bought a DGX670 to start playing again after many years of not touching a keyboard. These are great tips which I know will help me. I turned 75 yesterday and playing music on my guitars, or now on my keyboard, helps keep my brain working. Keep playing!
Wes
You'll be flexing your flawless piano skills in no time💪Subscribe for more piano lessons and pro tips on better playing, thanks for watching!
No link to that sweet shirt? C'mon Sweetwater, step up the marketing game!
@@IcculusTheProphet 🤦♂️ www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SWT56L--sweetwater-olive-triblend-tree-short-sleeve-tee-unisex-large
@@sweetwater 🤘 Don't sweat it.
I just bought a 61 key controller and as I'll be looking to up my keyboard skills, this is a very handy reference...thank you
A lot of what your doing is from "Daily Technical Studies for Piano" by Oscar Beringer. That's a book Herbie Hancock supposedly still warms up playing parts of. Anytime you're having trouble playing something in a tune, isolate that part and turn it into an exercise.
Or "Hanon" for pianists
@@giulianovideo only if you did it in 12 keys.
The best feeling weighted keyboard I ever used was a Yamaha S90 ES. The action was BEAUTIFUL.
I still have my S90es. I used it on stage for some 15 years. You are correct, it’s action is excellent. I recently replaced it as my main piano with Yamaha’s CP88. It has superb tactile feel and response.
The finger strength tip is important, and my piano teacher used to refer to it as "articulation", especially when playing Baroque music or other stuff that needed a very precise, even tone. However, she also strongly encouraged me to use the weight of my arm to play heavy or expressive parts. Generally it was: finger strength, yes. Arm weight, yes. Wrist input, not so much. Also, fingers almost never "flat".
i think it depends on WHAT you are playing.
3:11 I actually used to make up this technique called "the chromatic lick" technique, which focuses on going up/down chromatically....but using the lick, which trains you on how to do the lick while working on your fingering to the next key to the next key to the next key to the next key.
Thank You Jacob and Thumbs up!
Biggest takeaway: "Nord Stage 3 has no metronome" :D
On the phone
& I noticed those red keyboards seem to be popular w/musicans who do tutorials..
This is a really well done video on improving your keyboard technique. I’ve been playing for about 2 1/2 years so still very much a novice and picked up some tips that I will be able to use to improve my fundamentals - thanks 👍
Thanks for checking it out, Fletch! 😎
I like the 8th notes C#7 at 6 minutes. Sounds cool, like a movie soundtrack, that would be fun to practice!
Thanks :)
Thank You
Great video, Jacob. I've been grinding through Hanon to work on technique, but I'm definitely going to incorporate some of your "creative practice" ideas.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO! Been messing around with the keyboard for years. Learning courses, jazz hands and all that .. this video really allowed me to understand a more practical approach the piano in a way I needed to see, because that's all I want to do. Increase the flow of keys and implementing concepts off the top of my head. THANK YOU!
Thanks a lot!
What fantastic audio 😍
It was awesome ! (It always is)
Good advice. Well done tutorial.
Well, great tips, I am beginning so these were intimidating a bit, looking forward to being at a level
That was great! Specially the last bit in G.
Só useful, thanks
Hi Jacob, I was looking for keyboards on SW and discovered your videos. You do a great job and I will be checking out more of your videos ..I did hit the subscribe button... thanks !!
independent hands AND independent finger exercises are must ..! as is using your imagination while you practice the more boring stuff ..! = scales , arps , etc .... wanna get better - put in the time ..!! These are great ideas to ad to your routine . Yes I have ' been there, done that ' since around 1963 ..!! old dude here that still plays , practices every day ... and always on the look out for some new ideas ... ! thanks for sharing Jacob ..!! wanna try something different = play ALL 12 scales using the fingering from C major .. ha - fun
great tip
where can i get that t shirt
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SWT56L--sweetwater-olive-triblend-tree-short-sleeve-tee-unisex-large
Many great secrets in one place. Thank you
Jacob is a fantastic player. My big tip is GET A PIANO TEACHER and study a formal piano method. You're welcome.
No no no! The only thing that is going to help you to do is to sight read. It’s not going to teach you to PLAY!!!!
Good tips!
William Burke finger tips?
@@officialWWM keep that in mind thank you
Thank you
Thanks 🙏🏾
Very helpful thanks
Thanks for watching!
"I go back to C so it is easier to C"
I know this is gonna be awesome ! (I didn’t watch it yet )
This is a great video. Don't even care if the nord stage 3 doesn't have a metronome
I should come back and watch this again.
I love your teaching style, but I've got a little problem playing on different keys(1) without making mistakes and(2) consistently. So is there a way u can help me and others like me??🙏🙏
Slower tempo before going faster, and try to practice small chunks until they sound right! Good luck
Great video, forgot step number one! Step #1: Buy a new weighted key electric piano (best done thru sweetwater for easy buying experience). My latest generation Yamaha feels absolutely amazing, the newer electric piano designs are so close to acoustic weighting now. The practice such as finger attack, etc, are best done with keys of good weight feel.
Step #2, avoid the angry piano instructors who like to yell at students when they make a mistake (yes they still exist in 2020 and are out there teaching).
Hi, what's the metronome app you're using?
jacob, please show me the way
Short answer: practice for full 10 minutes
I bet a $3500 stage piano would make me better! 🐰🎸🎵🤝✌️
It will indeed lol cause it kinda forces you to play it everyday...you’ve spent 3k+ on it
Lol that’s the full 88 and so it’s actually $4500. The $3500 is for the Compact. 🤒
@@BrJD-ii4iv I could get a very nice handmade acoustic guitar for that money! I wonder if that Nord is handmade? 🤔
Jack the Rabbit - I actually have the NS3 88 and the NS3 Compact - I can tell you this .. the sound quality fr the Nords r Amazing, as well as it’s visually beautiful. It’ll encourage you to play just by the visual alone.
@@BrJD-ii4iv I'll have to try one next time I'm able to!
"I'll go back to C so it's easier to SEE." I C what you did there
I hate videos like this that say they'll make me better at something in 10 minutes. Don't they realise I only have 9 minutes to spare!
I think a lot of these exercises make sense and I can definitely see how they can get you creative. Also, some of the arpeggios you’re using vaguely reminds me of the dungeon theme in the original Legend of Zelda. Any chance you might do a video on the music in the Legend of Zelda?
6:21 stranger things?
Wait, Nord Stage 3 has no metronome? ;)
Ive been thinkin that too man
If you want a metronome, buy a cheap beginners keyboard like a Casio...
apparently no, its too cool and pro for it to have a metronome. it does have a led for the delay which some people use on stage, especially with changing tempo intros, etc.
Just get a free metronome on your phone lol
It does have an audio in port that you can connect a metronome and have it come through with the keyboard audio 🤷🏼♂️
7:02 i thought he's gonna play monty python right there
Hanon is the answer. Doesn’t.the Nord have a metronome? Maybe a drumsequencer...
Jacob Dupre as a poet:
I'll go back to C,
So it's easier to see.
Anyone else feel uneasy when he does 10ths? Taken me years to develop the muscle memory for the usual scales left and right so I find the thought of playing different things in both hands scary!
The keybed on that nord sounds realy clunky.
Yeah, isolating your fingers is generally not a good idea. Not trying to exaggerate, but it just might lead to injuries to some people. I would recommend the Taubman approach.
Is this Shia LeBeouf?
Was gonna buy a keyboard from your shop but you were all sold out. Had to buy it elsewhere ☺
But at the beginning you said you don't have a metronome
this title sounds like click bait, but I'll play along
Send me a Nord Stage 3 and I'll bet you I'd be a better player in about 30 seconds flat.
The video is 9 and a half minutes only, though.
My tip is getting a real piano instead of keyboard, even 600 bucks used upright is better than the Nord when you work on your technique and yes I have 20 keyboards.
So you did have a metronome.
Since I always have my phone and the metronome app is on my phone, I literally always have one in my pocket. I decided to bring it out later in the video to show that metronome practice is important. Practice what you preach, as they say. :)
Jacob Dupre
Sweetwater Keyboard Artist
@@sweetwater That's a nice video idea there: apps you need on your phone. Metronome, song/lyrics identificator, osc/midi apps, rhythm companions...
"Finger Strength"? "Attacking with your fingers"? "Not using my arm"? I'm sorry, but those concepts are wrong on so many levels. The video has good intentions and some good ideas about practicing, but the technique part is unfortunately a disservice to all aspiring musicians out there. You should read more about modern piano technique before posting something like this. P.S.: I have a master's degree on piano performance.
You need to learn to argue your point.
I have talked to many pianists with masters degrees in piano performance and they still insist on stupid things like forcing students to play Ode To Joy or only use specific piano benches. Masters degree in piano performance means you've been brainwashed by the ivory tower elites to believe what they told you believe. There's two types of muscles and this video's exercises will improve fast twitch muscle response by practicing fast attack, muscle response which is required for advanced playing.
Time to get a "real" piano or at least a weighted keyboard. My Casio CTX 700 sounds good but won't help develop finger strength. 😥 😃 🎹
rip same i really want a weighted keyboard
Rob Jay - but it has a metronome! 🤷🏻♂️😂
Nice exercises but don't call it finger strength, you should call it finger coordination. You don't need strength in the finger to play piano.
And don't detach completely the finger from the arm.
That's Cortot, right there.
Thank you