Haha the first classical piano piece I learned on the piano was Fantaisie Impromptu op.66 by Chopin. I can play it clean, fluidly and correct of course but I guess it would have been better to had started with an easier piece lol
Summary: 1) Have a good practice regiment. Play technique for the first 15 to 20 minutes, then spend the rest of the time learning repetoire. 2) Listen to recordings. 3) Get supplementary lessons if possible 4) Record yourself and listen to yourself 5) Play on different pianos
I love how this went from "if you can't afford piano lessons..." to "if you can afford a Steinway, go with the Steinway"! ;-). Kidding... actually very useful information here.
My favorite piano of all time is a Bosendorfer, the 6 foot tall upright. Had a chance to buy one for 3 grand and he changed his mind while I was frantically getting it together...I would have used it, not resold it. Still hurt about that.
You can now expand step-by-step into Ballad style, Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, Improvisation and creating your own melodies. You will even learn how to read music AS you learn how to ‘play-by-ear’ and eventually you will be able to play some amazing Classical pieces. visit here 4LearnPianoEasy.blogspot.com
Hi Josh, I just have to say that you are making a great contribution to the arts by reaching out to those who love music, but might not have the cash for proper lessons. There are too many musicians out there who are blind sided by monetary gain, and forget that music is for EVERYBODY. Thank you for keeping in mind the people that aren't as fortunate to properly learn, and helping bring them the healing power of music.
I stopped piano lessons when I was very young, switching to the violin. I have always regretted stopping piano and am now taking it back up again in my 60s. One of the things that I realize from my history with both instruments (I haven't played violin in over 40 years) is that all of my teachers urged me to practice, but never taught me HOW. Your information is so helpful and generous. Many thanks.
Great video Josh, I don't have a teacher, I consider you as my guide and mentor and my teacher even though technically you are not (i hope so one day haha), I have been following the exact same thing since the start I actually set it up on my own like this, I have been watching your videos for a long time and learned SO MUCH, probably seen all of them and I'm already much better than a lot of my friends who do have teachers and have been playing for a longer time THANK YOU SO MUCH I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH IN A MILLION YEARS, YOU AN AMAZING TEACHER AND MY FAVORITE PIANIST, VERY KIND HEARTED AND HUMBLE, I HOPE TO MEET YOU SOMEDAY.
@@joshwrightpiano sir I also follow all ur advice and try to watch almost all videos. Keep uploading them sir. When I land a job my dream is to get contact classes with u via Skype. Meanwhile I will practice here on my own with whatever resources I have .
I had piano lessons from 1959 to 1964, and then my teacher assigned me music I didn't like. I quit piano until 1971, and then I learned on my own (since my father refused to pay for lessions in 1968, saying, "You quit once, so how do I know you won't quit again.") When my brother suggested, I just buy the sheet music and play withiut a teacher, I decided to do that. I skipped many levels, and quickly learned pieces of Beethoven & Chopin. When I moved to Europe, I had little access to a piano. After 20 years, I started playing piano again (when my aunt gave me $5,000 for Christmas, so I bought a Baldwin digital piano). I practiced 6 years continuously, and learned to play well Beethoven's Appassionata, and learned the flute and alto saxophone as well. Then a hand injury stopped me from playing. Meanwhile I moved to Europe again, and went 16 years without playing piano. In 2021 I bught a Kawai digital piano. I am now playing again, relearning my old repertoire, and focusing on the Mozart sonatas. I worked hard on Beethoven's sonatas in the early 2000s, but the old hand injury doesn't let me practice much Beethoven. Now I am at least in contact with a piano teacher in the Philippines who is helping me to progress in playing the music of my chosen composers -- especially Mozart. If I had a good teacher in the 1970s, I would have benefitted greatly.
BRAVO!!! I use the same process, except I start with Sight Reading, then Technique (Hanon, scales etc) then easy 1-2 week pieces then a challenge piece.
I am an apartment dweller and have been very happy with my Kurzweil digital piano. The sound quality is great, and it is nice to have headphones so my neighbors don’t have to listen to my practicing.
Thank you, Josh. Im studying piano at the conservatory in Seville as an adult after having left it for 16 years (this is the 4th year since I re-entered). It is not easy studying music while working and reconciling both personal life, job and studies, but I can say that channels like yours have been a great help for me, and I appreciate it. I also think you are a great example, not just as a musician, but as a person, sharing your knowledge. Great job, man, great job. Being that said, I hope you have a great success in life, cause you really deserve it.
I've found more useful information from your videos and similar channels in RUclips than with all the one-on-one teachers I've ever had put together. The problem is that teachers are human and tend to put their energies into n their "prodigies" who are great in recitals and are great for advertising. For now, I'm sticking with online learning which is much more egalitarian. I had given up on piano until I discovered the great RUclips channels. Thanks for your great videos!
Learning by myself for about 2 years now. Last 2 months I wanted to switch it up and learn something new, looked up some Boogie Woogie lessons and it turned out to be a great decision as it helped with everything from rhythm to seeing those waves in more ways. I would suggest it to anyone that has been trying to learn piano without a teacher. Much love and don't give up!
The idea of recording is very, very good. You form your ideal performance mentally, record it over and over - until it is just the way, you want it. Then, you listen to it - over and over each day , until it is encoded in your brain. I did it many years ago before performing Beethovens Pathetique, 2. mov. in my music school.... success!
Hello Josh! thanks a lot for the generous information. It's not easy to find generous teachers. And that's precisely what makes you stand out among so many piano players and teachers. Thank you for taking the time for all of this! Your channel is definitely gonna be a source of help for me get me back to practice and get back in contact- at least once a month (as you said)- with my dear Taubman teacher from the Golandsky institute- who had been a generous teacher herself over the couple of years I worked with her. Thank you again, best regards and best wishes!
This tip about asking for permission to plat at churches is great! My studies take me everywhere on internships, and the first thing I do in a new city or town is go and talk with the person in charge of the musical engagements of the church and ask if i can play every once in a while. Never gotten a no so far! And gotten to play on a range of grands!
When I first got my keyboard, I tried to skip scales altogether and go straight to music. I downloaded the sheet music for Don't Stop Believin', and ran out of fingers. Now I can't listen to that song without hearing each note of the piano.
I have been watching your channel for over 4 years now and I really appreciate you giving out so many great advices to individuals who are struggling with piano, Dr. Wright(I know you have an awesome PhD :).
Thank you! Your tips were very helpful. I’m from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I’m also a LDS. I have two pianos in my house but I’m still learning how to play it very well! 🎶
Always start kids off with something simple....e.g. ' I'd like you to sight read these Chopin Studies opus 10 and Rachmaninoff Etudes Tableaux op 33.' If they don't concentrate, just shout at them whilst gesticulating manically.
Just happened to find this channel. Good stuff.....No one ever talks about Baldwin pianos. It was Liberace's favorite and only brand he owned. There must be a reason.
For those who want to buy a good digital piano and don’t want to spend to much money , the Kawai E8 to my opinion is great option with weighted keys very simular to that of an acoustic piano . I use it for gigs and practicing in the evening not bothering my neighbours. Beside that , if you don’t have so much space for a grand piano, try the short Gotrian Steinweg, for it’s size it has a very deep sound. Mine is from the seventies , I bought it from my german pianotuner, who worked for the Rotterdam Phylharmonic and also had worked in the Steinway factory. For its lenght 1,80 it has a great touch and sound. And thank’ s for the many tips in all your video’s! Help me a lot to improve my technique.
Thank You Josh. This video is great n helps a lot! That's so true: "constantly listening to recordings n getting the piece in the ear"! I've had a marathon of watching/listening multiple performances of "Franz Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" inc. your brilliant performance on YT and can now really remember every single part of the piece. It's been really helpful for me as an adult beginner ! I'm a new fan of your channel supporting from Brisbane AUS. Thank you for your awesome tips!
I own a digital piano and mostly always played on those. But recently I travelled to Ireland, and I was walking around a university when I find the music department. I go in, no one's there since it's summer, so I start walking around and find the theater room. When I go in, I find the most majestic concert grand Steinway I have ever seen. I start playing and it really was as amazing as everyone claims. I kept going there every day for 2 weeks just to practice on a Steinway. And the craziest thing: they didn't even lock the room, that had a $150,000 piano inside. Anyone could've gone in and stolen that Steinway.
GravityTricks To be fair, you can't stuff a Steinway inside your pockets and get out of the premise tipping your hat at the bystanders while whistling a tune... someone might have damaged it though, which is more than enough reason to lock it
That's because a Steinway isn't something you can just grab and walk out with. Or believe me that door would be locked. Nice you were able to just go in and play it.
You think anyone would notice if I carried the Steinway out someday? Or would they just look the other way when I have the Grand under my arm pushing it down the sidewalk. Hmm. Thanks for the idea. I will be booking a flight to Ireland and getting that free Steinway sitting so lonely. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.
Was that Trinity College by any chance? They can afford Steinways! My music department in another Irish university can only dream of having Steinways (we have loads of Yamahas and Kawaii's)
Thank you for that info on 7 months to prepare for a symphony. It usually takes me about 6 months to master advanced level pieces. Practice, practice, practice. Daily scales. I have recorded myself, and that helps to perfect the piece.
You are respectable teacher. Thank you for your wisdom. What ever I can learn from you, I don't miss a chance. Thank you so much . I am one of those that can't afford a teach. :(
Great comments on this Josh. I really enjoy your videos. Well done on your giving nature. It's great. I agree taking lessons is so important. I have many self learners come to me for lessons and for a year or two I have to get rid of bad habits they have got from you tube! Your channel is refreshing. Proper advice!
absolutely right. To be honest yes those scales or exercises gives u strong technique. But I prefer to practice scales for example at piece the scales. You have very nice educational methods . Except that you are good performer i am always seeing your kindness of talk and tips are very expert and always your advices are deep which makes us i think every professional pianist t watch it and try it. Thanks! Continue your good work
Dimitris Spiridonidis yea I think a lot of the exercises help your fingering strength and flexibility and scales also help you become familar woth notes when playing in different keys
I’ve been teaching myself for six years. The occasional lesson definitely helps. I would suggest listening to your repertoire piece being played by different pianists. Also, too many people are name snobs when it comes to buying a piano. There are many fabulous pianos to choose from and, with a little research and patience you can pick up a great one. I bought a mint 1905 Hopkinson upright for £60, and a 1915 barless Broadwood grand for £50! These are wonderful instruments but no one wants them because they’re not a Bechstein or a Bluthner, etc. Yesterday, a barless Broadwood sold on ebay for £16, unbelievable when you consider that these were the most expensive production pianos in the world in their day.
If I may add about digital piano: buy a digital piano that gives you a grand piano feel (as affordable as possible *I would recommend roland), then you can use a VST software if the sound sounds bad. I was using a casio px-130 for 4 years until 2016, now I have casio AP-460. I use synthogy ivory steinway D, it sounds amazing. Even with the px-130, it can gives you more range to express the music.
SuperShreyansh13 Ivory Steinway is absolutely brutal. Easily my favourite VSTi piano. What do you mean how he does it real-time? If you don't have a sound interface then you can use ASIO4ALL with your existing soundcard. ASIO is an audio driver that is standard in music production, it is made for use with virtual instruments, which is part of why it has dramatically lower latency. Low enough to fool your brain into thinking the sound comes out instantly.
Hi Josh, I enjoy your videos and your suggestions. I think the problem these days is not about the affording the piano teacher but finding the piano teachers. Piano teachers are becoming scarcer and scarcer and the person who is a good musician AND a good teacher is a rarity (which I still haven't met). I have gone through many teachers. My goals have changed over the years but I am at the point where my number one goal is to practice an hour a day. And, as unreasonable as this might sound, if I don't meet this goal I am holding the teacher I am paying accountable. Just thought I would put that out there. Thank you for your work and dedication.
Also, I know what you are saying about the Yamaha N3. Those things feel absolutely real. All of the Nx pianos have real piano actions. Just instead of a string at the end, it hits a sensor. But the feel of the keys is just amazing. It was a tough choice between the one I bought and some of the Yamaha's with this action.
I find the Yeti to be a bit big and cumbersome. You also need a computer to plug it into. To record myself, I use a Tascam DR-05 (abt $80) which records excellent quality onto microSD card. You can record uncompressed .wav or choose different quality .mp3. It’s very compact, can just throw it in my music bag.
For recording yourself cheaply but well: buy a good weighted hammer digital piano like the Kawai ES 110 or Yamaha p115 (both cost less than 1000 with all equipment and can be paid in installments): they have a record and playback button so you can instantly check how you sounded without the distraction of playing at the same time. Thanks for all the great videos, Josh!!
I used to be able to read sheet music. Now I am learning it again :P Anyway Josh can you make a video on tips for reading sheet music? That would be great.
my teacher is not a registered teacher but best I ever had I,m making mor progress than ever I had before.I spent thousands on poor teachers ,failed exams. Now I,m ahead and playing atcl stuff,i practise 3 hrs at least per day ,i love it.
rreally good. No.6 - pay the best teacher you can TO IDENTIFY YOUR SHADOW SIDE on piano, and so set the critical autodidactic tasks . I did it with Jaques Rouvier and am satisfied. The best teacher i had said something like: thats the only thing, work alone on that, because it destroys everything else you have. ITSMORe ABOUT NOT FORGETTING that this is your main issue: record yourself everyday and check this point everyday. For example, rarely a teacher identified WHY i have tempo problems. Maybe noone finds out. Work to find what is really your weak side and increasee your work on that from 1 % to 90 % of the time. Its also true that sometimes they find your biggest weakness but disincourge you by being TOO STRICT with it until you are reall scared and think that you cannot do nothing. Because of my tempo problem i thought that i was bad in other things where in fact i am very good. And not every teacher will decompose your problem in parts. For ex,: sometimes i do really want some "strange" tempo decisions. I really think MOzart would write accelarando or ritardando more times, as BAch or whatever, but they were still too used to the "manner" and "social rules", like writing as everyone uses to read. Many cadences are very short , they are free, but people play like a dalberti bass... Anyway its true that i missed trying to play strictly such "free moments". Sometimes it sounds ALSO very good, more orchestra sound. And so i found that MANY times i changed the tempo because of a TECHNICAL ISSUE. Many teachers noticed that, BUT they were not clear enough to show that this was my biggest problem, and principally, it has to doo with my CONVICTIONS. Too change a conviction you need a lot of discussion. Principally if the player finds good what he does... its like a glue on his blood, the change need to be from its own conviction again. Thus, only alone you will get it, or with a teacher who does not think that you play bad when in fact you just has a wrong conviction about how it should work, or if you hidde your shadow side from yourself. It really "therapeutic issue". I would like to write more on that. Who started piano later or changed from one style to other will get what i am saying...
Hey this spoke to me! Seems like I have a similar "problem" with tempo due to technical issue or lack of counting and patience practicing in small chunks. It's really game changing if you're receptive to the feedback and slow things down.
In the beginning, the option is not limited to a F/T teacher. In my area there are adult learning courses offered through the local board of education in publics schools & community centres. These are half-year, once a week courses for people with all sorts of hobbies including playing piano keyboard for a small enrolment fee. These are not designed for people who are serious greeting through various music conservatory grade levels but those who just want to learn a few songs. If you have a friend or relative proficient enough on piano playing, you may be able to make a deal with the person. Try it for a few months before getting involve with a teacher (private lessons / group sessions).
Thanks for the great vid. I am very happy with my Yamaha DGX 650, best digital piano I have ever owned. I am going start implementing exercises in my practice such as scales, arppegios and hannon. My main focus has been on one piece. I had lessons for like 3 years when I was aged 10 to 11, I'm now 23 and still those lessons have come to help me a lot even after my 11 years off the piano. Anyway thanks for the advice.
Donna Ible-White loI those mics look good for a professional but whats piano without a record feature. Only thing would be cool is a case to close and protect the keys.
Samuel Miyagi I have a looooong way to go before I have a need for a mic like that :) ..... My keyboard came with a cloth covering. They should be cheap- buy one.
Great Lessons Josh, I'm an adult that's started learning piano with my 12yr old son, we've working through the first three Lina Ng piano books, what do think of those ?
Two questions: 1) How to "manage" a one-time-only piano lesson. Is it like a doctor doing a physical or do I say, "I need help with octave speed?" 2) Another category: Memory practice. Working on rep for me is first memorizing the piece, building up the speed, and then the most onerous, "forging" memory and working on "forgetting" which for me is quite random.
I have a Williams allegro digital piano I only paid a hundred bucks for from guitar center. It is pretty rough on your fingers but it suits its purpose. I’m still terrible tho. Wish me luck in the future.
sir,, i am learning piano for the last six months.. i follow Alfred's adult piano course--level one, practice scales, Arpeggio, no other technical exercises.. is it ok? please give suggestions
I consider myself an intermediate piano player with good technique, at this stage would supplementing from your online programs that walk through different pieces be best for me especially if I can not afford a live piano player?
One point of scepticism, those Yeti microphones. As far as I understand there are USB microphones which cost half of that and give the same quality. More importantly, why not use a $100-300 microphone from a company like Audio-Technica or Sennheiser? It might be a bit more expensive but you get so much more value. I completely understand having a limitid budget but in my opinion that merits even more that you choose maximum value/$. Other than that I agree, I had private lessons, regular lessons at a music school and I have done it on my own for three instruments (or 4 if you count a wooden flute) including the piano so I think that I might have a good look on this thanks to that experience.
If you record yourself with a digital piano, the Focusrite products have no noticeable latency (time delay by the digital processor). I was pleasantly surprised that I can play with headphones while recording.
Why is the method of Albert Jonas not used in the United States? There are 7 books with contributions by Wilhelm Backhaus, Fannie Bloomfield, Ferruccio Busoni, Alfred Cortot, Ernő Dohnányi, Arthur Friedheim, Ignaz Friedman, Ossip Gabrilowitsch , Rudolph Ganz , Katherine Goodson , Leopold Godowsky , Josef Lhévinne , Isidor Philipp ,Moriz Rosenthal... Emil von Sauer ,Leopold Schmidt , Sigismond Stojowski
its not all about money sometimes. im almost 70 and ive dabbled in keyboards but just got myself a Yamaha PSR E373 keyboard, got a christian hymnbook with all the great old hymns in it, play by ear, and follow the piano video lessons channel; did 10 lessons in 24 hrs, very easy, made myself some keynote flashcards to learn the upper keys; now about to start my flashcard deck of bass keys, to read sheet music. I selected 52 songs from my book, and play them twice a day usually every day, perhaps not the whole song, but most of it or a phrase from it that i know well. Im too cheap (i have the money) and lazy? no one wants to drive 30 to 50 miles for a piano lesson at -35C!! in 24 hrs (10 lessons) I saved myself $300~~!! will I play perfectly in a year with no teacher just online lessons? dont know! dont care! If i can read music, chord the tune I like, thats what Im after and so far Im GETTING it..
I am wondering which of the books you list have songs that is easy to find to a music recording to listen too. I have the Jazz, Rags, and Blues Books, and they come with a CD so I can get listen to the songs. I'm not very good at sightreading and I need to have a recording to listen to or at least have a clue what the song sounds like. If it is early intermediate songs I can read them but I don't want to stay on that level as the songs are a bit basic.
Consider buying (new or second hand) affordable touch sensitive digital piano with inbuild recording function, no need to spend extra money for microphone. Even some less expensive models have a very good sound quality nowadays.
I am not the foremost specialist in this field, but I would say that "sightreading books" are specifically designed to progress in sight reading, as their name suggests, and are relatively simpler in general from the point of view of piano technique than collections of repertoire. I hope that what I am saying will help you understand this distinction. :)
my current teacher never teaches me what technique to use when dealing with tricky passages...she is good at musicality and helps me shape and phrase but i haven’t learned any technique tips from her in a long time. i think it could be time to switch teachers, or am i over worrying?
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I'd also highly recommend to not start with Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto.
Man... I was already halfway through...
I'd recommend to START with Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2
Have you tried playing violin and piano at the same time? This is a great way to begin learning.
Phi6er bruh do u even know how hard the rachmaninoff piano concerto no 3 is
Haha the first classical piano piece I learned on the piano was Fantaisie Impromptu op.66 by Chopin. I can play it clean, fluidly and correct of course but I guess it would have been better to had started with an easier piece lol
Summary:
1) Have a good practice regiment. Play technique for the first 15 to 20 minutes, then spend the rest of the time learning repetoire.
2) Listen to recordings.
3) Get supplementary lessons if possible
4) Record yourself and listen to yourself
5) Play on different pianos
I used to be terrible at playing piano. Now I play like a pro! If you want some great online piano lessons then go here now: HootPiano.xyz
Don't forget about sight reading.
@@samwilliams97 not working
Play on different pianos?🤣if I could afford multiple pianos, I could definitely afford lessons
@@a.roydendsouza8803, Josh suggested to check out the local churches they often have pianos.
I love how this went from "if you can't afford piano lessons..." to "if you can afford a Steinway, go with the Steinway"! ;-). Kidding... actually very useful information here.
Thanks for your support - glad you enjoyed it
My favorite piano of all time is a Bosendorfer, the 6 foot tall upright. Had a chance to buy one for 3 grand and he changed his mind while I was frantically getting it together...I would have used it, not resold it. Still hurt about that.
If I could afford a Steinway, I could afford to actually help people, rather than just want to.
A Steinway would go right through my old floor :-D :-D :-D
@@dcllaw677 Get creative. It costs nothing to help people. :)
You are a sterling gentleman. These videos are a massive aid to those of us who are beginning our piano journey several decades behind schedule.
Don't forget number 6) Binge watch as many informational Josh Wright videos as you can!
Enumoni Are you in love?
You can now expand step-by-step into Ballad style, Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, Improvisation and creating your own melodies. You will even learn how to read music AS you learn how to ‘play-by-ear’ and eventually you will be able to play some amazing Classical pieces. visit here 4LearnPianoEasy.blogspot.com
@@mauritiusdunfagel9473 Of course he is. With Music.
@@mauritiusdunfagel9473 He's a paid actor
Hi Josh, I just have to say that you are making a great contribution to the arts by reaching out to those who love music, but might not have the cash for proper lessons. There are too many musicians out there who are blind sided by monetary gain, and forget that music is for EVERYBODY. Thank you for keeping in mind the people that aren't as fortunate to properly learn, and helping bring them the healing power of music.
It looks like to me he is speaking to "Josh", made evident by his opening two words "Hi Josh".
Thanks Sergio! I really appreciate your kindness and support
This is great
I stopped piano lessons when I was very young, switching to the violin. I have always regretted stopping piano and am now taking it back up again in my 60s. One of the things that I realize from my history with both instruments (I haven't played violin in over 40 years) is that all of my teachers urged me to practice, but never taught me HOW. Your information is so helpful and generous. Many thanks.
Great video Josh, I don't have a teacher, I consider you as my guide and mentor and my teacher even though technically you are not (i hope so one day haha), I have been following the exact same thing since the start I actually set it up on my own like this, I have been watching your videos for a long time and learned SO MUCH, probably seen all of them and I'm already much better than a lot of my friends who do have teachers and have been playing for a longer time THANK YOU SO MUCH I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH IN A MILLION YEARS, YOU AN AMAZING TEACHER AND MY FAVORITE PIANIST, VERY KIND HEARTED AND HUMBLE, I HOPE TO MEET YOU SOMEDAY.
Thanks so much Grini. So kind of you, and I truly appreciate your friendship
@@joshwrightpiano sir I also follow all ur advice and try to watch almost all videos. Keep uploading them sir. When I land a job my dream is to get contact classes with u via Skype. Meanwhile I will practice here on my own with whatever resources I have .
I had piano lessons from 1959 to 1964, and then my teacher assigned me music I didn't like. I quit piano until 1971, and then I learned on my own (since my father refused to pay for lessions in 1968, saying, "You quit once, so how do I know you won't quit again.") When my brother suggested, I just buy the sheet music and play withiut a teacher, I decided to do that. I skipped many levels, and quickly learned pieces of Beethoven & Chopin. When I moved to Europe, I had little access to a piano. After 20 years, I started playing piano again (when my aunt gave me $5,000 for Christmas, so I bought a Baldwin digital piano). I practiced 6 years continuously, and learned to play well Beethoven's Appassionata, and learned the flute and alto saxophone as well. Then a hand injury stopped me from playing. Meanwhile I moved to Europe again, and went 16 years without playing piano. In 2021 I bught a Kawai digital piano. I am now playing again, relearning my old repertoire, and focusing on the Mozart sonatas. I worked hard on Beethoven's sonatas in the early 2000s, but the old hand injury doesn't let me practice much Beethoven. Now I am at least in contact with a piano teacher in the Philippines who is helping me to progress in playing the music of my chosen composers -- especially Mozart. If I had a good teacher in the 1970s, I would have benefitted greatly.
BRAVO!!! I use the same process, except I start with Sight Reading, then Technique (Hanon, scales etc) then easy 1-2 week pieces then a challenge piece.
Awesome regimen David. I always enjoy hearing your comments both here and on facebook!
I am an apartment dweller and have been very happy with my Kurzweil digital piano. The sound quality is great, and it is nice to have headphones so my neighbors don’t have to listen to my practicing.
Thank you, Josh. Im studying piano at the conservatory in Seville as an adult after having left it for 16 years (this is the 4th year since I re-entered). It is not easy studying music while working and reconciling both personal life, job and studies, but I can say that channels like yours have been a great help for me, and I appreciate it. I also think you are a great example, not just as a musician, but as a person, sharing your knowledge. Great job, man, great job. Being that said, I hope you have a great success in life, cause you really deserve it.
I've found more useful information from your videos and similar channels in RUclips than with all the one-on-one teachers I've ever had put together. The problem is that teachers are human and tend to put their energies into n their "prodigies" who are great in recitals and are great for advertising. For now, I'm sticking with online learning which is much more egalitarian. I had given up on piano until I discovered the great RUclips channels. Thanks for your great videos!
Learning by myself for about 2 years now. Last 2 months I wanted to switch it up and learn something new, looked up some Boogie Woogie lessons and it turned out to be a great decision as it helped with everything from rhythm to seeing those waves in more ways. I would suggest it to anyone that has been trying to learn piano without a teacher. Much love and don't give up!
The idea of recording is very, very good. You form your ideal performance mentally, record it over and over - until it is just the way, you want it. Then, you listen to it - over and over each day , until it is encoded in your brain. I did it many years ago before performing Beethovens Pathetique, 2. mov. in my music school.... success!
Excellent tips
Hello Josh!
thanks a lot for the generous information. It's not easy to find generous teachers. And that's precisely what makes you stand out among so many piano players and teachers. Thank you for taking the time for all of this!
Your channel is definitely gonna be a source of help for me get me back to practice and get back in contact- at least once a month (as you said)- with my dear Taubman teacher from the Golandsky institute- who had been a generous teacher herself over the couple of years I worked with her.
Thank you again, best regards and best wishes!
Josh, You are truly a fantastic teacher, and a great man. I will email you later but for now I will continue to watch and learn.
Thank you so much Ron. I appreciate your comments. All the best to you my friend
This tip about asking for permission to plat at churches is great! My studies take me everywhere on internships, and the first thing I do in a new city or town is go and talk with the person in charge of the musical engagements of the church and ask if i can play every once in a while. Never gotten a no so far! And gotten to play on a range of grands!
When I first got my keyboard, I tried to skip scales altogether and go straight to music. I downloaded the sheet music for Don't Stop Believin', and ran out of fingers.
Now I can't listen to that song without hearing each note of the piano.
rka1010 "ran out of fingers" made me laugh so hard! Happy for your progress :)
rka1010 yay!
G0
I love that you're still making videos thank you so much it's greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
I have been watching your channel for over 4 years now and I really appreciate you giving out so many great advices to individuals who are struggling with piano, Dr. Wright(I know you have an awesome PhD :).
🙏🏾 thank you. Wasn’t sure what books to get.
Just discovered your channel as an early beginner adult student. you have some great tips. Thanks Josh!
My favorite is 60 Progressive Pieces for Piano. Just bought a new copy because my original is in tatters.
I saw, *"If you can't afford...."* and knew this was for me. *lol* Thanks Josh, you're very inspirational. Great tips.
You are so generous! Thank you for all that you share. Newbie Piano student :-)
Thank you! Your tips were very helpful. I’m from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I’m also a LDS. I have two pianos in my house but I’m still learning how to play it very well! 🎶
I bought a Yamaha Clavinova earlier this year and I love it. It's the CVP-709. Wooden keys, individually weighted. It sounds very nice as well.
I agree - I had a Clavinova all through my doctorate to practice at night. It's held up very nicely over the last 6 years
Always start kids off with something simple....e.g. ' I'd like you to sight read these Chopin Studies opus 10 and Rachmaninoff Etudes Tableaux op 33.' If they don't concentrate, just shout at them whilst gesticulating manically.
They’ll hate playing then
This is really good advice, makes so much sense to me, thanks a lot Josh!
for your information you are the best thanks for the useful videos
Just happened to find this channel. Good stuff.....No one ever talks about Baldwin pianos. It was Liberace's favorite and only brand he owned. There must be a reason.
Thanks!
For those who want to buy a good digital piano and don’t want to spend to much money , the Kawai E8 to my opinion is great option with weighted keys very simular to that of an acoustic piano . I use it for gigs and practicing in the evening not bothering my neighbours. Beside that , if you don’t have so much space for a grand piano, try the short Gotrian Steinweg, for it’s size it has a very deep sound. Mine is from the seventies , I bought it from my german pianotuner, who worked for the Rotterdam Phylharmonic and also had worked in the Steinway factory. For its lenght 1,80 it has a great touch and sound. And thank’ s for the many tips in all your video’s! Help me a lot to improve my technique.
Thank You Josh. This video is great n helps a lot! That's so true: "constantly listening to recordings n getting the piece in the ear"! I've had a marathon of watching/listening multiple performances of "Franz Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" inc. your brilliant performance on YT and can now really remember every single part of the piece. It's been really helpful for me as an adult beginner ! I'm a new fan of your channel supporting from Brisbane AUS. Thank you for your awesome tips!
Thank you Josh.
Awesome advices 🙏
I own a digital piano and mostly always played on those. But recently I travelled to Ireland, and I was walking around a university when I find the music department. I go in, no one's there since it's summer, so I start walking around and find the theater room.
When I go in, I find the most majestic concert grand Steinway I have ever seen. I start playing and it really was as amazing as everyone claims.
I kept going there every day for 2 weeks just to practice on a Steinway. And the craziest thing: they didn't even lock the room, that had a $150,000 piano inside. Anyone could've gone in and stolen that Steinway.
GravityTricks To be fair, you can't stuff a Steinway inside your pockets and get out of the premise tipping your hat at the bystanders while whistling a tune... someone might have damaged it though, which is more than enough reason to lock it
That's because a Steinway isn't something you can just grab and walk out with. Or believe me that door would be locked. Nice you were able to just go in and play it.
You think anyone would notice if I carried the Steinway out someday? Or would they just look the other way when I have the Grand under my arm pushing it down the sidewalk. Hmm. Thanks for the idea. I will be booking a flight to Ireland and getting that free Steinway sitting so lonely. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.
and all this time i was stealing yamaha pianos when steinways were available.
Was that Trinity College by any chance? They can afford Steinways! My music department in another Irish university can only dream of having Steinways (we have loads of Yamahas and Kawaii's)
Thank you
Thank you for that info on 7 months to prepare for a symphony. It usually takes me about 6 months to master advanced level pieces. Practice, practice, practice. Daily scales. I have recorded myself, and that helps to perfect the piece.
You are respectable teacher. Thank you for your wisdom. What ever I can learn from you, I don't miss a chance. Thank you so much . I am one of those that can't afford a teach. :(
Great comments on this Josh. I really enjoy your videos. Well done on your giving nature. It's great. I agree taking lessons is so important. I have many self learners come to me for lessons and for a year or two I have to get rid of bad habits they have got from you tube! Your channel is refreshing. Proper advice!
Thank you Josh, this was extremely helpful.
dude jazz rags and blues all the way thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
absolutely right. To be honest yes those scales or exercises gives u strong technique. But I prefer to practice scales for example at piece the scales. You have very nice educational methods . Except that you are good performer i am always seeing your kindness of talk and tips are very expert and always your advices are deep which makes us i think every professional pianist t watch it and try it. Thanks! Continue your good work
Dimitris Spiridonidis yea I think a lot of the exercises help your fingering strength and flexibility and scales also help you become familar woth notes when playing in different keys
Samuel Miyagi yes sure:)
Thanks Dimitris! Good luck with your upcoming recordings :)
I’ve been teaching myself for six years. The occasional lesson definitely helps. I would suggest listening to your repertoire piece being played by different pianists.
Also, too many people are name snobs when it comes to buying a piano. There are many fabulous pianos to choose from and, with a little research and patience you can pick up a great one. I bought a mint 1905 Hopkinson upright for £60, and a 1915 barless Broadwood grand for £50! These are wonderful instruments but no one wants them because they’re not a Bechstein or a Bluthner, etc. Yesterday, a barless Broadwood sold on ebay for £16, unbelievable when you consider that these were the most expensive production pianos in the world in their day.
If I may add about digital piano:
buy a digital piano that gives you a grand piano feel (as affordable as possible *I would recommend roland), then you can use a VST software if the sound sounds bad. I was using a casio px-130 for 4 years until 2016, now I have casio AP-460. I use synthogy ivory steinway D, it sounds amazing. Even with the px-130, it can gives you more range to express the music.
Ya...Synthology Ivory Steinaay D sounds amazing. I use it too. But, how do you do it real-time?
I have the Ivory 1.5 Standalone version...
SuperShreyansh13 Ivory Steinway is absolutely brutal. Easily my favourite VSTi piano. What do you mean how he does it real-time? If you don't have a sound interface then you can use ASIO4ALL with your existing soundcard. ASIO is an audio driver that is standard in music production, it is made for use with virtual instruments, which is part of why it has dramatically lower latency. Low enough to fool your brain into thinking the sound comes out instantly.
great video. could you do a video on how to get an agent/manager? thx
Thanks so much. I would except I don't know any good tips on the subject, seeing as I don't have one :)
how do you get the concerto performances then?
"Play on different pianos!," is a great tip for a developing hand-ear coordination.
Thanks Josh, you're the best!
Excellent tips!
This is great! I'm going to buy these books.
Hi Josh, I enjoy your videos and your suggestions. I think the problem these days is not about the affording the piano teacher but finding the piano teachers. Piano teachers are becoming scarcer and scarcer and the person who is a good musician AND a good teacher is a rarity (which I still haven't met). I have gone through many teachers. My goals have changed over the years but I am at the point where my number one goal is to practice an hour a day. And, as unreasonable as this might sound, if I don't meet this goal I am holding the teacher I am paying accountable. Just thought I would put that out there. Thank you for your work and dedication.
Love your videos, thanks for your help Josh!
Thanks so much for your support!
Also, I know what you are saying about the Yamaha N3. Those things feel absolutely real. All of the Nx pianos have real piano actions. Just instead of a string at the end, it hits a sensor. But the feel of the keys is just amazing. It was a tough choice between the one I bought and some of the Yamaha's with this action.
I find the Yeti to be a bit big and cumbersome. You also need a computer to plug it into. To record myself, I use a Tascam DR-05 (abt $80) which records excellent quality onto microSD card. You can record uncompressed .wav or choose different quality .mp3. It’s very compact, can just throw it in my music bag.
Wow, I would absolutely love to have a Steinway and Sons upright. But I am still glad to have an acoustic piano, although it is a WurliTzer upright
For recording yourself cheaply but well: buy a good weighted hammer digital piano like the Kawai ES 110 or Yamaha p115 (both cost less than 1000 with all equipment and can be paid in installments): they have a record and playback button so you can instantly check how you sounded without the distraction of playing at the same time. Thanks for all the great videos, Josh!!
great advice
Josh are you going to do the ossia cadenza on Rach 3? Hope the performance gets uploaded to you tube!
Great advice Josh!
Recording and listen back to your playing - so true! You will never be 100% satisfied with it, then you work harder and smarter to improve!
Absolutely! Keep up the great work Dana
Thank you SO much for your piano recommendations! :)
I used to be able to read sheet music. Now I am learning it again :P Anyway Josh can you make a video on tips for reading sheet music? That would be great.
Thank you!
You have great insight! Thanks for this video!!!
my teacher is not a registered teacher but best I ever had I,m making mor progress than ever I had before.I spent thousands on poor teachers ,failed exams. Now I,m ahead and playing atcl stuff,i practise 3 hrs at least per day ,i love it.
rreally good. No.6 - pay the best teacher you can TO IDENTIFY YOUR SHADOW SIDE on piano, and so set the critical autodidactic
tasks . I did it with Jaques Rouvier and am satisfied. The best teacher i had said something like: thats the only thing, work alone on that, because it destroys everything else you have. ITSMORe ABOUT NOT FORGETTING that this is your main issue: record yourself everyday and check this point everyday. For example, rarely a teacher identified WHY i have tempo problems. Maybe noone finds out. Work to find what is really your weak side and increasee your work on that from 1 % to 90 % of the time. Its also true that sometimes they find your biggest weakness but disincourge you by being TOO STRICT with it until you are reall scared and think that you cannot do nothing. Because of my tempo problem i thought that i was bad in other things where in fact i am very good. And not every teacher will decompose your problem in parts. For ex,: sometimes i do really want some "strange" tempo decisions. I really think MOzart would write accelarando or ritardando more times, as BAch or whatever, but they were still too used to the "manner" and "social rules", like writing as everyone uses to read. Many cadences are very short , they are free, but people play like a dalberti bass... Anyway its true that i missed trying to play strictly such "free moments". Sometimes it sounds ALSO very good, more orchestra sound. And so i found that MANY times i changed the tempo because of a TECHNICAL ISSUE. Many teachers noticed that, BUT they were not clear enough to show that this was my biggest problem, and principally, it has to doo with my CONVICTIONS. Too change a conviction you need a lot of discussion. Principally if the player finds good what he does... its like a glue on his blood, the change need to be from its own conviction again. Thus, only alone you will get it, or with a teacher who does not think that you play bad when in fact you just has a wrong conviction about how it should work, or if you hidde your shadow side from yourself. It really "therapeutic issue". I would like to write more on that. Who started piano later or changed from one style to other will get what i am saying...
Hey this spoke to me! Seems like I have a similar "problem" with tempo due to technical issue or lack of counting and patience practicing in small chunks. It's really game changing if you're receptive to the feedback and slow things down.
A Steinway grand - any grand - would go straight through the floor in my apartment :-D
Haha!!
In the beginning, the option is not limited to a F/T teacher. In my area there are adult learning courses offered through the local board of education in publics schools & community centres. These are half-year, once a week courses for people with all sorts of hobbies including playing piano keyboard for a small enrolment fee. These are not designed for people who are serious greeting through various music conservatory grade levels but those who just want to learn a few songs.
If you have a friend or relative proficient enough on piano playing, you may be able to make a deal with the person. Try it for a few months before getting involve with a teacher (private lessons / group sessions).
Just found your channel man, and you're amazing...
Thanks for the great vid. I am very happy with my Yamaha DGX 650, best digital piano I have ever owned. I am going start implementing exercises in my practice such as scales, arppegios and hannon.
My main focus has been on one piece.
I had lessons for like 3 years when I was aged 10 to 11, I'm now 23 and still those lessons have come to help me a lot even after my 11 years off the piano.
Anyway thanks for the advice.
Samuel Miyagi Thumbs up for Yamaha DGX 650! Loving mine! More affordable than the microphones mentioned in this vid. Lol.
Donna Ible-White loI those mics look good for a professional but whats piano without a record feature. Only thing would be cool is a case to close and protect the keys.
Samuel Miyagi I have a looooong way to go before I have a need for a mic like that :) ..... My keyboard came with a cloth covering. They should be cheap- buy one.
Thanks Samuel! I wish you all the best in your studies
Very helpful tips!!! You're great.
Great Lessons Josh, I'm an adult that's started learning piano with my 12yr old son, we've working through the first three Lina Ng piano books, what do think of those ?
How about the supplemental material in Adult Piano Adventures Popular / Classics books, is it good?
Have you ever considered playing the pipe organ?
This is extremely helpful! Thank you, Josh!
I really like the lack of cuts in the presentation. It feels nice to listen to.
I love trying to figure out the works of Liszt, and Chopin myself. It is only then, that I can throw my own interpretation into it.
I've been playing on a yamaha clavinova for 10 years lol, but I've gotten away by playing on my school pianos, plus my teacher's bechstein
I’m glad to hear that you go to church, do you play for your church?
Two questions:
1) How to "manage" a one-time-only piano lesson. Is it like a doctor doing a physical or do I say, "I need help with octave speed?"
2) Another category: Memory practice. Working on rep for me is first memorizing the piece, building up the speed, and then the most onerous, "forging" memory and working on "forgetting" which for me is quite random.
I have a Williams allegro digital piano I only paid a hundred bucks for from guitar center. It is pretty rough on your fingers but it suits its purpose. I’m still terrible tho. Wish me luck in the future.
sir,, i am learning piano for the last six months.. i follow Alfred's adult piano course--level one, practice scales, Arpeggio, no other technical exercises.. is it ok? please give suggestions
I consider myself an intermediate piano player with good technique, at this stage would supplementing from your online programs that walk through different pieces be best for me especially if I can not afford a live piano player?
One point of scepticism, those Yeti microphones. As far as I understand there are USB microphones which cost half of that and give the same quality. More importantly, why not use a $100-300 microphone from a company like Audio-Technica or Sennheiser? It might be a bit more expensive but you get so much more value. I completely understand having a limitid budget but in my opinion that merits even more that you choose maximum value/$. Other than that I agree, I had private lessons, regular lessons at a music school and I have done it on my own for three instruments (or 4 if you count a wooden flute) including the piano so I think that I might have a good look on this thanks to that experience.
If you record yourself with a digital piano, the Focusrite products have no noticeable latency (time delay by the digital processor). I was pleasantly surprised that I can play with headphones while recording.
8:30 I've done this so many times lmao. "I'm going to be buying a piano"
I'm a guitarist thinking about taking piano lessons. what is your opinion on the Yamaha P-125? I'm thinking about getting the one with the wood stand.
I'm guessing we should finish faber's book 1 and 2 before we do the technique and exercise books?
Why is the method of Albert Jonas not used in the United States?
There are 7 books with contributions by Wilhelm Backhaus, Fannie Bloomfield, Ferruccio Busoni, Alfred Cortot, Ernő Dohnányi, Arthur Friedheim, Ignaz Friedman, Ossip Gabrilowitsch , Rudolph Ganz , Katherine Goodson , Leopold Godowsky , Josef Lhévinne , Isidor Philipp ,Moriz Rosenthal...
Emil von Sauer ,Leopold Schmidt , Sigismond Stojowski
Is bösendorfer good like Steinway???
its not all about money sometimes. im almost 70 and ive dabbled in keyboards but just got myself a Yamaha PSR E373 keyboard, got a christian hymnbook with all the great old hymns in it, play by ear, and follow the piano video lessons channel; did 10 lessons in 24 hrs, very easy, made myself some keynote flashcards to learn the upper keys; now about to start my flashcard deck of bass keys, to read sheet music. I selected 52 songs from my book, and play them twice a day usually every day, perhaps not the whole song, but most of it or a phrase from it that i know well. Im too cheap (i have the money) and lazy? no one wants to drive 30 to 50 miles for a piano lesson at -35C!! in 24 hrs (10 lessons) I saved myself $300~~!! will I play perfectly in a year with no teacher just online lessons? dont know! dont care! If i can read music, chord the tune I like, thats what Im after and so far Im GETTING it..
I am wondering which of the books you list have songs that is easy to find to a music recording to listen too. I have the Jazz, Rags, and Blues Books, and they come with a CD so I can get listen to the songs. I'm not very good at sightreading and I need to have a recording to listen to or at least have a clue what the song sounds like. If it is early intermediate songs I can read them but I don't want to stay on that level as the songs are a bit basic.
Consider buying (new or second hand) affordable touch sensitive digital piano with inbuild recording function, no need to spend extra money for microphone. Even some less expensive models have a very good sound quality nowadays.
How do you know if a piano teacher is good?
Thank you Josh for your fantastic tutorials. I find them very interesting & valuable.
what is the difference between sightreading books and repertoire?
I am not the foremost specialist in this field, but I would say that "sightreading books" are specifically designed to progress in sight reading, as their name suggests, and are relatively simpler in general from the point of view of piano technique than collections of repertoire. I hope that what I am saying will help you understand this distinction. :)
my current teacher never teaches me what technique to use when dealing with tricky passages...she is good at musicality and helps me shape and phrase but i haven’t learned any technique tips from her in a long time. i think it could be time to switch teachers, or am i over worrying?
Would the Pro practice series serve as supplemental lessons ?