You have taught me more about scales than anyone else. No one else can explain why you need scales. You are the only one that had real technical answers. You are an awesome pianist!!!
I'm your most humble admirer. There is no poetry enough to describe how beautiful your playing is. As if the piano responds to your expression without you even touching it. Just watching you explaining it has changed for ever the way I think of my playing. Thanks.
+Oliveira Carlos Hi! Yes, PianoCareerAcademy.com is hosted on a forum platform - but it is not an actual forum. It's an enormous, very well-structured library that comprises hundreds of detailed video and written tutorials (including step-by-step courses) on the most important piano playing topics, being structured according to categories and levels. The progressive Scale Lessons are ALL in video form - and they also include downloadable fingering charts which you can print or save to your computer :). If you have other questions about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program, please fill in a Contact Form (which you can find at the bottom of the home page at PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my assistant will be happy to answer your questions! ;)
LOL I have no idea, because I never used it! :))) If you experience problems with memorization, before looking into supplements (or any other traditional or alternative medical solutions) you have to make sure that you practice correctly first (in other words, in 99% of the cases there's nothing wrong with the student's memory per se - and poor memorization is just a consequence of an incorrect practice approach) :). You can find detailed tutorials on these topics (correct mindful practice and memorization) in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. Learn more about the functionality of this program by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
WHY would you want to do such a thing? LOL 'Playing without looking at your fingers' is a modern myth - a silly requirement that makes no technical or expressive sense. Yes, as you acquire experience, after many years of piano playing, you WILL be able to play without looking at the keys ALL THE TIME - but if you are a beginner, trying to play in a 'blind' manner is dangerous and counterproductive, leading to that 'clumsiness' and 'clinging to the keys' that is unfortunately so common nowadays. Professional piano playing is based on freedom of motion and fluid whole-arm movements - which are impossible to develop if the student is always keeping his hands very close to the keyboard, with the weird purpose of 'not looking at his fingers'. You can find out more by watching my detailed video reply to a similar question - which is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this program and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Good luck and LOOK at the keys when practicing! ;)
I study with your piano lesson in Thailand , I really like your style teaching. I learn many thing the art of scale that i never known before , Thank you so much.
Thank you for your response to my inquiry. As I mentioned previously your video was very convincing. Your demonstrations and your expounding was done authoritatively. I feel confident enough to handle the intermediate level videos. So I will follow you there. And thank you for your help. Be blessed :-)
I have been playing for 13 years, but I have never stop learning more, I really need to learn to play faster and while I never actually practiced scales I really am doing my best everyday to practice them. It is such a pain because when you are little you pick things up way faster. I am 19 now so not that old at all, but looking at Animenzzz(youtube piano player) I feel like I suck, I strife to become as good as him one day so I can play more of his beautiful transcriptions.
Oh thats awesome, I don't know if you know it but "everyday world" from back in december. I discovered that piece again in February and after I think30 hours of practice I can play it. keep on practicing you'll get there. I should've been way better but I quite playing the piano for like 5 years while I was in the first years of highschool I fucked up there, but I have been practicing everyday non stop since 2013 again. and looking back I would've never dreamed of playing such a beautiful piece like Everyday World. Hope you make good progress!
I love how thorough your video was, and your reminder to be mindful and consider scale practice a beautiful meditation. I struggle to remember that! Thank you!
You have excellent communication skills, no doubt intelligently applied from your pianist performances. You are making wonderful use of info-technology as well, bringing piano teaching to include aspects necessary for health of body parts used in performance that has been distinctive of the Russian piano school. Congratulations !
Would like to thank you for sharing your time and talent and experience with us. I teach piano in USA and mostly children beginning all the way up to adults. I have taught in schools and homes for over 25 years. I learned from the French/Italian school. Never thought about the Russian school much until recently. I was curious and stumbled upon your site. You captured my attention and reminded me of my early lessons and how important the fundamentals are and how they are overlooked. In this country we tend to have a "microwave" approach to learning and expecting so much without putting in the patience. I applied some of the principles you discussed and shared them with my students today. They really were very inspired as well and had wonderful time with me. I appreciate your efforts. God has gifted you. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your appreciation! :))) I'm really happy that your students enjoyed my tips - yes, a good foundation is golden, and the complex art of piano playing does not tolerate well the modern 'microwave' approach LOL. Good luck and thank you for your comment! ;)
i appreciate how you demonstrate the "utility " of scales in classic works .Franz Liszt always stressed the practice of scales and I now understand more about why ....thank you !
1st. When I go through the youtube looking for teachers to follow, I always look for the ones that have studied music through a conservatory or academy. They give us listeners the best information for students to music and performing. No matter what instrument, even composition, students benefit most from this structured training. 2nd. I have listened to teachers of piano, singing and composition from England, France, Germany, and of course Russia. After listening to the lesson taught I always go away feeling that I have learned something new even from a familiar subject I learned long ago. Upon watching workshops on the Dalcrose method and the Orff-Schulwerk method of learning music through dance and movement, I use some of these methods on my students so that they can internalize their piano pieces through rhythmic movement. I also took a 2 year course in ear training and solfeggio in my first year at my university. I teach these methods my students. It helps them play a cantabile line much better. 3rd. It's amazing how you are able to take something complicated like playing technique and break it down into simple components easy for any student to understand. It is a joy to watch you teach. I would also like to see you perform. I am sure that it would be just as marvelous as your teaching. Thank you very much for your videos. I will be looking forward for your next one.
Great teaching, playing, and technique!! I have been playing guitar for 37 years, and took music theory on piano 33 years ago, and aI am really trying to get away from a lot of the same types of playing I have been doing. I am retired now so I am re-learning theory, and all the scales, modes and such, so I appreciate all the very descriptive, and detailed manner of teaching that you give!! Very professional!! Thanks Again!!
Your piano playing is as beautiful as you are. Outstanding expressive lessons. Flawless quality. Thank you so much for sharing this. Greatly appreciated. I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful Chickering & Sons Grand Piano for just the cost of shipping. I am a guitar player but have always loved the piano. You make it seem so easy. I am using your scales and arpeggios to master this instrument. Take Care! Jim
I just wanted to say I've seen lots of instruction videos but most of the teaching methods i did not agree with. I might add that finally I've found great videos on music theory structure and overall everything to do with piano, composing etc. Just wanted to tell you you're a great teacher i love your concepts and your vocal accents makes it alot easy to stay focused while studying your instructions . Makes it even more intriguing.:)
Quite possibly, the very best video I've seen on the subject of Scales. What I find lacking in many piano tutorials or instruction is . . . "The Why." When you tell someone why they are doing something rather than just saying, you should or need to do this, it cements in their mind the reasoning behind all that effort, and this will likely ramp-up the incentive to learn.
Thank you so much, Michael! Indeed, everything starts with 'WHY' - and this is particularly important in musical performance :). Very good observation! ;)
"how to practice" and "excersise" brought me here. i am an absolute beginner and then.. i saw the fastest piano playing i have ever heard. from such a beautiful and nice women. mind blown.
Thank you! :))) By the way, if you wish to learn how to play piano from scratch, in an enjoyable progressive manner (according to the professional system used in the Russian piano school) - you can do so by following my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners. Lesson No. 1 is available for free on RUclips and my blog (www.pianocareer.com/piano-practice/nikolaev-russian-piano-school-practice-guide/) - and the other Lessons can be found in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com :).
+Donnie Darko That's a very good idea! Enjoy your practice and don't forget - the most important thing is not WHAT we practice - it's HOW we practice! ;)
I have just found your channel, I am loving it. My teacher is also russian, I just love your accent and most importantly the way you explain your content. I will definitely spend hours on your channel.
Amazing lessons you're giving freely. It's just a pleasure to learn piano with you. Greetings from Granada. Spain. You have a new follower from now. I'm learning piano, too. I love pianoooooo.
I just came from practicing my harmonic, melodic and natural minors. Lol. Thank you for the motivation to continue practicing. Someday I will be able to play Rachmaninoff or Chopin’s etudes
As someone who learned some piano back in the early 1970's with a technique largely based on finger action and "thumb under" (Hanon etc.) which was being taught at the time here in Canada, the Russian technique seems very interesting to me. I stopped playing for decades, first because my father died and we could not afford lessons any more and later because life got in the way. Now that I am retired, I started playing again a couple of years ago but have not yet started lessons. In the meantime, I have been reviving some pieces I used to play and exploring some others. One thing is not clear to me when playing on my own. How does one determine what pieces are proper to work on in terms of difficulty relative to ability ? For example, once you are truly at the level that you can play moderate length things like the Schubert Impromptus or Chopin waltzes or Nocturnes, how long should it take one to get a piece up to standard (play at speed, few if any mistakes, musically satisfying and memorized) ? Assume practicing 2-3 hours per day and working on 2-3 pieces plus technical exercises at a time. Second question : once one has an ingrained technique (in my case the old, largely finger based, technique), is learning another approach such as the Russian Method possible or even desirable or would it just ruin the foundation already built to "switch gears" ?
Hello! A complete answer to your questions would require several pages of text - so I will try to be concise (which is not easy, given the complexity of the topics): 1. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 1-6 months to fully master a piece that is appropriate for our level (keeping in mind the schedule and number of pieces you mentioned - which are reasonable and well-balanced). Of course, a short piece such as a Prelude or Nocturne will take less time (maybe 1-2 months) as compared to a full Sonata (which can take 4-6 months). However, please note that I wrote 'fully master a piece'. Mastering a piece is very different from just memorizing it and playing it up to speed, with few (or no) mistakes. You did use the term 'musically satisfying' - but this term doesn't even begin to cover the complex realm of expression (which is our main goal in learning a piece). Expression is not about our personal satisfaction (or our personal emotions). It is a scientific method of bringing out the artistic concept of the piece, and all the expressive intentions of the composer. I talk more about this important topic in other tutorials (for example here: www.pianocareer.com/piano-technique/brilliant-technique-holistic-professional-approach/). 2. I do advise all my students to learn whole-arm action - but this also depends on your individual goals. Yes, this is entirely possible, and the benefits are enormous. Of course, this DOES mean re-building your technique from scratch (you will need to practice easy non-legato pieces for a while). However, remember that you will only re-build the TECHNICAL foundation. Your existing foundation of reading, theory, pedaling etc. (and overall musical understanding) will not go anywhere, and will remain intact. Plus, the Russian method is not just about learning a healthier and more brilliant technique. It's also about the simultaneous and harmonious development of ALL your skills - especially the scientific approach to expression I mentioned above. People usually switch to whole-arm action because they have hit a frustrating roadblock in their technical/expressive progress, and cannot move any further. For a lot of them, this obstacle is accompanied by pain and injuries (caused by the limited finger technique). However, if you don't have any pain and are happy with your current skills - you may decide to keep using the old technique. I could write a novel on this topic, but I will stop here - and you can learn more by exploring some of my other free tutorials :).
Amazing the way your flingers float over the keys. You seem to make playing scales easy. I never practice scales, but I will now. Starting late in my life to play the piano well. I'm 60 years young and have always played piano to accompany myself while singing because no one else was there. Thanks for giving me a little insighy to playing better. Jesse Mendez
I'm in love. Your credibility oozes from the outset and I'm thrilled by the intelligent structure, discipline and passion you display. I'm hooked. I can't wait to go through your lessons.
Thank you so much, Martin! :))) I'm looking forward to welcoming you to our community at PianoCareerAcademy.com! ;) If you wish to learn more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program, please take a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially my answers to questions No. 1-3. Enjoy your practice! ;)
Thank you for making your materials available online!! I think this might help me prepare for studying piano at the college level, which I plan to do. Thank you, again!
She really has some cool, relaxed technique. My first piano teacher many years ago taught the "rigid wrist" school, and I still can't get over it! Old habits die hard... Great tutorial!
I've been drilling myself on so many songs with seemingly difficult arpeggios both in left and right hand, and I've been practicing over and over and over, forgetting that arpeggios are based off of scales. Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I should have followed my violin lessons by practicing scales to become an overall better musician. Thank you!
+Cal Tillman You're very welcome! ;) Scales and arpeggios are indeed very useful for developing our theoretical understanding of tonalities and functions - not to mention their countless technical and expressive benefits :). The entire Scale Course (consisting of many detailed Video Lessons for each Level) is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this Course by reading my answer to question No. 19 from our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
Dear Ms Russian piano teacher, you adopt a very disciplined and mature outlook to the business of learning piano. As one who learns 'by ear' I've watched a lot stuff that the promises results. However your philosophical approach dictates that only 'shortcut' to proficiency is disciplined focused practice of scales. And I watch this video as a reminder. By the way Rachmaninoff Op 23 no 5 is as the young folk say, off the chain
+smoothjazzaxe Thank you! :) By the way, the 'disciplined focused practice of scales' is not the ONLY way to make good piano progress: scales & arpeggios are simply a PART of a productive piano practice. Their purpose is to complement (not to replace) the mindful, correct, consistent and progressive practice of PIECES :). For becoming good pianists, we need to develop (harmoniously and simultaneously) ALL our expressive/technical/aural/analytical/theoretical/reading skills! ;)
PianoCareer Yes, yes in fact at one time I used the Bastien method (I no longer have that textbook). At the moment I have no book containing any pieces. However I will find something with pieces. In the meantime, I have been adding arpeggios to the practice repertoire as you have instructed since I have read your remarks and replayed your video. It 's illuminating to see just how much work and commitment is really required. However, when I watch your video I can see where I will be if I continue with your discipline. Yes, indeed
+smoothjazzaxe If you want to learn how to play piano in a serious manner, your practice has to be correct, progressive, consistent and well-balanced. The foundation of an efficient and productive piano practice are PIECES - while scales are simply 'accelerators' that help us to further improve our technical/expressive/theoretical skills. If you're looking for a progressive piano method - you can follow my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners based on Nikolaev's "Russian School of Piano Playing", available for the members of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. In the Members Area you will also find all the Lessons of my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course (the video above is just the Introductory Episode of this Course). Find out more about these Course (and about the functionality of PianoCareerAcademy) by reading our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - paying special attention to questions No. 17 (about the Course for Beginners), No. 19 (about the Scale Course) and No. 1-6. Good luck! ;)
Thank you! While I don't offer individual lessons (due to my overloaded schedule), you can always join our program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :). As a member of PCA you will have instant and unlimited access to our entire library - comprising almost 1000 detailed lessons for all levels (including step-by-step courses and interactive projects). You can learn more by reading my answers from our FAQ page [ www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs ].
Thank you for this video:) Now I do really understand why I didn't make any progress in the past. You really motivated me to practise every day and to be concentrated.
You can us the Satriani method: Tell yourself the mafia have your sister and unless your playing impresses the don at his birthday party that you'll get parts of her in the post. That tends to make you focus! XD
@@pianocareer Agreed. This wouldn't work at all for me. I need to be relaxed and calm before I play the piano. If I'm too aware of what other people might think of my playing or might judge me, I'm not able to perform as well as I could.
Question... Do you teach us scales or do we just get to watch you play them in a snippet of a song? Because I'm here to learn scales. Not see what practising them does. Thanks =)
Hi! The video above is simply the INTRODUCTORY Episode of my step-by-step Scale Course. Its purpose is to show you the BENEFITS of scale practice. As I mention in the video (and also in the Description Box), all the actual step-by-step Lessons (where I explain and demonstrate how to play scales & arpeggios in a very detailed progressive manner, covering the entire scale system we use in the Russian piano school) are available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. The Lessons start from Beginner Level 1 and reach the Advanced Level 8 - and, for each level, I demonstrate how to analyze and practice each scale and arpeggio (in every key) in a super-detailed manner, also explaining all the required theoretical information. Each Lesson also comes with a downloadable fingering chart. You can find out more about this Course (and about the functionality of PCA) by taking a look at our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Please pay special attention to questions No. 19 (dedicated to the Scale Course), No. 17 (dedicated to our Video Course for Beginners), and 1-6 (you will learn how PCA works, what is included in the membership etc.). Good luck! ;)
Very very clear explanations and executions on the scales and arpeggios Miss Ilinca. And you seem to feel which much confidence in those very complex pieces without showing any signs of struggle. Kudos!..I'm an instant fan!!! And you made me love the piano 1,000 more times!!!! :-)
I have not been focusing on scales lately, but this video has really inspired me. I'm an intermediate level and studied to Grade 7 about 25 years ago, and now started playing for the first time again after all these years. I'm 52. Unfortunately I have golfers elbow in both arms and get sore and also stiff in my hands, wrists and fingers if playing too long or too hard or too repetitively (I have arthriris though my body including my feet and shoulders, so my foot gets stiff from pedaling). Do you have any advice for any of this? I love music, and want to build my piano playing ability, but physically I am facing limitations it seems
Hi Renata! Since I am not a doctor, I cannot go into medical details. Still, learning the ergonomic healthy whole-arm technique is always the best solution for any technical or expressive limitations :). Playing in a relaxed, fluid, loose manner, without strain and tension, by making use of gravity (instead of applying unnecessary effort) will definitely bring a big relief in your playing. Whole-arm action is the technical foundation used in the Russian piano school. Simply put, it is the secret behind effortless power, speed, brilliance - and a wide expressive pallette. Regarding pedaling - you might benefit from this free tutorial: www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/bio-mechanics-healthy-piano-pedaling-technique/
How about learning passages to learn my scales. It's less boring and helps me learn a piece or part of a piece. I know my scales in one octave but to play 2 or 4 octaves the fingers get tangles up. It's hard to remember if it's 3rd or 4th finger.
Scale fingering is really easy if you understand it logically - and also if you learn your scales in a systematic manner. You can do so by following the progressive Lessons of my step-by-step Scale & Arpeggio Course (available on PianoCareerAcademy.com). You should obviously practice all the difficult passages from your pieces - but if you ALSO work on your scales correctly, your progress (and your overall understanding of technical patterns, hand positions, theoretical fundamentals etc.) will be greatly improved :). Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Thanks I always had bad fingerings habits and over the years I haven't tried to break them habits. I am trying a new approach. I also don't have the best piano to practice on. After researching which type of piano to buy a small grand piano is my preference. Thanks and I will Keep practicing my scales.
Ron B if you remember which ONE key your fourth finger gets to do each octave, some people find that helpful. Also, try grouping each octave into groups of 3-4, playing them together.
Correct fingering is mostly determined by what makes more sense. It's helpful to play scales for more than one octave, because it takes the awareness of knowing which fingering works best, to play through the notes that you need to play for each scale, when doing more than one octave. When you play Major scales, for example, several Major scales are played by using the fingering; ..with the Right Hand; 1,2,3,..1,2,3,4,..1,2,3,..1,2,3,4, and then finish with the 5th, smallest finger, if that's all that's being played. (on the right hand, the thumb, is 'finger #1'... Then on the left hand, with the thumb still being #1, and the smallest finger is #5, many Major scales are played with the fingering,..5,4,3,2,1,-3,2,1,..and continuing by reaching over the thumb,..to begin using finger #4, , and playing the next octave, with your hand over it the same way as the first....There are just simple basic fingerings, for each hand, they're each just common sense, when you look at the notes that will be played. If you play more than eight notes, you just need to go over, or under,..using a 1,2,3, 1,2,3,4, then under, continuing, 1.2.3.4.5, but whenever continuing, just go under finger #3, or #4. Then with the left hand, it's 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-(#1 -thumb) and going 'over' starting with #3-(#3 = middle finger) - #2, to #1, then when continuing, use the #4 finger to get your hand back in place, to repeat the same. If you don't really grasp it just by watching RUclips videos, or from how I'm explaining it, and you really want to be playing in the future, I seriously recommend that you find a way to take either a Piano 1 class at a community college, (night school is usually a better price), ..or just save up enough money for one or two private lessons, and tell the instructor that you just need to review the basics of fingerings and scales. You can ask any number of piano/keyboard players about the importance of know the basics of fingering, and movement, I know that they will all tell you that without awareness of it, you just will not be playing as well as you would otherwise. There are only Twelve notes on the keyboard, and they repeat. One way to get better familiar with ALL the Major, and Minor scales, is to concentrate on getting better at both the Major and Minor scale, for each note, every month, and within a year, you can cover all of them. It never ends though. I have heard some performers who have played concerts professionally, and made records, for fifty years, and have said they still need to practice to be able to give the audience their money's worth. Some musicians will act like, they're just naturally playing at an amazing level, but everyone has to spend time at it, for more reasons than one. There are few things that people can do, and enjoy, no matter what age, and music is one. Look at Willie Nelson, he's still doing shows at age 89. But if you don't learn properly, you might be 89, and still wondering why you didn't take time to do it properly. :-) If you look at piano study, (learning) in a similar way as a building, and how they get made, is,..a building is not going to get built, unless a certain amount of time, and work is put into it. They have work schedules, and plans, etc. So, the people that really learn, are those who continue to take lessons, or classes, because that not only teaches them, but it motivates us to complete a new project, at least a couple times a month. I started decades ago, and trust me, I know the difference. Well, I had no idea that I was going to go on this long, but hope it helps.
Ron B. I have two words to say about it being hard to remember the 3rd or 4th fingers. SO WHAT !!! If you practice diligently, it will become a non-issue. You should ask your self only two questions. 1. Do you want to get better? 2. Are you willing to do the work to get there? It is all in your hands and there is no room for "it is hard... woe is me" That is a direct quote form the best piano teacher I have ever had. As a result of my hard work, I am fluent in all 12 major and minor scales. It has improved my playing immensely. I also apply this "SO WHAT" philosophy to all other hard to do things in life. It works there as well. Here is another tit bit. Play Hannon finger exercises, (all written in the key C), in several keys, while supplying the respective sharps and flats on the fly. It will make you cross eyed, but at the end of the tunnel you will play the way you wanted to, 2 or three years ago.
You're very welcome - and thank you for your appreciation! ;) Relaxation and fluidity can be trained like any other piano skill - with lots of mindful, focused, regular, persistent and enjoyable practice! :)))
Hi! No, I don't do live teaching. All my tutorials are filmed with several cameras simultaneously, and they are also full of useful images, score inserts etc. (to make them as comprehensive and enjoyable to watch as possible). Live videos do not allow to include so much detail, and they are also quite messy, disorganized (and too long). That's why all my video tutorials are pre-recorded and professionally edited. My purpose is to make them useful for many years to come :). You can also learn more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program by taking a look at our detailed FAQ page (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
WHY would you want to do such a thing? LOL 'Playing without looking at the keyboard' is a modern myth - a silly requirement that makes no technical or expressive sense. Yes, as you acquire experience, after many years of piano playing, you WILL be able to play without looking at the keys ALL THE TIME. However, if you are a beginner, trying to play in a 'blind' manner is dangerous and counterproductive, leading to that 'clumsiness' and 'clinging to the keys' that is unfortunately so common nowadays. Professional piano playing is based on freedom of motion and fluid whole-arm movements - which are impossible to develop if the student is always keeping his hands very close to the keyboard, with the weird purpose of 'not looking at the keyboard'. You can find out more by watching my detailed video reply to a similar question - which is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this program and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Good luck and please LOOK at the keys when practicing! ;)
If you've been typing on your computer for many years (which is likely this day and age), you'll find that you are able to type without looking at the keyboard... even if you think you can't, you'll be surprised that your fingers can easily type without looking. It is a mechanical-like movement that has been programmed into your muscle memory. The same goes with the piano. When you've been playing for so long (aka many years) and if you're especially familiar with the piece that you are playing, it is not difficult to play without looking at the keys.
Yes, muscle memory is a very important part of piano playing, and experienced pianists can sometimes play with their eyes closed (if they so choose). However, the key word here is EXPERIENCED - and it's also important to understand the bigger picture: 1. Piano playing has NOTHING in common with computer typing! Sure, our 'fingertips touch the keys' in both cases - but the muscles involved (and the required technique) are entirely different. Computer typing is a 'static' activity only done with the finger/hand muscles (the hands are almost never raised above the keys, and they barely change position). The computer keyboard is small, and the keys are light and easy to depress. The piano keyboard, on the other hand, is much larger/longer, and the keys are weighted, being harder to depress. That's why professional-level piano playing is a whole-body activity, also involving big, relaxed gestures (and LOTS of freedom of movement). This is called whole-arm action and weighted playing (as compared to the 'finger-only action' used in computer typing). Watch a professional play: their arms 'fly' very high above the keys, the energy is taken from the back and shoulders (not just the fingers) - and 'blind playing', in this case, is dangerous and makes no sense whatsoever. 2. Beginners SHOULD look at the keyboard as often as possible! Otherwise, they cannot learn whole-arm action and weighted playing, and their technique indeed resembles 'computer typing' (a clumsy, tensed, finger-only activity). The only way to stop 'clinging' to the keys (and learn how to play in a free, loose, weighted manner) is to LOOK where your hands go! Then, in time, it's obviously possible to NOT look at the keys from time to time (especially if you don't have big jumps or hand position changes)... however, WHY would you want to do this? Yes, many teachers nowadays impose this silly requirement on their students - but please note, only amateurs are 'tortured' like this. Professionals are taught in a different manner (and I speak from 30+ years of experience). 3. This is obviously an incomplete explanation - and if you want to learn more, I have a detailed tutorial on this topic (where I explain the origins of this silly requirement, why it is dangerous, and what to do instead) in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com.
@@seang2700 Hi Sean! It's all about correct practice, which helps us to form new neural pathways and reflexes. In other words, things that currently seem impossible/difficult become the new ‘normal’ (such as coordinating and monitoring multiple things simultaneously, peripheral vision etc.). The problems you experience are actually common for people who enjoy skipping steps (or not following a step-by-step method altogether). If you use the professional progressive approach, this question will not even arise: reading (or hand coordination) will happen easily and naturally, allowing you to focus on what really matters: meaningful and expressive playing :).
I already had my octaves down. Those wouldn't help for the trills or small scales that are done by the right arm. Scales are especially important in La Campanella especially towards the end of the piece.
i woould have learned directly from your Russian school of music and specially you being my teacher,,but bec of geographical distance,,i would definetely love to keep myself updated with your other videos and your great teachings..thanks again Elica.
Hi! Geographical distance is not a problem - because I teach online, via my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :). In the Private Members Area you can find hundreds of exclusive tutorials (including step-by-step courses) where I share the professional principles of the Russian piano school via my holistic approach to piano playing. If you have any questions about the functionality of this program, feel free to contact us (by clicking on the link on the bottom of the page at pianocareeracademy.com). Good luck! ;)
Hi Brandon! Well, they are definitely not 'my' scales LOL - but a complex system of scales & arpeggios devised by many generations of wonderful teachers and pianists. Also, you can't learn this entire system simply by watching the video above (which is only the INTRODUCTORY episode of my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course). All the Lessons of this Course (where I demonstrate how to play scales & arpeggios in a very detailed step-by-step manner, covering the entire system we use in the Russian piano school) are available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. And, to answer your question - the most important thing is not how MUCH you practice - it's HOW you practice. More info on this topic in my free tutorial "Correct Piano Practice: a Step-By-Step Holistic Guide" (ruclips.net/video/__SiXXnaYOY/видео.html). Once you learn how to practice in a mindful and productive manner - the exact 'amount' of practice depends on a lot of factors (such as your level, your current piano 'endurance', your goals etc.). I generally recommend starting each practice session with a scale warm-up (which can be as short as 10 minutes, as as long as 1-2 hours - again, depending on your level/purpose). Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Im so sorry, i accidentally reffered to as "your" scales xD. I find your tip very useful of how should i practice my scales effciently rather than the extent of time praciting them mindlessly. I'm an experienced pianist and I find that i play scales very well but i lack the most memorizing and applying them when learning a difficult piece, where i struggle to finding notes (sight reading) easily on the piano mostly with pieces with alot of flats and sharps, which makes learning difficult and longer. If you could give me tips for memorizing scales effectively, Thank you :D
No worries! :)) Memorization happens naturally when a scale/piece is analyzed very well, its structure/layout understood logically - and, of course, when it is practiced correctly and mindfully. You can find super-detailed, step-by-step practice tips for ALL scale & arpeggio variations that we practice in the Russian piano school in my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course (available on PianoCareerAcademy.com). There is a detailed description on this course in our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), answer No. 19. In the Members Area of PCA you will also find the progressive Lessons of our Sight-Reading Course (which, besides improving your reading skills, will help you to let go of many harmful modern 'reading myths' - which are unfortunately very common nowadays). You can find out more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program by taking a look at answers No. 1-6 from the FAQs :).
Thank you. Inspiring and very skilled. I've been enjoying playing by ear since I bought my upright piano on a whim a few months ago. I am excited to start learning. Thanks for your efforts. I really appreciate experiencing people and especially a teacher being present and attentive and generous - you seem like a skilled facilitator as well as a superb pianist. Ok, on to the first class. I've never left a comment online before.
You have inspired me a lot. I have stopped playing piano for years.... now my son starts practicing scales. I'm having fun to practice this stuff again. Thank you ;)
Yes.... I'm playing nocturne in C sharp minor actually in the late measures..... Tough scales. I've watched your tutorial already. It's very inspiring. :)
Thank you for this great and inspiring lesson maestro. " the secret of good technique is actually the fact that it is subordinated to (and resulting from) meaning and expression": very well put.
Thank you for a very interesting video. I am a ragtime/stride/jazz player, and I liked the way you played the scales with an artistic approach. Scales are music too, not just exercise. I will work on this for a while, and I am sure it will be helpful.
i subbed! i've been playing the piano for 10 years... mainly due to asian parents so i never actually enjoyed it since i was forced to. But i picked it back up again after putting it down for a while and your videos are great, so easy to follow and it really helps me understand why i'm unable to produce beautiful sound.. or play fast. Thank you!
You're very welcome, Jose! ;) By the way, you can find all the step-by-step episodes of this Scale Practice Guide on my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :).
Very fantastic videos, i really love them. I'm a 28 year old adult who wants to practice the classical piano and your video reassured me that with the right practice even i can play some very complex pieces at some point :) Thanks !
thanks so much for this, so much of youtube is junk but your videos are straight to the point and well articulated. also, as a musician (terrible at piano but starting to improve much more) you are amazing at pianio and a perfect example of what people need in a great presentor/teacher. again, thanks so much for this.
Pogouldiwitz Thank you so much for your appreciation! ;) My schedule for individual Skype lessons is booked for many months ahead - but a much better option is joining my Online Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. More information about this program in our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), paying special attention to questions No. 1, 2 and 13 :). Have a great weekend and enjoy your practice! ;)
Bored child home for summer and in band or orchestra? Came upon this video and the necessity of scales, forward and backward, and chromatic scales. Scales are a compulsory part of every contest and in day to day play, scales will improve the pieces your class is doing and you will definitely have a head up on your classmates. Just gave this speech to my children Sunday. They do not live with me, but are very curious about music. I've played more than I can count including piano./keys, acoustic guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, and contrabass clarinet. what fun times! I saw the chromatic scale for trumpet written on the chalk board so often in Jr high, that one night I picked up a trumpet and just played the scale. Thank you for posting this.
Terrific! This lesson of yours reminded me that no piano school compares to the Russian piano school. And it brought me back to the keyboards after almost 40 years of abstinence. Spasibo! I wish you luck and success!
You have taught me more about scales than anyone else. No one else can explain why you need scales. You are the only one that had real technical answers. You are an awesome pianist!!!
+MICHAEL DAVIS Thank you, Michael! I'm happy this video was helpful! :))
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I'm your most humble admirer. There is no poetry enough to describe how beautiful your playing is. As if the piano responds to your expression without you even touching it. Just watching you explaining it has changed for ever the way I think of my playing. Thanks.
+Inside Piano Video Tutorials Thank you so much for your appreciation!!! I'm really happy that you enjoy my tutorials! ;)
+Oliveira Carlos Hi! Yes, PianoCareerAcademy.com is hosted on a forum platform - but it is not an actual forum. It's an enormous, very well-structured library that comprises hundreds of detailed video and written tutorials (including step-by-step courses) on the most important piano playing topics, being structured according to categories and levels. The progressive Scale Lessons are ALL in video form - and they also include downloadable fingering charts which you can print or save to your computer :).
If you have other questions about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program, please fill in a Contact Form (which you can find at the bottom of the home page at PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my assistant will be happy to answer your questions! ;)
Does Ginkgo Biloba help with memorizing piano skills?
LOL I have no idea, because I never used it! :))) If you experience problems with memorization, before looking into supplements (or any other traditional or alternative medical solutions) you have to make sure that you practice correctly first (in other words, in 99% of the cases there's nothing wrong with the student's memory per se - and poor memorization is just a consequence of an incorrect practice approach) :). You can find detailed tutorials on these topics (correct mindful practice and memorization) in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. Learn more about the functionality of this program by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
how do I play a piano without looking at my fingers?
WHY would you want to do such a thing? LOL 'Playing without looking at your fingers' is a modern myth - a silly requirement that makes no technical or expressive sense. Yes, as you acquire experience, after many years of piano playing, you WILL be able to play without looking at the keys ALL THE TIME - but if you are a beginner, trying to play in a 'blind' manner is dangerous and counterproductive, leading to that 'clumsiness' and 'clinging to the keys' that is unfortunately so common nowadays. Professional piano playing is based on freedom of motion and fluid whole-arm movements - which are impossible to develop if the student is always keeping his hands very close to the keyboard, with the weird purpose of 'not looking at his fingers'. You can find out more by watching my detailed video reply to a similar question - which is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this program and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Good luck and LOOK at the keys when practicing! ;)
+PianoCareer حبيبي جميل عاشت الانامل الذهبية
I study with your piano lesson in Thailand , I really like your style teaching. I learn many thing the art of scale that i never known before , Thank you so much.
Thank you - and enjoy your practice! :)
Salam, Career. Very nice and useful lesson, many thanks to you who had publised these patterns in playing piano.: )May God almighty bless you more; )
Ade Saepuloh Thank you! :)
Very nice job....I really feel like i just attended a lesson. You qualify your arguments with examples perfectly!
Thank you! :)))
Thank you for your response to my inquiry. As I mentioned previously your video was very convincing. Your demonstrations and your expounding was done authoritatively. I feel confident enough to handle the intermediate level videos. So I will follow you there. And thank you for your help. Be blessed :-)
Thank you! :)))
I have been playing for 13 years, but I have never stop learning more, I really need to learn to play faster and while I never actually practiced scales I really am doing my best everyday to practice them. It is such a pain because when you are little you pick things up way faster. I am 19 now so not that old at all, but looking at Animenzzz(youtube piano player) I feel like I suck, I strife to become as good as him one day so I can play more of his beautiful transcriptions.
Hahah I'm 16 and started a couple weeks ago cause of animenz always loved piano but his vids pushed me but yah I suck lol
Oh thats awesome, I don't know if you know it but "everyday world" from back in december. I discovered that piece again in February and after I think30 hours of practice I can play it. keep on practicing you'll get there. I should've been way better but I quite playing the piano for like 5 years while I was in the first years of highschool I fucked up there, but I have been practicing everyday non stop since 2013 again. and looking back I would've never dreamed of playing such a beautiful piece like Everyday World. Hope you make good progress!
+Rajivrocks Ltd. thanks man, will do
+Rajivrocks Ltd. Wow my story is pretty much the same im only 18
haha, awesome we're in it together! :)
I love how thorough your video was, and your reminder to be mindful and consider scale practice a beautiful meditation. I struggle to remember that! Thank you!
You're very welcome, Alexa! Enjoy your practice! ;)
You have excellent communication skills, no doubt intelligently applied from your pianist performances. You are making wonderful use of info-technology as well, bringing piano teaching to include aspects necessary for health of body parts used in performance that has been distinctive of the Russian piano school. Congratulations !
Thank you! ;)
Would like to thank you for sharing your time and talent and experience with us. I teach piano in USA and mostly children beginning all the way up to adults. I have taught in schools and homes for over 25 years. I learned from the French/Italian school. Never thought about the Russian school much until recently. I was curious and stumbled upon your site. You captured my attention and reminded me of my early lessons and how important the fundamentals are and how they are overlooked. In this country we tend to have a "microwave" approach to learning and expecting so much without putting in the patience. I applied some of the principles you discussed and shared them with my students today. They really were very inspired as well and had wonderful time with me. I appreciate your efforts. God has gifted you. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your appreciation! :))) I'm really happy that your students enjoyed my tips - yes, a good foundation is golden, and the complex art of piano playing does not tolerate well the modern 'microwave' approach LOL. Good luck and thank you for your comment! ;)
PianoCareer show
i appreciate how you demonstrate the "utility " of scales in classic works .Franz Liszt always stressed the practice of scales and I now understand more about why ....thank you !
Thank you for your appreciation, Bruce! :))
Ваш бьющий ключом позитив и грамотная подача материала вселяют надежду освоить столь нелегкий предмет. Огромное человеческое спасибо!
Спасибо большое! :)))
1st. When I go through the youtube looking for teachers to follow, I always look for the ones that have studied music through a conservatory or academy. They give us listeners the best information for students to music and performing. No matter what instrument, even composition, students benefit most from this structured training. 2nd. I have listened to teachers of piano, singing and composition from England, France, Germany, and of course Russia. After listening to the lesson taught I always go away feeling that I have learned something new even from a familiar subject I learned long ago. Upon watching workshops on the Dalcrose method and the Orff-Schulwerk method of learning music through dance and movement, I use some of these methods on my students so that they can internalize their piano pieces through rhythmic movement. I also took a 2 year course in ear training and solfeggio in my first year at my university. I teach these methods my students. It helps them play a cantabile line much better. 3rd. It's amazing how you are able to take something complicated like playing technique and break it down into simple components easy for any student to understand. It is a joy to watch you teach. I would also like to see you perform. I am sure that it would be just as marvelous as your teaching. Thank you very much for your videos. I will be looking forward for your next one.
Hi Patrick! Thank you for much for your appreciation - it means a lot! :))
@@pianocareer You're Welcome. Good night from my side of the world.
@@pianocareer Again thank you for your videos. Please continue with your quality presentations.
Great teaching, playing, and technique!!
I have been playing guitar for 37 years, and took music theory on piano 33 years ago, and aI am really trying to get away from a lot of the same types of playing I have been doing.
I am retired now so I am re-learning theory, and all the scales, modes and such, so I appreciate all the very descriptive, and detailed manner of teaching that you give!! Very professional!!
Thanks Again!!
Thank you! ;)
Every word is simply just pure piano wisdom. Thanl you/ I will be forwarding this to all my students.
Thank you so much, Albert! ;)
Thank you for this useful tutorial
Your piano playing is as beautiful as you are. Outstanding expressive lessons. Flawless quality. Thank you so much for sharing this. Greatly appreciated. I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful Chickering & Sons Grand Piano for just the cost of shipping. I am a guitar player but have always loved the piano. You make it seem so easy. I am using your scales and arpeggios to master this instrument. Take Care! Jim
Thank you so much, Jim! ;)
I just wanted to say I've seen lots of instruction videos but most of the teaching methods i did not agree with. I might add that finally I've found great videos on music theory structure and overall everything to do with piano, composing etc. Just wanted to tell you you're a great teacher i love your concepts and your vocal accents makes it alot easy to stay focused while studying your instructions . Makes it even more intriguing.:)
Thank you, Jeremy! ;)
I find it quite funny how you/the lady speaking appears as though they are going to burst out laughing at the end of each sentence… Insightful video!
Quite possibly, the very best video I've seen on the subject of Scales. What I find lacking in many piano tutorials or instruction is . . . "The Why." When you tell someone why they are doing something rather than just saying, you should or need to do this, it cements in their mind the reasoning behind all that effort, and this will likely ramp-up the incentive to learn.
Thank you so much, Michael! Indeed, everything starts with 'WHY' - and this is particularly important in musical performance :). Very good observation! ;)
"how to practice" and "excersise" brought me here. i am an absolute beginner and then.. i saw the fastest piano playing i have ever heard. from such a beautiful and nice women. mind blown.
Thank you! :))) By the way, if you wish to learn how to play piano from scratch, in an enjoyable progressive manner (according to the professional system used in the Russian piano school) - you can do so by following my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners. Lesson No. 1 is available for free on RUclips and my blog (www.pianocareer.com/piano-practice/nikolaev-russian-piano-school-practice-guide/) - and the other Lessons can be found in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com :).
I've been avoiding this for years but now I am determined to learn my scales because it really is the key to master this awesome instrument.
+Donnie Darko That's a very good idea! Enjoy your practice and don't forget - the most important thing is not WHAT we practice - it's HOW we practice! ;)
I have just found your channel, I am loving it. My teacher is also russian, I just love your accent and most importantly the way you explain your content. I will definitely spend hours on your channel.
Thank you, Tatiana! :)))
So was mine!
Amazing lessons you're giving freely.
It's just a pleasure to learn piano with you.
Greetings from Granada. Spain.
You have a new follower from now.
I'm learning piano, too.
I love pianoooooo.
+Samuel Sánchez Thank you, Samuel - and lots of good luck with your practice! ;)
I just came from practicing my harmonic, melodic and natural minors. Lol. Thank you for the motivation to continue practicing. Someday I will be able to play Rachmaninoff or Chopin’s etudes
Hi Paco! I'm happy you enjoyed this video! Have an inspired practice! :)
Very nice. Even in these exercises your passion for the music shines through!
Thank you so much! :)))
As someone who learned some piano back in the early 1970's with a technique largely based on finger action and "thumb under" (Hanon etc.) which was being taught at the time here in Canada, the Russian technique seems very interesting to me. I stopped playing for decades, first because my father died and we could not afford lessons any more and later because life got in the way. Now that I am retired, I started playing again a couple of years ago but have not yet started lessons. In the meantime, I have been reviving some pieces I used to play and exploring some others. One thing is not clear to me when playing on my own. How does one determine what pieces are proper to work on in terms of difficulty relative to ability ? For example, once you are truly at the level that you can play moderate length things like the Schubert Impromptus or Chopin waltzes or Nocturnes, how long should it take one to get a piece up to standard (play at speed, few if any mistakes, musically satisfying and memorized) ? Assume practicing 2-3 hours per day and working on 2-3 pieces plus technical exercises at a time. Second question : once one has an ingrained technique (in my case the old, largely finger based, technique), is learning another approach such as the Russian Method possible or even desirable or would it just ruin the foundation already built to "switch gears" ?
Hello! A complete answer to your questions would require several pages of text - so I will try to be concise (which is not easy, given the complexity of the topics):
1. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 1-6 months to fully master a piece that is appropriate for our level (keeping in mind the schedule and number of pieces you mentioned - which are reasonable and well-balanced). Of course, a short piece such as a Prelude or Nocturne will take less time (maybe 1-2 months) as compared to a full Sonata (which can take 4-6 months). However, please note that I wrote 'fully master a piece'. Mastering a piece is very different from just memorizing it and playing it up to speed, with few (or no) mistakes. You did use the term 'musically satisfying' - but this term doesn't even begin to cover the complex realm of expression (which is our main goal in learning a piece). Expression is not about our personal satisfaction (or our personal emotions). It is a scientific method of bringing out the artistic concept of the piece, and all the expressive intentions of the composer. I talk more about this important topic in other tutorials (for example here: www.pianocareer.com/piano-technique/brilliant-technique-holistic-professional-approach/).
2. I do advise all my students to learn whole-arm action - but this also depends on your individual goals. Yes, this is entirely possible, and the benefits are enormous. Of course, this DOES mean re-building your technique from scratch (you will need to practice easy non-legato pieces for a while). However, remember that you will only re-build the TECHNICAL foundation. Your existing foundation of reading, theory, pedaling etc. (and overall musical understanding) will not go anywhere, and will remain intact. Plus, the Russian method is not just about learning a healthier and more brilliant technique. It's also about the simultaneous and harmonious development of ALL your skills - especially the scientific approach to expression I mentioned above. People usually switch to whole-arm action because they have hit a frustrating roadblock in their technical/expressive progress, and cannot move any further. For a lot of them, this obstacle is accompanied by pain and injuries (caused by the limited finger technique). However, if you don't have any pain and are happy with your current skills - you may decide to keep using the old technique. I could write a novel on this topic, but I will stop here - and you can learn more by exploring some of my other free tutorials :).
Amazing the way your flingers float over the keys. You seem to make playing scales easy. I never practice scales, but I will now. Starting late in my life to play the piano well. I'm 60 years young and have always played piano to accompany myself while singing because no one else was there. Thanks for giving me a little insighy to playing better. Jesse Mendez
Thank you, Jesse - and lots of good luck with your scale practice! ;) Don't forget about the expressive aspect - and enjoy every step of the way! :)))
Wow, this woman's awesome. Obviously passionate about her topic she is articulate and engaging. I'm going to check out the website now.
I'm in love. Your credibility oozes from the outset and I'm thrilled by the intelligent structure, discipline and passion you display. I'm hooked. I can't wait to go through your lessons.
Thank you so much, Martin! :))) I'm looking forward to welcoming you to our community at PianoCareerAcademy.com! ;) If you wish to learn more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program, please take a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially my answers to questions No. 1-3. Enjoy your practice! ;)
All right ... I'm sold. I'll practice my scales ;---;
:))) Enjoy your practice!
You are my favorite teacher on youtube. I really understood a lot of things watching this video. Thank you very very much!
Marius Dorin You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment and your appreciation! :)))
Thank you for making your materials available online!! I think this might help me prepare for studying piano at the college level, which I plan to do. Thank you, again!
My pleasure - and good luck!!! :))
She really has some cool, relaxed technique.
My first piano teacher many years ago taught the "rigid wrist" school, and I still can't get over it! Old habits die hard...
Great tutorial!
Thank you! :))) The good news is that with patience and perseverance, it's entirely possible to get rid of old bad habits! Good luck! ;)
Amazing video!! Very helpful!
Thank you! :))
Great tech
Merci
I definitely subscribe! I appreciated this so much!
Thank you! :)
Truly a great resource thank you
You're very welcome! Thank you for your appreciation! :)
I've been drilling myself on so many songs with seemingly difficult arpeggios both in left and right hand, and I've been practicing over and over and over, forgetting that arpeggios are based off of scales. Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I should have followed my violin lessons by practicing scales to become an overall better musician. Thank you!
+Cal Tillman You're very welcome! ;) Scales and arpeggios are indeed very useful for developing our theoretical understanding of tonalities and functions - not to mention their countless technical and expressive benefits :). The entire Scale Course (consisting of many detailed Video Lessons for each Level) is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this Course by reading my answer to question No. 19 from our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
Salut! You are a perfect combination of talent and beauty. I will enjoy being your student.
Thank you! :)))
+PianoCareer aloha and peaceful hugs. I was sidetracked for a long while. I am back and will be your faithful student.
Dear Ms Russian piano teacher, you adopt a very disciplined and mature outlook to the business of learning piano. As one who learns 'by ear' I've watched a lot stuff that the promises results. However your philosophical approach dictates that only 'shortcut' to proficiency is disciplined focused practice of scales. And I watch this video as a reminder. By the way Rachmaninoff Op 23 no 5 is as the young folk say, off the chain
+smoothjazzaxe Thank you! :) By the way, the 'disciplined focused practice of scales' is not the ONLY way to make good piano progress: scales & arpeggios are simply a PART of a productive piano practice. Their purpose is to complement (not to replace) the mindful, correct, consistent and progressive practice of PIECES :). For becoming good pianists, we need to develop (harmoniously and simultaneously) ALL our expressive/technical/aural/analytical/theoretical/reading skills! ;)
PianoCareer Yes, yes in fact at one time I used the Bastien method (I no longer have that textbook). At the moment I have no book containing any pieces. However I will find something with pieces. In the meantime, I have been adding arpeggios to the practice repertoire as you have instructed since I have read your remarks and replayed your video. It 's illuminating to see just how much work and commitment is really required. However, when I watch your video I can see where I will be if I continue with your discipline. Yes, indeed
+smoothjazzaxe If you want to learn how to play piano in a serious manner, your practice has to be correct, progressive, consistent and well-balanced. The foundation of an efficient and productive piano practice are PIECES - while scales are simply 'accelerators' that help us to further improve our technical/expressive/theoretical skills. If you're looking for a progressive piano method - you can follow my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners based on Nikolaev's "Russian School of Piano Playing", available for the members of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. In the Members Area you will also find all the Lessons of my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course (the video above is just the Introductory Episode of this Course). Find out more about these Course (and about the functionality of PianoCareerAcademy) by reading our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - paying special attention to questions No. 17 (about the Course for Beginners), No. 19 (about the Scale Course) and No. 1-6. Good luck! ;)
I want to have a teacher like you ❤
Thank you! While I don't offer individual lessons (due to my overloaded schedule), you can always join our program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :). As a member of PCA you will have instant and unlimited access to our entire library - comprising almost 1000 detailed lessons for all levels (including step-by-step courses and interactive projects). You can learn more by reading my answers from our FAQ page [ www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs ].
Very articulate explanation of the multiple benefits of practicing scales and arpeggios, thank you very much, Illinca!
+James Walmsley You're very welcome, James! Thank you for your comment! ;)
I already know how to play piano, I like listening to your accent. :-).
Thank you for this video:) Now I do really understand why I didn't make any progress in the past. You really motivated me to practise every day and to be concentrated.
+Matthias Bräul You're very welcome! Enjoy your practice! :))
You can us the Satriani method: Tell yourself the mafia have your sister and unless your playing impresses the don at his birthday party that you'll get parts of her in the post. That tends to make you focus! XD
LOL For most people, this scenario would produce the opposite effect - mental and technical paralysis due to performance anxiety! hahaha
@@pianocareer Agreed. This wouldn't work at all for me. I need to be relaxed and calm before I play the piano. If I'm too aware of what other people might think of my playing or might judge me, I'm not able to perform as well as I could.
Great tutorial.
Very well done! Thank you so much. Your demonstration and communication level is perfect. I look forward in learning more from you. :)
Question... Do you teach us scales or do we just get to watch you play them in a snippet of a song? Because I'm here to learn scales. Not see what practising them does. Thanks =)
Hi! The video above is simply the INTRODUCTORY Episode of my step-by-step Scale Course. Its purpose is to show you the BENEFITS of scale practice. As I mention in the video (and also in the Description Box), all the actual step-by-step Lessons (where I explain and demonstrate how to play scales & arpeggios in a very detailed progressive manner, covering the entire scale system we use in the Russian piano school) are available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. The Lessons start from Beginner Level 1 and reach the Advanced Level 8 - and, for each level, I demonstrate how to analyze and practice each scale and arpeggio (in every key) in a super-detailed manner, also explaining all the required theoretical information. Each Lesson also comes with a downloadable fingering chart. You can find out more about this Course (and about the functionality of PCA) by taking a look at our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Please pay special attention to questions No. 19 (dedicated to the Scale Course), No. 17 (dedicated to our Video Course for Beginners), and 1-6 (you will learn how PCA works, what is included in the membership etc.). Good luck! ;)
Thank you for sharing your expertise and demonstrations on this video! I look forward to watching other videos.
Thank you! :)))
5:30 starts the video
Very very clear explanations and executions on the scales and arpeggios Miss Ilinca. And you seem to feel which much confidence in those very complex pieces without showing any signs of struggle. Kudos!..I'm an instant fan!!! And you made me love the piano 1,000 more times!!!! :-)
Thank you so much, Jake! ;)
I have not been focusing on scales lately, but this video has really inspired me.
I'm an intermediate level and studied to Grade 7 about 25 years ago, and now started playing for the first time again after all these years. I'm 52. Unfortunately I have golfers elbow in both arms and get sore and also stiff in my hands, wrists and fingers if playing too long or too hard or too repetitively (I have arthriris though my body including my feet and shoulders, so my foot gets stiff from pedaling). Do you have any advice for any of this? I love music, and want to build my piano playing ability, but physically I am facing limitations it seems
Hi Renata! Since I am not a doctor, I cannot go into medical details. Still, learning the ergonomic healthy whole-arm technique is always the best solution for any technical or expressive limitations :). Playing in a relaxed, fluid, loose manner, without strain and tension, by making use of gravity (instead of applying unnecessary effort) will definitely bring a big relief in your playing. Whole-arm action is the technical foundation used in the Russian piano school. Simply put, it is the secret behind effortless power, speed, brilliance - and a wide expressive pallette. Regarding pedaling - you might benefit from this free tutorial: www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/bio-mechanics-healthy-piano-pedaling-technique/
@@pianocareer Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I hope your channel grows exponentially! You deserve it!
In the same boat... if only there was WD40 for fingers 😅
This video is a marvellous service for students and teachers of many instruments, as it approachces technique from a creative angle. Thank you x
Matthew Sear Thank you so much, Matthew! :))
Looking forward to these lessons, She is a very talented piano player and pleasing to the eye!
Thank you! ;)
Very helpful. Thank you.
You're very welcome! ;)
Love your technique...very informative ..plus you're very easy on the eyes...wink:)
The mindfulness and meditation aspect has totally won me over to scales. I am now looking forward to them.
I'm happy to hear that! Enjoy your scale practice! :)))
So inspiring!!!
Thank you, William! ;)
Thank you, Piano Goddess of Ultimate Knowledge, love the show! Excellent job, great ideas!
If you want to learn how to play piano like a pro then visit this website here: HootPiano. info
How about learning passages to learn my scales. It's less boring and helps me learn a piece or part of a piece. I know my scales in one octave but to play 2 or 4 octaves the fingers get tangles up. It's hard to remember if it's 3rd or 4th finger.
Scale fingering is really easy if you understand it logically - and also if you learn your scales in a systematic manner. You can do so by following the progressive Lessons of my step-by-step Scale & Arpeggio Course (available on PianoCareerAcademy.com). You should obviously practice all the difficult passages from your pieces - but if you ALSO work on your scales correctly, your progress (and your overall understanding of technical patterns, hand positions, theoretical fundamentals etc.) will be greatly improved :). Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Thanks I always had bad fingerings habits and over the years I haven't tried to break them habits. I am trying a new approach. I also don't have the best piano to practice on. After researching which type of piano to buy a small grand piano is my preference. Thanks and I will
Keep practicing my scales.
Ron B if you remember which ONE key your fourth finger gets to do each octave, some people find that helpful. Also, try grouping each octave into groups of 3-4, playing them together.
Correct fingering is mostly determined by what makes more sense. It's helpful to play scales for more than one octave, because it takes the awareness of knowing which fingering works best, to play through the notes that you need to play for each scale, when doing more than one octave. When you play Major scales, for example, several Major scales are played by using the fingering; ..with the Right Hand; 1,2,3,..1,2,3,4,..1,2,3,..1,2,3,4, and then finish with the 5th, smallest finger, if that's all that's being played. (on the right hand, the thumb, is 'finger #1'... Then on the left hand, with the thumb still being #1, and the smallest finger is #5, many Major scales are played with the fingering,..5,4,3,2,1,-3,2,1,..and continuing by reaching over the thumb,..to begin using finger #4, , and playing the next octave, with your hand over it the same way as the first....There are just simple basic fingerings, for each hand, they're each just common sense, when you look at the notes that will be played. If you play more than eight notes, you just need to go over, or under,..using a 1,2,3, 1,2,3,4, then under, continuing, 1.2.3.4.5, but whenever continuing, just go under finger #3, or #4. Then with the left hand, it's 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-(#1 -thumb) and going 'over' starting with #3-(#3 = middle finger) - #2, to #1, then when continuing, use the #4 finger to get your hand back in place, to repeat the same. If you don't really grasp it just by watching RUclips videos, or from how I'm explaining it, and you really want to be playing in the future, I seriously recommend that you find a way to take either a Piano 1 class at a community college, (night school is usually a better price), ..or just save up enough money for one or two private lessons, and tell the instructor that you just need to review the basics of fingerings and scales. You can ask any number of piano/keyboard players about the importance of know the basics of fingering, and movement, I know that they will all tell you that without awareness of it, you just will not be playing as well as you would otherwise. There are only Twelve notes on the keyboard, and they repeat. One way to get better familiar with ALL the Major, and Minor scales, is to concentrate on getting better at both the Major and Minor scale, for each note, every month, and within a year, you can cover all of them. It never ends though. I have heard some performers who have played concerts professionally, and made records, for fifty years, and have said they still need to practice to be able to give the audience their money's worth. Some musicians will act like, they're just naturally playing at an amazing level, but everyone has to spend time at it, for more reasons than one. There are few things that people can do, and enjoy, no matter what age, and music is one. Look at Willie Nelson, he's still doing shows at age 89. But if you don't learn properly, you might be 89, and still wondering why you didn't take time to do it properly. :-) If you look at piano study, (learning) in a similar way as a building, and how they get made, is,..a building is not going to get built, unless a certain amount of time, and work is put into it. They have work schedules, and plans, etc. So, the people that really learn, are those who continue to take lessons, or classes, because that not only teaches them, but it motivates us to complete a new project, at least a couple times a month. I started decades ago, and trust me, I know the difference. Well, I had no idea that I was going to go on this long, but hope it helps.
Ron B. I have two words to say about it being hard to remember the 3rd or 4th fingers. SO WHAT !!!
If you practice diligently, it will become a non-issue. You should ask your self only two questions.
1. Do you want to get better?
2. Are you willing to do the work to get there?
It is all in your hands and there is no room for "it is hard... woe is me"
That is a direct quote form the best piano teacher I have ever had. As a result of my hard work, I am fluent in all 12 major and minor scales. It has improved my playing immensely.
I also apply this "SO WHAT" philosophy to all other hard to do things in life. It works there as well.
Here is another tit bit. Play Hannon finger exercises, (all written in the key C),
in several keys, while supplying the respective sharps and flats on the fly. It will make you cross eyed, but at the end of the tunnel you will play the way you wanted to, 2 or three years ago.
You are so fluid and relaxed when you play. I struggle with that. You are a good influence. Thanks for the videos :)
You're very welcome - and thank you for your appreciation! ;) Relaxation and fluidity can be trained like any other piano skill - with lots of mindful, focused, regular, persistent and enjoyable practice! :)))
I came for a piano tutorial, and stayed for the hot lady.
happened to me in the last video lol
Lovely and charming enthusiasm + great talent = Subscribed
do you do live teaching in your courses ?
Hi! No, I don't do live teaching. All my tutorials are filmed with several cameras simultaneously, and they are also full of useful images, score inserts etc. (to make them as comprehensive and enjoyable to watch as possible). Live videos do not allow to include so much detail, and they are also quite messy, disorganized (and too long). That's why all my video tutorials are pre-recorded and professionally edited. My purpose is to make them useful for many years to come :). You can also learn more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program by taking a look at our detailed FAQ page (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
Dear Teacher...good accent and explaination.....thk u...
You're very welcome! ;)
Hi, can you teach how to accurate find the key without look at keyboard?
WHY would you want to do such a thing? LOL 'Playing without looking at the keyboard' is a modern myth - a silly requirement that makes no technical or expressive sense. Yes, as you acquire experience, after many years of piano playing, you WILL be able to play without looking at the keys ALL THE TIME. However, if you are a beginner, trying to play in a 'blind' manner is dangerous and counterproductive, leading to that 'clumsiness' and 'clinging to the keys' that is unfortunately so common nowadays. Professional piano playing is based on freedom of motion and fluid whole-arm movements - which are impossible to develop if the student is always keeping his hands very close to the keyboard, with the weird purpose of 'not looking at the keyboard'. You can find out more by watching my detailed video reply to a similar question - which is available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about this program and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Good luck and please LOOK at the keys when practicing! ;)
If you've been typing on your computer for many years (which is likely this day and age), you'll find that you are able to type without looking at the keyboard... even if you think you can't, you'll be surprised that your fingers can easily type without looking. It is a mechanical-like movement that has been programmed into your muscle memory.
The same goes with the piano. When you've been playing for so long (aka many years) and if you're especially familiar with the piece that you are playing, it is not difficult to play without looking at the keys.
Yes, muscle memory is a very important part of piano playing, and experienced pianists can sometimes play with their eyes closed (if they so choose). However, the key word here is EXPERIENCED - and it's also important to understand the bigger picture:
1. Piano playing has NOTHING in common with computer typing! Sure, our 'fingertips touch the keys' in both cases - but the muscles involved (and the required technique) are entirely different. Computer typing is a 'static' activity only done with the finger/hand muscles (the hands are almost never raised above the keys, and they barely change position). The computer keyboard is small, and the keys are light and easy to depress. The piano keyboard, on the other hand, is much larger/longer, and the keys are weighted, being harder to depress. That's why professional-level piano playing is a whole-body activity, also involving big, relaxed gestures (and LOTS of freedom of movement). This is called whole-arm action and weighted playing (as compared to the 'finger-only action' used in computer typing). Watch a professional play: their arms 'fly' very high above the keys, the energy is taken from the back and shoulders (not just the fingers) - and 'blind playing', in this case, is dangerous and makes no sense whatsoever.
2. Beginners SHOULD look at the keyboard as often as possible! Otherwise, they cannot learn whole-arm action and weighted playing, and their technique indeed resembles 'computer typing' (a clumsy, tensed, finger-only activity). The only way to stop 'clinging' to the keys (and learn how to play in a free, loose, weighted manner) is to LOOK where your hands go! Then, in time, it's obviously possible to NOT look at the keys from time to time (especially if you don't have big jumps or hand position changes)... however, WHY would you want to do this? Yes, many teachers nowadays impose this silly requirement on their students - but please note, only amateurs are 'tortured' like this. Professionals are taught in a different manner (and I speak from 30+ years of experience).
3. This is obviously an incomplete explanation - and if you want to learn more, I have a detailed tutorial on this topic (where I explain the origins of this silly requirement, why it is dangerous, and what to do instead) in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com.
close your eyes see the keys in your head and practice very slowly. eventually your fingers will find the right keys even with your eyes closed.
@@seang2700 Hi Sean! It's all about correct practice, which helps us to form new neural pathways and reflexes. In other words, things that currently seem impossible/difficult become the new ‘normal’ (such as coordinating and monitoring multiple things simultaneously, peripheral vision etc.). The problems you experience are actually common for people who enjoy skipping steps (or not following a step-by-step method altogether). If you use the professional progressive approach, this question will not even arise: reading (or hand coordination) will happen easily and naturally, allowing you to focus on what really matters: meaningful and expressive playing :).
A wonderful tutorial, with demonstration of piano concerto passages and much more.
Keith Green Thank you, Keith! ;)
I had to work my fingers to death with scales when I was first learning Liszt's La Campanella and Grieg's Piano concerto in A minor
+L Lawliet Practicing octaves would be more worthwhile for Campanella..
I already had my octaves down. Those wouldn't help for the trills or small scales that are done by the right arm. Scales are especially important in La Campanella especially towards the end of the piece.
i woould have learned directly from your Russian school of music and specially you being my teacher,,but bec of geographical distance,,i would definetely love to keep myself updated with your other videos and your great teachings..thanks again Elica.
Hi! Geographical distance is not a problem - because I teach online, via my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :). In the Private Members Area you can find hundreds of exclusive tutorials (including step-by-step courses) where I share the professional principles of the Russian piano school via my holistic approach to piano playing. If you have any questions about the functionality of this program, feel free to contact us (by clicking on the link on the bottom of the page at pianocareeracademy.com). Good luck! ;)
How long and much should I practice your scales?
Hi Brandon! Well, they are definitely not 'my' scales LOL - but a complex system of scales & arpeggios devised by many generations of wonderful teachers and pianists. Also, you can't learn this entire system simply by watching the video above (which is only the INTRODUCTORY episode of my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course). All the Lessons of this Course (where I demonstrate how to play scales & arpeggios in a very detailed step-by-step manner, covering the entire system we use in the Russian piano school) are available in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. And, to answer your question - the most important thing is not how MUCH you practice - it's HOW you practice. More info on this topic in my free tutorial "Correct Piano Practice: a Step-By-Step Holistic Guide" (ruclips.net/video/__SiXXnaYOY/видео.html). Once you learn how to practice in a mindful and productive manner - the exact 'amount' of practice depends on a lot of factors (such as your level, your current piano 'endurance', your goals etc.). I generally recommend starting each practice session with a scale warm-up (which can be as short as 10 minutes, as as long as 1-2 hours - again, depending on your level/purpose). Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Im so sorry, i accidentally reffered to as "your" scales xD. I find your tip very useful of how should i practice my scales effciently rather than the extent of time praciting them mindlessly. I'm an experienced pianist and I find that i play scales very well but i lack the most memorizing and applying them when learning a difficult piece, where i struggle to finding notes (sight reading) easily on the piano mostly with pieces with alot of flats and sharps, which makes learning difficult and longer. If you could give me tips for memorizing scales effectively, Thank you :D
No worries! :)) Memorization happens naturally when a scale/piece is analyzed very well, its structure/layout understood logically - and, of course, when it is practiced correctly and mindfully. You can find super-detailed, step-by-step practice tips for ALL scale & arpeggio variations that we practice in the Russian piano school in my progressive Scale & Arpeggio Course (available on PianoCareerAcademy.com). There is a detailed description on this course in our FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), answer No. 19. In the Members Area of PCA you will also find the progressive Lessons of our Sight-Reading Course (which, besides improving your reading skills, will help you to let go of many harmful modern 'reading myths' - which are unfortunately very common nowadays). You can find out more about the functionality of my Piano Coaching Program by taking a look at answers No. 1-6 from the FAQs :).
Thank you. Inspiring and very skilled. I've been enjoying playing by ear since I bought my upright piano on a whim a few months ago. I am excited to start learning. Thanks for your efforts. I really appreciate experiencing people and especially a teacher being present and attentive and generous - you seem like a skilled facilitator as well as a superb pianist. Ok, on to the first class. I've never left a comment online before.
Thank you so much for your appreciation - and congratulations with your first online comment! :))) Lots of good luck with your practice!!!
Excellent
Thank you! ;)
You have inspired me a lot. I have stopped playing piano for years.... now my son starts practicing scales. I'm having fun to practice this stuff again. Thank you ;)
Wichaya Withurawanit You're very welcome! ;) Thank you for your appreciation! :)
Yes.... I'm playing nocturne in C sharp minor actually in the late measures..... Tough scales. I've watched your tutorial already. It's very inspiring. :)
Why do I feel she will burst into laughter any minute?
I don't know - why do you? :)))
PianoCareer Your voice shivers as if you're going to laugh. It's not a bad thing, it's really cute
Thank you for this great and inspiring lesson maestro. " the secret of good technique is actually the fact that it is subordinated to (and resulting from) meaning and expression": very well put.
+Pianoforte Exercises You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment! ;)
Ohhh the Beautiful Rachmaninov :(
you are a very good teacher...i felt it because i'm a self taught pianist..
Thank you - and good luck with your practice! ;)
after watching "the americans" all i am thinking is that she looks like a KGB spy :P
hahahaha :)))
She is.
She's sauntering into our hearts behind the lines through the beauty of music.
She's making us come to her! O:
GREAT!! My scales are improving, I used to hate scales with a passion !!!
I love you
11:04
"We always set a certain artistic goal before playing a scale or arpeggio..."
I love your demonstrations.
+John Kilbourne Thank you! ;)
Thank You! For your wonderful teachings! Gives me joy!
Hi Jimmy! I'm really happy that my tutorials are helpful for you! ;)
Thank you so much! I never had an issue with practicing scales and I have gotten a lot better through the years. But, I still need work! Thank you!
My pleasure! Enjoy your scale practice! ;)
Fantastic video! amazing - simple, practical, fun, passionate & engaging. thanks
MD P Thank you so much! :)))
Thank you for a very interesting video. I am a ragtime/stride/jazz player, and I liked the way you played the scales with an artistic approach. Scales are music too, not just exercise. I will work on this for a while, and I am sure it will be helpful.
You're very welcome! Enjoy your scale practice! ;)
i subbed! i've been playing the piano for 10 years... mainly due to asian parents so i never actually enjoyed it since i was forced to. But i picked it back up again after putting it down for a while and your videos are great, so easy to follow and it really helps me understand why i'm unable to produce beautiful sound.. or play fast. Thank you!
You're very welcome! Thank you for subscribing - and I'm really happy that my tutorials are helpful for you! :)))
Thank you! You have just provided me with a whole new perspective on my approach to piano playing.
Michael Buschmann You're very welcome! I'm happy that you enjoyed this video! ;)
What a wonderful gift! Merry Christmas!
Thank you! Merry Christmas!!! :)))
You're very good, both at playing and at teaching the piano. Thanks for this great class!
You're very welcome! Thank you for your appreciation! :)))
brilliant! there are too few lessons on YT that teach theory without showing it in practise in beautiful music. this was what i was looking for
Thank you! :)))
I'm in love with your videos and your charisma; you have a very poetic way of teaching. Keep up the amazing work. Greetings from Brazil.
Thank you so much! :))
Thank you so much. I found these lessons very helpful n easy to follow. Will b practicing them until I can play them with ease. Once again, Thank You.
You're very welcome, Jose! ;) By the way, you can find all the step-by-step episodes of this Scale Practice Guide on my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com :).
awesome! excellent piano playing. I am learning to play the western style piano. Your videos are really inspiring!
Thank you! :)))
Very fantastic videos, i really love them. I'm a 28 year old adult who wants to practice the classical piano and your video reassured me that with the right practice even i can play some very complex pieces at some point :) Thanks !
Reico Cannella Thank you so much for your appreciation - and enjoy your practice!!! :)
thanks so much for this, so much of youtube is junk but your videos are straight to the point and well articulated. also, as a musician (terrible at piano but starting to improve much more) you are amazing at pianio and a perfect example of what people need in a great presentor/teacher. again, thanks so much for this.
Thank you! :)
I wish I could have one-on-one lessons with you. You seem like a truly great teacher.
Pogouldiwitz Thank you so much for your appreciation! ;) My schedule for individual Skype lessons is booked for many months ahead - but a much better option is joining my Online Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. More information about this program in our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), paying special attention to questions No. 1, 2 and 13 :). Have a great weekend and enjoy your practice! ;)
Bored child home for summer and in band or orchestra? Came upon this video and the necessity of scales, forward and backward, and chromatic scales. Scales are a compulsory part of every contest and in day to day play, scales will improve the pieces your class is doing and you will definitely have a head up on your classmates. Just gave this speech to my children Sunday. They do not live with me, but are very curious about music. I've played more than I can count including piano./keys, acoustic guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, and contrabass clarinet. what fun times! I saw the chromatic scale for trumpet written on the chalk board so often in Jr high, that one night I picked up a trumpet and just played the scale. Thank you for posting this.
Terrific! This lesson of yours reminded me that no piano school compares to the Russian piano school. And it brought me back to the keyboards after almost 40 years of abstinence. Spasibo! I wish you luck and success!
Thank you so much, Andrey! Enjoy your practice! :)
Wishing you a beautiful new year ahead Ilinca!
Thank you so much! Happy New Year!!! :) :) :)
Thank you for your insightful teaching.
GREAT tutorial, Illinka!!;besides, some useful recommendations about Rachmaninoff Prelude op 3 n 2, are also here, indeed. Thanks for sharing it!!
Thank you, Ferran! ;)