Yep you’re absolutely right ! Valentina Lisitsa said teachers always tried to change her technique but she never did , she’s been one of the world’s best pianists for years .
I'm so grateful that you are out here sharing all this advice for free. Truly a blessing for anyone like me trying get tips on learning piano correctly :)
4:45 “the more you learn about music the more you see patterns show up in all genres” well, popular genres sure, but not if we’re taking about experimental advent garde music where sometimes the purpose is to get away from the conventions of tonality. Or if we’re considering exotic music genres, like gamelan, which is highly rhythmically focused. The world of musical genres are vast and I don’t think it’s possible in our lifetime to experience all of it. Another point. The curvature of your fingers are kind of necessary for clarity in fast scaler passages. Without them, you will most likely come into trouble with playing evenly in tone and rhythm. While everyone’s hands are different, people tend to struggle with similar things when learning a particular repertoire. I always tell my students to curve when possible, it just saves so much trouble later on.
I would make the case that the lack of pattern is itself a pattern 😂 I definitely agree that there are far too many genres to really learn about, but thats why learning music is for life! It's fun to learn about new styles from different parts of the world and incorporate them into your own music and learn how genres have come together to form new ones etc. I also agree that curvature of the fingers is necessary for fast scale passages. However, that is in order to be efficient and to stay relaxed. I would make the case, its maybe better to teach students to stay relaxed and move in an efficient way rather than prescribing a specific hand shape? 😊 ...although I don't want beef, I know what happens when someone debates you in the comments 😉
@@matticawood It's unlikely I'll be generating that same kind of attention 3 years ago haha. I agree with lots of what you're saying in this video. It's just that, I started out piano with terribly uncurved fingers, even though they were naturally "relaxed". I'm glad my teacher at the time emphasized the importance of strengthening my fingers by curving them. I notice that once you learn how to curve, then you can have the luxury of not curving them anymore at specific moments of the music, since your fingers have developed the strength to manage other types of techniques.
There’s a parallel when learning Morse Code (I used to teach it). Where students, including me when I was learning, plateau. Although it happens several times as the students speed increases.
That's a very interesting thing to teach! I think it is the case for most motor skill based learning. There comes a time when you need to change your approach in order to be able to get to the next level! 😊
I will say, as a completely self taught piano for a little under 2 years, the idea that there isn’t a correct technique took me WAY too long to realize 😂
It's interesting! Some students don't think about technique at all and others spend way too much time trying to force their hands to do something unnatural in order to have correct technique. 😂
Thankyou for the continued knowledge. Its so helpful and insightful. Could I ask a serious question though please? There are certain pieces I've told myself I must learn or that I would really love to be able to learn and play well. Not right now as i'm just not at that level but someday in the future. For example "Beethoven's Sonata 3rd movement", "Mozart Ronda Alla Turca", "Chopin Etudes Op.10 No.5" .................So the question is can age have an effect on my ability to play such physically demanding pieces? I'm older now and my hands aren't as agile as they were. Should I be focussed on more realistic goals, or is it possible, in your opinion, in time for me to want to try?
Hey! These are all great pieces and nice ones to aspire to be able to play. The answer is no 😂 - Age usually doesn't effect your ability to learn to the level of these pieces unless you have a physical issue like arthritis or something like that. In order to be able to play technically challenging pieces, you essentially need to build your ability to play common patterns at speed. So I would try to build all your scales up to 16th notes (semiquavers) at 90bpm and your arpeggios (3 notes to a beat) to 70bpm. Start out slow and accurate with your scales and then over time build the speed so that you stay relaxed and so that you are consistant. When you can play your scales/arpeggios at speed; these pieces wont feel so technically challenging anymore because you will have evidence that you are able to play those kind of passages at speed. Then it's a case of learning the specific patterns in the pieces and and understanding the music you are playing. - but age shouldn't hold you back, if you can commit the time to practice and practice effectively...then you will get there! 🙂
@matticawood Fantastic, that all makes so much sense. I practice at least 3 hours a day and love every minute of it. If i cant sleep l go downstairs at 3am any plug in my headphones and what seems like 10 minutes become 2 hours! I told my husband last night that my piano is the absolute, non human love of my life! I've never owned a purchasable item that's provided so much, happiness, contentment, joy, love, that's made me cry happy tears (when I achieved something beautiful) I suffer with anxiety (i want to record my playing to see if you'd give me feedback but i dont have the confidence) I'd sell my car before my piano! It's literally the best instrument in the world IMO! Thank you again for the reply and the depth of it. You've helped so much already 🙏
I disagree with the statement there’s no correct technique. Bad technique would be one that prohibits gain or function. Naturally, good technique would be the opposite.
You said to be comfortable, and efficient, and that’s been studied and there are correct ways to do this. Don’t water down your content to make average people feel better. If your goal is to reverse some trauma dealt to someone about their teacher hammering correct technique, it’s just a waste of time. Aim to please higher a quality audience. Selling out is making the world a worse place to live in for those that try. I click on videos to be amazed not mildly entertained.
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Yep you’re absolutely right ! Valentina Lisitsa said teachers always tried to change her technique but she never did , she’s been one of the world’s best pianists for years .
She has great technique as well! She always makes it look easy 😊
A piano isn't just for Christmas; it's for life.
A 66 key keyboard is just for Christmas 😂
@@matticawoodtrue lol I’m getting a ‘roll’ piano
I'm so grateful that you are out here sharing all this advice for free. Truly a blessing for anyone like me trying get tips on learning piano correctly :)
4:45 “the more you learn about music the more you see patterns show up in all genres” well, popular genres sure, but not if we’re taking about experimental advent garde music where sometimes the purpose is to get away from the conventions of tonality. Or if we’re considering exotic music genres, like gamelan, which is highly rhythmically focused. The world of musical genres are vast and I don’t think it’s possible in our lifetime to experience all of it.
Another point. The curvature of your fingers are kind of necessary for clarity in fast scaler passages. Without them, you will most likely come into trouble with playing evenly in tone and rhythm. While everyone’s hands are different, people tend to struggle with similar things when learning a particular repertoire. I always tell my students to curve when possible, it just saves so much trouble later on.
I would make the case that the lack of pattern is itself a pattern 😂 I definitely agree that there are far too many genres to really learn about, but thats why learning music is for life! It's fun to learn about new styles from different parts of the world and incorporate them into your own music and learn how genres have come together to form new ones etc.
I also agree that curvature of the fingers is necessary for fast scale passages. However, that is in order to be efficient and to stay relaxed. I would make the case, its maybe better to teach students to stay relaxed and move in an efficient way rather than prescribing a specific hand shape? 😊
...although I don't want beef, I know what happens when someone debates you in the comments 😉
@@matticawood It's unlikely I'll be generating that same kind of attention 3 years ago haha. I agree with lots of what you're saying in this video. It's just that, I started out piano with terribly uncurved fingers, even though they were naturally "relaxed". I'm glad my teacher at the time emphasized the importance of strengthening my fingers by curving them. I notice that once you learn how to curve, then you can have the luxury of not curving them anymore at specific moments of the music, since your fingers have developed the strength to manage other types of techniques.
This is such good advice and such a great video thank you for this.
No problem, I'm glad you enjoyed my waffle! 🙂
Great advice, thank you!
Great advice 😊😊
great video
Thanks! 😊
There’s a parallel when learning Morse Code (I used to teach it). Where students, including me when I was learning, plateau. Although it happens several times as the students speed increases.
That's a very interesting thing to teach! I think it is the case for most motor skill based learning. There comes a time when you need to change your approach in order to be able to get to the next level! 😊
Interesting to hear your thoughts 👏
I'm glad you think so 😊
From which piece is the sheet music at 12:39? Looks interesting
Wow
I will say, as a completely self taught piano for a little under 2 years, the idea that there isn’t a correct technique took me WAY too long to realize 😂
It's interesting! Some students don't think about technique at all and others spend way too much time trying to force their hands to do something unnatural in order to have correct technique. 😂
Thankyou for the continued knowledge. Its so helpful and insightful. Could I ask a serious question though please? There are certain pieces I've told myself I must learn or that I would really love to be able to learn and play well. Not right now as i'm just not at that level but someday in the future. For example "Beethoven's Sonata 3rd movement", "Mozart Ronda Alla Turca", "Chopin Etudes Op.10 No.5" .................So the question is can age have an effect on my ability to play such physically demanding pieces? I'm older now and my hands aren't as agile as they were. Should I be focussed on more realistic goals, or is it possible, in your opinion, in time for me to want to try?
Hey! These are all great pieces and nice ones to aspire to be able to play. The answer is no 😂 - Age usually doesn't effect your ability to learn to the level of these pieces unless you have a physical issue like arthritis or something like that. In order to be able to play technically challenging pieces, you essentially need to build your ability to play common patterns at speed. So I would try to build all your scales up to 16th notes (semiquavers) at 90bpm and your arpeggios (3 notes to a beat) to 70bpm.
Start out slow and accurate with your scales and then over time build the speed so that you stay relaxed and so that you are consistant.
When you can play your scales/arpeggios at speed; these pieces wont feel so technically challenging anymore because you will have evidence that you are able to play those kind of passages at speed.
Then it's a case of learning the specific patterns in the pieces and and understanding the music you are playing. - but age shouldn't hold you back, if you can commit the time to practice and practice effectively...then you will get there! 🙂
@matticawood Fantastic, that all makes so much sense. I practice at least 3 hours a day and love every minute of it. If i cant sleep l go downstairs at 3am any plug in my headphones and what seems like 10 minutes become 2 hours!
I told my husband last night that my piano is the absolute, non human love of my life!
I've never owned a purchasable item that's provided so much, happiness, contentment, joy, love, that's made me cry happy tears (when I achieved something beautiful) I suffer with anxiety (i want to record my playing to see if you'd give me feedback but i dont have the confidence)
I'd sell my car before my piano!
It's literally the best instrument in the world IMO!
Thank you again for the reply and the depth of it. You've helped so much already 🙏
I guess I’ve gotta play scales musically.
Always! 😂
Donal Trumps little hands are something else 🤣
"Make Piano Great Again" 😉
@@matticawood lol 😂
@@matticawood 🤣🤣
I disagree with the statement there’s no correct technique. Bad technique would be one that prohibits gain or function. Naturally, good technique would be the opposite.
You said to be comfortable, and efficient, and that’s been studied and there are correct ways to do this. Don’t water down your content to make average people feel better. If your goal is to reverse some trauma dealt to someone about their teacher hammering correct technique, it’s just a waste of time. Aim to please higher a quality audience. Selling out is making the world a worse place to live in for those that try. I click on videos to be amazed not mildly entertained.
Music can't be finished😂😂 It's always evolving. Those who are in acceptance can like this comment>>>
Would Love to see Donald Trump getting down on the Keys😂
yes
he does great air-piano when he says "CHI-NA" 😉
First