Remember to check out my books - How To Really Play The Piano, Seven Studies In Pop Piano and An Introduction To Cocktail Piano! Links here: www.billspianopages.com/how-to-really www.billspianopages.com/seven-studies www.billspianopages.com/cocktail
You truly motivated me into wanting to learn how to play the piano. For the past 2 years I have been contemplating about learning how to play piano for numerous reasons, but the main one is my age. I use to think that you have to start young to play it efficiently, but as I got older, I began to realize to myself that it was stupid excuse to say. People learn different things and people are doing different things because they are interested. Then I came across your video, and I was so intrigued about how the way you played scales and you made it fun!!. I’m currently 22 years old rn, my name is Milton, and I just want to say thank you 🙏 I’m so excited for this journey
That's great, Milton! 22 is still pretty young, really: you won't pick it up quite as fast as (say) an 8-year-old, but you'll still be pretty speedy if you practise consistently. I have learners making progress with my stuff who started out in their forties, fifties and beyond. You'll also have an advantage that young kids don't have, in that you'll already have done a lot of learning and you'll have figured out that application gets results. The main thing that causes kids to lose interest is the sheer amount of commitment required and the lack of really instant rewards. As someone a bit older, you should be much more immune to that :)
Bill - thank you! This is one of the best videos I have seen around piano practice! You really hit come with each of these tips. Attacking the problem was especially good advice as I am one of those who felt like I needed to be able to play the piece perfectly all the way through so I do it over and over until I get too frustrated and quit. Love your books and videos....always so helpful and easy to follow. Thank you again.
Excellent advice. I wish I had had these tips when I was first learning as a young kid, I'm sure I'd be way better now if I had started out understanding these ideas.
I started about 2 months ago now and my first piece was fur Elise on the 3rd part now. And my second piece in working on is summer time Gershwin. I try harder stuff first cuz I have 4 hours to play everyday. Summer time was really hard when I first attempted it I had to step back and visualize how to play it in my mind for a few days came back and now I’m 30 seconds into the song. That was really challenging working both hands like that after almost 2 months.
Excellent advice Bill. Loved your 5 tips. Will definitely follow them from now on. Your videos are top notch stuff. Your book is great too. It was really worth the purchase. Thanks for all your lessons.
Thank you Bill. These were great tips!! I now appreciate if i am going to progress, consistency is the key: often and short sessions! I am now inspired to keep going and this video has helped a lot!
Many thanks for this bill, i have just started again after a 12 year on and off hiatus, i did learn to play keyboards 22 years ago when i was 13. But never really pushed hard enough same goes for my 1st reboot. You answered that question, the course i was on. Songs that i don't know and had no interest in the artist in some of the songs i did know, ( beatles) How ever i did go back to the course again, but started with book 1 this time rather than book 2, Like my former keyboard/ piano teacher did. This helped me go back to the beginning again, and train the left hand up etc. Book 2 i started with and pushed forwards with some of the songs which are challenging, and i do enjoy playing. Looking at book 3 on two songs, and one for the pedal, But i am really wanting to learn how to play Beegee songs, and other later pop songs like petshop boys, tina turner etc. I wonder if its time for me to look at a different course, just to make things more interesting and challenging, ( songs that i want to learn) Even though the complete piano player that i am working with is a little dated. It has really pushed me forwards, When i started again in march there, i could not play a piano piece with two hands, and was well out of whack, with keyboard stuff. It really did help me find that sweet spot again. But i think its time to move to a better challenge. i will look at your book on how to really play the piano and piano pop book. just to give me challenges to help push me on. I do still go back to pieces in books, as i find that helps a lot, and then have a mess about a little. Then back to buisness. Also nice Nord there too! I bought a K2600x for my reboot!
Cool - let me know how you get on, and give me a shout if you have any questions about the general learning process. In terms of courses, have you seen my beginners' course here on RUclips? You wouldn't need to start with lesson one, but maybe starting around 6 or 7 and taking it from there could give you a good refresher and help consolidate your skills? The playlist link is here: ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QnP46wUgQudOySX_z2UOhXs
It’s probably late afternoon where you are, but I just finished eating a little brunch I made myself and am enjoying some tea to help it digest and this is perfect to watch right with that :-) exactly what I’ve been needing too. I was just thinking about this as I practiced before bed last night
Bill, could I request a video, a kind of "epic" video that lists ALL necessary stuffs to be practiced for a relative beginner? It might be a lengthy video but includes all basic skills needed nevertheless. A kind of piano study "bible" represented by only one video. In my personal practice, I include: 1) 5-finger scale p. 2) Scales p. (can be one octave or more, left-right hands separated) 3) Block chords p. (w/ inversions, left-right hands also practiced separately) 4) Broken chords p. / Arpeggio p. (w/ inversions, left-right hands separated) 5) Hand-independence p. / Playing w/ both hands together practice If it's you, what would you suggest or add to be practiced? I guess things like Seventh Chords (extensions), suspensions, etc. will be practiced in a more advanced level? Oh yeah, maybe it's worth mentioning on how to choose a key to practice on. C Major/A Minor should be an obvious first option to practice, but what are the next recommended keys to practice? And how long should we stay on each key signature before moving on? Lastly, because the end results that I would like to achieve is to play songs, how should it be treated? Because you say that playing is not practicing and I agree with that. If it is playing songs in the case of only playing basic chords, surely it will be relatively easy. Yet I believe that it will be much harder to play melody in the right hand w/ left hand harmonizing. So considering this end goal also, what kind of "bucket list" of practice points should be included? Well, think that's it, Bill. I hope this at least inspires another video idea from you.
Thank you for the tips! I really need to reconsider my practicing... And I've got your first book for the new year of 2019, I guess, but because I slowly read notes, practicing it with examples and due dedication would be too demanding... now I've become a little better and look forward to getting into it in near future!
Thanks for this video! I had piano lessons for a long time but now stopped because i moved out. It's harder now to practice effectively without much feedback/regular lessons and i find myself just playing (and not rly practicing) now and then. I wanna try keeping those practice tipps in mind, they're a great🙏 😌🔥
Great stuff Bill and I play bass and want to learn the piano. Your advice in this video is very enlightening and will help with my bass playing. Looking forward to purchasing your book. Cheers mate and thanks again.
You're welcome, Stephen! Yep, I've mainly focussed on the piano context here, but this stuff should work with any instrument - let me know how you get on!
Thanks for this. The' attack the problem' is a tip I use when practicing. Several bars of toto's africa i found difficult so took them out one by one and now sound ok, rather than going through the whole song. I've been learning since start of lockdown (had to start sometime)! So in your opinion which of your books would suit me on how to play? Your tuition is excellent and straightforward! I'm 54 and hope it's not too late):
Hi Robert - apologies for the slightly delayed reply! Good to hear you're making progress. The books question is a tricky one, as it depends how far you've got, and how comfortable you are, with reading music. Probably the best all-round book (of mine) for you would be How To Really Play The Piano - but it does depend on you being able to read, or at least being able to figure out, treble and bass (ie right and left hand) score, not to a vastly complex level, but at what you might call a strong beginners' to intermediate level of competence. If you feel you're there with the reading, go for a copy of that and see how you get on. Apologies for the lack of hard sell (!) but I don't want to recommend something you can't manage at the moment because you're reading isn't quite up to speed. Does all that make sense?
@@BillHilton hi Bill, thanks for the reply. The info you've given makes good sense! My reading of music is not so good, iam more focused on learning chords and doing my best to add the bass notes. I really am getting in to this and enjoy learning. My family have also noticed how I have improved. My biggest issue is correct fingering. I don't have the smallest of hands so I tend to play what is comfortable. I do follow your lessons which have been invaluable to me, thank you again!! I will really consider your books once my reading improves. Sorry for the long reply and thank you for your help.😊
Long practice session are usually non productive. When you really look at what you've done in a hours long practice you see lost focus and basically where just noodling around on your instrument. The best thing to do if you want to do long practice days is practice 45 minutes. Then get away from the instrument go drink some water or ??? and just let go for 15 minutes. Now go back in do another 45 minute of practice and repeat the break in the same way, get away from instrument, have something to drink or a cigarette if that's your thing and relax. You practice like that 45/15 you'll find you are keeping focus on practice and at end of day can see you got a lot done. If you have trouble keeping focus for 45 minutes then shorten it, but still take a break. Over time work one making the practice sessions longer if time permits. An key is what Bill said practice everyday even if only ten minutes. You don't want to make a habit of real short practice, but if other things demand your time do them, but you should be able to slide in 10-15 minutes. Remember the hardest thing about practice is starting. I remember when in music school and thinking something is wrong with me I have trouble getting started practicing, but once I started it was easy to keep going and get things done. One day in improv class my teacher was talking about practice and things he does and the routine he keeps. But he said for him the hardest thing is getting started. I was so glad to hear others have the same issue and just need to kick ourselves in the butt to get started. Even lately I've had the problem then one day I hadn't got any practice done and bedtime was getting close, so I went to get at least some practice in. I found I was energized and got a couple hours in. I realized that my issue now is I just prefer to practice at night I'm just not a daytime person anymore. Experimenting I'm found if I just start practice late in the afternoon works and then later in night get another practice session in before bed. You have to find what works for you they are no one size fits all answers.
What if I don't know what to practice? It would be incredible if you made a RUclips video on what to practice or know what to practice since I feel I haven't advanced in piano.
Very good tips, Bill. I'm wondering how you discovered that you had a manufacturing problem? What changes have you had to make to adapt your playing patterns? I've learned to play with my handicaps and ignore any advice that is actually detrimental to my situation. I'll never play Madame Butterfly but I think I could master the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
as far as practice tips: -always use a metronome or backing track. -"bar and a bite". don't stop at the end of measure, play first beat of next then end it. Keeps your phrases "legato" -start at end of a hard passage and work backwards, this way you are always playing onto familiar territory . This will keep you from getting bogged down/practicing mistakes.. only then play it thru - last: keep a practice log and record yourself. "the mirror don't lie." thats my $.02 Rich K
Cheers Rich! More details about the new book coming soon - I just need to finish the draft first, so I can be reasonably sure it'll be coming out when I want it to come out (!) but then I'll be talking about it in a bit more detail!
So, as far as practice tips: 1-always use a metronome or backing track. 2-"bar and a bite". don't stop at the end of measure, play first beat of next then end it. Keeps your phrases and flow "legato" 3-start at end of a hard passage and work backwards, this way you are always playing onto familiar territory . This will keep you from getting bogged down/practicing mistakes.. only then play it thru 4- Play with experienced others...you will rise to the level you are working with ( careful of taking "opinions" in context). 5- last: keep a practice log and record yourself. "the mirror don't lie." thats my $.02 Rich K
Thank you for these tips. In 'How to Really Play the Piano' you recommend starting with the 12-bar blues. Assuming one has followed this advice and can now play a few blues songs at an acceptable level, what next step would you recommend to keep piano practice as hand-on and fun as possible?
Hi Daniel - apologies for the slow reply on this one! Yep, I think 12 bar is just about the best way into piano improvisation. As to where you go next, it kind of depends on what kind of skills you want to develop. A natural progression would probably be to try some jazz, maybe using my series of jazz piano for beginners tutorials. You might also want to widen your skills, maybe working on your music reading skills and a little classical material, as that's very good for overall control and expression. Here's that jazz playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QmN-lQYtSAULCvdomKraZ1S
Hi Mark - sorry for the delayed reply! Apps: hmmmmmm, yes, they can be handy, but most of the ones I've seen will only take you to a certain level, and they're not great at covering the kind of subtleties of expression that more in-depth courses (or, best of all, a real live teacher) will cover. The absolute ideal is that you sit down in a piano lesson with a qualified human teacher next to you (as someone who creates self-teaching courses I probably shouldn't say that, but it's true!). Next best thing is a self teaching course like the one I have here on YT (playlist link below...) or a good set of self-teaching books, like the Alfred course. ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QnP46wUgQudOySX_z2UOhXs
Hi Bill I can’t believe I’ve actually seen your face 😂👍 More seriously why don’t you make one video about your favorite ten music books in your library? This could be inspiring.
Thanks Devidas! The best way to deal with the hands together problem is pretty boring, but very effective: just keep trying, even if you have to go really slowly and it feels horrendously difficult, just keep pushing through. If you have to, slow whatever you're playing riiiiight down, and only build up speed very gradually. I know it's a predictable answer, but it works - it just takes time and persistence! Hand unity never ceases to be a challenge, so don't expect to have it completely sorted in a short space of time. Let me know how you get on!
I was searching for the pencil when the video started. It's always on the top of the piano but this time couldn't find it. Then I saw it in Bill's hand. Bill's video is incomplete without the legendary yellow pencil. 😂😂
Thanks Carlota! That's spread over 10+ years now, but it continues to be popular. After the current book is finished I'm going to think some more about producing a second edition of How To Really Play The Piano. So many jobs to do, though. Hope you're well!
So, I am practicing about 5 hours a day....6 days a week. And it's a hard practice. I'm not goofing around. Am I practicing too much? I have only been playing about 3 months, but I can read music pretty decent and according to what I've learned and read, I am an intermediate player. I'm already on my 2nd book by James Bastien and I'm halfway through the Classic Themes by James Bastien. And I'm learning some from the internet. What do you think?
I'd certainly say your commitment is great - the thing I'd be worried about is that you're heading for a repetitive strain injury. If I were you I'd maybe ease of a little (at this stage, you'll probably achieve 90 percent of what you'd achieve in five hours in two, or possibly even one, if you're practising effectively - diminishing returns kick in fast), always warm up carefully and ease up at the first sign of pain or discomfort. You might have really tough hands, of course, but it pays to be careful: RSI is easy to get, but hard to get rid of!
Hi Bill, any advice for how to structure a 20-30 minute practice session when following your book? Still in the early bits around improvising 12 bar blues, but wondering if I should just be working on that alone or whether I should be practicing other things concurrently. Thanks.
Practice Tip -5 if you awaken to find yourself sitting on the bench, hands posed lifelessly on the keys, perhaps you are practicing too late in the evening or need a nap. Note to self: start while awake and alert. Others in the house will have to turn up volume on the TV.
If I complete your whole video course, will I able to be come in a advance level, I don't have a piano teacher, but have 88 keys piano and i am a beginner
It depends what you call "advanced", Madeha - if you mean "being able to play piano like a pro", then no, because that typically takes quite a few years of practice. You'll have all the solid foundations you need to move to intermediate piano playing, though.
@@BillHilton So these courses will basically strengthen my base as I will go to higher level over time, right? ( by advance level I meant where I can tell others that I can play piano XD) Thank you so much!
No offense, but this is very traditional, i.e. boring and un-motivating and mindy. The number one key is to focus on things that excite your interest and curiosity, i.e. learn songs (or parts of songs) that you LOVE, or be creative, i.e. write songs you LOVE with sounds you LOVE. Motivation is the key and that's about FEELINGS, not the dry logical mind.
I’d say you need both the emotion and the logic. Playing the piano is all about feelings and expression and depth… but it’s also a demanding technical skill, and I’ve yet to find a way to learn a technical skill that doesn’t involve using the “dry logical mind”. But if you’ve managed a different approach, we’ll done: I’d be interested to hear some of your playing.
Remember to check out my books - How To Really Play The Piano, Seven Studies In Pop Piano and An Introduction To Cocktail Piano! Links here:
www.billspianopages.com/how-to-really
www.billspianopages.com/seven-studies
www.billspianopages.com/cocktail
Oh my, Bill has a face!
It does make the occasional appearance!
not only are these very useful tips but how you've explained them is so helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Diane!
Hi. Thankyou so much for your tipz. I hope this would increase my piano progress.
I hope so too - let me know how you get on!
If you don't have Bill's book, "How To Really Play The Piano", you're really missing on a great one!
Thanks Eddie!
Very very very nice speech!!!!!!
You truly motivated me into wanting to learn how to play the piano. For the past 2 years I have been contemplating about learning how to play piano for numerous reasons, but the main one is my age. I use to think that you have to start young to play it efficiently, but as I got older, I began to realize to myself that it was stupid excuse to say. People learn different things and people are doing different things because they are interested. Then I came across your video, and I was so intrigued about how the way you played scales and you made it fun!!. I’m currently 22 years old rn, my name is Milton, and I just want to say thank you 🙏 I’m so excited for this journey
That's great, Milton! 22 is still pretty young, really: you won't pick it up quite as fast as (say) an 8-year-old, but you'll still be pretty speedy if you practise consistently. I have learners making progress with my stuff who started out in their forties, fifties and beyond. You'll also have an advantage that young kids don't have, in that you'll already have done a lot of learning and you'll have figured out that application gets results. The main thing that causes kids to lose interest is the sheer amount of commitment required and the lack of really instant rewards. As someone a bit older, you should be much more immune to that :)
Bill - thank you! This is one of the best videos I have seen around piano practice! You really hit come with each of these tips. Attacking the problem was especially good advice as I am one of those who felt like I needed to be able to play the piece perfectly all the way through so I do it over and over until I get too frustrated and quit. Love your books and videos....always so helpful and easy to follow. Thank you again.
You're welcome Bill - don't hesitate to give me a shout if you ever have any questions/need guidance with any of this stuff!
Very helpful, thank you Bill!
Very welcome!
Excellent advice. I wish I had had these tips when I was first learning as a young kid, I'm sure I'd be way better now if I had started out understanding these ideas.
Glad it was helpful, Alex!
I started about 2 months ago now and my first piece was fur Elise on the 3rd part now. And my second piece in working on is summer time Gershwin. I try harder stuff first cuz I have 4 hours to play everyday. Summer time was really hard when I first attempted it I had to step back and visualize how to play it in my mind for a few days came back and now I’m 30 seconds into the song. That was really challenging working both hands like that after almost 2 months.
Thanks
No problem!
Thanks Bill, a good reminder and reassuring for my practice sessions
You're welcome, Tim!
Excellent advice Bill. Loved your 5 tips. Will definitely follow them from now on. Your videos are top notch stuff. Your book is great too. It was really worth the purchase. Thanks for all your lessons.
You're really welcome, Jayagopi, and I'm also very glad you like my book. Don't hesitate to shout if you have any questions :)
Great five tips Bill! Thank you very much. I will write them down and place them in my practice room.
Excellent - glad they were helpful, Pedro!
Thank you once again for sharing your musical knowledege with us! Kind regards
My pleasure, Pedro - hope you found it useful!
Thanks, Bill! I have been following you for the last 2-3 years. I really enjoy your videos.
You're really welcome, Ron - I'm glad you like my stuff. Don't hesitate to give me a yell if you ever have any questions :)
@@BillHilton Be careful, Bill. I may take you up on that!
Thank you Bill. These were great tips!! I now appreciate if i am going to progress, consistency is the key: often and short sessions! I am now inspired to keep going and this video has helped a lot!
You're welcome Olivia - let me know how you get on!
Nice to see you, Bill. Thanks for this Tips Video. Very good. Concise & informative as always. Hope you and yours are well. Cheers!
All good here, thanks - hope it's likewise with you. Glad you found it useful! :)
Thank you, will keep these in mind! Brilliant advice 👌
No worries - you're welcome. Glad it helped!
Excellent logic and brilliantly explained. 👍
Thank you very much indeed!
Many thanks for this bill, i have just started again after a 12 year on and off hiatus, i did learn to play keyboards 22 years ago when i was 13. But never really pushed hard enough same goes for my 1st reboot. You answered that question, the course i was on. Songs that i don't know and had no interest in the artist in some of the songs i did know, ( beatles) How ever i did go back to the course again, but started with book 1 this time rather than book 2, Like my former keyboard/ piano teacher did. This helped me go back to the beginning again, and train the left hand up etc. Book 2 i started with and pushed forwards with some of the songs which are challenging, and i do enjoy playing. Looking at book 3 on two songs, and one for the pedal, But i am really wanting to learn how to play Beegee songs, and other later pop songs like petshop boys, tina turner etc. I wonder if its time for me to look at a different course, just to make things more interesting and challenging, ( songs that i want to learn) Even though the complete piano player that i am working with is a little dated. It has really pushed me forwards, When i started again in march there, i could not play a piano piece with two hands, and was well out of whack, with keyboard stuff. It really did help me find that sweet spot again. But i think its time to move to a better challenge. i will look at your book on how to really play the piano and piano pop book. just to give me challenges to help push me on. I do still go back to pieces in books, as i find that helps a lot, and then have a mess about a little. Then back to buisness. Also nice Nord there too! I bought a K2600x for my reboot!
Cool - let me know how you get on, and give me a shout if you have any questions about the general learning process. In terms of courses, have you seen my beginners' course here on RUclips? You wouldn't need to start with lesson one, but maybe starting around 6 or 7 and taking it from there could give you a good refresher and help consolidate your skills? The playlist link is here: ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QnP46wUgQudOySX_z2UOhXs
It’s probably late afternoon where you are, but I just finished eating a little brunch I made myself and am enjoying some tea to help it digest and this is perfect to watch right with that :-)
exactly what I’ve been needing too. I was just thinking about this as I practiced before bed last night
Good to hear it - let me know how you get on!
Brilliant advice, thanks this is useful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾
You're welcome, Nigel!
Bill, could I request a video, a kind of "epic" video that lists ALL necessary stuffs to be practiced for a relative beginner? It might be a lengthy video but includes all basic skills needed nevertheless. A kind of piano study "bible" represented by only one video.
In my personal practice, I include:
1) 5-finger scale p.
2) Scales p. (can be one octave or more, left-right hands separated)
3) Block chords p. (w/ inversions, left-right hands also practiced separately)
4) Broken chords p. / Arpeggio p. (w/ inversions, left-right hands separated)
5) Hand-independence p. / Playing w/ both hands together practice
If it's you, what would you suggest or add to be practiced? I guess things like Seventh Chords (extensions), suspensions, etc. will be practiced in a more advanced level? Oh yeah, maybe it's worth mentioning on how to choose a key to practice on. C Major/A Minor should be an obvious first option to practice, but what are the next recommended keys to practice? And how long should we stay on each key signature before moving on?
Lastly, because the end results that I would like to achieve is to play songs, how should it be treated? Because you say that playing is not practicing and I agree with that. If it is playing songs in the case of only playing basic chords, surely it will be relatively easy. Yet I believe that it will be much harder to play melody in the right hand w/ left hand harmonizing. So considering this end goal also, what kind of "bucket list" of practice points should be included? Well, think that's it, Bill. I hope this at least inspires another video idea from you.
i give myself a maximum of 1 week to learn a song i like and play that to 10-20 minutes a day
Thank you for the tips! I really need to reconsider my practicing... And I've got your first book for the new year of 2019, I guess, but because I slowly read notes, practicing it with examples and due dedication would be too demanding... now I've become a little better and look forward to getting into it in near future!
You're welcome, Anton - let me know how you get on, or if you have any questions. And thanks for buying the book!
I'm excited to receive your book!
I really hope you like it!
Not even watched the video but already liked it cuz I know Bills content is always fire
Thank you - I appreciate that!
Thank for the advise..very helpull
You're welcome, Zainal!
Thanks for this video! I had piano lessons for a long time but now stopped because i moved out. It's harder now to practice effectively without much feedback/regular lessons and i find myself just playing (and not rly practicing) now and then. I wanna try keeping those practice tipps in mind, they're a great🙏 😌🔥
Feel like I was led to this! Your talking about me! 🤣
Great minds, Janet!
Great stuff Bill and I play bass and want to learn the piano.
Your advice in this video is very enlightening and will help with my bass playing.
Looking forward to purchasing your book. Cheers mate and thanks again.
You're welcome, Stephen! Yep, I've mainly focussed on the piano context here, but this stuff should work with any instrument - let me know how you get on!
Cheers Bill👍
Hi Bill, thanks for the really great practice tips. Best wishes from Surrey.
You're welcome, Emma - all the best from sunny North Yorks!
Thanks for this. The' attack the problem' is a tip I use when practicing. Several bars of toto's africa i found difficult so took them out one by one and now sound ok, rather than going through the whole song.
I've been learning since start of lockdown (had to start sometime)! So in your opinion which of your books would suit me on how to play? Your tuition is excellent and straightforward! I'm 54 and hope it's not too late):
Hi Robert - apologies for the slightly delayed reply! Good to hear you're making progress. The books question is a tricky one, as it depends how far you've got, and how comfortable you are, with reading music. Probably the best all-round book (of mine) for you would be How To Really Play The Piano - but it does depend on you being able to read, or at least being able to figure out, treble and bass (ie right and left hand) score, not to a vastly complex level, but at what you might call a strong beginners' to intermediate level of competence. If you feel you're there with the reading, go for a copy of that and see how you get on. Apologies for the lack of hard sell (!) but I don't want to recommend something you can't manage at the moment because you're reading isn't quite up to speed. Does all that make sense?
@@BillHilton hi Bill, thanks for the reply. The info you've given makes good sense! My reading of music is not so good, iam more focused on learning chords and doing my best to add the bass notes.
I really am getting in to this and enjoy learning. My family have also noticed how I have improved. My biggest issue is correct fingering. I don't have the smallest of hands so I tend to play what is comfortable.
I do follow your lessons which have been invaluable to me, thank you again!! I will really consider your books once my reading improves. Sorry for the long reply and thank you for your help.😊
Excellent advice thanks 👍
Glad it was helpful!
@@BillHilton As a 55 year old beginner at grade 2/3 I do struggle a bit but have done most of the things you suggested and progress has improved 👍
Long practice session are usually non productive. When you really look at what you've done in a hours long practice you see lost focus and basically where just noodling around on your instrument. The best thing to do if you want to do long practice days is practice 45 minutes. Then get away from the instrument go drink some water or ??? and just let go for 15 minutes. Now go back in do another 45 minute of practice and repeat the break in the same way, get away from instrument, have something to drink or a cigarette if that's your thing and relax. You practice like that 45/15 you'll find you are keeping focus on practice and at end of day can see you got a lot done. If you have trouble keeping focus for 45 minutes then shorten it, but still take a break. Over time work one making the practice sessions longer if time permits.
An key is what Bill said practice everyday even if only ten minutes. You don't want to make a habit of real short practice, but if other things demand your time do them, but you should be able to slide in 10-15 minutes.
Remember the hardest thing about practice is starting. I remember when in music school and thinking something is wrong with me I have trouble getting started practicing, but once I started it was easy to keep going and get things done. One day in improv class my teacher was talking about practice and things he does and the routine he keeps. But he said for him the hardest thing is getting started. I was so glad to hear others have the same issue and just need to kick ourselves in the butt to get started. Even lately I've had the problem then one day I hadn't got any practice done and bedtime was getting close, so I went to get at least some practice in. I found I was energized and got a couple hours in. I realized that my issue now is I just prefer to practice at night I'm just not a daytime person anymore. Experimenting I'm found if I just start practice late in the afternoon works and then later in night get another practice session in before bed. You have to find what works for you they are no one size fits all answers.
Excellent tips - thanks very much indeed for taking the time to share. The time of day stuff is especially useful!
I really wish I would have been able hear these tips years ago. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful, Jordan!
What if I don't know what to practice? It would be incredible if you made a RUclips video on what to practice or know what to practice since I feel I haven't advanced in piano.
Thank you soo much for this
You're welcome!
Very good tips, Bill.
I'm wondering how you discovered that you had a manufacturing problem?
What changes have you had to make to adapt your playing patterns? I've learned to play with my handicaps and ignore any advice that is actually detrimental to my situation.
I'll never play Madame Butterfly but I think I could master the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Great video. Thanks
You're welcome, Noa!
Namasthe Sir.
A good advice. Thanking you.
Namasthe.
🙏
You're very welcome!
Hey Bill, Spot on - very thoughtful and valuable post. Have found both of your books very useful, like to hear more about the third. - Rich...
as far as practice tips: -always use a metronome or backing track. -"bar and a bite". don't stop at the end of measure, play first beat of next then end it. Keeps your phrases "legato" -start at end of a hard passage and work backwards, this way you are always playing onto familiar territory . This will keep you from getting bogged down/practicing mistakes.. only then play it thru - last: keep a practice log and record yourself. "the mirror don't lie." thats my $.02 Rich K
Cheers Rich! More details about the new book coming soon - I just need to finish the draft first, so I can be reasonably sure it'll be coming out when I want it to come out (!) but then I'll be talking about it in a bit more detail!
So, as far as practice tips: 1-always use a metronome or backing track. 2-"bar and a bite". don't stop at the end of measure, play first beat of next then end it. Keeps your phrases and flow "legato" 3-start at end of a hard passage and work backwards, this way you are always playing onto familiar territory . This will keep you from getting bogged down/practicing mistakes.. only then play it thru 4- Play with experienced others...you will rise to the level you are working with ( careful of taking "opinions" in context). 5- last: keep a practice log and record yourself. "the mirror don't lie." thats my $.02 Rich K
Great tips, Rich, thanks very much!
Thank you for these tips. In 'How to Really Play the Piano' you recommend starting with the 12-bar blues. Assuming one has followed this advice and can now play a few blues songs at an acceptable level, what next step would you recommend to keep piano practice as hand-on and fun as possible?
Hi Daniel - apologies for the slow reply on this one! Yep, I think 12 bar is just about the best way into piano improvisation. As to where you go next, it kind of depends on what kind of skills you want to develop. A natural progression would probably be to try some jazz, maybe using my series of jazz piano for beginners tutorials. You might also want to widen your skills, maybe working on your music reading skills and a little classical material, as that's very good for overall control and expression. Here's that jazz playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QmN-lQYtSAULCvdomKraZ1S
Bill, what’s your opinion of apps like Simply Piano? I’ve been enjoying using it but wonder if I should be doing something in addition to it?
Hi Mark - sorry for the delayed reply! Apps: hmmmmmm, yes, they can be handy, but most of the ones I've seen will only take you to a certain level, and they're not great at covering the kind of subtleties of expression that more in-depth courses (or, best of all, a real live teacher) will cover. The absolute ideal is that you sit down in a piano lesson with a qualified human teacher next to you (as someone who creates self-teaching courses I probably shouldn't say that, but it's true!). Next best thing is a self teaching course like the one I have here on YT (playlist link below...) or a good set of self-teaching books, like the Alfred course.
ruclips.net/p/PLpOuhygfD7QnP46wUgQudOySX_z2UOhXs
Bill Hilton thank you!
👌
Hi Bill I can’t believe I’ve actually seen your face 😂👍
More seriously why don’t you make one video about your favorite ten music books in your library? This could be inspiring.
Good idea - the planning spreadsheet is overflowing a bit at the moment, but I'll add that to it!
if u can code make it so u cant use ur phone/computeruntill a timer is done
Nice tutorial. How to use tip no4 attack the problem.My problem is can't play with both hands .what are your suggestions
Thanks Devidas! The best way to deal with the hands together problem is pretty boring, but very effective: just keep trying, even if you have to go really slowly and it feels horrendously difficult, just keep pushing through. If you have to, slow whatever you're playing riiiiight down, and only build up speed very gradually. I know it's a predictable answer, but it works - it just takes time and persistence! Hand unity never ceases to be a challenge, so don't expect to have it completely sorted in a short space of time. Let me know how you get on!
@@BillHilton Yes Sir
I was searching for the pencil when the video started. It's always on the top of the piano but this time couldn't find it. Then I saw it in Bill's hand.
Bill's video is incomplete without the legendary yellow pencil. 😂😂
I have boxes of them in every room...
+50k copies??!! Wow, congratulations!
Thanks Carlota! That's spread over 10+ years now, but it continues to be popular. After the current book is finished I'm going to think some more about producing a second edition of How To Really Play The Piano. So many jobs to do, though. Hope you're well!
So, I am practicing about 5 hours a day....6 days a week. And it's a hard practice. I'm not goofing around. Am I practicing too much?
I have only been playing about 3 months, but I can read music pretty decent and according to what I've learned and read, I am an intermediate player.
I'm already on my 2nd book by James Bastien and I'm halfway through the Classic Themes by James Bastien. And I'm learning some from the internet.
What do you think?
I cant remember anyone asking about what songs u r able to play
I'd certainly say your commitment is great - the thing I'd be worried about is that you're heading for a repetitive strain injury. If I were you I'd maybe ease of a little (at this stage, you'll probably achieve 90 percent of what you'd achieve in five hours in two, or possibly even one, if you're practising effectively - diminishing returns kick in fast), always warm up carefully and ease up at the first sign of pain or discomfort. You might have really tough hands, of course, but it pays to be careful: RSI is easy to get, but hard to get rid of!
@@BillHilton thanks...I'm gonna back off a bit and I'll be sure and pay close attention to any discomfort
Hi Bill, any advice for how to structure a 20-30 minute practice session when following your book? Still in the early bits around improvising 12 bar blues, but wondering if I should just be working on that alone or whether I should be practicing other things concurrently. Thanks.
Practice Tip -5 if you awaken to find yourself sitting on the bench, hands posed lifelessly on the keys, perhaps you are practicing too late in the evening or need a nap. Note to self: start while awake and alert. Others in the house will have to turn up volume on the TV.
I practiced and played all night. I was seeing piano keys flashing in front of my eyes.
If I complete your whole video course, will I able to be come in a advance level, I don't have a piano teacher, but have 88 keys piano and i am a beginner
It depends what you call "advanced", Madeha - if you mean "being able to play piano like a pro", then no, because that typically takes quite a few years of practice. You'll have all the solid foundations you need to move to intermediate piano playing, though.
@@BillHilton So these courses will basically strengthen my base as I will go to higher level over time, right? ( by advance level I meant where I can tell others that I can play piano XD) Thank you so much!
@@xzzxzz5068 You've got it! Good luck, and give me a shout if you run into any problems :)
Also keep a practice diary.
Excellent tip Mark, thanks!
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No offense, but this is very traditional, i.e. boring and un-motivating and mindy. The number one key is to focus on things that excite your interest and curiosity, i.e. learn songs (or parts of songs) that you LOVE, or be creative, i.e. write songs you LOVE with sounds you LOVE. Motivation is the key and that's about FEELINGS, not the dry logical mind.
I’d say you need both the emotion and the logic. Playing the piano is all about feelings and expression and depth… but it’s also a demanding technical skill, and I’ve yet to find a way to learn a technical skill that doesn’t involve using the “dry logical mind”. But if you’ve managed a different approach, we’ll done: I’d be interested to hear some of your playing.
Definitely helpful. Thank you so much!
You're welcome, Deana!