Thanks for this guidance. I'm working on discouraging muscle memory from taking over, keeping my eyes on the score, registering the current chord and being aware of what's next. Even when I used to practise Buddhist meditation the mind would tend to get the object spinning and then sort of trick me into believing I was fine to leave it on autopilot, when all sorts of thoughts could flood in. I saw a video that instructed us to wear a plastic bracelet with the word FOCUS on it. Bafflingly useless idea. Like having a sign on the steering wheel, 'keep your eyes on the road'.
My piano practice has become a time for me to really focus and forget about the problems of life. Even 10 minutes can ground me back to a clear mental focus. Your insight on the mind wandering is great. And the practice of Hanon while putting the concentration on playing, the notes, my correct fingering and the timing helps me to relax to practice and play my learned pieces with better mental clarity. You motivate me and make me want to keep going and not allow the pressures of my life to stop me from sitting down for at least an hour a day to practice and stay with it. It is so beneficial in so many ways. Thanks so much. You are making a difference in my life.
That’s wonderful, Jeannette, an hour a day is fantastic! I always find a good practice session is as good as meditation for calming the mind. Best of luck with it 🥰
I completely recognize myself in what you are saying. When I am learning a current piece the right hand part goes smooth and I know the passages where I know I need to focus on left. And yes, I rememeber.. when I am past that specific passage… thinking all kinds of thoughts except the ‘left hand thought’! 🤔 Thank you!😊
Omg where have you been all my life?! :). I just listened to your vid on focus. I struggle with it. I find myself cheering myself for getting thru a difficult section and then messing up on the next. Or worried about the next session. Not focused on the present.
Thank you and you are absolutely not alone! I do this all the time! My problem is, I let the problem area take over and my mind tells me I’m going to mess up, so I let my mind win! I need to re-think when I perform on what I’m playing and not the notes or the audience! Thank you for the reminder!!
I realise that at my age, I am never ever gong to be as good as A.Rubenstein, or Argerich or Daniel Barenboim! But I have made progress on another front. I can read the sheet music provided when a piece is being performed. I couldn't before. I am very pleased. Thanks to you and all your tips! Have a great festival season. Hope we meet (in you videos) several times in the new year!
I am a total unprofessional piano and violin player and find your videos so helpful, especially with sightreading. My grandfather, Alexander Gretchaninoff, spent summers with us in Detroit, so I was exposed to music early on, and I have enjoyed amateur music collaboration my entire life. You have a great approach to teaching.
@@LeCheileMusicI only have played some of the simple things that he wrote for children. I do remember him very clearly. He loved children and was very kind to me.
I have the same problem. My mind starts wandering and I just can't focus on the playing for long. On my last piano lesson I was doing a piece that I am having trouble with, it went well until the voice in my head said " this is going really well" - and of course it all went wrong from there. I have the same problem reading books. Maybe I should read a good book. If I only had the time! Thanks for all the great advice, it has really helped.
Hi Leah this is totally one of my big problems, my mind is like a monkey. Important for me is when I notice my mind is wandering is to not tell myself off about it, I simply guide myself back to what I should be focussing on. Not easy though, especially after a busy day at work.
It depends - if you memorise by relying on muscle memory only, there’s plenty of scope for your mind to wander. Less so if you also learn the music in terms of the structure.
Hi! Thanks for your videos As an adult player I find them very helpful. Last 2 years I've been teaching myself with the help of RUclips, watched all yours. I'm on grade 3 going into 4. I've noticed myself that if my mind wondered ,straight away I'd mess up. I thought music is like a form of meditation if you lose focus you slip up. Coming from an arts background I've always been a mind wandering, day dreaming type. In visual arts that's helpful, when you day dream you often come up with ideas. Plus I'm dyslexic, which doesn't help. I have found music has helped me concentrate better, I think? Not sure I will ever have great concentration? The people who are great at music it seems to me are the ones who have that lazer like focus. I'm sure that's also helpful for not getting too nervous, as you play . .. If you were in London I'd definitely want you as a tutor, I'm sure I'd really improve! Thank you for all your videos. Happy holiday, Xmas is over now. And a Happy New Year!! Hope it will be good for you. And for all of us an end to covid, which has been so bad for musicians and music students alike.
You just helped me figure out why I mess up every time I have an audience. My focus is on the audience and not on the music. Nerves go crazy. This is a step in the right direction 🙃
HI Virginia, if you're trying to join from your phone or tablet, apparently the join button doesn't always show up. You can try this link instead: ruclips.net/channel/UCgFVXRPV07XjUAwZbNF45lQjoin
Hi Leah! It's great to hear from you again! I was wondering what happened to you? I happy to see that you're back and okay. This topic is so amazing! I was actually telling my friend that it's hard for me to get into playing music wether its piano, guitar or even just practicing my voice. Ones I get into it... Time flies!!! Before I know it an hour has passed, two hours has passed, three hours has passed, half the day has passed... you get the picture. And I'm late for my work appointment. Hahaha 🤣 I guess being mindful of your practice also means to be aware not to go beyond what you set for yourself to do. If that at all makes sense. I've been practicing meditation for almost 20 years and teach it as well. And there is always something new to learn. Just like music there is always something new to learn! 😁👍🏼The membership concept is a great idea! I'll be joining soon! Thank you again Leah for this wonderfully insightful video! May have Merry and Blessed Christmas and an Awesome New Year!!! 😁👍🏼☃️❄️🌟🎄🦌🎅🏻🧑🏻🎄🙏🏼❤️
If you look in the description, you should see a link there. Otherwise, you should see the join button when you access the channel on a computer or laptop.
@@LeCheileMusic It wasn’t showing on my IPad, but I can see it now on my laptop. But before I’ll be a member. Can you give me a list of the books needed for your courses.
@@fightingforfreedom5017 That's great - the books depend on which videos you are interested in working through, but currently the videos are based on pieces from the following, all available from Amazon: Accelerated Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber The Festival Collection, books 1 & 2, ed. Helen Marlais Upgrade Grade 0-1 by Pam Wedgwood ABRSM Initial Grade Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022 ABRSM Grade 1 Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022
Did you download your free piano practice workbook yet? 🤩 Get it here: mailchi.mp/bccb1e32807f/practice-workbook-giveaway
Thanks for this guidance. I'm working on discouraging muscle memory from taking over, keeping my eyes on the score, registering the current chord and being aware of what's next. Even when I used to practise Buddhist meditation the mind would tend to get the object spinning and then sort of trick me into believing I was fine to leave it on autopilot, when all sorts of thoughts could flood in. I saw a video that instructed us to wear a plastic bracelet with the word FOCUS on it. Bafflingly useless idea. Like having a sign on the steering wheel, 'keep your eyes on the road'.
My piano practice has become a time for me to really focus and forget about the problems of life. Even 10 minutes can ground me back to a clear mental focus. Your insight on the mind wandering is great. And the practice of Hanon while putting the concentration on playing, the notes, my correct fingering and the timing helps me to relax to practice and play my learned pieces with better mental clarity. You motivate me and make me want to keep going and not allow the pressures of my life to stop me from sitting down for at least an hour a day to practice and stay with it. It is so beneficial in so many ways. Thanks so much. You are making a difference in my life.
That’s wonderful, Jeannette, an hour a day is fantastic! I always find a good practice session is as good as meditation for calming the mind. Best of luck with it 🥰
I follow a few people , but I love your teaching❤️
I completely recognize myself in what you are saying. When I am learning a current piece the right hand part goes smooth and I know the passages where I know I need to focus on left. And yes, I rememeber.. when I am past that specific passage… thinking all kinds of thoughts except the ‘left hand thought’! 🤔 Thank you!😊
You’ve pretty much become my Piano Godmother… Thank you! (I was about to quit piano lessons until I discovered you channel.)
Piano Godmother - I like it! 😄
Omg where have you been all my life?! :). I just listened to your vid on focus. I struggle with it. I find myself cheering myself for getting thru a difficult section and then messing up on the next. Or worried about the next session. Not focused on the present.
Thank you and you are absolutely not alone! I do this all the time! My problem is, I let the problem area take over and my mind tells me I’m going to mess up, so I let my mind win! I need to re-think when I perform on what I’m playing and not the notes or the audience! Thank you for the reminder!!
Absolutely a huge problem. Good counting helps me stay in the game. 🎄🙏🏼😊
I just think you’re the best! Merry Christmas Leah
Thanks Timothy, same to you! 🎄😊
Merry Christmas! And thank you for sharing thoughts.
I realise that at my age, I am never ever gong to be as good as A.Rubenstein, or Argerich or Daniel Barenboim! But I have made progress on another front. I can read the sheet music provided when a piece is being performed. I couldn't before. I am very pleased. Thanks to you and all your tips!
Have a great festival season. Hope we meet (in you videos) several times in the new year!
That's great, Katie, well done! Happy new year to you 😊
I am a total unprofessional piano and violin player and find your videos so helpful, especially with sightreading. My grandfather, Alexander Gretchaninoff, spent summers with us in Detroit, so I was exposed to music early on, and I have enjoyed amateur music collaboration my entire life. You have a great approach to teaching.
Thanks Rhoda, what great memories of your grandfather you must have! 🥰 His music for piano is wonderful, so evocative. Do you play any of it?
@@LeCheileMusicI only have played some of the simple things that he wrote for children. I do remember him very clearly. He loved children and was very kind to me.
I have the same problem. My mind starts wandering and I just can't focus on the playing for long. On my last piano lesson I was doing a piece that I am having trouble with, it went well until the voice in my head said " this is going really well" - and of course it all went wrong from there. I have the same problem reading books. Maybe I should read a good book. If I only had the time! Thanks for all the great advice, it has really helped.
Yes, “this is going well” always jinxes it, right? 😂
Hi Leah this is totally one of my big problems, my mind is like a monkey. Important for me is when I notice my mind is wandering is to not tell myself off about it, I simply guide myself back to what I should be focussing on. Not easy though, especially after a busy day at work.
For sure, Andy, even harder after a long day 😊
Merry Christmas Leah!!! My favourite youtube piano teacher! :D
Yes! I have this. One page of music does it for me.
Wonder if it’s easier when work is memorized
It depends - if you memorise by relying on muscle memory only, there’s plenty of scope for your mind to wander. Less so if you also learn the music in terms of the structure.
Try singing it out loud in practice, and in your head in performance.
Merry Christmas to you!!! I love this channel, even though I am just trying to learn/improve at electric Wurlitzer or Fender Rhodes piano.
Thanks Freddie, and a very happy new year to you!
Hi! Thanks for your videos As an adult player I find them very helpful. Last 2 years I've been teaching myself with the help of RUclips, watched all yours.
I'm on grade 3 going into 4. I've noticed myself that if my mind wondered ,straight away I'd mess up. I thought music is like a form of meditation if you lose focus you slip up.
Coming from an arts background I've always been a mind wandering, day dreaming type. In visual arts that's helpful, when you day dream you often come up with ideas. Plus I'm dyslexic, which doesn't help.
I have found music has helped me concentrate better, I think?
Not sure I will ever have great concentration?
The people who are great at music it seems to me are the ones who have that lazer like focus. I'm sure that's also helpful for not getting too nervous, as you play . ..
If you were in London I'd definitely want you as a tutor, I'm sure I'd really improve!
Thank you for all your videos.
Happy holiday, Xmas is over now. And a Happy New Year!! Hope it will be good for you. And for all of us an end to covid, which has been so bad for musicians and music students alike.
Thanks Sandra, happy new year to you too, may it be good for all of us! 🥰
You just helped me figure out why I mess up every time I have an audience. My focus is on the audience and not on the music. Nerves go crazy. This is a step in the right direction 🙃
That's great, Mereese, we get there step by step, don't we? (Welcome to the channel membership, by the way 🥰)
I loved listening to you, as always, Leah, and would like to become a member but couldn’t see a link to enable me to join.
Have a lovely day tomorrow.
Hi Virginia, thanks for letting me know, I’ll look into that. A very happy Christmas to you too 🎄⭐️😊
HI Virginia, if you're trying to join from your phone or tablet, apparently the join button doesn't always show up. You can try this link instead: ruclips.net/channel/UCgFVXRPV07XjUAwZbNF45lQjoin
Hello Leah, I would like to join the pro membership but can’t find the join button.
Love the idea.
Thanks Olaf, you might not see the join button if you're on a phone or tablet. Can you try it on a computer?
You can also try this link: ruclips.net/channel/UCgFVXRPV07XjUAwZbNF45lQjoin
T/y this & Merry Christmas to you LeCheileMusic.
It happens all the time. Hitting an A instead of B in Gymnopedie Bar 6?
Hi Leah! It's great to hear from you again! I was wondering what happened to you? I happy to see that you're back and okay. This topic is so amazing! I was actually telling my friend that it's hard for me to get into playing music wether its piano, guitar or even just practicing my voice. Ones I get into it... Time flies!!! Before I know it an hour has passed, two hours has passed, three hours has passed, half the day has passed... you get the picture. And I'm late for my work appointment. Hahaha 🤣 I guess being mindful of your practice also means to be aware not to go beyond what you set for yourself to do. If that at all makes sense. I've been practicing meditation for almost 20 years and teach it as well. And there is always something new to learn. Just like music there is always something new to learn! 😁👍🏼The membership concept is a great idea! I'll be joining soon! Thank you again Leah for this wonderfully insightful video! May have Merry and Blessed Christmas and an Awesome New Year!!! 😁👍🏼☃️❄️🌟🎄🦌🎅🏻🧑🏻🎄🙏🏼❤️
Happy new year to you too, Mon! Yes, I also find that getting started can be the hardest part. Glad to hear you're still playing 😊
😊wim😊
I don’t have this join button 😒
If you look in the description, you should see a link there. Otherwise, you should see the join button when you access the channel on a computer or laptop.
@@LeCheileMusic It wasn’t showing on my IPad, but I can see it now on my laptop. But before I’ll be a member. Can you give me a list of the books needed for your courses.
@@fightingforfreedom5017 That's great - the books depend on which videos you are interested in working through, but currently the videos are based on pieces from the following, all available from Amazon:
Accelerated Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber
The Festival Collection, books 1 & 2, ed. Helen Marlais
Upgrade Grade 0-1 by Pam Wedgwood
ABRSM Initial Grade Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022
ABRSM Grade 1 Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022