Thread: Lets stay motivated

Originally Posted by millionrainbows

I got stuck in a rut on those Hanon exercises. My advice is to use in moderation, if at all.

Yes, I think all the great composers began their musical (keyboard) skillfulness and competence at a very very young age. Except maybe Haydn (Vivaldi). So, is it realistic to expect older beginners to ever be impressive? A few standout people have (but they're weird people, totally undistracted by influences from normal lives).

I don't know. It's something to discuss (depressing too).

Originally Posted by millionrainbows

I got stuck in a rut on those Hanon exercises. My advice is to use in moderation, if at all.

Thanks for your inside opinion. Right now they work for me, I feel that my fingers are improving slowly. It may be at some point I will experience something else with them, but till that moment I will practice them together with other things I practice.

Yes, I think all the great composers began their musical (keyboard) skillfulness and competence at a very very young age. Except maybe Haydn (Vivaldi). So, is it realistic to expect older beginners to ever be impressive? A few standout people have (but they're weird people, totally undistracted by influences from normal lives).
I don't know. It's something to discuss (depressing too).

I hope it is possible to be quite impressive, of course for some. I see it right now this way, when you perform for audience which consists of pianists, musicians, people who know about music quite a lot, you have quite a challenge to impress them. They can spot loads of mistakes, loads of imperfections and at the same time they expect from you greatness...
but if your audience is less developed in musical world you may get away with some imperfections, lack of deepness etc. I hope I explain it right. I mean there is different audience we may attract and entertain. I like to say, seek mastery, but enjoy where you are at this moment. With practice we will develop skills... will we reach greatness... well, I think it depends of the person individually, routine I guess of daily practice, luck as well (being right time in right place ) ... loads of factors.

For me, for now, I simply practice and enjoy the journey. I know I am getting slowly better, making mistakes on the way, going sometimes wrong directions... but sooner or later will get it right.

So, let's play again. Let's have fun. Let's use those TOYS that make sound and let's make some that will bring smile to our faces HAVE FUN.

As long as you progressing with the piano, until the moment you will have nothing more to learn, your (piano) life will be two things: Hanon (which includes the scales and arpeggios, which are the must of the must) and Czerny. In the late stages of your studies, as many piano diploma candidates are doing, you will play daily the whole Hanon as a worm up. (up to 150 min. will be needed. You goal will be to have the power to execute the very last Hanon exercise to the written tempo). But, you know better what you need. The moment you like something so much, the knowledge comes from the nature its self. You need no one to tell you, how important is the endurance of your fingers... Or to explain to you the importance of the speed... And, this is logical, such benefits don't come from the heaven, but ONLY with hard practice. Practice = Exercises. Have a lot of fun, my dearest.

Originally Posted by Dimace

As long as you progressing with the piano, until the moment you will have nothing more to learn, your (piano) life will be two things: Hanon (which includes the scales and arpeggios, which are the must of the must) and Czerny. In the late stages of your studies, as many piano diploma candidates are doing, you will play daily the whole Hanon as a worm up. (up to 150 min. will be needed. You goal will be to have the power to execute the very last Hanon exercise to the written tempo). But, you know better what you need. The moment you like something so much, the knowledge comes from the nature its self. You need no one to tell you, how important is the endurance of your fingers... Or to explain to you the importance of the speed... And, this is logical, such benefits don't come from the heaven, but ONLY with hard practice. Practice = Exercises. Have a lot of fun, my dearest.

That is my goal for now! I know it will take a while I know. I have actually question regarding Hanons. We discussed this before I got the Hanon book a bit. So, I exercise Hanons from the book, following what they write there. But you suggested as well playing those with some black keys. Which I try to do of course (G, D, F) but only with no 1 exercise so far. Should be there in place time for practice all of those Hanons with black keys?

First let's PLAY TODAY!!! Have some fun with your piano or any other instrument of your choice. Practice/Have fun/Discover etc... simply use your TOY and ENJOY.

Second is two videos of what I am working on right now. Somehow unhappy but motivated again after recording to work/practice to improve. As always glad to hear all the suggestions. So, below two videos:
1. Sonatina Op 36 no 1 - Andante
2. Start of my scales practice ( C A A) from the book: The Virtuoso Pianist - with no endings yet

Sonatina...


The Virtuoso Pianist - Scales...

Originally Posted by Jaro

First let's PLAY TODAY!!! Have some fun with your piano or any other instrument of your choice. Practice/Have fun/Discover etc... simply use your TOY and ENJOY.

Second is two videos of what I am working on right now. Somehow unhappy but motivated again after recording to work/practice to improve. As always glad to hear all the suggestions. So, below two videos:
1. Sonatina Op 36 no 1 - Andante
2. Start of my scales practice ( C A A) from the book: The Virtuoso Pianist - with no endings yet

Sonatina...


The Virtuoso Pianist - Scales...

Very good!

With the exception of some uncertainties and minor mistakes with notes (this for me is the smallest problem) the performance was very decent. What you must correct: Put your fingers a little bit deeper on the black keys. You hit them (especially with your left hand) on the edges and this is dangerous. Deeper is better. Nothing else! Keep going and enjoy the sonatinas.

For the scales: Very good also! Don't move your lower middle hand so much when you play the C. The C is the most difficult scale, because it hasn't black keys, which are stabilizing the fingers / hands. Very nice. Keep going and play the first 2,3 exercises (when you find the time) AS THEY ARE. (no transposes) Look to play, P, F, Staccato, legato, etc. but when you make the video I want a steady mF, fluent legato. That's it! SUPER!

Originally Posted by Dimace

Very good!

With the exception of some uncertainties and minor mistakes with notes (this for me is the smallest problem) the performance was very decent. What you must correct: Put your fingers a little bit deeper on the black keys. You hit them (especially with your left hand) on the edges and this is dangerous. Deeper is better. Nothing else! Keep going and enjoy the sonatinas.

For the scales: Very good also! Don't move your lower middle hand so much when you play the C. The C is the most difficult scale, because it hasn't black keys, which are stabilizing the fingers / hands. Very nice. Keep going and play the first 2,3 exercises (when you find the time) AS THEY ARE. (no transposes) Look to play, P, F, Staccato, legato, etc. but when you make the video I want a steady mF, fluent legato. That's it! SUPER!

Thank you for corrections, once I watched the videos I also had that thought in mind about black keys, but wasn't sure... now I am I thought the C is the easiest since it is always introduced first - I guess some say that because it doesn't have black keys and you play each key after another. Anyway I will continue... Thanks for reminder about P, F, Staccato, legato etc. I find it a bit problematic with my digital piano because even slowly played sometimes I can't find the right way to repeat the sounds. I am not completely sure it is because digital piano? You see, there is not much resistance in the keys... I really need as soon as possible access to real piano. Something to figure out in few months time.

All right then, I will continue with Hanons (glad I like them ) and scales...

Saying that you know whoever reads that what comes next: PLAY TODAY AGAIN

How about do some playing this rainy Saturday? Let's connect through the power of music Play, Discover, Exercise/Practice and as always HAVE FUN!

Is today/tonight great time to play? There is only one way to check that out: PLAY! Let's have some fun

... and again it is time to: PLAY and HAVE SOME FUN... join me and let's move a bit further in our journey

Clouds are coming and will stay over my head in my piano journey for next three weeks. Going to visit my family where sadly there is no piano but only some piece of equipment with keys (not 88) which I have to make work for me as best as possible for this period. That is me. Sadly.

But you? You may be in better situation with constant access to your piano or any other instrument you play: so! PLAY and HAVE FUN. I will join you as soon as it will be possible. ENJOY!

Originally Posted by Jaro

Clouds are coming and will stay over my head in my piano journey for next three weeks. Going to visit my family where sadly there is no piano but only some piece of equipment with keys (not 88) which I have to make work for me as best as possible for this period. That is me. Sadly.

But you? You may be in better situation with constant access to your piano or any other instrument you play: so! PLAY and HAVE FUN. I will join you as soon as it will be possible. ENJOY!

.
Enjoy your stay at your family, keep safe and stay healthy.

Originally Posted by Jaro

Clouds are coming and will stay over my head in my piano journey for next three weeks. Going to visit my family where sadly there is no piano but only some piece of equipment with keys (not 88) which I have to make work for me as best as possible for this period. That is me. Sadly.

But you? You may be in better situation with constant access to your piano or any other instrument you play: so! PLAY and HAVE FUN. I will join you as soon as it will be possible. ENJOY!

The greatest pianist ever walked on earth, the Master of the Masters, the one and only Ferenc Liszt, when he was travelling to perform all over Europe, had always with him a small 2 octaves keyboard for his practice. (without sound, of course, just to keep his fingers busy). What you have in your family home is more than enough for your practice. Enjoy your vacation, your family and make some practice in your spare time. Happy vacations!

Originally Posted by Dimace

The greatest pianist ever walked on earth, the Master of the Masters, the one and only Ferenc Liszt, when he was travelling to perform all over Europe, had always with him a small 2 octaves keyboard for his practice. (without sound, of course, just to keep his fingers busy). What you have in your family home is more than enough for your practice. Enjoy your vacation, your family and make some practice in your spare time. Happy vacations!

That comment put smile on my face Thanks.

So, let's play! Let's move a bit those fingers and have as much fun as possible

Ps. Rogerx, I will have some great time, Thanks.