Piano Practice Tips

A week (sometimes two weeks) can feel like an eternity between lessons. What did Eric say? What do I have to practice? For how long?  While of course I give leeway with practising as everyone. especially adult students, are busy with many other projects, the answer is often “less is more” with piano practising. However, we have to make that time count! Here are some tips on short and productive piano practising for students.

1. Read the notes I wrote!
   • • As a former student myself, I know how easy it is to forget to read the notebook. Now as a teacher, I can tell you that I do not simply write in the book for fun! The purpose of the notes is remind the student what we talked about in the lesson. In the book, there is also your assignment for the week.
2. Don’t keep playing it wrong
   • • It’s true that old habits die hard. With a new skills like piano though, it is important to break the wrong pattern before it becomes a habit! Some common mistakes that can become serious bad habits are wrong hand positions, wrong fingerings, and wrong rhythms. 
3. Listen to a recording
   • • Learning music is like learning a language. If you don’t hear how a word is being pronounced, you are likely to have some difficulty pronouncing it. Some concept applies to music; take your time and listen to the music you play! YouTube is a great tool to use to find recordings
4. Have some fun on the piano
   • • Just because you’re taking piano lessons, doesn’t mean you have to only play your assignments. Have some fun on the piano! Improvise! Play with sounds. The whole point of music is to express yourself!

Another great list on making the best out of your practice time : http://www.flowkey.com/en/top-5-mistakes-when-learning-play-piano

Good luck!