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Tips, free lessons, and inspiration

Comping Chords For Scrapple From The Apple

5/20/2022

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scrapple from the apple jazz coming chords.pdf
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The Diatonic Chords Of E Major Etude

5/16/2022

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This will help you learn the diatonic chords of E major. Watch the crossover with the left hand and the change of clef in measure 11. The fingering is 531 in the LH and 135 in the RH. 
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diatonic chords of e major.pdf
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Should we write the note names in our score?

5/13/2022

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Short answer is no. The first exception is writing the note name over a particular note you have incorrectly played numerous times. I can't think of other exceptions. 

What to do?

1. Practice naming the notes aloud before you play and then as you play.
2. Play super slow.
3. Practice in small chunks.
4. Study musical rudiments, also known as music theory.
5. Practice sight reading using the Four-star sightreading books from RCM.
6. Learn to clap rhythm and count aloud.

That should do it.

David
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New piano warmup 2022

5/11/2022

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I'm always trying innovative ideas with students to keep it fresh. This warm-up assumes you know the correct fingerings for each position. (The right scale at the 10th starts with 31234 etc. The broken chords and arpeggios in the right start with finger 1.) This exercise should be transposed into a different key at each practice session. Tempo markings are only suggestions.

If I can help you, call me. 

David
new scale chord and arpeggio warmup 2022
File Size: 102 kb
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Fingering patterns for triads

5/10/2022

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Playing the piano is much easier when the scales and chords have become automatic in our hands. Below is the fingering chart for all 3 note chords like C major and G minor. I've cropped this image from a student's notes.

If I can help you, call me.

David
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How to play fast scales on the piano, some overlooked facets for quick playing

5/9/2022

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How to play fast comes up in lessons frequently. Let's get the basics out of the way first. 
  1. Correct fingering is necessary.
  2. Slow repetitions with a metronome keeps our tempi honest.
  3. Lots of repetitions builds endurance and so-called muscle memory in the hands. 

Now some often-overlooked facets of quick playing. 
  1. The quicker the scale, the softer I play. Try it. I play lightly on my fingertips. I angle my wrists to the right when ascending and to the left when descending. The idea is to keep the tip of the playing finger in line with the elbow through the wrist. 
  2. Check your breathing. Rapid shallow breathing tenses the body. I breathe deeply and slowly to keep my body relaxed. 
  3. When playing 4 octave scales I start on your left sitz bone and stay in front of your hands as you ascend. You will end up on your right sitz bone at the top. 

If I can help you, call me. 

​David
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Hash tags

5/6/2022

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    You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.
    Charlie Parker

    Author

    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. 

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                         Contact           Home         Mystery Link
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #9 May 7, 2022
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • My Story
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Recommended resources and Free Music
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
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  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute