Composer Igor Stravinsky said something to the effect of: we find inspiration through work, not the other way around. Amateurs wait for inspiration to work; professionals get to work knowing inspiration will follow. Good advice when sitting in the practice room waiting for the muse to strike before beginning. David
Many people want to play the piano. A few people must play the piano. The many are vague, the committed are focused. A committed student says things like, “I want to pick up where I left off 30 years ago and finish my grade 8 piano, can you help me?” Or, “I want to play piano duets with my children, or grandchildren to support them in their piano studies? Or, “I want to play in a band”. Or, “I’m deeply in love with Beethoven’s op. 1. I played level 10 in my youth. Now, life has given me the time to get back to it. Please help me get back into shape”. “I love the romance of piano lounge jazz. Can you show me how to improvise like Diana Krall?” The small actionable steps needed to proceed will vary by the student’s background, but the steps will revolve around the following:
Syllabi, such as the Royal Conservatory of music provide, break down the learning process in small actionable steps. Jazz pedagogy does the same. I’ve also created one for recreational players who come to my studio. I will create or direct you to the appropriate syllabi. I look forward to working with you. Best regards, David PS. Click on the picture below to learn more about adult learning. You will be directed the magazine's website. A valuable resourse. A quick coffee video on practicing from pianist magazine. The end of the year is fast approaching. Time to take stock of the goals we set in September. And, maybe reset. Or, add some new ones. Here is one I'm making. 1. Attend more live concerts of pianists. The Jeremy Denk recital was quickly followed by the Richard Goode outing. Both were inspiring and instructive. Sometimes in the rush of everyday I forget to go out and be inspired. Here is a write up on Denk: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/pianist-writer-jeremy-denk-adds-personality-to-his-work/article21505629/ I highly recommend his blog. Cheers, David Story Getting ready for a new year of practicing? Me too. · The key to musical happiness is regular practice and having clear easily articulated goals. As business and time management Guru Brian Tracy says, “Clarity is the key”. To which I’d add: plan your life around your practice schedule. · Write down your goals. Do they align with time available? Are the people you live with onside? · Motivation problems can often be assuaged with a concert trip to hear a world class musician perform. · Get the piano tuned. · Try a good cardio workout to inspire, think clearer, and focus well. · Have a written practice plan for each session. Books I’ve found helpful in the last year · “Time Power” by Brian Tracy, I read and reread this book at least twice a year. The ideas really work, if you implement them. · “The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life” by Timothy Ferris, an inspiring book on adult learning, hilarious too. · “International Piano” magazine, a monthly magazine from the UK on learning the piano. Books I plan to read shortly · “Practice Perfect” by Doug Lemov · “Famous Pianists and Their Technique” by Reginald R. Gerig All books available on-line from your favourite reseller. Cheers, David Story www.davidstory.ca Practice makes perfect is we practice perfectly. But, perfect practice is a tricky business. The following article from Vic Firth outlines very effective practice tactics for drummers. I've added jazz piano addendums in brackets.
In a nutshell: a) Warm Ups (some sight reading) b) Rudiments – learning and application of (jazz chords, modes) c) Groove & Fills (working on your jazz licks through transcription) d) Learning a song (using a combination of lead sheet and recordings) http://www.vicfirth.com/exchange/2014/03/20/the-practice-of-practice/ Enjoy, David Story Setting realistic goals for music study? Great idea. Not thought about it? Why not? One of the best reasons is that it gives you a track to run on. One of the best warnings on goal setting? "You can't ride more than one horse at a time" Here are a few additional thoughts. For Parents
Here is a personal example. I study jazz drumming. I'm planning on attending a jazz camp for adults next summer. When I arrive there I will have to audition for placement. I want to place as high as possible. :-) so,
For yourself Goal: Recreational player Strategy: Two hours of playing and practice a week Tactics: Ditch the TV and web surfing by 2 hours. Tell your kids to go outside and play. Give a list of pieces to your teacher you would like to learn. Cheers. David It depends on how good you want to be is the short answer. A thoughtful answer takes a little longer.
Realistic Goals: Are your goals in tune with the rest of your life? What would you give up to reach them? Piano takes time, lots of it. For example to complete my ARCT in 2007, I started Grade 10 in 2003. Five thousand hours later I graduated! (This 5,000 hours included my theory studies as well as my piano lessons.) I gave up the music business to do this. If you goals are more modest, aim for 2 hours a week of practice to start. Without practice, piano is no fun! The caveat is this. If you are a recreational piano student with the goals of learning some tunes and having some fun, skipping practice is no big deal. We can do it together at lessons, I will supervise. Whatever the depth of your ambition, I suggest strongly that you schedule piano practice into your schedule. On the subject of practice, another blog post for that. Cheers, David Story A tale of two adult students Part one:
Part two:
Cheers, David Story I won't make any New Year's resolutions this year, but I will review why I signed up for drum and guitar lessons in the first place. Success, I've been told, is a result of our habits, and our habits are the consequence of our actions. Actions come from our values. Values are bred into us. So, resolutions in conflict with our values are doomed. But habits created considering our values have a chance. Postscript February 2023. I made a few resolutions this year. These resolutions were created after reflection and preparation. I'll see how it goes. Cheers, David Updated Feb 2023 |
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. AuthorI'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. Categories
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