Post recital reflections

Another student piano recital has come and gone. My reflections. 

It’s all about the basics. Any compromise with that will affect the outcome every time. What are the basics of learning the piano? Here are some ideas to get us started.

1. For advanced players. Learn the piece away from the piano before you start. For classical students that means listening to professional performances. Analyse the form and harmony. Work out the fingering one hand at the time at all important points.  For jazz players analyse the chord structure, marking in the ii-V-I patterns. Have look at the melodic structure, find the sequences. Next, memorise, singing the roots of the chords in time and in pitch, with a metronome by memory. Next tackle the melody, sing it from memory to! Now figure out the head by ear. Listen to many versions of the piece.
2. For beginners. Master the basics of scales, chords, arpeggios, sight reading, applied theory, ear training, memorisation, listening analytically and repertoire retention. The boring bits are the important bits.
3. For everyone, attend live music events, inspire yourself.  Learn how to practice. And finally commit the time to succeed.

Cheers, 

​David