This guy explains how to correctly sit on the piano bench. As he says, sitting correctly will help us play easier and avoid injury. 

Enjoy.

David
Authors note: This page was rewritten in 2024

Before you begin, consider the following elements:

Title: The title often hints at the nature of the piece. For instance, 'Avalanche' versus 'Minuet in D' suggests a dramatic, fast-paced piece as opposed to one that is refined and graceful.
Composer: Different composers like Mozart, Bach, or Gershwin require unique musical approaches and touches.
Key Signature: Determine if the piece is in a major or minor key and practice the corresponding scale.
Time Signature: Be aware of any changes throughout the piece.
Tempo: While musicality ultimately takes precedence, ensure you can play within the indicated tempo range.
Dynamics: Don't overlook these, as they are crucial to the performance.
Rhythm: If you are having difficulties understanding the rhythm clap it out while counting aloud, using a metronome for guidance.
Repeat Signs: Failing to observe these can lead to mistakes and embarrassment.
Articulations: Techniques like legato and staccato add expression to the music.
Watch for surprises such as clef changes, hand crossings, key signature shifts, and tempo variations that may not be immediately apparent.
Practice each hand separately, focusing on fingering. Remember, slow, methodical practice leads to faster progress.

Best of luck.

This African rhythm permeates the popular music across the Americas, often utilized within a jazz framework. It features in the introductions of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer," Green Hill's "The Charleston," and Teddy Wilson's "Chinatown." Jelly Roll Morton referred to it as the "Spanish tinge," audible in his piece "The Crave." Additionally, it's known as the Habanera Rhythm, as showcased in the introduction of "St. Louis Blues."This rhythm continues to resonate today, blaring from the vehicles of the youth. 

Mastering the melodies of jazz standards can greatly reduce time and frustration. The principle is simple: you'll be able to play with the correct rhythm and articulation right from the start. As your understanding of jazz theory deepens, having these tunes memorized provides a practical framework for application, since grappling with theoretical concepts is challenging when also struggling with the piece itself.

David

I'm finishing my first year with the Toronto Concert Band and what a thrill it has been. From drum set to piano, xylophone to tympani it has been a journey of intense rehearsal, thrilling concerts, private practice, and fellowship.

At the upcoming concert I will be playing: 

1. Vibraphone
2. Finger cymbals
3. Xylophone
4. Tympani
5. Crash cymbal
6. Triangle
7. Sharker
8. Drum kit
9. Glockenspiel
10. And... cowbell, lots of cowbell

Come join us and say hi after the concert. 
​
When: June 10, 2023 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West

Tickets: 2023 Spring Concert - Toronto Concert Band 

You can vary the tempi, dynamics, articulations, and keys of the following warmup etude. 
​David