Simpedia

Missy M., Iowa

Depending on the age I wait a while. Some things have a way of working themselves out. Recently though I’ve had to spend quite a bit of time with some new students working just on this very thing.

Megan F., Nebraska

Sometimes I’ll gently put my hand on a student’s back so they sit up straighter. As for hand and wrist position, I see so many bad habits; yet I know the Simply Music teachers tend to not focus on technique too much. I’m always conflicted about how much to focus on it. Do these bad habits really work themselves out? I don’t have the perspective that other teachers do since I’ve only taught a little over a year.

Leeanne I., Australia

At the first lesson I show how to sit correctly at the piano. If the student starts slumping I do tell them to sit up straight or playfully poke them in the back to remind them. The other thing I point out is when the wrist drops down. We want the forearm and palm in one line, otherwise we will end up with a sore wrist. Most students don’t realize they are doing it and it tends to happen when they are tired.

As for finger technique, I start talking about it after I have taught Alma Mater Blues, only because it helps my students execute the song better. They tend to bounce off the keys with the RH, so I just show them how to keep their fingers closer to the keys. I only introduce this after I know they know what to do.

Ruth P., North Carolina

I think it’s very important that we address basic technique issues. Lots of issues can develop otherwise.

Gabrielle K., Iowa

I personally don’t focus on it, but if the problem is affecting their playing of the song, I show them why. Then they get it and it stops.

Julia B., Canada

I’ve taken a couple of workshops with SM teacher Nancy Reese and incorporate her techniques, which are very natural. Example: early on I address height at the piano and raise kids up or lower them until the bottom of their forearm is even with the tops of the keys, and forearm is parallel to the floor. Nancy recommends using cut-up camping pads to get the right height, and parents can easily do this at home as well. Teaching students how to check this for themselves also helps them make adjustments when performing on unfamiliar pianos. Just this one issue corrects a lot of stuff.