Preparing to Play at Faster Speeds
Found in: Curriculum, Foundation Songs, Musicality, Pedaling, Technique
Joan H., Canada
HI everybody – any tips for growing skills to line up fingers accurately to play fast passages like the beginning and end of Ballade? Of course – play slowly and gradually increase speed. That alone doesn’t seem adequate. I feel like all the things I did in my traditional piano years make this kind of thing effortless for my fingers – what can we offer to our students to help their fingers move quickly and accurately? I’m fine to have them to some sort of drills – love to hear your ideas or what’s working for you.
Neil Moore
Here’s my input on supporting students in being able to play smoothly, evenly and efficiently in pieces that are played at higher speeds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-7tfCzPQUI&list=PL3o0aF_9qHn4F2sy8QRuPb_jf_r4D9823&index=1
Kerry V., Australia
i found just doing 5SS was amazing as it helped loosen the fingers. After i did them a few times i would do Sonata in C, Ballade etc so much more easily.
break down each event and practice that, then build on it. Doing it slowly, mind focused, and saying instructions outloud. Then gradually stop saying out loud, speed it up a little more, add more when truly comfortable with the first break up of it.
Leeanne I., Australia
I think you will find Fluff Pie an excellent way to master that!
Scott J., Australia
Slow ,staccato , and hard only with fingers and no wrist or arm movement
Joan H., Canada
Thanks so much Neil for taking all that time to share those words of wisdom. I really appreciate it and will take to heart to move towards my daily goal to be a better teacher today than I was yesterday. I find some students effortlessly play rhythmically, and for those who are more challenged – some work at it and and get to the victory, and others work at it and are still challenged! Case in point – I have a 1st year student who started F1 in Sept, and we are wrapping up now (feels like a long time to get there), polishing all our songs, using the audio for months. My standards for them to finish are 1. Play along with the audio in our lesson for each song. 2. Send me a video of each song. This is a very conscientious young 7 yr old and coach with a love for piano, but oh my – some of his attempts to play along with the audio, even with just one hand are so challenged. Its like he is not hearing it even though his body is moving with the rhythm. Sometimes he is playing faster/ahead of the audio, and other times, he is too slow. We have drummed along with the rhythm of every song to “feel the beat” in our lesson, and I’ve suggested they do the same at home. I’ve played along with him, so he can “match” my playing. I want to be the voice of encouragement, and yet not settle for less than rhythmic playing before moving onto F2. I find this really challenging. These are exceptional situations, but do come up.
(Original discussion started May 31, 2024)