Introduction:
Piano playing do you find yourself wanting to become an even better piano player? While it can be hard to see your mistakes when you’re on the piano, these 10 tips will help you take your playing to the next level in no time! Whether you’re looking for helpful ways to practice or just want advice on how to structure your sessions, these tips are sure to improve your playing and make it easier than ever before.
1. Learn scales
A great way to improve your piano playing is by learning scales. Scales are the building blocks of all music, and they help you develop greater dexterity on the keys and become more attuned to what notes sound best when played together.
Learning scales will also allow you to play in any key without having to learn how to finger the notes for that particular key; instead, you can simply play each note of a scale one after another and know that it will sound good in whatever key you’re in.
2. Listen to good music
Listening to good music, like classical music or jazz, can make your playing better. This is because it will help you focus and it will also give you inspiration when you’re stuck on a piece. It’s also important to listen to music that is at your level so that the notes don’t sound too fast or too slow.
3. Take piano lessons
The first step to improving your piano playing is to take piano lessons. A tutor or a group class will help you learn proper techniques and give you the opportunity to discuss musical ideas with other musicians.
4. Practice, practice, practice
The best way to improve your piano playing is to practice. It might seem obvious, but the reality is that most of us don’t dedicate enough time and effort to practicing when we first learn how to play.
We spend more time learning about the instruments, reading about the history, or watching videos on YouTube than actually trying out what we have learned. Practice doesn’t have to be formal either – you can try it out on your own or with friends.
5. Use finger exercises
One way to get better at the piano is to do finger exercises on a daily basis. Here are some finger exercises that you can do, for both hands individually and together.
6. Become familiar with music notation
If you want to read and play music, it can help you to know the basics of reading music notation. The first step is mastering the treble clef and getting comfortable with not only basic note values but also rests and other symbols.
The next step is learning how to tell time on a metronome. This will give you a basic understanding of rhythm which is essential for playing in time with other musicians. Once you have the basics down, it’s important to start learning some different rhythms.
7. Check your posture
Sit up straight and do not slouch. Slouching will not only make you uncomfortable but it can also cause neck and back pain, or even pain in the fingers from being too tense. Sitting up straight will help you play better, feel better, and look more professional when playing for others.
When sitting at the piano, don’t cross your legs or put one on top of the other. Crossing your legs may cause cramping or numbness in your toes after a long time.
8. Stretch before playing
Playing piano is not only fun, but it can also be great exercise! It’s important to stretch before playing in order to keep your fingers flexible and avoid injury. Here are some basic stretches you can do prior to playing:
Place your left hand on the top of the keys. Bring your right arm up and over your head with your palm facing away from you. Draw your right elbow down by pulling with both hands until you feel a stretch along the back of the arm.
9. Play fast pieces slowly and slowly pieces fast
One of the most important things you can do to improve your piano playing is to play slowly. This forces you to engage in every note and learn how to play at different speeds. If you are struggling with a particular passage, try playing it slowly and then speeding up as you become more confident.
10. Know what you’re doing
- Make sure you’re sitting up straight.
- Keep your elbows close to your body and your fingers pointed downward.
- Be mindful so as not to incline excessively far forward or back.
- Avoid applying uneven pressure on the keys by making sure that your fingertips come in contact with them evenly.
- Rest your wrists on the edge of the piano’s front edge, so they don’t have to support any weight while you play.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, you found the list of ten helpful in some way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or have been playing for years, there is always room to improve one’s skills. So don’t be shy about taking these tips on board, and I wish you all the best in your playing endeavors.
