How To Become A Better Piano Player In Six Months Than Most People In Six Years
Most piano players don't get better because they recycle their practice.
They simply play what they practiced the first few months over the next 6 years (or more).
If you want to become good at the piano in the shortest amount of time, you've got to do it differently.
The key is deliberate practice.
To practice deliberately means to purposely intend to improve performance.
Here are a few key points to help you practice deliberately.
oHave an intention - have an intention whenever you sit down to practice the piano.
It doesn't have to be written down, but you could say to yourself, for example, "today I intend to improve my performance of 'Green Sleeves.
'" oFocus on one area at a time - this will build up your confidence as you master one area at a time.
With the "Green Sleeves" example, if you feel you're having a difficult time with the left hand chord voicings, work on your left hand alone until you can do it smoothly.
Never move on until you've mastered a specific skill.
oPractice on something that is slightly beyond your competency - always practice on tougher pieces, skills or techniques.
It's okay to practice pieces that you already know for the purpose of memorization, but don't get comfortable and practice just that.
This is the mistake that most piano players make.
Strive to go outside your comfort zone.
Done with three chord songs? Move on with 4, 5, 6 chord songs.
oConsistency - 15 minutes of practice a day everyday is superior to 2 hours a day once a week.
Your brain makes better connections when your practices are not too far apart.
oEvaluate your performance - Ask for feedback whenever possible from a teacher, a friend, or a family member.
They don't have to be musically inclined.
Just ask them to judge your overall performance and how or what you can improve.
You'll be surprised of the valuable pointers they can give that you would not be able to notice yourself.
If you don't have anyone readily available, tape yourself and be your own critique.
Again, you'll be able to catch certain mistakes that you wouldn't be able to catch while you're performing.
The five key points will help you become a piano player faster than most students out there: have an intention, focus on one are at a time, go beyond your current level of competency, consistent practice and evaluating your performance.
Form these habits from the beginning.
Your success at the piano will be much higher.
They simply play what they practiced the first few months over the next 6 years (or more).
If you want to become good at the piano in the shortest amount of time, you've got to do it differently.
The key is deliberate practice.
To practice deliberately means to purposely intend to improve performance.
Here are a few key points to help you practice deliberately.
oHave an intention - have an intention whenever you sit down to practice the piano.
It doesn't have to be written down, but you could say to yourself, for example, "today I intend to improve my performance of 'Green Sleeves.
'" oFocus on one area at a time - this will build up your confidence as you master one area at a time.
With the "Green Sleeves" example, if you feel you're having a difficult time with the left hand chord voicings, work on your left hand alone until you can do it smoothly.
Never move on until you've mastered a specific skill.
oPractice on something that is slightly beyond your competency - always practice on tougher pieces, skills or techniques.
It's okay to practice pieces that you already know for the purpose of memorization, but don't get comfortable and practice just that.
This is the mistake that most piano players make.
Strive to go outside your comfort zone.
Done with three chord songs? Move on with 4, 5, 6 chord songs.
oConsistency - 15 minutes of practice a day everyday is superior to 2 hours a day once a week.
Your brain makes better connections when your practices are not too far apart.
oEvaluate your performance - Ask for feedback whenever possible from a teacher, a friend, or a family member.
They don't have to be musically inclined.
Just ask them to judge your overall performance and how or what you can improve.
You'll be surprised of the valuable pointers they can give that you would not be able to notice yourself.
If you don't have anyone readily available, tape yourself and be your own critique.
Again, you'll be able to catch certain mistakes that you wouldn't be able to catch while you're performing.
The five key points will help you become a piano player faster than most students out there: have an intention, focus on one are at a time, go beyond your current level of competency, consistent practice and evaluating your performance.
Form these habits from the beginning.
Your success at the piano will be much higher.
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