Wouldn't it be great if all students could play like a child prodigy? Or better still, just naturally pick up advanced-level pieces? The fact is, most students are not born with that kind of talent.
Now, that does not mean they won't be as good.
It just takes time and some guidance.
Here are some ways to be successful at piano practice: 1.
Patience Often times, students want to quickly play through a new piece without taking the time to analyze the piece, i.
e.
notes, dynamics and rhythm.
This can result in extra work later on.
Taking the time to identify and play the correct notes will pay off in many ways; i) it avoids the teacher having to correct the errors, hence the student will have a more productive lesson, and ii) students don't have to take the extra time to re-learn the piece.
2.
Divide the piece into sections It's so fun to play a piece from the beginning to the end, and it's common to get "stuck" at some measures.
This may be due to notes, rhythm or fingering.
Whatever the reason is, focusing on just those measures alone can help students play the piece smoothly.
Let's say you get stuck on measure 13 and measures 28 and 29.
Carve out those sections and practice them individually.
In this case, measure 13 alone, and measure 28 to 29.
Use the rule of 3.
Step 1: Play the first note in measure 13 until the last note in the same measure without stopping.
If you can do this three times in a row without making any mistakes, then move on to the next step.
Step 2: Now, time to put our first step to the test.
Play measure 12 to measure 14.
Can you play it without getting stuck? If not, repeat step 1 again.
If you can, great.
Test from measure 11-15.
If no issues, congratulations! You have mastered measure number 13! Time to move on.
3.
Take a break Sometimes, it helps to take a break after some intense practicing.
After the break, you'll be feeling more refreshed and will perform better (instead of being too tired after practicing).
Taking a break will also help if you find yourself starting to get frustrated at what you are working at, or when you find yourself losing your focus.
With patience, hardwork and consistency, everyone will get there.
Hope this help.
Happy practicing and enjoy playing your pieces!