Playing an instrument takes practice unless you are among the blessed few with magical hands and blessed ears that take to their instrument of choice like a duck to the water. If you are new to playing the piano, then you will appreciate the tips below for becoming a better player.
Editor’s note: for any of these tips to be successful, you must be well rested, so you can perform with full energy. Sleeping on a good quality mattress is one way to ensure this.
Tips to becoming a better pianist
- Find the right music
You will enjoy playing the piano if you love the music you get to practice on! Go for something you enjoy which will inspire you to continue playing. Don’t forget to challenge yourself down the road with music you don’t like, but which will enhance your skills!
- Don’t play for the sake of playing, have a goal in mind!
Before you sit behind your piano, you should have a clear goal in mind. For example, you can set the goal of playing a particular song well by a given day. This will inspire you to practice the song and ultimately improve your piano-playing skills! Remember though, the goal you set should be achievable so that you don’t set yourself up for failure before you even start!
- Don’t forget to position your hand
This is very important if you want any chance to improve your playing skills. You will not play well if your hands are not properly positioned! Ideally, you should play with your hands separately. For example, start with your right hand and gradually allow your left to join. Practicing with your hands separately at the start will help improve your hand coordination down the road.
- Don’t look at your hands
You can steal an occasional glance at your hands but, avoid looking at your hands as you play, as you may mess things up when you look away. Embrace your surrounding and look at your sheet.
- Go easy on the keys
Just because you apply too much pressure on the piano keys doesn’t mean they will respond the way you want them to! Be gentle with them and let your fingers work their magic!
- Use your ears
The more you practice the more you get to train your ears. This will help you embrace the piano and create beautiful music! Train your ears to listen to every key you press as this will help you embrace your style or at least follow the master’s style.
- Practice the simple chords
It may get boring in the earlier days, but carving out the time to practice simple chords will help you improve your playing skills! Play at a steady pace and focus on the tempo and rhythm. It is important to maintain a given rhythm if you are to improve.
- Forget about speed, go for accuracy
You may be tempted to up your speed as you play, but, if your accuracy is lacking then you may want to slow your speed! Pay attention to the keys you hit, ensure that they are accurate and with time, speed will become second nature!
- Go visual with the chords
The best way to do this is to divide your music piece into sections. Then, visualize chords from each section separately and practice till you get it right!
- Practice, practice, practice
As mentioned before, practice makes perfect. Take time out to practice the piano as much as you can and with time, you will get a good grasp of the notes, chords, and improve your playing technique! A good 15 minutes spent practicing the fundamentals will go a long way to improving your retaining power.