Effective Practive & Motivation
FAQ | recommended resources | piano: bare essentials | Effective Practice & Motivation
Below are some of the many different aspects involved in learning
how to practice effectively.
Environment | Goals | Musical Form | Rhythm | Fingering |
Posture & Tension | Method | Working
for Speed
Tone | Memory | Motivation
Working for Speed
Working for speed often requires slow practice. Try to keep a
steady tempo. Be careful not to increase the speed before you
are ready. You should be able to play the piece (or section) comfortably
and maintain a steady tempo before trying to increase the speed.
Try memorizing passages before increasing the speed.
At a slow tempo, it makes sense to use small counting units such
as '1e&a 2e&a' but as you increase the speed it becomes
necessary to switch to larger units such as '1 & 2 &'
and then just '1 2'. You will find that the more you are able
to think in larger units, the easier it will be to play faster.
Taking this idea further, try thinking half measures, then try
feeling the measure as the unit and then two measures or even
four measures. Thinking in large units not only facilitates faster
playing, it also helps make the section sound more musical.