If you can suggest it, I’ve probably done it. I’ve been a musician for 39 years. I’ve tried lots of different ways to practice, sometimes out of creativity, out of boredom, even out of challenging myself.
The biggest thing is to go slowly! You’re building up your brain/finger connection. The slower you go, the easier it is to get things right as you begin. It doesn’t mean that you have to go slowly forever!
Separate your hands! If it’s challenging to put both hands together, then focus on one. More often than not, it’s our non-dominant hand that needs the focus. So make sure you don’t shy away from that hand!
“Chunking” music is a great way to put things together. Normally, our challenge comes in going from one measure to another or one line to another. So if you take it apart and focus on the smaller sections or chunks, the easier it will be!
Finding the hardest part, or the most challenge part, whether it’s rhythm or coordination, is counter to what we want to do. We want to focus on the easy parts, by nature, and avoid the hard parts. But if we attack the hard parts first, that makes everything much easier!
Finally, as I said before about splitting your hands, focus on your non-dominant hand. It’s non-dominant for a reason, and it’s the one the needs the most attention! It’s always going to feel awkward and weird, but the more time you spend with it, it feels less awkward and weird.
So what about you? If you’re a piano player, what’s your go-to practice tip? Comment with what works best for you! If you’re wanting to learn, I have times available this week in person or online. You can find out more at harmannymusiceducation.com/lesson-schedule
