Technique for Beginners
There are four basic elements which need to be learned in any piece. Each element is important and should be learned from the beginning. An easy way to remember these elements is by the acronym FERN:
F - Fingering ..... E - Expression ..... R - Rhythm ..... N - Notes
It is a mistake to learn notes and rhythms, and then, only after learning that,
do you add the dynamics and expression.
You need to play musically from the beginning.
Technique for Learning New Pieces for Beginners:
* Look the Piece Over:
Search for all of the elements of the piece, including key signature, time signature, accidentals, dynamics, etc.
* Hands Alone Practice:
Practicing hands alone is an important way of practicing a new piece, no matter what level you are.
Become comfortable playing hands alone before putting hands together.
* Slow Practice:
Pianist Rudolf Firkusny says "I do advise practicing at a slower tempo. I think it's a good idea because you can overcome bad habits which can creep into your playing." (The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher). Develop good habits in practicing and playing!
F.E.R.N.:
Notes: Name notes before playing. Play and say letter names. Play and say "intervals" - step, skip or repeat.
Utilize "Correlation Sheet" as reference
Rhythm: Clap and count rhythm. Play and count rhythm (example: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +)
Expression: Dynamics - Practice piece, focusing mostly on dynamic contrast. Exaggerate the dynamics!
Fingering: Although fingerings are important, please know that you must find the correct note first, and THEN look at the finger number. Most pieces of music are not strictly in "C position". Look at what note each hand begins the piece,
and that will tell you where to position your hands.
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Whether or not a piece is going to be a future recital piece, the end goal should be to be able to play it with correct notes, rhythm and fingering, with good expression and musicality, with no stopping and at a comfortable tempo. In order to achieve this, you need to have learned the piece well, focusing on each of the four elements.
If it needs some polishing, try breaking it into shorter sections and challenge yourself to play that section three times in a row, perfectly. Evaluate your own playung and identify spots where you are having difficulty. Use the metronome, as it can be very helpful in keeping a steady tempo. Using the rubric, grade yourself. Be honest!
Whether or not a piece is going to be a future recital piece, the end goal should be to be able to play it with correct notes, rhythm and fingering, with good expression and musicality, with no stopping and at a comfortable tempo. In order to achieve this, you need to have learned the piece well, focusing on each of the four elements.
If it needs some polishing, try breaking it into shorter sections and challenge yourself to play that section three times in a row, perfectly. Evaluate your own playung and identify spots where you are having difficulty. Use the metronome, as it can be very helpful in keeping a steady tempo. Using the rubric, grade yourself. Be honest!