New Beginner and How Should You Practice Piano by Georgia Zoe Schohl
Q. My 7 year old is just starting piano lessons this month. What can I do to make this a good experience for my child? The teacher was recommended by one of my friends whose child is taking lessons. She seems nice and helpful so I think I made a good choice. But I want to know if there is anything I can do as a parent for my child becoming a good pianist. Any advice?
Lydia, email
A. Most teachers like to have a parent interested in their child’s progress, and you’re no exception. Keep a dialogue with the teacher so that you know what is going on, i.e. is your child progressing or if they need help with some aspect of the lessons. If it is OK with the teacher ask to observe the lessons occasionally. Be careful not to be overbearing and interrupt the lesson because most teachers do not like the interference during the lesson. If you have anything to discuss with the teacher wait until afterward. And make a point to the teacher to call you if she has any concerns or comments.
Q. I want to know what role practice plays in becoming a good pianist. I heard that some pianists never practice at all and sound fantastic. I have also heard that there are some people who practice every day and get nowhere because they cannot master the piece they are assigned. Isn't it true it's really all about talent---either you have it or you don't?
A.L., New York
A. True, there are those rare individuals who are good pianists and never practice at all. But they are very rare individuals. Most good pianists, even the concert artists practice for many hours each week to either maintain their skills or better their pianistic abilities. How can you learn and memorize new pieces? By practice, of course.
How many hours should you practice? It's up to you. Do you want to maintain at your level or continue to progress? If you want to reach a higher level and play more advanced pieces, you will have to spend the time and energy on the piano practicing. There is no easy way around it, and you can't pay anyone to do it for you! You alone are responsible.
Next, you mentioned that there are people practicing daily and they are not progressing, so I guess the implication I get here is that they have no talent for the piano. Not always true! First of all, it's how you utilize the time you allow for practicing. Is the time used wisely?
Before even attempting a new piece, make sure you listen to a recording or it or have someone play it for you so you can get an idea how it should sound. Many piano books nowadays come with CDs when you buy the book. When practicing a new piece, play each hand alone a few times first. Try both hands together but do it in sections (such as two lines at a time until you feel comfortable with it). Keep forging ahead and you will learn the piece.
Don't forget about using the metronome, watch the articulation, finger touch, rhythm and dynamics as all of these ingredients put together correctly will add a lot to the piece you are trying to learn. Again it's how you use the practice time not how long you practice. The longer you practice wisely though, the better you get.
One last thing: Don't judge yourself so harshly. Yes, there are talented people but you can become good if you make small goals, stay motivated no matter what, utilize your time to get to those goals, and being realistic that it does take hard work.
Q. My 7 year old is just starting piano lessons this month. What can I do to make this a good experience for my child? The teacher was recommended by one of my friends whose child is taking lessons. She seems nice and helpful so I think I made a good choice. But I want to know if there is anything I can do as a parent for my child becoming a good pianist. Any advice?
Lydia, email
A. Most teachers like to have a parent interested in their child’s progress, and you’re no exception. Keep a dialogue with the teacher so that you know what is going on, i.e. is your child progressing or if they need help with some aspect of the lessons. If it is OK with the teacher ask to observe the lessons occasionally. Be careful not to be overbearing and interrupt the lesson because most teachers do not like the interference during the lesson. If you have anything to discuss with the teacher wait until afterward. And make a point to the teacher to call you if she has any concerns or comments.
Q. I want to know what role practice plays in becoming a good pianist. I heard that some pianists never practice at all and sound fantastic. I have also heard that there are some people who practice every day and get nowhere because they cannot master the piece they are assigned. Isn't it true it's really all about talent---either you have it or you don't?
A.L., New York
A. True, there are those rare individuals who are good pianists and never practice at all. But they are very rare individuals. Most good pianists, even the concert artists practice for many hours each week to either maintain their skills or better their pianistic abilities. How can you learn and memorize new pieces? By practice, of course.
How many hours should you practice? It's up to you. Do you want to maintain at your level or continue to progress? If you want to reach a higher level and play more advanced pieces, you will have to spend the time and energy on the piano practicing. There is no easy way around it, and you can't pay anyone to do it for you! You alone are responsible.
Next, you mentioned that there are people practicing daily and they are not progressing, so I guess the implication I get here is that they have no talent for the piano. Not always true! First of all, it's how you utilize the time you allow for practicing. Is the time used wisely?
Before even attempting a new piece, make sure you listen to a recording or it or have someone play it for you so you can get an idea how it should sound. Many piano books nowadays come with CDs when you buy the book. When practicing a new piece, play each hand alone a few times first. Try both hands together but do it in sections (such as two lines at a time until you feel comfortable with it). Keep forging ahead and you will learn the piece.
Don't forget about using the metronome, watch the articulation, finger touch, rhythm and dynamics as all of these ingredients put together correctly will add a lot to the piece you are trying to learn. Again it's how you use the practice time not how long you practice. The longer you practice wisely though, the better you get.
One last thing: Don't judge yourself so harshly. Yes, there are talented people but you can become good if you make small goals, stay motivated no matter what, utilize your time to get to those goals, and being realistic that it does take hard work.
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