 by Jenny Leigh Hodgins My piano journey did not start smoothly. I started piano lessons at seven years old after begging my parents for a piano. My parents were not musically trained but appreciated music. They did not know what to look for in either a piano or a piano teacher. But they got a basic upright console piano and signed me up for a group piano class in a local activity center. The teacher was old-school, and frankly, old. She had a long stick she used to smack students’ hands or fingers when they did not follow her exact directions during their turn at the piano. My older sister was in the same class and already rebellious against this setting and teaching style. She was cutting jokes with other kids while I ignored all and devoured whatever music points were available. I was immediately drawn to music for the incredible patterns, both visually and aurally. I completed that 6-month group class and bugged my parents to find another teacher. Within a year or so, they found a fabulous graduate student at the local university. She was a vocal major but knew enough to get me started. She was compassionate and knowledgeable, guiding me quickly through my beginner material. But she only took me as far as she could and let my folks know our number was up. This pattern of gaps between teachers continued for a few sporadic years in my youth. My parents landed me with another piano teacher who I studied with for 3 years during high school. That was the longest period of uninterrupted piano study I had before college. She was also old school and a senior, but she at least kept me going with weekly assignments and a few counting and note-reading tips. None of my piano teachers during my youth were great quality teachers. I’ve unfortunately learned that this is a common experience for many piano learners. When I got to college, I determined to major in piano performance. But I received immediate criticism from the college piano educators who strictly told me I was in no way ready for the rigors of college piano study. It was a bitter experience. I took it quite personally. I falsely interpreted the underlying message that I was not good enough as a piano player. It hurt my feelings and cut into my already minimal sense of confidence as a young person. Fortunately, I later studied with some quality piano educators; especially after I moved to Florida to complete my music degree. One piano teacher impacted me the most; he taught me--for the first time--how to effectively practice the piano. It was a game-changer. It made me realize how many piano ‘teachers’ do not prepare students for self-volition or continued momentum in piano progress. It took me YEARS to finally meet a quality piano educator who met me where I needed help. I do not want you to go through anything like the heart-wrenching, confidence-depleting scenario that I did. That is why I’m offering my FREE Essential Piano Basics Masterclass on May 27 & 28 inside my New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook group. Knowing exactly what you need as foundational basics as well as an effective piano practice strategy will help you successfully start or return to the piano without wasting time and without the agonizing frustrations that I experienced. The sad thing is that so many piano teachers, methods, or online tutorials do absolutely nothing to address these essential piano basics or effective piano practice. Having taught piano for 30 years, I’ve seen the positive impact of these foundational basics and from having an effective piano practice strategy. The Essential Piano Basics Masterclass is for you if you:
Hope to see you at FREE Essential Piano Basics Masterclass on May 27 & 28 inside my New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook group. Leave a comment below to let me know if this was helpful and ask me any questions you have about your piano learning journey. I’d love to connect with you on our mutual love of the piano!
0 Comments
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
If you are curious whether this is the right space for you--consider these scenarios: If you
Today I want to tell you Why The Piano Is The Best First Musical Instrument To Learn! If you have any questions, please ask away. You can comment below, or comment on the Facebook video replay, or send me a Facebook DM! Also, join me as I go LIVE—TUESDAYS from noon ET from my personal Facebook page! Ask me questions during any of my LIVE events! Who am I and what do I know about piano? I switched my piano performance degree to music composition because I loved making up music more than performing. I taught piano for years in my private piano studio, many youth facilities, and even an 11-year stint as an elementary music and chorus educator in Florida. I taught both private and piano group lessons, using a mix of note-reading, ear-training, and rote-playing with students from ages 4-90. I’m also a composer of piano-based music, produced a musical theater CD of my original songs, and scored half a dozen short films with piano-based orchestral music. I LOVE music! Music loves me. Three years ago, after my Dad passed away, I left my 30-year piano and music education and performance career to move back to my home state of Kentucky as a caregiver for my 81-year Mom while running my online biz. But like many busy adults, I’ve been SO busy with life transitions, I didn't practice the piano in a while. I, myself, am a returning piano learner! I have reignited my daily piano practice routine! Enough about me! I am excited to be hosting my 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass in the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group on May 27 & 28! If you want to attend the Masterclass, sign up here! So let’s get to today’s topic: Piano Is The Best First Musical Instrument To Learn because it is the foundation for learning OTHER musical instruments. Choosing piano as your first musical instrument provides a solid musical foundation and many advantages for later branching out into learning other musical instruments. Reason #1: Piano learners will master two different musical clefs to read musical notation. The piano player will primarily use the right hand to play Treble Staff notes for the higher range. The pianist will usually play the lower range of the Bass Staff notes with the left hand. Being able to read the notation in both clefs becomes an advantage for learning different musical instruments. Most musical instruments read the notes of one clef, most commonly the Bass Clef or Treble Clef. (Luckily, pianists don’t need to learn the alto, tenor, neutral clefs, or guitar tablature!) Having already learned the notation for both Treble and Bass Clefs with piano study gives the music student an advantage when learning another new instrument. This notation-reading skill makes things less complex for the music student when learning additional instruments. Students learning additional instruments can also focus more on technique and musicality since the rudiments of notation-reading will already be established through piano lessons. WOOT! One BIG point in favor of learning piano FIRST! Who likes things to be EASIER!? Reason #2 is about Music Theory! Music theory bases itself on the topography of the piano keyboard. (The visual layout of the black and white keys of the piano keyboard.) This visual point is another excellent reason for choosing piano as a first instrument. No matter what musical instrument you learn, you will use the piano keyboard as a reference when learning music theory! Reason #3: The piano is a guide to understand the ranges of other instruments and voices! When learning about the orchestra, or vocal ensembles, the piano also is the basis for understanding the ranges of various instruments and voices. A musical instrument range is how high or low it sounds when played. The piano keyboard includes all the ranges of these instruments! So it’s an easy, visual guide for understanding where the sounds from all these instruments logistically fall! Reasons #4 & #5 for Why Piano Is The Best First Musical Instrument To Learn is because the piano keyboard is a guide for learning chord structure and harmonic analysis. The piano keyboard is the basis for understanding chordal structure. Chords are sounds produced when you play two or more notes simultaneously. The order of where these notes are determines different shapes or the chordal structure. Piano topography and musical notation are visual guides for teaching how chords are structured. The piano also shows harmonic analysis as a visual guide showing how all orchestral instruments or vocal parts harmonize/play together. Harmonic analysis is the progression and tonality (or the mood of the sound produced) of chords and how they affect the form (structural organization) of the music composition. These concepts are a bit advanced for new and returning piano learners. But, piano study gradually includes all these more advanced musical concepts! These five reasons are why learning the piano as your FIRST instrument is an asset to any musician, conductor, or composer! A BONUS reason for learning piano as a first musical instrument IF you:
Having the piano as a first instrument gives you the added benefit of established, good foundational and practice habits for music learning. You can apply these powerful benefits to learning other musical instruments, singing, or composing music! If you would like to learn more, join my FREE 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners in the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group on May 27 & 28! WHO IS THIS Masterclass for? As mentioned above, my Essential Piano Basics Masterclass is for you if you:
I will be hosting Q & A sessions to offer piano tips for group members and regular promo threads where piano teachers or piano music product creators may share books, online piano courses, or teaching studios! JOIN NOW by clicking the button below!! Please invite others who will benefit from this info and conversation. Feel free to share this video. Tag a friend (on Facebook) by typing her/his name in the comments below. Thanks so much for joining me today! I look forward to joyful piano progress with you in my upcoming Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners!
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
I Have Exciting News!!! My Big Announcement! I am excited to announce that I will be hosting my FREE 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners in the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group! WHEN? Drum roll, please…!!! My FREE 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners in the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group will BE on Thursday and Friday, May 27 & 28! WHO MY Essential Piano Basics Masterclass IS FOR: If you...
—You are in the right place today! My FREE 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass for New and Returning Piano Learners will be inside my New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group on May 27 & 28!! The Masterclass and new Facebook Group will be a support for New and Returning Piano Learners. I will provide my tips for establishing a successful foundation for piano learning and continued piano progress! The group will also be a place for New and Returning Piano Learners to:
And because I don't know everything-- my new group will also be a space for other piano experts to share tips, advice, and feedback. Piano experts will also get a chance to share goods and services through weekly expert promo threads, GO LIVE within my group, and be featured to better support and answer questions from New and Returning Piano Learners! My goals with both the upcoming Masterclass and the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group are to:
If you struggle with frustration from:
--I have good news for you! My new Masterclass and New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group will help you break through all this and more! Many piano students get stuck from not having the proper foundational basics set up. Others need to understand the key to effective piano practice habits. I know your biggest goal as a new or returning piano learner is to experience the joys of consistent piano progress. You want to express music beautifully through your fluent piano playing skills! And you can! My FREE Masterclass for new and returning piano learners will get you set up for successful learning and continued momentum in piano progress! Mark your calendar! My Masterclass will be on May 27 & 28 from 1 pm each day!! Two days with everything you need for a successful start to piano learning! ? ? Get what you need for successful learning and effective piano practice! ?To attend my upcoming 2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners in the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group on May 27 & 28 from 1 pm, you need to TAKE ACTION NOW: 1. Click here to sign up for the FREE Masterclass. AND... 2. Make sure you join the New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group here and answer all 3 REQUIRED Questions! Please invite others who will benefit from this info and conversation—feel free to share this post! Join New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group ? -- A supportive community built to provide new and returning piano learners everything needed for successful learning and effective piano practice.  by Jenny Leigh Hodgins If you follow my piano practice blog series, you know my strategy for how you should spend time at the piano for the most effective progress. If you missed those, check out: My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1, My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2 & My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 3, where I walk you through my effective piano practice strategy in detail. Continuing in your piano practice routine, you should practice each goal in this manner (as described in previous blogs above) for as long as you can muster your fully focused effort. Repeat the same practice process with your next goal. Aim for successfully playing through several times in a row. STOP Yourself Stop if you make a mistake. Stop when you lose mental concentration. Remind yourself of your selected goal and reset back to the start. If you become unable to keep your mind on things after a while or continue making the same mistakes, it may be time for a change. Now you must learn What To Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano! Starting anew without success after multiple attempts means you are either; a) doing something to block your progress or b) you need a break to refresh yourself. If you simply did not achieve your goal, in addition to stopping and returning to the beginning, you must change your approach. Take A Closer Look At The Problem When I choose a specific practice goal but continue having problems getting through the music successfully, I take a step back. By that I mean to take a closer look at the problem section. Analyze the trouble spot, looking for clues about what is tripping you up. Analyzing sometimes reveals a less obvious practice goal you must focus on before moving on to your previously selected goal. In other words, you have taken on too much at once. Bite off only what you can chew, one morsel at a time. How do you find the trouble to know what to practice? Ask yourself questions relevant to your music and piano playing level. If you are a beginner, you may ask;
If you are more advanced, you must ask questions relative to your level, too.
Troubleshooting As A Target These are simply examples of questions. Look at your music specifically to break things down, one issue or item at a time, deducing where, within the music, you are one-hundred percent confident you mastered each aspect of your analysis. When you find a point where you are struggling to focus or answer a question, you have found a trouble spot! An effective piano practice routine constantly involves this kind of reflection and then zeroing in to practice only that section or areas that cause any issues. How you spend your mental energy during your piano practice session determines what you accomplish in piano progress. When you push yourself to be more conscientious of each moment and every phrase of your musical assignments, you will reap huge rewards with advancement as a musician. But what if you have gone through this intense effort and you are still having issues? I know how frustrating that may be, but two solutions usually resolve any trouble areas. Play It Slower, Sam Most commonly, the solution to the problem is a slower tempo. Your next best step would be to stay focused on your initial goal but play through your musical section at a much-reduced speed. Playing music at a slower than usual tempo is often the most challenging kind of practice. Most people think that fast is impressive. Quite the opposite is true. The ability to play fast can be spectacular. But, often piano players of fast musical passages easily find themselves falsely relying on physical muscle memory. As mentioned earlier, this is like a fragile house of cards! Sometimes you make the mistake of relying solely on your muscle memory to play through musical passages. But that kind of false scaffolding is stripped away when you slow the tempo. Practicing at a slow tempo forces us to use our cognitive skills and tune in to refine our kinesthetic senses. This intensely focused practice can feel like having the training wheels of a bicycle removed. We start off wobbly and lacking confidence or balance. When you slow the tempo, you allow yourself enough space in your brain to be fully mindful of each practice goal, whether it is the notes, rhythm, fingering, dynamics, or all these combined. Play slowly enough you can completely master each aspect of the music. Be focused on whichever goals you have chosen to practice. You will gradually come away from piano practice with a deeper internal and physical grasp of the music. But playing music that is familiar to us at a deliberately slower tempo can also cause us to trip up. Making mistakes is, even more, the basis for the argument to slow your playing tempo. Thoroughly choose and focus on one practice goal at a time until you master each one of your selected goals. Underwater Slow Motion Effect One of the biggest problems with slowing down is that you have developed bad habits of playing at a tempo too fast. This tempo sticks in your aural memory as well as your physical muscles. The aforementioned makes for another challenging barrier to get through. Avoid developing additional barriers by practicing slow enough that you can mentally focus. Look at your music through a new lens. Go to the extreme with your imagination. Pretend you are playing through the musical phrase as if you are in an underwater film scene using a slow-motion effect. Yes. That slow. Play intentionally and dramatically slower than the slowest tempo you can feel. Exaggerate your slowest tempo. If you find it hard to keep the beat at that new tempo, set the metronome at the most ridiculously slowest tempo you can feel. Play the music along with the metronome. If necessary, count aloud before you play, first clapping out or tapping the rhythm on your legs. Then, using the metronome, play through the musical selection with this tempo. Once you can sense the steady beat of this willfully chosen slow speed, go back through the passage following your effective piano practice routine. Stop if you make a mistake or lose mental concentration. Aim again to play at this slow tempo correctly three times in a row. Discovering Your Musical Weaknesses Playing slowly in this manner will reveal problem areas you had not discovered while playing at a faster tempo. Even better, playing slowly will allow you to more deeply and solidly master previously chosen practice goals. This kind of practice brings you much more quickly to the cognitive engagement necessary for lasting piano progress. Why? Because you are finally going slow enough to allow yourself fully conscious and consistent thinking toward your chosen practice goals. You may have thought you already surpassed this level of practice at your faster tempo. But the majority of the time, practicing at a slow tempo will take you further and, ironically, faster in piano progress. What To Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano If you cannot keep your mind on things after a while, it may be time for a break. You cannot sustain prolonged and intensely concentrated effort for long. Especially if you just started using this piano practice technique. When you hit a plateau, lose your ability to pay attention to your set goals, or repeatedly make mistakes, it is perfectly normal and advisable to take a break. Your brain needs a moment to refresh. You could choose to play through something without concentrating, just for the enjoyment of it. Choose something at a much easier sight-reading level, a previously mastered piece, or improvise for the sheer fun of it. Play It Again, Sam After you take a short break, try again with renewed determination. You may find a burst of energy that helps you continue your intentional, slow-tempo practice. You may already notice a degree of improvement, fluency, muscle recall, or musicality emerging! Incremental progress is a fabulous experience, bringing a joyful sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence as a piano player. Enjoy that! It will keep happening, again and again, each time you challenge yourself to give your all mentally to your piano practice sessions. If you experience the opposite, cannot play without making errors, or can no longer focus on the practice goal at a slow tempo, you may need to leave the piano for a change of pace, scenery, a meal, drink, or even rest. CELEBRATE YOUR VICTORY Celebrate and acknowledge your efforts no matter what! Each day, each hour, each moment that you aim to forge your complete focus on piano practice in the way I described in this series is an incredible accomplishment! You make progress step by step, sometimes without realizing until you look back and see how far you have come in your musical skills! I would love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! If you are a piano teacher, please feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section! Annnnnd...if you loved this blog, don't forget to show your awesome support by sharing/liking/retweeting the link! Subscribe for more updates! Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.  Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins By Jenny Leigh Hodgins This is Part 1 of a series offering my best tips on how to practice piano.
For all these scenarios, I have some useful suggestions. Why Should You Believe I Know How To Make Piano Progress? I’ve taught piano for more than half my life. Piano is a way that I best express myself, whether through performance or my original compositions. I performed as a pianist (and vocalist) and owned a private piano teaching studio for 25 years. I taught group piano (Musikgarten methodology) to kids from 5 to 11, too! If you’re interested in checking out my piano-based original music, or looking for proof to believe me when I say I know how to make piano progress, go to: JLMusicStudio.com Or have a listen to: My Piano Performance of Clair De Lune. Why Does Your Piano Practice Make You Feel Like A Loser? I know from my early piano practice sessions what it feels like to be overwhelmed, or stuck, or frustrated by a particular musical challenge. I was familiar with spending chunks of fruitless time at piano, not being able to accomplish something. I’d practice musical passages, scales, etudes, fingering, rhythmic patterns, or dynamics relentlessly and repetitively, only to hear myself play the same mistake after mistake. I’ve had some great piano teachers, though, and one of them was quite instrumental (What? A musical pun here?) in teaching me how to make progress with learning piano. I finally learned how to practice piano effectively. I’ve seen this dilemma from both sides. Having taught piano and music for 25+ years, I’ve met many piano students who felt overwhelmed by piano practice. I’ve had students come to me with angst from their lack of progress with former piano teachers. I’ve had adults come to me with feeble hopes after quitting piano lessons as a child. I’ve had teenagers joining my studio initially complain that piano was boring and they couldn’t get any better at it. How To Practice Piano With Confidence I learned to practice piano effectively. My private piano students overcame issues with getting stuck or insufficient progress, too. They succeeded because the driving point I taught in each piano lesson was how to practice piano effectively. Do You Know Where The Musical Magic Really Happens? First, you need to know that the magic never happens in the piano lesson. You will not be illuminated musically by exposure to the brilliance of your piano teacher. Sorry, no unicorns here. Piano improvement comes directly from the student. So… You. You, as the piano student, or you as the parent of the piano student, are the key to continuous piano progress. The piano student has full responsibility for developing piano skills. Having that self-motivation is 90% of the musical betterment battle. Of course, a quality piano instructor will be critically helpful as an experienced guide on your musical journey. A good piano teacher can inspire your consistent piano progress. Your piano teacher can help you avoid mistakes or break habits that stunt your piano development. Your piano teacher can use your strengths to help you advance more dynamically, or help you polish your weaknesses into tools for improvement. But the real result is up to the piano student. Not the teacher. If that has fully sunk into your brain, now you are ready for my piano practice tips! Please first take a look at these blogs if you are just beginning piano: What Do You Need To Know, Have, Or Do To Begin Piano? What Keyboard Do I Need For Successful Piano Lessons? How To Find A Good Piano Teacher Necessary Steps To Achieve Your Most Effective Piano Practice Having read through the blogs above, hopefully you’ve found a great piano teacher, have a quality instrument or a plan to upgrade to one, and have sorted out a regular practice routine that is supported by those in your home. Now you must begin to establish an effective piano practice strategy that produces progress within your regular practice sessions. In my next blogs of this series, My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2 & My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 3, I walk you through my effective piano practice strategy in detail. Why You Need To Choose A Goal Relevant For Your Level Before you begin toward your daily piano practice routine, you will need to define the goals you will concentrate on. As you read through these piano practice tips, it will become evident that your goals will change and develop as you practice. Choosing and changing goals helps keep your interest and promotes the greatest progress while practicing piano. The most critical part that will vary from student to student, or from one practice session to the next, is choosing relevant practice goals. The goals you select depend on your level of musicianship, and will vary from beginner to advanced levels of piano skill. Beginner to intermediate level piano students will typically have a few piano goals assigned by their piano teacher to achieve before the next piano lesson. As you advance in piano proficiency, you’ll be able to use more self-volition in selecting appropriate piano goals. As you advance, and with the guidance from your piano teacher, you’ll learn the art of narrowing your focus to what goals are necessary for your current piano playing level. Before you begin, you must determine your specific goals for each piano practice session. You’ll need to break your weekly goals down into smaller, digestible chunks. Either using what your piano teacher has offered, or devising your own, make a list of targeted piano practice goals you will work on during your piano practice session. In the next blog, I will offer a few examples of relevant piano practice goals. Checkout next steps in my effective piano practice strategy in My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2, & My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 3. I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful to you, or if you have questions or suggestions! If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section! Annnnnd...if you loved this blog don't forget to show your awesome support by Liking the link, Subscribing for more updates and adding your comment below! Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.  CLICK PIANO TO SEE MY "HOW TO PRACTICE PIANO" PINTEREST BOARD! Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Here is Part 3 of a series offering my best tips for effective piano practice. Read Part 1 & 2 here: My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1 My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2 Why Zoning Out Won’t Get You Piano Progress If you play through a musical passage while zoning out mentally, immersed instead in the enjoyment of the music, you will not advance your piano progress. When practicing piano, you must be vigilant about where you place your focus. You must have a clear focus. Setting goals for your practice week and selecting a specified goal for each moment of your current piano practice session are the first steps to your piano progress. In My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2, I walked you through the fundamental steps necessary for effective piano practice. As part of that process, you will sometimes need to stop playing the piano. As mentioned, there are two reasons to stop; you’ve either made a mistake or lost focus on your specific goal. How To Evaluate Your Piano Performance During and after you play your selected musical passage with a clear goal in mind, you must learn to evaluate your performance. Evaluate how you performed toward your chosen task. An effective piano practice strategy required evaluation. You must play an active role in the constant problem state of getting your piano skills from your current level to the next. In other words, you must actively engage your thinking about your piano skills. Your piano teacher will be of tremendous help in guiding you toward what specific things to be aware of concerning your current piano level. But you must be a proactive learner to gain consistent momentum in your piano progress. Going back to your piano practice scenario, after you play through the selected passage, ask yourself, “Did I successfully accomplish my goal?” Be Proactively & Fully Engaged At The Piano Check yourself carefully here:
If so, it was not a successful run-through, even if you made no mistakes! You must be cognizant of what you are doing at the piano so that your mind and your physical muscles store the memory of your successful playing! Many piano students (I’m guilty of this myself) develop the habit of playing something correctly yet without spending mental attention on the music. Regrettably, this often results in going completely blank when attempting to perform under out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. Sadly, this sometimes happens during a performance while experiencing stage fright symptoms. It’s great that your physical muscles remember the music! But if you rely only on the physical memory alone without engaging your intellectual concentration, you risk having a complete memory lapse. Back to checking yourself on whether you’ve played through the selected passage correctly:
In both these outcomes, making a mistake or losing mental concentration, you must return to the beginning and follow the practice strategy laid out in my blog, How To Achieve Your Most Effective Piano Practice in My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2. When A Mistake Is NOT A Mistake However, a word about mistakes. If you make a mistake that had nothing to do with your selected goal in mind, you can be flexible. Let’s use the example of attempting to play the fingering correctly through a four-measure musical passage. If you played a wrong note, stopped the fluency of the beat, or played too softly when the dynamic marking indicates a louder dynamic but still played the correct fingering, any of those mistakes are not necessarily worth noting. One Thing At A Time, Not Multi-Tasking If you played the correct fingering despite those other mistakes, it’s a victory. You met your goal. Especially for beginners, your ability to focus on one thing at a time while playing is the most critical practice habit. After playing through the passage with correct fingering a few times, you could then select the next goal to include one of the things that tripped you up earlier, such as playing:
How To Assess The Problem At this point of your piano practice routine, you’ve evaluated your attempt. You either were successful at the initial goal and have been able to play through correctly three times consecutively or, something went wrong. Here is what you must think about:
Forge your ability to assess your piano performance and adjust yourself accordingly. How To Choose Your Next Best Step If you succeed with playing your chosen piano passage three times consecutively, then set your next goal. Look for something that gave you trouble. Pinpoint the issue. Set your new target of focus. Practice in the same manner as described. Whatever challenges you or whatever you cannot successfully perform three times consecutively determines your next piano practice goal. Goals will also vary based on your piano skill level. Your previously established weekly or practice session goals will be your reference point for the next steps. Typical piano-practicing goals could include playing through the passage:
Try to continue practicing each goal in this manner for as long as you can muster your concentration. When you begin to lose your ability to focus, remind yourself of your selected goal and reset to the starting point. Unlock A New Approach If you cannot keep your mind on things after a while or continue making the same mistakes it may be time for a break. Read my blog on effective piano practice, What To Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano! I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section! THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with a friend on social media or email! Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.  Summary of Effective Piano Practice Strategy  Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Here is the second part of a series offering my best tips on how to practice piano effectively. If you missed Part 1, find it here: My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1 How To Achieve Your Most Effective Piano Practice I mentioned the importance of choosing relevant practice goals. Having goals for each piano practice session is crucial for both fast and lasting progress. Surprisingly, many piano students completely neglect this important step! Spending time at the piano without locking down on a goal is just spinning your wheels. It may be pleasurable for a short while, but in the end, those who omit goal-setting will eventually stall musical progress. As we launch into what an effective piano practice strategy looks like, you must begin to understand how your goals influence your piano progress. You can use this strategy for any piano practice session at any level of musicianship or piano skills! Practice Piano Using Your Full Focus On Your One Goal Start with one goal for the current piano practice session. It is pivotal that you begin your piano practice by selecting only one goal. Limit yourself to think only about this one goal. While deeply listening and looking at the musical notation or your hand (s) at the keyboard, place your full mental effort on the one thing you selected as your goal. Throw multi-tasking out the window! Looking Ahead To Be Better Prepared Let’s say you selected the goal of playing the correct fingering, for the right hand only, through four measures of notated music. Start by visually reading the fingering without touching the piano. Take note of any opportunities for making a mistake. Analyze that situation. Start by questioning why it would be a challenge and look for a solution around it. Once you find a solution, decide your course of action (back to setting your first goal). Looking Before You Leap Prevents Falling The point is to think about the one goal of playing the right hand fingering through the four measures of music. Do not yet play the piano. First, think through the fingering of the four measures. Taking the chosen passage, let’s say that while you visually read through the fingering, you discovered one of your fingers would need to stretch to reach its key to accomplish correct fingering. Now that you’re aware of this potential problem, you are better prepared to adjust your hand, wrist, arm, or posture to assure you will be able to play the designated fingering. Play While Focusing On One Goal After this period of visual and mental preparation, begin toward your one goal of playing the musical passage mistake-free (with correct fingering in the right hand). As you play the passage, listen carefully and pay close attention to achieving the goal (using the proper fingering). During this time, do not focus on anything else. Do not add the left hand. Do not think about dynamics, rhythm, or tempo. Just concentrate fully on the one goal (playing correct fingering) for the selected musical passage. Evaluate Your Performance Think about whether you either successfully met your goal or not. If not, you must stop. If you do not succeed at reaching your goal, you must stop. Do not continue through the passage or beyond it. CLICK HERE FOR MY RECOMMENDED MUSIC RESOURCES! Stop. —If You Make A Mistake Or Lose Your Focus There are only two reasons to stop practicing. The first is if you make a mistake related directly to your goal. For example, you are not able to play correct right hand fingering through the four measures of music. The second is if you lose mental concentration. If you lose your ability to mentally focus on your goal, you must stop. Continuing without a goal in mind is wasted time at the piano. Stopping at this point is one of the most important aspects of effective piano practice that so many piano players ignore, resulting in lack of progress, repeated mistakes, hitting musical plateaus, and boredom. But if you are proactively, cognitively engaged with your goal, your piano progress will rapidly improve! You must THINK! As simple as that sounds, it is the essence of successful piano progress! It is challenging to keep yourself intellectually disciplined. It is also tiring. You are the best judge of your ability, so when you lose mental focus, the best course of action is to stop. Reset Back To The Beginning Once you evaluate yourself to determine if you need to stop due to a mistake or a lack of attention, you must reset. Go back to the start and try again. Recenter your mind on the one goal and make a fresh attempt at it. How You Can Avoid Wasting Time At The Piano The point is to prioritize exactly one thing to practice and put your entire attention to that goal. Like walking a balance beam, if you lose your balance, you fall off. There is no point in continuing. Just go back and start again from the beginning. When you choose one defined practice goal and create the restriction of not allowing yourself to continue unless you are successful, you will make faster and better piano progress. Repeat Your Effort To Focus On Your One Goal & Do It 3 Times In A Row! Once you can successfully reach your specific goal as you play the musical passage, go back to the beginning and try again to complete your goal. Stop each time you lose focus or make a mistake on your selected task. Start again. Repeat this process until you can successfully play through your passage with your appointed goal three times in a row. If you play successfully through twice but make a mistake or lose your focus the third time, you must start completely over from the beginning! Do not move forward until you can succeed three times consecutively. When you successfully play through your selected goal consecutively several times, your have solidified the correct habit. This victory confirms you are ready to move on to the next goal! The Benefits of Attending To One Goal At A Time You will find that honing in on a specific task in this manner will get you much further in piano skills than mindlessly repeating your music multiple times. Using your entire effort to think about what you are trying to accomplish makes a big impact on piano progress. When you apply yourself to this kind of full-on thinking strategy while at the piano, your piano skills will improve more quickly. Your improvement will boost your confidence in your piano playing abilities. Your growing confidence will motivate you to continue building your skills. The fluency you will gain from attending to each practice goal will give you an edge of greater musicianship. This leads to greater enjoyment and inspiration at the piano. When It’s Ok To Play Piano For Enjoyment Many piano players waste time playing music without thinking about any particular goal. Or they lose their focus on the goal while playing. Or they become distracted by other musical aspects (like dynamics, rhythm, tempo, expression). This leads to wasted time at the piano and leads to little or no improvement of piano skills. There will be plenty of opportunities to play piano for enjoyment, and you absolutely should do this. But your piano practice session is not the right time for that. Reward yourself with playing piano mindlessly only after dedicated time to effective piano practice. First, give your all to reaching the goals you have chosen for your practice session! After your hard work in your practice session, treat yourself to the fun of playing through previous assignments or improvising on the keys. You will feel a difference in your mastery of the music after you have worked consistently within your practice routine. The key is to balance your practice between great concentrated effort, followed by the reward of relaxation and enjoyment of piano playing for fun. I would love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful, or if you have questions or suggestions! If you are a piano teacher, please leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section! Read My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 3 for more details on how to evaluate your piano practice... Annnnnd...if you loved this blog don't forget to show your awesome support by Liking the link, Subscribing for more updates, and adding your comment below! Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
In the above video, I make some cool announcements. I will be launching my new Facebook group and upcoming masterclass for new and returning piano learners! As a pianist and composer of piano-based music, and with 30 years of piano and music teaching experience behind me, I know well the rich benefits and joy of piano playing. There are plenty of online how-to methods, books, and piano pedagogical directions available. There are great piano teachers as well as subpar piano teachers. It’s a challenge to find the best way forward for those new or returning to learn the piano. I am motivated to provide my new group for New & Returning Piano Learners because of the issues piano learners face. New, returning piano learners and many intermediate players share a desire for a successful start or a smoother return to piano-learning. They all want to keep pressing on to reap the rewards of piano progress. My new group will open up a private space and community for new and returning piano learners to successfully start piano and keep breaking through to new levels of piano performance. IS THE NEW GROUP & MASTERCLASS FOR YOU? If you are someone who wants to learn the piano, return to it after an absence, or has a loved one interested in playing the piano, this group is for you, New & Returning Piano Learners. If you are an intermediate piano student, you will learn to overturn bad habits and make consistent progress in your piano practice sessions. If you are a piano teacher interested, you are welcome to join my group. I will be hosting Q & A sessions to offer tips for group members. There will also be regular promo threads where you may share your books, online piano courses, or teaching studios! The purpose of my new Facebook group is not to teach you how to play the piano in a step-by-step method. Instead, the group includes the foundational essentials for your successful start and continued piano progress. Many new and returning piano learners are unaware of these basics and run into frustration. Sadly, this often leads to giving up, thinking that the cause is a lack of talent. That is not true! The truth is that you need some essentials as a foundation for your piano success. THE NEW GROUP AND MASTERCLASS ARE NOT FOR YOU IF... My new group and Masterclass are NOT for advanced pianists or composers. If you are an advanced player, you have mastered the foundational aspects for continued piano progress. Bravo to you! WHAT HAPPENS NEXT & HOW TO GET STARTED I’ll be hosting a Masterclass for New & Returning Piano Learners in my new group in April. Watch this space for more details in my upcoming LIVES! To join my new group and learn more about my upcoming April Masterclass For New & Returning Piano Learners, click the button below and answer all three REQUIRED Questions. Before my Masterclass launches, I will admit all new members who have completed the admission questions. Once you become a group member, you will get updates about my upcoming masterclass and how you can gain the most from the new community for new and returning piano learners. Please invite others who will benefit from this info and conversation—feel free to share this video or tag a friend by typing her/his name in the comments below. *Launching soon with a FREE Masterclass! WATCH THIS SPACE* Join my supportive community built to provide new and returning piano learners everything needed for successful learning and effective piano practice. Join New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook group by clicking the button below! 
Click the image to join the new piano group!
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Are you dreaming of playing the piano but wonder if it's too late? Do you wonder if your child is ready to start piano? Watch my video above for Tip #5 to learn the best age to start piano! The answer may surprise you! In my short video series, I bring you quick tips and advice for starting piano, based on my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!" Get my 5 tips on everything you need for successful piano-learning with my short video series! Quick and easy, actionable tips--something you can use immediately to bring you closer to your goal of learning piano.
My ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!" is now available directly from my website! My ebook is also the perfect gift for anyone interested in playing piano! I created this valuable resource for those who:
My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in getting started or returning to piano lessons. Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Did you know that playing piano improves your wellness? Learning piano benefits both adults and children. From physical health, to slowing the aging process, improving cognitive and problem-solving skills, to improved mood and reducing stress, research has proven the benefits of piano study no matter what age you start. Click the video above for Tip #4 and learn how piano playing helps your hearing, thinking, and emotional well-being! If you're interested in starting piano, checkout my new short video series for quick and easy, actionable tips--something you can use immediately to bring you closer to your goal of piano learning. Each short video offers a nugget of valuable knowledge for you to apply toward a solid, productive musical learning experience. My video tips summarize the useful and much more in-depth information from my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!" My ebook has answers to every question you have about starting piano. CLICK BELOW to learn more and get ALL you need to start playing piano the right way! Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
$14.99
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include: what kind of keyboard is necessary, how to find a quality instrument and piano method, whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher, whether online tools for piano learning are valuable, what you need for a successful start to piano learning, how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more! This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.  Neither of my parents had any musical background. (I took the group piano class while having nothing to practice on during the week between lessons!). I begged my parents to buy a piano. They relented when I was seven. My mother sold Tupperware to pay for a Wurlitzer console piano from the local music store. She found a graduate voice (not piano) student at the local university to teach me. That young teacher was both smart and kind. I enjoyed her lessons a lot! I found great relief in learning music throughout my youth. Music soothed my emotional confusion and allowed me to express my true feelings with anonymity. I relished the solitude and musical expression as an introvert. I still do! Contrary to my dark moods as a child (Don’t worry. I have lightened up!), I distinctly remember having incredible fun in my elementary music classes. My first music teacher was Dorothy Smith (now deceased). She was the funniest, most animated, openly warm-hearted, and embracing teacher I ever had in my life. Sometimes she would sing and play cute, comedic songs on piano for us she had composed herself. She would help us put together musicals—including our parents as cast members! Her infectious enthusiasm and complete warmth were my catalytic hook to music. She shared her love of creating original songs and using music as a way of community-building and fun. That ingrained in my heart the value of music as a communication method. She was a role model of using creativity to harmonize with others. I quickly outgrew my first piano teacher and spent a few years waiting for my parents to find another. When we found one, I went through everything that teacher could offer within a year. This same pattern continued until I started college. So I had a spotty, inconsistent, and generally lacking in educational quality piano history before college.  Author, Pianist, Composer Jenny Leigh Hodgins My College Years After a difficult period in my personal life, I moved from Kentucky to Florida when I was 23. I was happily able to receive both piano and vocal scholarships at State College of Florida and the University of South Florida. However, I tended to practice my original music and neglect my classical piano pieces until a week before jury time. Then I would cram all-day piano practice sessions for a week to pass my juries. Miraculously, I always did well except for my nerves. It was a stressful situation full of stage fright. I do not recommend it. The stage fright I experienced was traumatic and held me back for many years from pursuing music performance. My stage fright and approach to music learning reflected my life choices to that point and my lack of disciplined training. I did not yet learn good piano practice habits. I learned the hard way quite a bit later about the importance of consistent, disciplined effort and preparation in music practice. I did not opt for a vocal degree even though I got both piano and vocal scholarships, and despite being the leader of the jazz, madrigal, and full college choirs. I ended up changing my initial major from piano performance to music composition. Although I was capable as a soprano and pianist, it was the creative process itself that was always a stronger voice within me. What Is Most Important About Your Musical Experience Despite my struggles with stage-fright and inconsistent training, the memory association that my first teacher gave me about music is a huge factor in my ability to not give up on my musical growth. I share the details of my spotty musical background to encourage anyone reading that piano is for everyone. You do not have to have the fortune of high profile credentials to learn piano and gain the tremendous benefits of music education. I am grateful for the influence of my first teacher. She showed me what is most important early on. That lesson carries me through to this day. I made my 30-year career in piano and music education, and performing professionally as a pianist and vocalist despite my obstacles, thanks to my wonderful teachers. Knowing How To Effectively Practice Piano Is Key One of my college piano instructors, Dr. Charles Turon, gave me a complete understanding of effectively practicing piano. He taught me the importance of mind spent versus time spent. He also taught me the importance of mindfulness and breath with an awareness of physical tension and placement during piano practice. That was a huge lesson for my piano progress. Dr. Turon’s approach to piano practice became the basis for my teaching strategy and my piano practice sessions. Immersed In The World Of Negative Musical Experiences Unfortunately, not having solid musical training led to a lack of confidence in myself as a musician. I had such low self-esteem in college that I felt inadequate and out of place in the music department. There were a few piano teachers whose intellectual snobbery and emotional distance kind of perpetuated my negative feeling. I had two female piano teachers, but both were reserved and stoic. Fellow pianists were stand-off-ish and more concerned with flashy technique versus authentically musical expression. So my whole college experience was a world of musical snobbery and intense judgment. I know many musicians who have experienced the intellectual egoism of the classical music world, too. I also think this negative experience influenced my decision to get my degree in music composition versus performance. Many people are looking to start piano lessons for themselves, a friend, or a child. But they do not know how to start. They often are not even aware of what basics are essential for successful piano education. Many people are intimidated by the prospect and give up even though they passionately want to play the piano! There is a lot of noise out there offering quick tricks or gimmicks to learn piano faster than before. I am not saying that some things available online or elsewhere have no value. But the truth is that these do not work in the long run. They do not provide the foundation for those who want successful improvement at playing the piano. They do not provide the essentials for those who wish to continue musical progress. My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is meant to dispel the myth—that successful piano-playing happens with a fast, easy trick or gimmick—through straight-talk from someone who has taught and played piano for 30 years. I am retired from one-on-one piano teaching, but I want to offer value to my online audience at YourCreativeChord.com. Over the years, many people asked me the questions featured in my ebook! My blogs answer a lot of those questions from new or returning piano learners. I decided to offer an all-in-one, easy-to-read resource where those interested in starting piano lessons can find all the answers to their questions about how to successfully begin and forge a strong foundation for continued piano progress. For anyone interested in exploring piano learning, you get everything you need to get started learning piano right in my ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning! What do I mean by the word, right? It means you will have the confidence that you have the right teacher, method, instrument, setup, routine, advice, age, and anything else needed to begin successful piano-learning! My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons. Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning. My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners. Topics include:
My ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress. YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT: As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you will automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer. The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress. Piano Tips For
|
Today’s Piano blog features five best piano practice tips from Veteran Piano Teacher, Dawn Ivers, of Kansas. I recently featured Ivers in my blog, What To Do About Piano Practice When You Have An Injury. Ivers runs a successful piano studio in Kansas. She includes online lessons and technology as part of her piano pedagogy.
1. What are your top piano practice tips for beginners?
Frequency, Chunking Goals & Finding Tricky Spots
For beginners, Ivers suggests practicing piano frequently in small chunks throughout the week. She recommends setting small, manageable goals for each practice session. She suggests learning how to identify your tricky spots and work them carefully.
2. What are the basics for someone who wants to begin learning piano?
Quality Instrument, Family Support, Interest In Learning Piano
Fundamentally, Ivers recommends that beginner piano students have "an in-tune instrument to practice on, parent support, and an interest in learning piano."
She accepts students as young as three for piano lessons, "because we can teach skills like counting and finger isolation (fingering) through music. As long as the student is interested and able to follow simple instructions, piano lessons can begin."
3. What are your thoughts on online learning for piano?
Ivers considers online learning a terrific option, whether it be for regular lessons, or an inclement weather or sickness option.
Flexibility Plus Responsibility
“Online (piano) lessons provide flexibility of location for the student, and with video chat technology being what it is, piano teachers can accomplish the same goals with only small variations to their usual methods.”
“In my own piano studio, I started offering online piano lessons after I moved across the country and several of my students in my former area wanted to continue on with me. So I tried it out with students ranging from age 7 to 16, mid-beginner to advanced piano levels, all have continued to show consistent (piano) progress and lessons continue to be fun and engaging.”
“One added bonus is that a few of my online piano students have really stepped up and taken ownership of their music and learning process because there is a little bit of added responsibility when a student participates in distance learning.”
4. Do you have any technology you’d recommend for piano students?
Metronomes
Ivers says she recommends “every student have access to a metronome, be it a traditional one, a beat generator like the Super Metronome Groove Box app or just telling their Google/Alexa to set a metronome.”
Apps, Games, Notation Software, Accompaniment = Engagement
“Besides that, there are a lot of excellent technology-based resources like music theory apps, sight reading games, music notation software, backing track generators, etc.”
“While I don't think any of these are the single secret key to becoming a well-rounded musician, anything that helps a student engage and enjoy the piano learning process is worth investing in.”
“In my (piano) studio, I use a combination of the resources mentioned above so students are getting to use them in lessons. When they go home, they are not required to have access to them (though many enjoy the apps or notation software so much, they do download them for practice purposes at home).”
5. What are your thoughts on time and schedule routine for piano practice?
Set Weekly Piano Practice Routine & Reminders
Ivers says the details of this are “going to vary by family and individual schedules and situations. But generally, I recommend that students look at their weekly schedule, and set the times throughout the week they are going to practice (piano).”
“Set digital or visual reminders if necessary for these set times, and then stick to it.”
Practice When Inspired
“Students should also practice piano when they're feeling inclined to in addition to the scheduled times, and with this combination of following a schedule and allowing inclination to bring them to the piano, they'll get plenty of practice each week.”
Ivers' blog on four ideas for scheduling practice time goes more in depth on this topic.
For more information from our featured piano teacher, Dawn Ivers, her piano studio and informative blog, click here.
I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful to you, or if you have questions or suggestions!
If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with a friend on social media or email!
Recommended articles:
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1
What Do You Need To Know, Have, Or Do To Begin Piano?
Find A Good Piano Teacher
Your Top 5 Best Tips From A Piano Teacher
What’s The Best Way For A Busy Adult To Learn Piano?
What Keyboard Do I Need For Successful Piano Lessons?
How Learning Piano Benefits Aging Adults
What To Do About Piano Practice When You Have An Injury
DEVELOPING PIANO TECHNIQUE
TIPS FOR LEFT & RIGHT HAND COORDINATION
COMPOSING FOR PIANO
Connect with YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons.
Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners.
Topics include:
what kind of keyboard is necessary,
how to find a quality instrument and piano method,
whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher,
whether online tools for piano learning are valuable,
what you need for a successful start to piano learning,
how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more!
This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress.
YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT:
As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer.
The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
Hobbyist Pianist Tommy Doyle, of Manchester, United Kingdom by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
In my quest to see if what I’ve learned in 30+ years as a pianist and piano teacher is in sync with other piano teachers and pianists, I’ve checked out Facebook piano groups. This is where I engaged in a thread on piano practice with hobbyist piano player, Tommy Doyle, of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Doyle’s website is where he shares his journey as someone who studied piano in his youth, left it behind for many years due to ‘adulting,’ then returned to the piano as a hobby. His blog offers his insights on how to approach learning piano while juggling the working adult’s non-music-related daily responsibilities.
Although not a piano teacher, hearing from Doyle’s personal journey with striving to fit in his love for piano minus the hyper-ambition of a classical piano career gets at the heart of what many aspiring pianists want to know.
I asked Doyle five questions that are useful for those wanting to progress at piano playing. The first sentence of his first answer hit the essence of my philosophy and teaching strategy for effective piano progress.
YCC: What are your top piano practice tips for beginners?
DOYLE: My top tip for anybody wanting to learn to play piano is to learn how to practice piano.
This might seem a self-evident thing to say, however, the reality seems to be that many of us never learn the art of practicing. In my experience, we often find intuitive ways of doing things and in these cases if we just repeat a few times, we soon acquire a new skill. However, when we don’t find that intuitive means, we have to find a way to learn a new skill. This is where practice techniques play a big part. If you’re unable to do something, then just repeating it incorrectly isn’t going to help. I found a couple of really useful resources in this respect that I’ve talked about numerous times on my blog.
YCC: Doyle specifically recommends the Practicing The Piano ebook series by pianist/educator, Graham Fitch. Fitch is highly qualified as a graduate of London’s Royal College Of Music who continued his piano studies in the USA on a Fulbright Scholarship, and travels as a performing pianist and lecturer on piano and music.
I haven’t personally used Fitch’s series, but on first glance at the preview on Amazon, some of his top tips for practicing include; choosing a specific fingering, attention to practice only correct notes or rhythms, isolating hands separately before playing hands together, choosing a slow tempo for new repertoire, and using soft dynamics for a loud section.
Each of these methods is something I’ve used myself and in teaching others, and resonates with my teaching and practicing approach to focus on mastering one goal at a time, and to eliminate practicing mistakes robotically.
Doyle especially likes the ebooks for their direct links to audio and video demonstrations as part of the piano learning process. This is in sync with both how my piano teachers taught me, and my approach as a piano teacher to model for students so they may grasp concepts aurally, physically and visually. Today’s online capabilities can be a useful source of help for piano students.
For more information on the series, Doyle himself reviewed it here.
YCC: What are the basics you recommend for someone who wants to begin learning piano?
DOYLE: I highly recommend that anybody start by getting a teacher. I’m not saying you can’t teach yourself with sufficient research and trial and error, with the myriad of resources now available online. It’s definitely possible.
However, I think there’s an absolutely massive learning curve at the beginning (depending on your starting point). Not only is there the issue of actually playing the instrument, there’s also the question of learning to read music. Finding a good teacher to get you over these two massive initial hurdles is to my mind a well worthwhile investment.
A teacher is there to help you master the very basics - how to sit at the piano, how to hold your hands, how to play the notes. You teacher can also explain what those odd dots on the page actually mean and give strategies for absorbing the ability to translate these into notes at the piano.
A good teacher will also help you get to grips with lots of the basics you need; Scales, Arpeggios, 5-finger exercises and the like. Learning how to do these well gives you the absolute essential building blocks for the rest. Your teacher will also help you with choices of pieces (music repertoire) to learn that are both within your grasp but also in terms of styles of music you enjoy.
YCC: What are your thoughts on online learning for piano?
DOYLE: I’m a firm believer that we should embrace the possibilities that the new online world offers us. Starting with YouTube, there is an enormous wealth of quality tutorials for people of all levels.
YCC: Doyle has his favorite channels, but mentions the importance of checking into the background experience of videos to confirm credentials of expertise. He recommends Josh Wright, who is both well known on YouTube, has a doctorate in piano, and is an experienced teacher.
Doyle doesn’t use apps himself, but “as a supplement to a proper teacher, I’d imagine they’re a great extra source of learning and certainly a very fun way to approach piano. Of course, claims that you can go from ‘beginner to pro in no time’ are total nonsense.”
Doyle quotes Vladimir Horowitz (considered the king of classical piano) the piano is “the easiest instrument to learn in the beginning and the hardest to master in the end.”
YCC: Do you have any technology you’d recommend for piano students?
DOYLE: Technology is one of my pet subjects. I even created a category on my blog for this. What I find amazing even now is the absolutely amazing ways technology can be used by pianists now.
I have an iPad Pro that I use as an integral part of my piano routine. This one piece of technology has replaced my need for sheet music (I download directly to my iPad), for a metronome (I use a free a metronome app).
I keep my practice diary on it. I use it to record my practice so I can self critique. It’s pretty much always on my piano music stand. You can use it for things such as streaming music services, watching YouTube videos, reading magazines, the list goes on. You can even record your own orchestra into your computer and play along.
I think that sometimes we more ‘mature’ learners fail to embrace what technology makes possible and stick with the ‘old way’. It’s a bit like my dad, who refuses to use a SatNav (GPS), just because he’s never used one and, on that basis, would never need one.
It’s not about whether we need something, but about whether it makes what we’re trying to do easier. If technology can make things easier, then why not embrace it?
When I used to play piano publicly, I needed to carry two massive plastic bags of music around with me with all sorts of photocopies and creased and wrinkled books. Now, on my iPad, I have all of my music organised, with the added advantage that I can search and find a piece in seconds rather than needing to sift through a lot of paper.
YCC: What are your thoughts on time and schedule routine for piano practice?
Doyle shares that reading Play It Again: An Amateur Against the Impossible by Alan Rusbridger inspired him to create his weekday before-work practice routine. He says he gets up an hour earlier in the morning so he can practice.
DOYLE: I found that before I started doing this I had two major problems. The first was that it was always in the back of my mind that I still needed to fit in my practice at some point. Secondly, work would frequently take over, and by the time I actually got home from work I was too tired to sit down at the piano.
My practice routine before was pretty much sitting and randomly working through things, which quite often was not actually making me any better.
YCC: Doyle says his research into piano practice taught him the importance of having a proper plan. He says having defined goals and strategies for every practice session is a “real game changer.”
Doyle emphasizes that “piano is an amazing hobby open to anybody. It’s definitely a lot of hard work, but the rewards are more than worth it.”
Click here to read more about Doyle’s approach to piano practice.
I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful to you, or if you have questions or suggestions!
If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section!
Annnnnd...if you loved this blog don't forget to show your awesome support by Liking the link, Subscribing for more updates and adding your comment below!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with a friend on social media or email!
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons.
Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners.
Topics include:
what kind of keyboard is necessary,
how to find a quality instrument and piano method,
whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher,
whether online tools for piano learning are valuable,
what you need for a successful start to piano learning,
how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more!
This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress.
YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT:
As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer.
The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
Buy my ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning! Today’s Piano blog features the ideas provided by Veteran Piano Teacher, Dawn Ivers, of Kansas, in her blog, Broken Arms & Sprained Wrists. Ivers runs a successful piano studio in Kansas and was recently featured in her local newspaper, McPherson Sentinel.
See Iver's article on tips for handling stage-fright (featuring ideas from my blog, How To Turn Your Nerves Into Good Energy.)
Yikes! What do you do about piano lessons when you (or your child) have an injury like a broken wrist, a sprain, or jammed fingers? Is it best to take a break until the injury has healed? Or would it be best to press on with piano practice and lessons?
Piano Teacher Recommendation
I recently came across Kansas Piano Teacher, Dawn Ivers’ blog about this on her website, dawnspiano.com. Of course, performances would obviously need to be postponed, unless the program consists solely of one-handed repertoire.
But I wholeheartedly agree with Ivers’ recommendation to press forward with both practice and lessons. Why and how are the important questions to ask.
Why Should You Continue Piano When You Have An Injury
Stopping piano practice when you have an injury risks the loss of momentum with your piano progress. It’s challenging to get your groove back if you’ve sat it out for more than a week. Our muscle memory, not to mention our brain’s recall, suffers from inactivity during gaps in time.
Absence Makes Learning Harder
This issue was never more apparent to me than during my years as a public school music educator. Students returning to music class after winter, spring or summer break had glaringly forgotten large chunks of information, musical and even social skills.
This is why the first several weeks of public school music classes were spent on review and hands-on immersive practice. Moving forward without these refresher activities caused more frustration for students and decreased successful learning in the music classroom.
Fortunately, with piano lessons, the student or parent of the student has the option of moving forward despite an injury. The critical point is how you focus your piano practice to accommodate the injury.
How To Practice Piano Is Key
If you’re dealing with an injury, fortunately, there are lots of ways to move forward while working around it. In her blog, Ivers offers no less than eight piano practice strategies for continuing musical progress while accommodating an injury.
Often, budding pianists get in the habit of relying on two-handed playing, leaving other weaknesses unattended. The healing period for an injury provides a great opportunity to strengthen those areas.
Ideas For One-Handed Piano Practice
In her blog, Kansas-based piano teacher, Dawn Ivers suggests practicing sight-reading, one-handed duet practice with a partner, pedal practice, technic and solo pieces for one-hand, and honing scale and musical theory while building improvisation skills through one-handed practice.
Duet Practice Helps Sight-Reading & Rhythmic Skills
I agree with Ivers focus on using the opportunity for duo playing. In my piano studio, I often honed in on a piano student’s sight-reading, rhythmic, or technical skills by having them play one hand while I played the opposite part. This is a great way to have the student focus on developing better notation reading skills, or to provide more practice for those struggling with maintaining fluency with rhythm.
By playing duets with the piano teacher and only having to play with one-hand, the student’s technical skills may be addressed. This works particularly well when the teacher guides the student with a slower practice tempo.
One-Handed Improvisation Opens Creative Expression
I often found students more engaged when providing the chance to improvise in a duet. One strategy is for the piano teacher to provide a simple, harmonic progression while the student is assigned an allotted key signature and a specific range of notes and/or fingering.
The student practices improvising in this manner, learning from limitations with the use of specific form, fingering, rhythmic or melodic phrasing. The restriction of having only one hand to practice takes the pressure off the student. I have found that many students open up more creatively with this type of stress-reduced activity.
Forging Musical Comprehension Through Music Theory
Ivers also recommends more time spent on games and exercises to develop musical theory expertise. Often, time runs out during a piano lesson before the piano teacher can fully address the student’s musical theory needs. Using the injury healing period to work on those music theory topics is time well spent toward greater piano mastery.
Assigning music theory worksheets or other theory-based work throughout the week gives the student the chance to build their musical understanding. As the student grasps theoretical aspects, he or she expands musical comprehension on multiple levels, contributing to a greater performance mastery, and a deepening confidence.
Students Tap Self-Expression Through New Approach
Ivers also points out the opportunity to develop musical composition abilities while a student’s injury heals. This is a great way to encourage students to try something new, engage their personal interests and encourage self-expression.
Lessons could be spent teaching compositional aspects and allowing the injured student time to learn more about notation, intervals, chords, scales, fingering, form, key analysis, melodic phrasing and rhythmic patterns.
Lastly, Ivers suggests taking time to work on rhythm and sight-reading. This is one of my favorite ideas, as students can solidify understanding and better grasp rhythmic and meter issues when the focus is narrowed to the use of only one hand.
If you or your child has an injury prohibiting piano practice with one hand, consider these suggestions as encouragement to continue musical progress throughout the healing period. For more information from our featured piano teacher, Dawn Ivers, her piano studio and informative blog, click here.
I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful to you, or if you have questions or suggestions!
If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with a friend on social media or email!
Recommended articles:
What Do You Need To Know, Have, Or Do To Begin Piano?
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 2
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 3
What Do You Need To Know, Have, Or Do To Begin Piano?
Find A Good Piano Teacher
Your Top 5 Best Tips From A Piano Teacher
More Tips On Handling Stage-Fright Featured In Dawn Iver's Piano Teaching Blog Here.
What’s The Best Way For A Busy Adult To Learn Piano?
What Keyboard Do I Need For Successful Piano Lessons?
How Learning Piano Benefits Aging Adults
DEVELOPING PIANO TECHNIQUE
TIPS FOR LEFT & RIGHT HAND COORDINATION
COMPOSING FOR PIANO
What Should You Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano?
Belief In Your Own Creative Vision
Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate
How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit
You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons.
Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners.
Topics include:
what kind of keyboard is necessary,
how to find a quality instrument and piano method,
whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher,
whether online tools for piano learning are valuable,
what you need for a successful start to piano learning,
how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more!
This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress.
YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT:
As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer.
The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
My Baby Grand Piano Speaks. This is a poem I wrote from the viewpoint of my piano instrument. My piano is encouraging me to make time for music-making despite my busy schedule. Responsibilities can pile up but regular music-making has tremendous benefits.
I look rusty, dusty, cold and untouched
You’ve been away from me far too much
I have voluminous sounds to reach your ear
A wealth of richness for you to hear
But you have left me in the corner
Covered up, like some kind of mourner
Grieving death with silence
Leaving me in the distance
While you scurry and scamper around
Burying your heart deep underground
Look this way! You'll miss me, friend!
Recall the melodies we have penned!
Rhythms pulsing, drumming, beating
Music flowing, moving, defeating
everything that tried to bring you down
Remember me--our joyful sound!
That's it--I see I've caught your eye--
You know you need me as well as I
So meet me here upon this bench
Sit down, relax, release, unclench
Share with me your hidden story
Tap your creative repertory
at once, when you connect with me
with fingers placed on key to key
Of bliss, of love, and spiritual height
When you release your inner light
to me--I'll feel your every thought,
Kindly untie the angry knot
That's twisted up your soul
And spun you out of control
If you would meet me here again
You'd alleviate your abysmal yen
Cathartically, simultaneously,
Immediately and beautifully
Bringing dimensions to life
from experiences inside
to fruition, realization
satisfaction, revolution.
Just sit with me and feel
The true, authentic, real.
And when you open up to this,
The flow of music's gentle kiss
upon your fragile heart will mend
the broken, then you will transcend
beyond confusion, doubt or fear
illuminating perfectly clear;
Your strength, your power,
Your Treasure Tower--
As you listen
from within.
How does your piano speak to you? Share in the comments!
I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if this blog is helpful to you, or if you have questions or suggestions!
If you’re a piano teacher, feel free to leave one of your favorite piano practice tips in the comment section!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with a friend on social media or email!
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
My ebook, Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning, is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for anyone interested in starting or returning to piano lessons.
Get Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano with my ebook, "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning." My ebook is a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one resource and easy-to-read guide for new or returning piano learners.
Topics include:
what kind of keyboard is necessary,
how to find a quality instrument and piano method,
whether you need and how to find a good piano teacher,
whether online tools for piano learning are valuable,
what you need for a successful start to piano learning,
how to maintain your continued piano progress, and much more!
This ebook provides answers to those seeking a successful start or to build steady momentum for piano progress.
YOUR CREATIVE FLOW BONUS GIFT:
As my gift to you, with every purchase of my ebook, you'll automatically receive a FREE download of my original nature photo with a self-care affirmation for your creative flow. The affirmation poster is completely FREE to download, print, use as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver for your computer.
The beauty of nature and positive words brings inspiration. We all need reminders. May this small gift of beauty and positive thought remind you of your immense potential for creative energy and inspire you to tap into your best self as you continue on your journey for piano progress.
RSS Feed
PIANO
In my PIANO blogs, you'll find ways to overcome boredom, get past musical and mental blocks, explore the creative process with piano, and improve musical progress through piano teacher recommended best practices and effective piano practice tips.
Archives
April 2021
March 2021
February 2020
December 2019
November 2019
June 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
Categories
All
2 Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass For New & Returning Piano Learners
2-Day Essential Piano Basics Masterclass For New & Returning Piano Learners
30 Year Music And Piano Teaching Career
30-year Music And Piano Teaching Career
30 Years Experience As A Pianist
Ability To Focus On One Thing At A Time
About Starting Piano Lessons
Accommodate Piano Students
Accomplish Correct Fingering
Accomplishment
Accomplish More At Your Piano
Achieve Healthy Piano Technique
Achieving Success As A Piano Player
Acoustic Piano
Action Of A Real Piano
Add Keyboards To Your Music
Adjust Your Hand
Adult Piano
Adult Piano Learner
Adult Piano Player
Adult Piano Students
Advanced Piano
Advance Your Piano Progress
Advantages Of Taking Piano Lessons
A Foundation Of Good Practice Habits
A Foundation To Prepare You For Your Child’s Piano Learning
Aging Adults Who Take Piano Lessons
Aging Process
A Good Resource
A Great Book That Will Inspire Many People To Take Up Piano Lessons
Alan Rusbridger
All-in-one
All In One Piano Resource
All-in-one Piano Resource
All In One Resource And Easy To Read Guide For Anyone Interested In Getting Started Or Returning To Piano Lessons
All-in-one Resource And Easy-to-read Guide For Anyone Interested In Getting Started Or Returning To Piano Lessons
All The Basics Anyone Needs To Know About Starting Piano Lessons
Alternative Resources For The Young Music Learner
Always Wanted To Learn Piano
Always Wanted To Play Piano
Am I Too Old To Start?
Am I Too Old To Start Piano Lessons
A Musician Who Wants To Add Keyboards To Your Music Or Compositions
An Aspect Of Creative Rejuvenation Involves Challenging New Experiences
And A Reassuring One To Someone Coming At The Piano With Some Trepidation
And Composer Of Piano Based Music
And Composer Of Piano-based Music
And Other Cognitive Skills For All Ages
And Physical Wellness Benefits Of Piano Learning
And Repeatedly Practice
An Effective Piano Practice Strategy
Answers To Every Question You Have About Starting Piano
A Piano Keyboard That Has Good Action And Tone
Approach To Music Learning
Approach Your Piano Practice With Clear Goals
A Practical
A Quality Piano Instructor
A Real Piano
Are Learning Piano For The First Time
Are You Wondering If YOU Could Learn To Play Piano?
Arm Or Posture
Artists
As A Creator
As A Creator Myself
A Slower Tempo
Aspect Of The Music Is Unknown Or Problematic For The Student
Assess Your Piano Performance
As You Gradually Develop Piano Skills
At A Different Tempo
At A Much Slower Tempo
Author
Author Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Awaken New Thought Processes
Awareness Of Physical Tension And Placement In Relation To Piano Practice
Balance The Rewards
Basics For Piano
Basics For Piano Learners
Basics For Piano Practice
Basics For Piano Students
Beautiful Grand Piano
Begin Learning Piano
Beginner And Intermediate Piano
Beginner And Intermediate Piano Students
Beginner Or Returning Piano Students
Beginner Piano
Beginner Piano Ebook
Beginner Piano Player
Beginner To Advanced Piano
Beginner To Intermediate Level Piano Students
Beginner To Intermediate Piano
Beginner To Intermediate Piano Students
Beginning Piano
Beginning Piano Learners
Begin Or Continue Your Musical Journey
Begin Piano
Begin Your Musical Journey
Begin Your Piano Practice
Being Able To Play Through A Variety Of Musical Works Successfully
Benefits Of Electronic Keyboards
Best First Musical Instrument
Best Piano Method
Best Piano Practice Tips
Best Tips From A Piano Teacher
Best Way For A Busy Adult To Learn Piano?
Best Way To Find A Quality Piano Teacher
Best Way To Successfully Start Piano
Blogger
Blogs
Blogs Or Podcasts
Blogs Or Podcasts On YourCreativeChord
Book Geared Toward Piano Beginners Or Those Who Want To Return To Piano After A Gap Of Time
Book Launch
Boosting Your Creativity
Brain Fights Against Deterioration Of Function
Brain Function Activity Enhancement From Playing An Instrument
Break Through To New Levels Of Piano Performance
Budget
Busy Adult Interested In Learning Piano
But Still Want To Learn Piano
But Want To Try Again
Buying A Keyboard Or An Acoustic Piano
Buying An Electronic Keyboard
Buying A Piano
Buying A Quality Piano
Buy My Ebook
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Challenge
Challenge New Things
Challenge Something New
Challenge The Next Musical Goal
Challenge Yourself
Challenge Yourself To Achieve
Changing My Initial Major From Piano Performance To Music Composition
Choose Your Goals For Each Piano Practice Session
Chunking Piano Practice
Closer To Your Goal Of Piano Learning
College Choirs
Come Back To Piano Lessons
Commitment
Common Piano Practicing Goals
Communication Skills
Competition
Compose
Compose For Piano
COMPOSER
Composer Tips
Composing
Composing Lessons
Composing Life
Composing Music
Composing Music On Piano
Composing Tips
Computer Based Music
Computer-based Music
Computer Made Music
Computer-made Music
Concentrate
Confidence
Confidence As A Musician
Confidence As A Piano Player
Confident
Connect With YourCreativeChord
Consistently Challenge The Musical Goals
Consistent Piano Progress
Continued Interest In Starting Piano
Continue To Progress As A Musician
Cooking With A New Recipe
Correct Rhythm And Fluency Of The Beat
Count Aloud Before You Play
Counting
Create An Attitude Of Fun
Create An Attitude Of Fun Toward Each Piano Practice Goal
Create Music With Virtual Instruments
Creating Original Songs
Creative Energy
Creative Rejuvenation
Creative Rejuvenation Involves Challenging New Experiences
Creatives
Creative Thinking
Daily Piano Practice Routine
Decreased Anxiety
Decreasing Aches And Pains
Depression
Detailed Strategy For Practicing Piano Effectively
Determine Your Own Piano Practice Goals
Developing Piano Skills
Developing Piano Skills Is A Huge Positive For The Self Care Department
Developing Piano Skills Is A Huge Positive For The Self-care Department
DEVELOPING PIANO TECHNIQUE
Developing The Ability To Overcome Self-limited Thinking Patterns
Develop Piano Skills
Develop Poor Piano Technique
Different Creative Route
Different From What You'll Typically Find Available Online About Learning Piano
Digital And Electronic Keyboard Options
Digital And Electronic Keyboard Options For Piano Lessons
Digital And Electronic Keyboard Options For Piano Study
Digital Book
Digital Book Launch
Digital Keyboard
Digital Piano
Disciplined Effort And Preparation In Music Practice
Discovering Your Musical Weaknesses
Divergent Thinking
Do The Things We Always Wanted To
Do The Things You Always Wanted To
Down-to-earth
Do You Want To Improve Your Quality Of Life?
Dr. Charles Turon
Driving Home A Different Route
Drumming
Dynamic Marking
Dynamics
Earning A Musical Instrument
Easier Sight-reading Level
Easy And Fun
Easy To Read Piano Beginner Resource
Easy-to-read Piano Beginner Resource
Easy-to-read Piano Guide
Easy-to-read Piano Resource
Easy Trick Or Gimmick
Ebook
Ebook About Piano
Ebook Available For Purchase
Ebook Covers The Things Any New Piano Learner Needs
Ebook Is Available Now At Half Price Through December Only
Ebook Launch
Educational Quality Piano History
Effectively Practice Piano
Effective Piano Practice
Effective Piano Practice Routine
Effective Piano Practice Strategy
Effective Piano Practice Tips
Effective Ways To Attack Piano Progress
Ego
Electronic Keyboard
Electronic Piano
Emotional
Engaging In Music
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Enhancements In Memory
Enjoyable
Enjoyed Previous Articles And Links From [YourCreativeChord.com] Blog
Enjoy Every Piano Practice Session
Enjoy Piano Lessons
Enjoy Piano Playing
Enjoy Playing Piano
Enjoy The Piano Learning Process
Essential Piano Basics
Essential Piano Basics Masterclass
Evaluate Your Performance
Every Phrase Of Your Musical
Every Piano Practice Session
Every Question You Have About Starting Piano
Everything You Need To Get Started Learning Piano Right
Everything You Need To Know About Starting Piano Lessons
“EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING PIANO”
Everything You Need To Know Before Starting Piano
Everything You Need To Start Piano
Everything You Need To Successfully Start Piano
Evoking The Mood Of The Musical Passage
Evoking The Mood Of The Passage
Excellent E-book!
Experience As A Piano Teacher
Experience The Joys Of Consistent Piano Progress.
Exploring New Things
Exploring Piano Learning
Exploring Something New
Express Yourself Authentically
Eye-hand Coordination
Family Support
FAQs About My Ebook
Faster In Piano Progress
Fast Piano Learning
Favorite Piano Practice Tips
Feel Confident In Your Musicality
Feel Like Piano Practice Has To Be Difficult
Fight Against The Aging Process
FILM & GAME COMPOSER
Finally Learn The Piano
Find A Good Piano Teacher
Find A Piano Teacher
Finding A Quality Piano Teacher
Fingering
Finger Isolation
Finger Memory
First Music Teacher
Fluency Of The Beat
Focus On Piano Practice
For Anyone Interested In Getting Started Or Returning To Piano Lessons
For Anyone Interested In Learning Piano
For Anyone Interested In Piano Playing
For New And Returning Piano Learners
For The Musician In Your Life
For Those New Or Returning To Learn The Piano
For Those Who Truly Want To Progress In Playing Piano Successfully
Forward-moving Piano Advancement
Free Helpful Tips For Starting Piano Right
Free Metronome App
Friendly Piano Competition
From Start To Finish With A Fluent
Frustrated By Piano Lessons
Fun For Children
Generate Fresh Ideas
Get Everything You Need To Start Piano!
Get Everything You Need To Start Piano With My New Ebook!
Get Free Helpful Tips For Starting Piano Right
Get My Ebook
Get My Ebook Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning
Get My New EBook
Get Started With Everything Needed For Consistent
Get "Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning" Ebook!
Get The Best Quality Instrument That You Can Afford
Get The Right Instrument
Getting Started In Piano Lessons
Getting Started Or Returning To Piano Lessons
Getting The Right Keyboard
Getting The Right Keyboard For Piano Lessons
Getting The Right Keyboard Instrument
Getting Your Piano Journey Started
Getting Your Piano Skills From Your Current Level To The Next
Get Your Copy Of: "What You Need To Know
Gift Idea
Gifts For Musicians
Gifts For Pianists
Gifts For Piano Players
Gimmicks Or Tricks To Play Piano
Give The Gift Of Music
Goal Directed Piano Practice
Goal-directed Piano Practice
Goal Setting In Piano Practice
Goal-setting In Piano Practice
Good Music Practice Habits
Good Piano Practice Habits
Good Piano Resources
Good Piano Teacher
Graduate Students Available For Teaching
Grand Piano
Greatest Progress In Piano Practice
Great For Young Music Learners And Piano Teachers
Great Resource For Potential Piano Parents To Have
Group Or Masterclasses
Group Or Masterclasses And Public Performance Target Dates
Had A Bad Piano Experience
Had A Negative Piano Experience
Had A Negative Piano Experience With Piano
Hard To Keep The Beat
Harmonic Analysis
Harmonic Progression
Have
Have A Child Interested In Exploring Music
Have A Child Interested In Piano
Have A Child Who’d Like To Learn Piano
Have And Do To Start Piano Right!
Have Children Interested In Music Learning
Have Children Interested In Piano
Have Children Interested In Piano Learning
Have & Do To Start Piano
Have & Do To Start Piano Right!
Have & Do To Start Piano Right!"
HAVE & DO TO START PIANO RIGHT!"
Have & Do To Start Piano Right!"
Have Do To Start Piano Right
Have Do To Start Piano Right!
Have & Do To Start Piano Right! Can Benefit Your Creative Life
Have & Do To Start Piano Right! Can Benefit Your Creative Life.
Have & Do To Start Piano RIght! Ebook
Have More Time For Piano
Have Played Piano A Long Time Ago
Having A Proper Plan
Having A Quality Piano Teacher
Having A Quality Piano Teacher Helps You Progress Faster And Further
Having Goals For Each Piano Practice Session
Having Interviewed Creatives
Health Benefits
Hear And Feel Better With Piano Playing
Help Anyone Interested In Piano Learning
Helpful Tips For Starting Piano Right
Help New And Returning Piano Learners
Help Piano Learners
Help Piano Learners Keep Breaking Through To New Levels Of Piano Performance
Helps Your Relationships With Others?
Holiday Gift Idea
How Can Piano Playing Nurture Your Creative Energy?
How Can Piano Playing Replenish Your Creative Energy?
How Can Playing Piano Improve Your Confidence?
How Learning Piano Benefits Aging Adults
How Much Should Children Practice Piano
How Much Should Teens & Adults Practice Piano
How Much To Practice Piano
How My Ebook
How Old Or Young Is The Right Age To Start Piano
How Piano Benefits You
How To Approach Piano Practice Effectively
How To Compose Music
How To Evaluate Your Piano Performance
How To Evaluate Your Piano Practice
How To Find A Good Piano Teacher
How To Find A Good Piano Teacher And What To Look For
How To Find A Piano Teacher
How To Find A Quality Instrument
How To Find A Quality Piano Teacher
How To Get Better At Piano
HOW TO HANDLE STAGE-FRIGHT
How To Keep Piano Practice From Feeling Difficult
How To Know What Keyboard You Need To Start Piano
How To Learn Piano By Yourself
How To Maintain Continued Piano Progress
How To Make Piano Progress
How To Motivate The Piano Learner Toward Piano Practice
How To Motivate Young Music Learners
How To Play Piano
How To Play Piano Smoothly
How To Play Piano Without Mistakes
How To Play The Piano
How To Practice
How To Practice Classical Piano
How To Practice Piano
How To Practice Piano At Home
How To Practice Piano Effectively
How To Practice Piano Effectively For Consistent Progress
How To Practice Piano For The Most Progress
How To Practice Piano Technique
How To Practice Piano With A Metronome
How To Practice Piano With Confidence
How To Setup A Practice Routine For Best Results
How To Setup Everything You Need For Successful
How To Setup Your Piano Practice Routine
How To Spend Time At Piano For The Most Effective Progress
How To Start Piano
How To Start Piano Right
How To Start With A Basic Piano Practice Strategy
How To Start With A Basic Piano Practice Strategy That Gives The Best Results
How To Start With A Basic Piano Practice Strategy That Gives The Most Results In The Long-run
How You Can Avoid Wasting Time At The Piano
How You Challenge Yourself To Achieve
HURRY! LAST CHANCE To get My Ebook At HALF-PRICE!
Ideas For Composing Music
Ideas For Motivating Children To Practice Piano Consistently
Identify Your Tricky Spots
If You Have A Young Child Learning Piano
Immersed In The World Of Negative Musical Experiences
Improve Circulation
Improved Mood
Improve Mental State
Improvement Of Piano Skills
Improve Piano
Improve Piano Skills
Improve Piano Technique
Improve Self-confidence
Improving The Ability To Problem Solve
Improvise
Improvising
In A Step-by-step Lesson Format
Increase Energy
Incredible Joy And Accomplishment
Information Processing Speed
Inspiration Through Positive Self-care
Inspires Me To Continue Playing
Interested In Learning Piano
Interested In Piano Learning
Interested In Piano Lessons
Interest In Learning Piano
Intermediate Piano
Interview
Intimidation
Introducing This First Ebook About Piano
In-tune Instrument
Invite Your New Piano Teacher To Accompany You To The Music Store
IPad
IPad Pro
Is My Child Old Enough To Start Piano
Issues Piano Learners Face
Jazz Choir
Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Join New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group
Joy Of Self-expression
Keep Breaking Through To New Levels Of Piano Performance
Keep Breaking Through To New Levels Of Piano Progress
Keeping The Fun In Piano Practice
Keep Piano Practice From Feeling Difficult
Key
Keyboard For Piano
Keyboards
Keyboard Setup
Key Signature
Knowing How To Practice Piano Effectively Is Key
Lacking A Foundation Of Good Practice Habits
Lack Of Progress
Lasting Piano Progress
Launch
Launching My First Ebook
Learn How To Play Piano
Learn How To Play Piano As An Adult
Learn How To Practice Them Effectively
Learn How To Think
Learning A New Language
Learning Music
Learning Music Aurally
Learning Piano
Learning Piano Benefits Aging
Learning Piano Can Even Benefit You Physically
Learning Piano Enhances Auditory Working Memory
Learning Piano Fights Against Hearing Loss
Learning Piano For The First Time
Learning Piano Makes You Smarter
Learning Something New
Learning Something New Or Challenging
Learning Something New Or Challenging Takes Effort
LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE
Learning To Try New Things
Learn Piano
Learn Piano Video
Learn Piano While Juggling Daily Responsibilities
Learn To Balance The Rewards Of Playing Something That’s Easier For You With The Effort Needed To Challenge The Next Musical Goal
Learn To Evaluate Your Performance
Learn To Play Piano
Left And Right Hand Coordination
Level Of Musicianship Or Piano Skills
Listening To Music
Listening To Quality Musical Recordings Of The Music You Are Learning
Live A More Inspired And Balanced Quality Of Life.
Local Music Stores
Local Piano Recitals Or Concerts
Local Piano Teachers
Loneliness
Long-range
Looking At The Musical Notation
Looking To Start Piano Lessons
Love For Music Learning
Love Piano
Madrigal Choir
Make Faster And Better Piano Progress
Make Piano Progress
Make Progress With Learning Piano
Make The Best Piano Keyboard Choice
Manageable Chunks For Daily Piano Practice
Manageable Goals
Many People [will Want] To Start Piano Studies After Reading [this] Ebook
Master Every Note
Mature Learners
Mental Memory
Merits Of Music Study
Metronome
Mistakes Piano
More-in-depth
More Successful Piano Practice Results
Most Important Aspects Of Effective Piano Practice
Most Important Things To Look For In A Piano Teacher
Muscle Memory
Musical
Musical Ability
Musical Background
Musical Exploration
Musical Friend
Musical Journey
Musical Learning Experience
Musical Progress
Musical Training Improves The Cognitive Reserve In Aging Adults
Music And Piano Teaching
Music And Piano Teaching Career
Music Composition
Music Department
MUSIC EDUCATOR
Music For The Audience
Music For Young Learners
Musician
Musicians
Music Learning
Music Lessons
Music Memorization
Music Notation Software
Music Performance
Music Practice
Music Soothes
Music Teacher
Music Teachers
Music Teachers National Association
Music Teaching
Music Teaching Experience
Music Theory
MusikGarten
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Effectively
My Best Tips On How To Practice Piano Part 1
My Ebook
My First Piano Teacher
Name The Notes As You Play
National Piano Guild
Negative Musical Experiences
Nerves
Nervous
New And Returning Piano Learners
New Author
New Blog
New Blogger
New Ebook
New Ebook Author
New Ebook Launch
New Facebook Group & Masterclass For New & Returning Piano Learners!
New Levels Of Piano Performance
New Or Returning Piano Learner
New Or Returning Piano Learners
New Piano Ebook
New Piano Ebook Launch
New & Returning Piano Learners
New & Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group
News For Piano Learners
New Video
No Creative Energy
No Improvement Of Piano Skills
Non Stop Tempo
Non-stop Tempo
Notation Reading
Notation-reading
Note Reading
Note-reading
Notes
Nurture Your Self-care
Nurturing Your Creativity And Inspiration
Nurturing Your Creativity And Inspiration Through Positive Self-care
Nurturing Your Creativity & Inspiration
Obstacles To Learning Piano
One Handed Piano Practice
One Handed Repertoire
One On One Piano Learning
One-on-one Piano Learning
One On One Piano Teaching
One-on-one Piano Teaching
Online How-to Play The Piano Methods
Online Piano
Online Piano Learning
Online Piano Lessons
Online Piano Students
Only Play Things That Are Simple
Onstage
Or Do To Begin Piano?
Organized
Or Wondering
Overcome Mistakes In Your Piano Playing
Overcome Self-limited Thinking Patterns
Overcome Stage Fright
Overwhelmed By Piano Practice
Ownership Of Their Music
Parent Support
Perfect Gift For Anyone Interested In Piano Playing
Perfect Holiday Gift
Perfect Holiday Gift For A Musician
Perfect Holiday Music Gift
Performance Anxiety
Performance Jitters
Performing Anxiety
Physical And Mental Rewards
Physical And Mental Rewards Of Music Learning
Physical And Mental Rewards Of Piano Playing
Pianist
Pianist And Composer
Pianist And Composer Of Piano Based Music
Pianist And Composer Of Piano-based Music
Pianist Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Pianist Tommy Doyle
Piano
Piano And Music Teacher
Piano And Vocal Scholarships
Piano Apps
Piano As An Adult
Piano-based Music
Piano-based Original Music
Piano Basics
Piano Basics Ebook
Piano Begin
Piano Beginner
Piano Beginners
Piano Benefits
Piano Blog
Piano Blogger
Piano Blogs
Piano Composer
Piano Composer Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Piano Composing
Piano Composing Tips
Piano Course Creator
Piano Discipline
Piano Discipline Is Something That Will Naturally Be Forged Over Time
Piano Duets
Piano Ebook
Piano Ebook Launch
Piano Experts
Piano For Pure Enjoyment
Piano Foundation
Piano Guild
Piano Hand Coordination
Piano Improvement
Piano Instruction For Seniors
Piano Instructor
Piano Is An Amazing Hobby
Piano Is The Best
Piano Is The Best First Musical Instrument To Learn
Piano Keyboard
Piano Learner
Piano Learners
Piano Learning
Piano Learning For Adults
Piano Learning Style And Personality
Piano Lesson
Piano Lessons
Piano Method
Piano Online
Piano Or Music Apps
Piano Or Music Apps For Supplemental Aid
Piano Pedagogical Directions
Piano Pedagogy
Piano Pedal
Piano Performance
Piano Player
Piano Player Resources
Piano Players Of Fast Passages
Piano Players Struggle With Frustration From Blocked Musical Progress
Piano Players Struggle With Frustration From Financial Pain
Piano Players Struggle With Frustration From Hitting Plateaus
Piano Players Struggle With Frustration From Musical Boredom
Piano Players Struggle With Frustration From Physical Pain
Piano Playing Can Be Accomplished With A Fast
Piano Playing Resources
Piano Practice
Piano Practice Blog
Piano Practice Goal
Piano Practice Goals
Piano Practice Habits
Piano Practice Results
Piano Practice Routine
Piano Practice Scenario
Piano Practice Schedule
Piano Practice Session
Piano Practice Sessions
Piano Practice Strategy
Piano Practice Technique
Piano Practice Tips
Piano Practice Tips For Adults
Piano Practice Tips For Beginners
Piano Practice Tricks
Piano Practice With Injury
Piano Progress
Piano Quality Varies Dramatically
Piano Resource
Piano Resources
Piano Skill
Piano Skill Level
Piano Skills
Piano Strategies
Piano Student
Piano Students
Piano Studio
Piano Study
Piano Study Has Proven Additional Impact On Academics And Learned Discipline For Children
Piano Study Reduces Pain
Piano Success
Piano Teacher
Piano Teacher Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Piano Teacher Perspective
Piano Teacher Resource
Piano Teachers
Piano Teacher Videos
Piano Teaching
Piano Technique
Piano Technology
Piano Tip
Piano Tips
Piano Tips And Tricks
Piano Tips Blog
Piano Tips For Beginners
Piano Tips For New And Returning Piano Learners
Piano Tips For New Piano Learners
Piano Tips Video
Piano Tips Youtube
Piano Video Tips
Play Both Hands Together
Play Dynamics
Played A Wrong Note
Played Piano For 30 Years
Playing All The Correct Notes
Playing All The Music You Enjoy
Playing And Teaching Piano
Playing A Real Piano
Playing At A Tempo Too Fast
Playing Music
Playing Music At A Slower Than Usual Tempo
Playing Music That Is Familiar
Playing Music Without Thinking
Playing Piano
Playing Piano Decreases Aches And Pains
Playing Piano For Pure Enjoyment
Playing Piano Has Incredibly Positive Effects On Your Mood And Emotional Well-being
Playing Piano Helps Prevent Hearing Loss
Playing Piano Is A Beautiful Way To Nurture Your Self-care
Playing Piano Is A Powerfully Therapeutic Tool
Playing Piano Is For Anyone
Playing Piano Is For Everybody
Playing Piano Is Something Anyone Can Learn
Playing Piano Rises To Fill The Need For Spiritual Connection And Emotional Expression
Playing Piano Slows Deterioration
Playing Piano Successfully
Playing Piano With A Metronome
Playing The Correct Dynamics
Playing The Correct Fingering
Playing The Musical Passage Mistake-free
Playing Through The Passage With Correct Fingering
Play It Again An Amateur Against The Impossible
Play Piano
Play Piano For Enjoyment
Play Piano Successfully
Play Piano Using Both Hands
Play Piano With Both Hands
Play Piano With Confidence
Play Slowly Enough To Completely Master Each Aspect Of The Music
Play The Fingering Correctly
Play The Musical Passage
Play The Piano Regularly
Play The Same Mistake
Play Through Musical Passages
Play Through Your Musical Section At A Much Reduced Speed
Play With A Steady Beat
Play With Proper Fingering
Play With Proper Finger Touch
Play With Proper Hand Motion
Posture And Hand Position For Beginner Piano Students
Powerful Tool For Self-esteem
Practical Guidance On What And How To Take Action Toward Getting Your Piano Journey Started
Practice Diary
Practice Each Goal
Practice Goals
Practice My Original Music And Neglect My Classical Piano Pieces
Practice Piano
Practice Piano Consistently
Practice Piano Effectively
Practice Schedule
Practice Strategy
Practice Tracker
Practicing Piano
Practicing Piano Can Actually Be Fun
Practicing Piano Effectively
Practicing Piano With Clear Goals
Practicing Your Mistakes
Prepare
Prepare Your Child’s Piano Learning
Preventing Hearing Loss
Previously Mastered Piece
Private Piano Instructors
Private Piano Teaching Studio
Problem Solve
Productive Musical Learning Experience
Professional Pianist
Professional Pianist And Composer Of Piano Based Music
Professional Pianist And Composer Of Piano-based Music
Proficiency At Piano
Progress As A Musician
Progress As A Piano Player
Progress In Piano
Progress In Playing Piano
Progress In Playing Piano Successfully
Proper Foundational Basics For Piano
Psychological Improvement
Public Performance Target Dates
Purchasing A Piano Or Digital Keyboard
Put Together Musicals
Quality Instrument
Quality Of A Keyboard Instrument
Quality Piano Teacher
Questions About How To Find A Piano Teacher
Questions About Piano
Questions About Successful Piano Learning
Quitting Piano Lessons
Really Want To Play Piano
Reap The Rewards Of Piano Progress
Reason To Buy A Good Piano
Recommended Piano Resources
Reduce Risk Of Dementia
Reducing Aches And Pains That Come With Age
Regular Practice Routine
Regular Practice Schedule
Regular Progress In PIano
Relax Muscles
Relying On Physical Muscle Memory In Piano
Repeated Mistakes
Repeated Mistakes At Piano
Repeated Piano Mistakes
Replenish Your Energy
Research On Piano Study
Research On Piano Study Also Shows It Develops And Prolongs Memory
Resource For Those Who Are Returning To Piano After A Gap
Resource For Those Who: Want To Learn Piano
Resources For Piano Methods
Retired And Are Looking For Rewarding Things To Do
RETIRED PIANO TEACHER
Returning To Piano
Returning To Piano After A Long Gap
Returning To Piano Lessons
Returning To The Piano After A Time Gap
Rhythm
Rich Benefits And Joy Of Piano Playing
Risk Having A Complete Memory Lapse
Safe Place To Express Yourself
Schedule Routine For Piano Practice
Selected Musical Passage
Self-care As A Way Of Life
Self-Care Is The Source Of Your Muse
Self-confidence
Seniors Learning To Play Piano
Set A Metronome
Set The Metronome
Set Weekly Piano Practice Routine
Sheet Music
Sight-reading At Piano
Simply Playing Piano For Pure Enjoyment
Singing
Slow Down
Slowing The Tempo
Slow Piano Practice
Slow Tempo Piano Practice
Slow Tempo Practice
Small
Solid
Someone Coming At The Piano With Some Trepidation
Something Anyone Can Learn
Soprano
Space
Sparking Creative Energy
Spiritual
Spiritual Connection And Emotional Expression
Stage Fright
Stage-fright
Starting-piano
Starting-piano-lessons
Starting-piano-right
Start Music Lessons
Start Piano
Start Piano Lessons
Start Piano Right
Start Piano Studies
"Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!"
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning Ebook
Start Piano With Everything Needed For Successful Learning
Start With One Goal
Start-your-childs-first-piano-lesson
Start-your-piano-learning
State-college-of-florida
Steady-beat
Stimulating-the-immune-system
Streaming-music-services
Strengthening-neural-pathways-between-the-left-and-right-brain-hemispheres
Strengthens-the-author-as-an-authority-on-piano
Student-piano-recitals
Students-ranging-from-age-7-to-16
Style
Successfully Learn Piano
Successfully Play Piano
Successfully Play Through Your Passage
Successfully Start Piano
Successful Music Progress
Successful Or Greater Momentum For Piano Progress
Successful Piano Education
Successful Piano Learning
Successful Piano Learning And Effective Piano Practice
Successful Piano Lessons
Successful Piano Practice Results
Successful Piano Progress
Successful Piano Study
Super Metronome Groove Box App
Support Piano Beginners
Surroundings
Suzuki Method
Take Care Of Yourself First
Take The Leap Of Faith In Yourself
Taking Piano Lessons As An Older Adult
Teach How To Play Piano
Teaching Piano For More Than 30 Years
Teach Piano
Technology-based Resources
Technology Can Make Things Easier
The Advice You Need To Start Learning Piano Successfully
The Benefits Of Piano
The Best Way To Successfully Start Or Maintain Piano Progress
The Emotional
The Essence Of Successful Piano Progress
The Importance Of Consistent
The Importance Of Mindfulness And Breath
The Importance Of Mindfulness And Breath In Piano Practice
The Interconnected Ocean Of Self-care
The Key To Continuous Piano Progress
The Perfect Holiday Gift For Anyone Interested In Piano Playing
The Rewards Of Playing Piano
The Way You Spend Your Piano Practice
Think
This Is A Good Resource
Tip #1 From The Ebook What You Need To Know
Tip #2 From The Ebook What You Need To Know
Tip #3 What You Need To Know Have And Do To Start Piano Right! Ebook
Tips For Left And Right Hand Coordination
Tips For Left And Right Hand Coordination At The Piano
TIPS FOR LEFT & RIGHT HAND COORDINATION
Tips For Starting Piano Right
Tips On Composing For Piano
Tips On Developing Piano Technique
Tips On How To Practice Piano
Tips On What To Look For When Opting For Online Self-study Methods
TOMMY DOYLE
TOMMY DOYLE's Piano Corner
Too Old To Start Piano
Too Old To Start Piano Lessons
Track Piano Progress
Tricks Or Gimmicks To Learn Piano
Tricks Or Gimmicks To Learn Piano Faster
Tricks Or Gimmicks To Learn Piano Faster Than Before
Troubleshooting As Piano Practice
Troubleshooting In Piano
Troubleshooting Is One Of The Most Effective Ways To Attack Piano Progress
Troubleshooting Piano Practice
Trying A New Cuisine
Trying New Things
Try This New Thing
Try This New Thing.
University Of South Florida
Upcoming Ebook Is The Perfect Holiday Gift For Anyone Interested In Piano Playing!
Use Of Both Sides Of The Brain
Using Creativity To Harmonize With Others
Using Metronome In Piano Practice
Using Music As A Way Of Community-building And Fun
Using Piano Or Music Apps For Supplemental Aid
Using The Dynamics
Using The Pedal
Value Of A Piano
Value Of Music As A Communication Method
Verbal Fluency
Video
Video Series
Video Tips
Video Tips For Piano
Visual And Mental Preparation
Visual Artist
Vocal Degree
Wanting To Learn Piano
Want To Learn Piano
Want To Play Piano
Want To Play Piano But Don't Know The Best Way To Successfully Start Or Maintain Piano Progress
Want To Try Learning Piano For The First Time
Want Your Child To Learn Piano
Warding Off Hearing Loss
Wasted Time At The Piano
Ways To Develop Self-care
Ways To Track Piano Progress
Well Rounded Musical Education
Well-rounded Musical Education
What Do You Need To Know
What Do You Need To Know
What Do You Need To Know Have Or Do To Begin Piano?
What Instrument Is Best To Start Piano
What Keyboard Do I Need
What Keyboard Do I Need For Piano
What Keyboard Do I Need For Piano Lessons
What Keyboard Do I Need For Successful Piano Lessons?
What Keyboard To Get For Piano Lessons
What Keyboard You Need To Start Piano
What Kind Of Keyboard
What Kind Of Keyboard Do I Need For Piano
What Kind Of Keyboard To Buy
What Kind Of Keyboard To Get
What Kind Of Keyboard To Get For Piano Lessons
What Kind Of Keyboard You Need To Play Piano
What Kind Of Keyboard You Need To Start Piano
What Kind Of Keyboard You Need To Start Piano And Where To Find It
What Piano Books Do I Need
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MY EBOOK:
What Should You Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano?
What’s Most Critical To Setup For Successful Piano Learning
What’s Most Important About Your Musical Experience
What’s Needed For A Successful Start To Piano Learning
What To Do About Piano Practice When You Have An Injury
What To Do If You Keep Messing Up At The Piano
What To Do Next
What To Do Next If You're Interested In Learning Piano
What To Look For In A Piano Teacher
What To Look For When Opting For Online Self-study Piano Methods
What You Need To Begin Piano
"What You Need To Know
"WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
"What You Need To Know
What You Need To Know
What You Need To Learn Piano
What You Need To Start Piano The Right Way
When Buying A Keyboard Or An Acoustic Piano
Where Piano Students Get Stuck
Where The Musical Magic Really Happens
Where There Are No Words
Whether Online Tools For Piano Learning Are Valuable
Who Needs A Piano Teacher
Why The Piano Is The Best First Musical Instrument To Learn
Why You Should Start Piano
Word Of Mouth
Writers And Composers To Educators
Writing Music
Writing Music On Piano
Years Of Teaching And Playing Piano
You Can Learn Piano
You Can Learn Piano No Matter What You Think
Your Child’s Piano Learning
Yourcreativechord
YourCreativeChord.com
Yourcreativechord Youtube
You’re A Musician Who Wants To Add Keyboards To Your Music Or Compositions
Your Future Success
Your Musical Journey
Your Physical Muscles Remember The Music
Your Piano Practice Routine
Your Piano Progress
Your Piano Progress Will Rapidly Improve
Your Piano Skills
Your Piano Teacher
Your Reward Repertoire At The End Of Each Piano Practice Session
Your Sense Of Accomplishment
Your Sense Of Accomplishment Transforms Your Outlook On Your Future Success
Youtube
Youtube Piano Tips
Youtube Piano Video
YouTube Piano Videos
YouTube Videos
You’ve Always Wanted To Learn Piano