Stiff fingers, bad coordination

[RiskyP]

Is there anything I can do about naturally stiff fingers and hands?! In my country as I grew up I had to do a lot of hard labor with my hands; I also lift weights regularly, and as a result of this my fingers are so stiff that I can't play ANYHTING fast! I can play scales very evenly at a slow tempo (can't everyone?) but as soon as i try to up the tempo, the time between consecutive notes becomes practically random - very uneven. Must be my coordination too.

I tried looking on the internet to find excercises or something that could help, but until I find somthing i can't even get past the first few bars of Mozart's "simple sonata". it's a shame I tell you.    

[NetherMagic]

RiskyP i'm not shure but it might, MIGHT, be your tendons.  Or you just need to practice more.  Perhaps do some hand warm-ups or stretches before you start, and try to gain speed with hands played separately first.

[Hmoll]

How relaxed are you?
It is extremely important to be very relaxed. If you can flex your muscles, you can relax your muscles. This includes your shoulders, upper arms, elbows, forearms, wrists and hands. They all have to be relaxed. You will not be able to achieve speed and clarity without a relaxed technique.

[sasson]

RiskyP,
If you are tense, may i suggest the Alexander technique....
i studied it for a while for different reasons, but the principals help me with many things including piano playing. It is learning how to undo the things we do everyday out of habit (tensing, holding a certain unnatural position, etc...)...there are no exercises per say...more using your mental capabilities to control your muscles....musicians and actors often use these principals....
if interested let me know and i will give you more info.
For me, it has done good.

S~

[RiskyP]

@ sasson:

I am very interested. It is difficult for me to relax my shoulders - my muscles are simply too stiff. I feel as if I hardly have any coordination at all. I can't manage to play scales evenly at slightly faster tempos.

I probably need more practice anyway. Regardless, my fingers don't seem to be cooperating.

[sasson]

Risky P,
The best way to learn is through a good teacher. Usually after 30 sessions you get it...then the concepts are yours for life and you will pay attention and not stiffen and relax. It has helped me alot with stiff shoulders, which would put me on the edge of tears when stressed.
You can read more about it on this good site.
https://www.alexandertechnique.com/
there are also several books out there on it. My favorite from the few i know of is:
How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students
by Barbara Conable, William Conable

there are also books on Alexander geared toward musicians, but this book is very good.

You will definitly need a teacher at some point.

Hope you benefit as much as i have !

Good luck and let me know if i can help you more.

S~