Is it a good or bad way to play?

[casparma]

My teacher asks me to look at my hands while I am playing..., because I look at the score too much, even when sometimes I am making a jump...

However, if I watch my hands playing, my concentration looses, and the music just screws up...

instead, if I close my eyes, I can play better......and can feel the pattern of a certain measure played...

is it a problem that one has to watch his/her hands while playing??


plz help

[chopiabin]

I envy you!! I think it's a great thing that you don't look at your hands. I can do it sometimes, but not when learning a piece. I think being to play without looking allows one to get to some of the deeper aspects of the music and allows more spontaneity. But there's no problem in looking if you want to.

[casparma]

thx for the reply....

btw, I think playing without looking is easier for most of us.. because how can your eyes "check" both hands at the same time??

[lizzyx21]

haha...well....i look down - mostly because the pieces i really love to play i have memorized - i don't literally focus on my hands though...it's more like waching the keys i guess.  But i'm usually looking over towards my left hand - my right is always fine on its own.

but i agree - i envy you for being able to close your eyes and let go...that would be a wonderful feeling.

[quantum]

Your teacher may just want you to get away from the visualization of printed notes and have you concentrate more on giving them more meaning.  Looking at your hands is also a great aid to memorizing a piece. 

If you prefer to close your eyes, that's fine too.  Many people would love such a skill, but are to glued to the score. 

[casparma]

Well, indeed, my head will reluctantly look down if my hands are playing wrong..

however, I think try to avoid looking down, otherwise I will loose the feeling and dynamic of the piece....


thx for you all's replies