one-finger legato

[goran]

I am practicing piano on my own
(on my childrens piano).
I never had a teacher
(and never will. I am 57 years old.)

Sometimes I play  the keys:  D#, D
with the same figer.
I think it is fine.

But would a piano teacher allow it.
 

(Of course D , D#  or  D , E  can not be played by the same finger.)


/Goran Sweden

[faulty_damper]

You are definitely showing your age (and telling it, too.)  Children and those who've never been exposed to how to play the piano would naturally figure out how to play the way you described.  I would definitely encourage my students to figure out the same.  There is no wrong way to play the piano unless they are not making music.

However, most teachers would prohibit such a technique because they were taught that it's not the "correct way" of doing things.  Most teachers teach because they do not know how to be a guide.  A good teacher is one who guides the student to discover things on his or her own.  A bad one teaches to the point where the student never discovers anything.

As a famous example, Frederic Chopin had no piano teacher.  As a result, he discovered how to play the piano entirely on his own and in an entirely unique way.  When famous "virtuosos" saw him play, they were appalled at how poor his technique was and one even offered to "correct" his poor technique.  It was a good thing Chopin later turned down the offer (probably because this virtuoso couldn't play any of Chopin's own pieces.)

By the way, it is possible to play D-D# or D-E with the same finger.  You can also play a chromatic scale with just your thumb!  (Or any scale for that matter.)

[a-sharp]

Goran ~ I am a teacher (and a student) (I am 43 - well, in a week & 1/2).

Of course - I would "allow" it ("allowing" or "dis-allowing" per se, is not really how I teach) - and I would also "be allowed" - if it works - by all means - do it!

Happy practicing!

PS - just b/c one is 57 doesn't *automatically* mean one would never have a teacher - lots of people your age & older hire teachers (not that you have to or ever want to - I'm just sayin').

[mike_lang]

(Of course D , D#  or  D , E  can not be played by the same finger.)

Actually, I've done it.  If I can get a video camera, I will show you a legato chromatic scale with one finger or just the thumb.  I can also trill between two black keys with my thumb.  Until then, ask any organist what they think about the matter.

EDIT:  Oh, and it IS practical.  I figured this out trying to connect an inner voice in a fugue.