Time Frame. . . okay, yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. . . .

[Essyne]

I know - no one can give you a time frame for development. . . I don't think. . .  . Not asking for an answer here, just maybe some advice, if applicable.

But really, what is logical? I practice quite a bit, but am wondering if I'm running out of time to develop my technique before college. I have a year, but my hands are not developed at all. I am still just focusing on very basic elements like r.e.l.a.x.a.t.i.o.n. into the keys and my wrists are still suspended and tense when I play (if that makes any sense at all) because my hands are weak. I know what I SHOULD be doing, but I'm physically incapable of doing it at the moment. Is there any way to speed along the process? I'm not asking to go from point a to point c, completely bypassing b. . . but. . . can I somehow lengthen my strides?

[general disarray]

So, what, like you're beginning college this year . . . or next, huh, Essy?

Voice major, right?

What level of piano proficiency (wherever you're attending) is expected?

What's your current repertoire.  (Isolde does NOT count.)

Inquiring minds want to know to be able to help.   

[Essyne]

Next. Voice. Enough. . . lol. "Enough proficiency."

Hmm - Bach, Bach, and more Bach. lol. Not really. I'm just working through the Inventions, started the WTC Bk. 1, and am working on the Chopin preludes. Hanon. . . and just working on overall delivery.

Mentally, I'm there. Physically. . . we won't go there.

I dunno. . . I know that it may be infeasable, but I would absolutely LOVE to minor in Piano. Kind of a dream, but I dunno. I've only been playing seriously for a few months. But. . . I'm so dedicated to it that it's sickening. Musician, y'know? Not just a vocalist. Piano is. . . well. . . one can't do it enough justice.

[general disarray]

Next. Voice. Enough. . . lol. "Enough proficiency."

Hmm - Bach, Bach, and more Bach. lol. Not really. I'm just working through the Inventions, started the WTC Bk. 1, and am working on the Chopin preludes. Hanon. . . and just working on overall delivery.

Mentally, I'm there. Physically. . . we won't go there.

I dunno. . . I know that it may be infeasable, but I would absolutely LOVE to minor in Piano. Kind of a dream, but I dunno. I've only been playing seriously for a few months. But. . . I'm so dedicated to it that it's sickening. Musician, y'know? Not just a vocalist. Piano is. . . well. . . one can't do it enough justice.

Oh, you're just being anal compulsive about the whole thing.  Got it.   

Just work slowly.  I suspect that "tension" you mentioned in wrists, etc. is not the result of so-called weak fingers.  You're playing stuff that has its definite challenges.  You have enough strength.  I think your tension is just tension.  And your tension is rooted in your -- dare we say it? -- perfectionism.  That's not a criticism, btw.

Keep practicing even slower than you already are now.  So slow that you laser-beam your attention onto that tension and MAKE IT GO AWAY.  So slowly that you don't allow that tension to creep back in.

If you can play Bach Inventions, you're digits are strong enough for all normal playing purposes.  I bet you're practicing too fast.  Stop it, Essy, or I'll send Petter to wherever you are on this planet and  he'll bust you and make a citizen's arrest. 

[Bob]

Make sure you get enough rest.  If you don't recover you can really push yourself as much.

Make sure you're actually making progress.  A plateau is one thing, but not doing certain things and being unaware of it just leaves you without those skills.  If you and your teacher don't know whether you're doing it right or wrong and getting some results... I've found it's possible to work really hard and get no results.  Why?  Because I'm not doing certain things.  It's not rocket science, but some things are invisible too.

I've found rest can be a big factor.  Being lazy could actually be a way to be very productive. 


Vocalists only have to be so good at piano.  If it's not your major instrument and you don't have a great amount of background in it... There are plenty of people like that out there.  They don't ask much piano-wise of non-piano people, although I'm sure it seems like it to them.  If you can play some inventions and know scales, you're probably fine.