Playing left handed chords...

[n3wman918]

Hello, I'm trying to learn a new piece that my teacher has asked me to work on and I'm having an issue. It seems my issue as of right now is that I'm having difficulty playing any music in which the left hand is constantly playing appreggiated chords(while the RH is playing the melody). Now, I can play them if it's only for about 2 measures and then there's a break but when it's throughout the whole piece; I struggle. My teacher said to try and play the chords blocked instead of separated to get a feel for the movement but the problem is that the chords are sevenths with passing tones.I can't really play them as one giant chord. What should i do to help me resolve this?

[db05]

Practice hands separate is you haven't yet.

[n3wman918]

That's what I've just started trying so hopefully that should make it easier. Thanks.

[justinwol]

I have a suggestion you could try.

As db05 said, hands separate is important. Aim to play the entire piece hands-separate and memorized a bit quicker then your intended hands-together speed. Then work on hands-together 2-4 measures at a time until perfected, then move on.

You are training your mind at this point, not your hands. When working hands-separate you enable yourself to put more focus and attention into each hand where learning happens much quicker. Playing quicker hands-separate greatly eases the transition to playing hands-together at performance speed. And lastly memorizing is the best method to train your mind to play the piece. If you were to sit on your bed with your eyes closed and play the left-hand chords in your mind, you will find that you make the exact sames mistakes and hesitate or draw blank exactly as you do when you are physically playing. Being able to play the song perfectly in your mind is crucial to playing it perfect at the piano.

Good luck and enjoy!

[n3wman918]

I think I'll try that technique as well, thank you! I'll let you know how it turns out.