This question is for those who already can play 126 and above on the metronome. Once the notes are memorized and learned very well, is the goal speed achieved by:A. increments- starting slowly and moving the metronome up a couple of numbers at a time until desired speed is reached. By the time the goal is reached all of ones practice repetitions are at the goal speed. All repeats are perfectly accurate.B. Practicing slowly all repetitions of a section, and once in awhile trying 20, 30 or 40 #'s higher on the metronome to see how progress is coming. All repeats are perfectly accurate except possibly the "testing" one. C. Practicing at a fairly difficult speed, medium high, and once in awhile trying the goal speed. All repeats perfect except possibly the "testing" one. There are I am sure other possibilities and maybe combinations of the above. I would love any suggestions that have been proven to work. I will even like to hear the ones that don't. Sincerely, Nick
Now I'm not sure I understand what you mean by getting lighter and lighter as you practice. Do you mean softer? Since you are not getting the sound that you want it could be that you are not using the 'correct' sequence of movements to make that sound. Experiment some more at speed HS to see if you can get it. That is what I mean by interpretation must be included in the search for the 'correct' technique. If a big sound is called for then the sequence of movements required for that part must allow you to do just that, make a big sound.
...I read a book from the library once, 'Interviews with 12 concert pianists', and out of 7 that were asked if they used a metronome, I believe 6 said they gradually increased speed until reaching their speed goal. The other one said he just used it to check once in awhile if parts were even. So that is a pretty high % going with the gradually increasing in speed idea, huh?Nick
Hi Cellodude, When you said....I would like to clear up a couple of things. One is why you need to play at speed (meaning at indicated speed) right away and another is why the repetitions. But before that, let's get the definition of technique out of the way first. I realize that technique is something that has as many definitions as there are people trying to define it. Nevertheless, I will try to describe what I understand technique to meanReason I want to play at speed or performance speed is I have heard the music played at certain speeds and it sounds great. Slower not as good or expressive of the music's intentions in my opinion, nor faster. It is just a ballpark metronomic speed. I don't expect to reach this speed right away, but gradually over time. I will see.Reason for the repetitions is to be able to increase certain passages speedwise. Makes sense to me. I read a book from the library once, 'Interviews with 12 concert pianists', and out of 7 that were asked if they used a metronome, I believe 6 said they gradually increased speed until reaching their speed goal. The other one said he just used it to check once in awhile if parts were even. So that is a pretty high % going with the gradually increasing in speed idea, huh?