I don't tap, count, say finger numbers or note names.

[1piano4joe]

Hi all,

I recently tried tapping and found it quite helpful for coordination. Do experienced pianists ever do this? Usually, I will "drop notes" when coordination is an issue but this tapping somehow, someway helps, especially with cross-rhythms.

I see a note and I know where it is. Would saying the note name let me learn a new piece faster or really know it that much better?

I read fingering all the time. I see a number, I try that finger. Do I need to say it out loud? Muscle memory and the 7-20 rule take care of this. I read somewhere to not rely on only one kind of memory but this just seems like unnecessary extra work.

I only count when I have a problem.

Does anyone use shadow-play or "air" piano? And if so how does it help you?

Thank you for your help, Joe.

[savvygal]

My teacher is a tapping maniac!  Everything is count, tap, tap -- yes, shadow playing.  It doesn't take time and helps immensly!  We don't say finger names or notes, though, but I don't know what level you're at.  That would be distracting to say notes and fingers, for me.