New student question

[Sasquatch101]

As a beginer, when playing musical pieces, would it be better to try and play the song without looking at my hands and just sight read it? Or should I memorize the song as I go along and eventually play it without the music? It seems to take me a long time to go through a song correctly when trying to sight read, and takes no time at all if I just memorize it. So should I take the easy way? Or is it better for me to always have music in front of me? Thanks for your help.

-Sas

[pianolotus]

Try using simple pieces to sight read which u can do quickly each day. A new piece a day will develop your sight reading capabilities.

As for 'perfecting' a piece, it is ideal to start hands separate (HS) which means learn the right hand of the song first, then the left hand. Once you are very comfortable playing HS and pretty much have it memorized, you can begin to play hands together (HT).  If you have trouble sports, go back to HS play and play the trouble spots over and over again until it is easy and flowing.

HT play is dangerous as your dominant hand will become more and more dominant, and it will cause your hands to be dependent on eachother - these bad habits will have to be broken later on if you wish to play more difficult and impressive pieces. HS play will encourage hand independence and strength balance between hands.


good luck
.pianolotus

[Sasquatch101]

Thanks for the advice, thats exactly what I needed. Thank you.

-Sas