Practicing Technique

[klick]

Hello,

I've just started Level VI Royal Conservatory and I am wondering how long I should be practicing on all my technique per day. I want to do enough but not over do it.

Any input will be appreciated.

Ps: I'm in high school so i got lots of time to practise and can make room for time.


Klick

[keys]

'technique' meaning scales etc? The Royal Conservatory has fairly clear guidelines as to what tempo and which scales you need to play for each grade. I'd go through all the sharp major scales you need one day, then the flat majors the next day so you stay familiar with all of them.  Also, start your practice with solid triads or four note chords, so you warm up the bigger muscles first.  There's much less strain that way. I'm not sure exactly how long it would take you to run through all of the technique, when I was practicing for my Gr.10 it took me about half an hour.

Hope that helps

[Vivers]

When I did my grade 10, I would do C+ and C#+/Db+, and their relative minors. Another way to do it is to run through one category of technique in all the keys, but it was really hard to run through all of the arpeggios at top speed without killing my hands. Also, to avoid straining, I alternate technique with pieces. And I don't like warming up with technique. I'll play a piece that feels comfortable instead.

I don't think I could put an actual number on how long you should practice technique... if you don't have any trouble with it, just running through it is good enough. But if you're having difficulties with a certain pattern, or the fingering doesn't work out all the time, then concentrate on it until it feels more spontaneous.

[klick]

Technique as in scales yes.

It seems to take 10-15 minutes to do all of my technique a day so i guess that is fine.

[keys]

Yep. Ten to fifteen minutes sounds fantastic. I love technique, especially octaves!!! And what could be more fun the chromatic scales? Yeah.. I am a nerd. Luckily, in this line of work I fit right in

[puma]

If you can run through all your technique in as little as 15 minutes a day then God Bless.  I guess the answer depends on how important the technique is to you - if you are being graded on it, you may want to spend more time on it, naturally.  But even the most technique-oriented piano teachers like to focus on the individual pieces.  Take the advice of the above posters and use your judgement.  I'm sure you'll do fine.