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Topic: Basic Questions for a "Beginner"  (Read 1989 times)

Offline aboocher

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Basic Questions for a "Beginner"
on: February 03, 2005, 01:35:56 AM
Hello everyone,

I've put "Beginner" in quotes because I'm not truly a beginner.  I played the Violin since grade school and taught myself basic piano.  I can read music and have taught myself simple pieces such as Fur Elise, and Moonlight Sonata.  The only problem is that I don't have a piano.  I learned all those songs on my keyboard.  Needless to say a piano is very different.  I took a few lessons a few summer ago, but felt that i was wasting my money because i never practiced on a real piano because one wasn't available. 

This year I'm at college and I decided to take music lessons from the music dept.  They are 30 minutes a week.    I went in and told my teacher I'd love to play the Fantasie Impromptu before I graduated (I'm a freshman now) and she said "oh no, you'll play it this year. bring it next time."  She has me started on just the left hand, and I'm very skeptical that it will all pan out, but i'm learning to read music better and I think it is making my playing smoother.   So all in all, we'll see how it goes.

But anyway, my question for you is this.  Since I was never formally taught how to play a piano, I don't think my technique is very good.  I have trouble playing softly, and when I do, I "miss" the notes, by which I mean I hit the keys but they make no sound.  My teacher just told me to practice with equal finger weights, but I don't really know how to do that.  A friend of mine told me to put my whole weight onto my hands.  Does anyone have any advice so my left hand (which is the problem hand) can become even and smooth. 

I'm using Hanon to try and correct these things on my own, but i may be engraining them into my playing style.   I'll ask my teacher on Monday, but our time is so limited, I thought if you could help me it might make my next lesson more productive.

Thanks for your help.

Adam

Offline xvimbi

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Re: Basic Questions for a "Beginner"
Reply #1 on: February 03, 2005, 12:46:01 PM
Kudos to you for being able to formulate your goals. However, I doubt you'll get the most out of it if your teacher says you can play FI within a year, but doesn't show any technique. Chances are you'll accumulate a lot of bad habits if not even injuries. The same with Hanon; if these exercises are not properly demonstrated you'll run the risk of injuring yourself, particularly if you follow Hanon's instructions. There is really no way to learn proper technique other than from a qualified and knowledgeable teacher. Get the one you have to start from the basics, and I mean the very basics, like how to sit and how to stand, how muscles and joints work, etc. Now is the time to get a solid foundation in technique. That's much more important than being able to play an impressive piece within a few months. Good luck!
 

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