How to improve how I sound when playing the piano?

[figaro]

I've returned to playing piano after ending my lessons more than 20 years ago.  Currently I have a teacher and getting familiar with playing again.  When I ended my lessons I had played pieces by CPE Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Clementi, and was about to learn a Rondo by Beethoven.  It wasn't my decision at the time to stop lessons and I'm glad to be able to practice again.  At the moment I've learned Sonata K545 by Mozart, Allegro.  My problem is knowing if I'm playing well and making the notes sound clear and bright.  I've recorded my self and what I hear doesn't sound as graceful or light as some recordings I've heard by professionals.  Some sections sound heavy to me.  I know I'm not at a professional level, but how do I get my playing to improve so the music sounds as it's intended?  My piano teacher tells me I've now learned how to play all the notes - I need to work on dynamics.  But I would also like to make my playing sound less heavy.  Could it be my piano - it's never been regulated, or is it technique? Both?

[lostinidlewonder]

It appears that you may be experiencing difficulty in fully engaging with the musical experience due to an excess of analytical thought while playing. This can hinder your ability to accurately assess the sound you are producing and make necessary adjustments. One potential solution to this issue may be to incorporate regular breaks in which you focus solely on the sensation of making music, rather than analyzing and evaluating your physical playing. It is important to find a balance between analysis and enjoyment in order to fully engage with the musical process, this may be given more space if you work on easier pieces where you have more nautral freedom of thought

[ranjit]

Sometimes, I find that just playing a lot while paying close attention to the sound automatically solves problems with time. I wouldn't really worry until at least a couple weeks have passed in this manner -- by then, much of the preliminary "data download" from your younger self should complete. Make sure to pay close attention to the sound and try to lose yourself in the world without being self critical.

[dinoimeri]

I've returned to playing piano after ending my lessons more than 20 years ago.  Currently I have a teacher and getting familiar with playing again.  When I ended my lessons I had played pieces by CPE Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Clementi, and was about to learn a Rondo by Beethoven.  It wasn't my decision at the time to stop lessons and I'm glad to be able to practice again.  At the moment I've learned Sonata K545 by Mozart, Allegro.  My problem is knowing if I'm playing well and making the notes sound clear and bright.  I've recorded my self and what I hear doesn't sound as graceful or light as some recordings I've heard by professionals.  Some sections sound heavy to me.  I know I'm not at a professional level, but how do I get my playing to improve so the music sounds as it's intended?  My piano teacher tells me I've now learned how to play all the notes - I need to work on dynamics.  But I would also like to make my playing sound less heavy.  Could it be my piano - it's never been regulated, or is it technique? Both?

Dear figaro,

It's great to hear you're back on track studying music and playing the piano. I am sure there's plenty of joy for you being able to do what you once loved doing but had to stop.

Still, starting again after a long period of not playing must be difficult sometimes. Just keep practicing and try to recognise that patience is the number one virtue for having progress.

Having said that, speaking concretely about Mozart - the sound you want to find is a very short and precise sound. I can suggest two simple exercises that can make a tremendous difference:

1) If you have an acoustic instrument close the piano and instead of the keys play on the wood. Now, this exercise is not for the fingers - it's for the ears! You need to pay attention to the sound, particularly the shortness of the sound. You don't have to play loud, on the contrary - try to hear the short sound of the wood and try to play a short segment of the sonata. Then, open the piano again and this time play on the. keys to produce sound. You should instantly feel a difference.

2) Again, if you have an acoustic instrument try to look at the piano mechanism and try to recognise the moment when the hammers hit the string. It's a very short moment, the hit. Then, try to imitate this hit (the shortness of the sound) when you play. Visualise the short sound.

I hope that helps, looking forward to hearing from you.

Dino

[figaro]

Thank you for the comments and suggestions.  The exercise of playing on the piano closed is a different feeling that playing on the actual keys.  I do have an acoustic and will give it a try.