To look or not to look

[evilyn]

Hello,

I am starting to teach myself piano. Currently picking up Schumann's Album for the Young, the first piece: Melodie.

My problem is in moving from one phrase to another. This is bcoz I am not yet familiar with the topography of the keys. There is a "jump" from the last note of one phrase to the first note of the next phrase. I've been trying not to look at the keys, so there I go, ending up pressing the wrong key.

Should I take a little peek for now? I worry that it'll become a hard-to-die habit.
Any suggestion on the strategy to get familiar with the keys quickly?

Thanks in advance

[fuel925]

By all means, look at the keys! BUT, not constantly If you come to a jump, then sure, look at the keyboard, everyone has to look from time to time.

[claudio]

hi evilyn,

two answers to this:

a) you can look at the keys anytime. it's good anyway as (i) you want
to know how the keyboard looks like, (ii) you cannot avoid it eventually  
and (iii) the connection between head and hands is what makes music. the score
is just there to help you but is not a purpose in itself.

b) find yourself a teacher or you will start accumulating "hard-to-die" habits
by the dozen.

[evilyn]

Thanks all for the replies. I feel better about sneaking a peek now Will do that but try not to depend on sight all the time.

I just found out another thread where someone suggested to "feel" the black keys and develop a feel for the topography. I'll try that too.

Going to practise now, thanks!