Learn the Various Piano Techniques

(Scroll down to see the full list of lessons in this section)

In order to properly execute any form of piano music, you must understand the importance of piano techniques. Perfected techniques will aid in the fundamental basics of piano playing.

They enable you to develop proper methods while eliminating any imperfections. You do not need great dexterity or quick reflexes in order to master the piano. Anybody who sets forth confidently in order to play piano will succeed as long as they possess proper techniques.

In order to accurately program your hands, practice is key in order to develop brain and nerve connections. Practice really does make perfect, so practice routinely in order to sharpen your piano skills.

Many people confuse technique with dexterity, but this is not the case. Many individuals with limited movement are capable of successfully playing the piano without impairment. Technique is your collection of skills which allows you to play diverse pieces of piano music. It is very important to learn them correctly the first time around.

If you decide to alter a task, it will hinder you from properly synchronizing your brain and your hands. For example, when learning to read notes, do not write its corresponding letter on the sheet of music. By immediately training your mind to read sheet music it will create passageways from your head to the tips of your fingers.

Absorbing any new piano technique requires two simple steps. First, you must find the most comfortable suggested placement for your arms, hands and fingers; followed by the conditioning of your muscles, nerves and brain.

Practicing them over and over again is necessary to successfully execute new skills with ease and control. Begin by practicing slowly, paying close attention to which notes are being played. The slow process of augmenting your speed will help create connections between your hands and your mind.

Curve your fingers and use the tips of your fingers when playing, this will allow you to have power and strength when playing. It is also very important to not stop at each bar line, slow down and try to play the whole song without stopping.

The hours spent in front of your piano practicing your scales and chords will not be time waster. This form of memorization and practice will aid the development of intellectual and memory skills and aid in accomplishing tasks throughout the day. Studying will become easier because you’ll have a better memory and problem solving skills.

When learning new types of music you will have to learn new concepts. Many young pianists believe that once they have mastered the basics, they are capable of playing any form of piano music.

This is untrue.

When learning new pieces of music you will undoubtedly have to learn new techniques and concepts. Experienced pianists can play new pieces of sheet music without difficulty because they have practiced over and over again.

In addition, they have acquired the ability to learn new methods quickly and efficiently. Comparing yourself to other pianists will never do you justice. Professional pianists worked hard and long hours in order to achieve this ability, and therefore you should too!

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Lessons on Piano Playing Techniques:

1. Legato Piano Playing Technique
   
   The term legato in music actually refers to playing smoothly. This technique helps you create fluid sounds in your playing and is usually accomplished by connecting successive musical notes in a smooth transition.
2. Staccato Piano Playing Technique
   
   Staccato is the direct opposite of legato. In essence, we think of staccato playing as notes that are played in a short and jumpy manner. The use of this technique creates a detached sound that is very obvious to the ear.
3. Gliss (Glissando) Technique on Piano
   
   Unlike other instruments, the piano is one of the musical instruments that a glissando can be applied on. The gliss technique is a rapid ascension or descending of a scale whereby notes sound like they are glided by.
4. Learn Piano Arpeggios Playing Technique
   
   The arpeggio technique is performed by playing a quick succession of notes in a chord. When you use this technique, the tones of the chord are broken down into its individual notes.
5. Piano Thrills And Tremolo Technique
   
   To create suspend and build up tension in a song, the use of trills and tremolo techniques is done by playing alternating notes very quickly. Typically, they are applied towards the end of a musical phrase or section.
6. Piano Cycling Technique (Looping)
   
   Have you ever get stuck in a difficult segment or passage of songs? The human brain learns better when we learn the segments in what we call a cycling technique. After all, practice makes perfect doesn't it?
7. Grace Notes on Piano
   
   The dynamics of how a song is played often defines a pianist for who he/she is. Playing grace notes and adding your own touch of creativity can make a simple piece of music sound more complex than it is.
8. Piano Arpeggios & Octaves - How to Play Them
   
   Building on the skill that we have learnt in the previous lesson, we apply octaves to arpeggio playing. This offers you an alternative for freedom and latitude in your playing.
9. Parallel Set Exercises for Intrinsic Technique Development
   
   Parallel set exercises for intrinsic technique development is the description of a group of exercises that can be found in “Fundamentals of Piano Practice” by Chuan Chang.
10. Syncopated Rhythms in Piano
    
    Syncopated rhythms are for intermediate and advanced players. To fully understand the concepts behind it, you will need to have a good foundation in musical timing and have a good grasp of downbeats and upbeats.
11. Using the Piano Sustain Pedal Properly
    
    Beyond the basics of piano playing, the next technique that you should learn is to master the use of sustains pedals found at the feet of your piano. A good control of these pedals can add real depth and convey feelings to a piece of music.