The Hanon exercises have been a staple of the practice routines of virtuoso pianists for over a century. Originally developed by Charles-Louis Hanon, “The Virtuoso Pianist in Sixty Exercises” is widely celebrated for its ability to enhance finger strength, dexterity, and endurance. No matter if you are a beginner first exploring the Hanon exercises, or …
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The world of piano chords is vast and exciting. Essentially anytime you play more than two notes on the piano, you are playing a chord. We can use chords to express so much in music, from subtle textures to intense and emotional thunderstorms. In this article, we will explore how we can use music theory …
Piano chord inversions: theory and playing guide Read More »
Chords are the foundation of most music, shaping emotions, providing structure and adding color to a piece. Their impact, however, is heavily influenced by context as well as how they relate to the chords that come before and after. This relationship is known as a chord progression and it will be the focus of this …
Learn how chord progressions work on piano and make your own Read More »
Picture this: You finally have a quiet moment to sit down and practice piano. Your fingers are hovering over the keys, ready to play that piece you’ve been practicing for months. But suddenly, your hands feel awkward, your fingers struggle to find their place, and the melody just doesn’t sound the way you imagined. Sound …
Piano hand exercises for stronger hands and fingers Read More »
Piano drills are an excellent way to build your foundational skills at the piano. These exercises have been practiced by generations of pianists and enhance muscle memory, precision, and musical expression. In this article we will explore the role of piano drills and check out how they can help beginning and experienced pianists refine their …
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Hand rotation is an important yet often overlooked element of piano technique. Hand rotation involved the subtle and controlled rotation of the hands to facilitate more smooth and efficient playing. Understanding and implementing proper hand rotation can enhance your playing, reduce strain on your arms, and increase your speed and accuracy. In this article, we …
Hand rotation: what are single and double rotations at the piano? Read More »
Rubato is a subtle and powerful technique in music. Derived from the Italian work rubare meaning “to steal”, rubato is an expressive technique where musicians deviate from the strict timing of a piece, creating a more emotional interpretation. Rubato has been a cornerstone of musical expression since at least the Romantic era and is essential …
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If you struggle to remember the names of the notes when you’re reading piano sheet music, you’ll be interested to learn that there is more than one way to read music notes. While it is important to be able to recognize and name the notes in order to place your hands in the correct position, …
Understanding piano intervals Read More »
The A minor chord, often symbolized as “Am” or “A min”, is a fundamental triad in music, particularly on the piano. It is formed by combining the notes and piano intervals A, C, and E, creating a rich, deep, and somewhat melancholic sound. The A minor chord is pivotal in various musical genres, from classical …
A minor chord on piano: how to play Am? Read More »
A good piano teacher will first show you how to sit correctly. It’s easy to start with bad habits, and those can be tough to break. Proper sitting helps you play better and position your hands correctly on the keys. Learning the right posture from the beginning is crucial, as it impacts everything from natural …
A beginner’s guide to perfect piano posture Read More »
Playing the piano is an incredibly fun experience, with a fair amount of challenges along the way. One of the most important steps any pianist must take if they wish to improve is learning how to play independently with both hands. Piano hand independence is the ability to play separate rhythms, melodies, and/or chords or …
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Music phrasing is among the most important, yet most often overlooked, aspects of developing as a musician. Musical phrasing impacts every facet of music, and is particularly important for conveying the correct emotional depth and nuance of a composition. Yet, among beginning piano students, phrasing in music is a secondary concern. In this comprehensive article, …
What is music phrasing & why is it important? Read More »
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