Hi, first of all, if you are reading this blog, then you probably know about my YouTube channel:
philipawalker
Well, it's from there that I decided to start a blog. I received quite a few emails asking me for advice about playing piano, whether it's about practicing, pedaling, arranging, technique, or just improving in general. Then I thought about some comments I received saying "Plz teach me" etc. (lol). Well, of course you can't really teach piano through the internet...but I began thinking that maybe if I can describe posture and technique well enough with text, show it in videos, and most importantly, let you listen to the result...perhaps it could be a decent starting point for pianists. Especially those who aren't able to get private lessons.
So, this blog is going to be about all things piano. If even just a few people improve from this, then I'll continue to post ^^
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Piano Beginnings
First of all, I think it's important to remember why you first began to play piano. Is it because you love music? Because your parents wanted you to? Because you just randomly had a piano sitting in the room and the fact that no one ever touched it started to annoy you?
But even more than the reason you began, I think the most important question to ask yourself is "Why do I play piano now?"
Whether or not you began because you wanted to, what is most important is whether or not you enjoy piano now. If you don't find playing the piano fun, then why take the time to practice? I'm not talking about practicing, I'm talking about creating music with your own hands, and with your own expression.
There isn't a single person I know who loves to practice all the time. So don't worry. Even the best pianists find it particularly fun. But, is your love for music great enough that you'll practice enough to create the kind of music that can move people?
But even more than the reason you began, I think the most important question to ask yourself is "Why do I play piano now?"
Whether or not you began because you wanted to, what is most important is whether or not you enjoy piano now. If you don't find playing the piano fun, then why take the time to practice? I'm not talking about practicing, I'm talking about creating music with your own hands, and with your own expression.
There isn't a single person I know who loves to practice all the time. So don't worry. Even the best pianists find it particularly fun. But, is your love for music great enough that you'll practice enough to create the kind of music that can move people?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Piano Basics
All right, this post is mainly for those of you with little piano experience, or those who have never had private lessons. But, it's always important to review the basics, even for advanced players ^^
The Piano Bench/Chair
------------------------------------
Yes, that's right. There are some things you should know even about sitting o.o
1. Don't sit too close to the piano
- If your arms don't have room to move, it will be much more difficult to play!
2. Keep both feet flat on the floor (Unless you're using pedal)
- When you play piano, you are using your arm weight to press the keys, not your finger strength. If you don't have something to support all the weight, your tone will not be as rich. (Don't worry, I will explain this soon).
3. Adjusting the bench height
- The bench should be high enough so that when you put your hands on the keys, your elbow to your hand should be parallel to the ground. In other words, your hand should not be higher or lower than your elbow.
Elbow is higher than your hand -> Bad! >=[
Elbow is lower than your hand -> Bad! >=[
Elbow is at same height as your hands -> Good! (o^-^)o
4. Posture
- Don't slouch! Bad posture will result in bad playing! If you're wondering about all the pros who move around when they play, don't worry! It's neither a good thing or a bad thing, although it will eventually come naturally. It is not something pianists do for show, it's just that when you create music you aren't just playing notes - you're expressing yourself through what you play, and the music is almost like a part of you.
EDIT: Well perhaps some people do it on purpose...I have a friend who claims that Lang Lang moves around for show...xD
The Piano Bench/Chair
------------------------------------
Yes, that's right. There are some things you should know even about sitting o.o
1. Don't sit too close to the piano
- If your arms don't have room to move, it will be much more difficult to play!
2. Keep both feet flat on the floor (Unless you're using pedal)
- When you play piano, you are using your arm weight to press the keys, not your finger strength. If you don't have something to support all the weight, your tone will not be as rich. (Don't worry, I will explain this soon).
3. Adjusting the bench height
- The bench should be high enough so that when you put your hands on the keys, your elbow to your hand should be parallel to the ground. In other words, your hand should not be higher or lower than your elbow.
Elbow is higher than your hand -> Bad! >=[
Elbow is lower than your hand -> Bad! >=[
Elbow is at same height as your hands -> Good! (o^-^)o
4. Posture
- Don't slouch! Bad posture will result in bad playing! If you're wondering about all the pros who move around when they play, don't worry! It's neither a good thing or a bad thing, although it will eventually come naturally. It is not something pianists do for show, it's just that when you create music you aren't just playing notes - you're expressing yourself through what you play, and the music is almost like a part of you.
EDIT: Well perhaps some people do it on purpose...I have a friend who claims that Lang Lang moves around for show...xD
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