Practice
Helpers by
Marigaie
Whitney
-
January
1986
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!
1. Note key signature and time
signature before you begin to play as well as
tempo markings and dynamics. Try to discover the
overall mood. Study score away from the keyboard
2. Analyze the form--looking
for repetitions in melody and rhythm, sequences,
and harmonic progressions (chords), Study the
interval patterns.
3. Divide the piece into
workable sections. Number them.
BEGINNING TO PLAY -- CONCENTRATE!
1. Clap rhythm.
2. Sing finger numbers in the
air.
3. Warm up in the key--scale
and chord progression.
4. Try sight-reading through
piece as accurately as possible slowly.
5. Note correct fingering and
be sure to write any changes in, if needed. Note
the accidentals and draw lines for pulses.
6. Practice each section Slowly
Work hands separately with metronome. Count
aloud. Tune in to how your muscles feel.
Practice is a mental and physical activity.
7. Do not hurry.- If any
tension arises or a mistake occurs, go slower.
SLOW PRACTICE IS GOLD PRACTICE.
8. Do not move on to the next
section until you can play it 3 times in a row
without mistakes--in rhythm.
9. Allow time for thought and
work on expression, phrasing, tone quality and
pedaling.
10. Listen to yourself--tape
it. Try to match the sound you are making to the
sound you want to make.
11. Allow time in your session
to review old pieces, sight-read and play for
fun
WHEN
HAVING SPECIAL PROBLEMS..
1. Play only notes on principle
beats.
2. Practice four different
tempi--especially slowly. Use metronome to work
up a difficult passage.
3. Block out basic chord
structures.
4. Practice fast passages in
rhythms:
long - short - short - short
short - short - short - long
short - long - short - long
long - short - long - short
5. Practice non-legato~~staccato.
6. Reverse the dynamics.
7. Practice one hand on the
wood and other hand on the piano.
8. To bridge the sections,
practice the last measure of one section and the
first measure of the next section.
9. Practice a difficult measure
in various octaves.
10. Alternate measures--play
one measure with right hand and next measure
with the left hand.
11. Sing along while playing.
This helps to develop the phrase.
12. Beat the rhythm with one
hand while playing with the other.
13. Memorize a difficult
passage. Practice with eyes closed.
Look before you Leap!
Note key
signature...
Analyze the form...
Divide the piece...
Beginning to Play - Concentrate
Clap rhythm...
Sing finger numbers...
Warm up in the...
Try sight-reading...
Note correct fingering...
Parctice each section...
Do not hurry...
Do not move...
Allow time for...
Listen to yourself...
Allow time in...
When
Having Special Problems...
Play only
notes...
Practice four...
Block out basic...
Practice fast passages...
Practice non-legato...
Reverse the...
Practice one hand...
To bridge the...
Practice a difficult...
Alternate measures...
Sign along while...
Beat the rhythm...
Memorize a difficult...
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