training

[takasking123]

I had a problem when i try to press 1st,3rd and 5th finger together, my 4th finger intend to go together with it . any method to train the 4th finger ?

 

[fuzzmusick]

Are you trying to play the guitar or what? I don't get what you mean..

 

[bongman]

:?

 

[Mr_KeyboardMan]

I need to make a correction there, Bongman.

You don't need strong fingers or finger dexterity to play the piano. What you need is a well coordinated movement of the body and finger. This applies to playing fast in the piano.

Let me share you my experience.

I used to practise hanon and czerny for long hours ( 4 to 5 hours) everyday. As a result i developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome . I felt painful everytime i play the piano. I spent lots of money going to physicians trying to cure my fingers. After few months and several hunderds dollar(could be higher i dont know) poorer. Then I can play properly again. What a waste of time and money.

I was desperate. I thought that these concerts pianist must have superhuman finger strength and dexterity. After done some research on the internet, I discovered that the key to achieve speed and playing well is by knowing the right movement and coordination for the fingers.

What happens when you play hanon or other finger exercises is that you stumbled upon the right movement when you speed up. But this will take a lot of time. Instead we can use of the time practising other things more musically like learning songs instead of practising mindlessly on Hanon, or at least learn more etudes to practise your technique.


Here's some book recommendations for practising your posture and finger movements, I have a copy of these books as well:

Mastering piano technique by Seymour Fink, Includes DVD too

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Piano-Technique-Students-Performers/dp/0931340462

Gyorgy Sandors on Piano Playing

Piano Power by Richard Prokop

Freeing the Caged Bird DVD
http://www.freeingthecagedbird.com/

I have other books too but these are the BEST resources for practising finger technique in my opinion.

This sites also helps in teaching you to practise properly

http://www.pianofundamentals.com/

or check out the site that me and my friends have developed as well here if you want to learn pop piano technique

http://www.poppiano.com.sg/

 

[bongman]

oh yes, you are correct.

the last Hiromi workshop
she mentioned that she practises 5 hours a day
and people says she is hardworking but to her it is
plain enjoyment. She quoted nobody will say you are
hardworking if you play Playstation for 5 hours a day !?

oh yes, practising exercises is one thing but you must
apply to the msuic thats you play.

 

[DoubleBlade]

Omgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg Czerny for 5 hours a day?! I play for 1 1/2 hours and I already start to sprain my fingers!

 

[pf]

Another amature question :mrgreen:....

When I play, sometimes my fingers are way too clumsy or something....whack the edge of the neighbour key instead of the key that I want. Especially at those glissandos.

Anybody got any tips in practicing to to make fingers less clumsy?

 

[willwu]

Ya! Pf I suffer from the same problem.. always whacking neighbour keys.. My hands are quite small and narrow tho, I think people whos hands have a bigger separation between their fingers are able to do cleaner runs and stretch large chords without mis-pressing keys. But I cannot put the blame on that, when I hardly practice enough

Stretching and relaxing hands before playing is v impt i guess...

 

[pf]

I'm getting better at it now.....at the piano. Must keep practicing until very precise. Keyboard (keys are softer, easier to mis-press) still trying to improve.