Some insight on how to practise piano

Some insight on how to practise piano

After my reading of WKMT’s “How to practice the piano efficiently” article.

Many things have been said about how often and how much we should practise the piano. The truth: continuity, consistency and patience are the main ingredients to consolidate good practising. Taking a look at these matters can prove to be both inspiring and problem-resolving.

Studying long hours inefficiently equals studying very little hours efficiently. Learning how to study constitutes a main concern of the nowadays piano student. Unfortunately, we have no time to waste, we need to be able to get the most out of our studying times. For that reason, it is our piano teacher’s duty to enlighten us on how to organise our practising.

We need to keep a schedule. It is advisable to keep a diary of our progress and the time spent in each academic item.

How long did you stay practising scales?

How much time did you commit to learning bars 20 to 24 of that very difficult piece?

How much have you practised the introduction of Beethoven Pathetique?

These are the sort of questions one should be able to clear when reviewing his or her practice-diary. You can use your mobile and download a diary app. The idea is to keep a reliable record that can help you create a reliable studying plan.

Never practice pieces by starting from the beginning and attempting to play them until the end. We should avoid “music inertia” when practising. There is a very good article about music inertia that you should check. 

Practise slow and say the name of the notes. Yes, even spoken aloud if it is necessary! You need to push your brain to focus on the details of your piece.