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Tricks for How to Learn the Piano

The typical piano has 88 black and white keys.

Knowing the tricks to play the piano and efficiently learn new music will make it possible to improve your skill and ability to play new works. The piano is a large instrument capable of playing any type of music. Those wishing to increase their ability should practice several times a week to hone their technique. Most importantly, remember mastering the piano takes years of practice.

Fingerings


Purchase a book of scales with piano fingerings. The thumbs on the left and right hand are both indicated by the number one; then, moving outwards towards the pinkies, the numbers increase to five. Fingerings are important because they allow your fingers to develop something called muscle memory. Muscle memory is the ability to play without thinking about each note. If a pianist had to think about every note, she would never learn to play the piano.

Hand Technique


Playing the left hand and right-hand parts by themselves is the first step towards learning to play hands together. It is imperative you learn to play each independent hand before attempting to put them together. Start at a slow tempo and use a consistent fingering to ensure your muscle memory develops. When it is time to put each hand together, go very slowly to ensure your fingering doesn’t change. Gradually, you may increase the speed.

Blind Playing


Avoid looking at the piano to find keys. Learn how to feel around the piano so you never have to look at the keys to find your notes. Remember there are two sets of raised black keys: one double set and one triple set. The double set always has a C on the left of the first black key, while the triple set has an F. Remembering this little trick will help improve your piano technique. Playing without looking at the keys is possible with practice.

Finger Independence


Developing finger independence is crucial to playing the piano well. Try moving just one finger at a time without moving any other fingers. If you can't do it place each finger of one hand on the white keys of the piano. It doesn’t matter which keys you select, as long as each finger is on its own separate key. Slowly lower each finger and depress each key five times using a slow and controlled motion. Practice this exercise daily with each hand to increase your independence and flexibility.

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