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Key Sounds UK • Apr 24, 2020

PIANO PRACTICE TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY DURING LOCKDOWN

Not sure where to start when you sit down at the piano? These practice tips will keep you focused on meaningful improvement.

Practising is the most important part of learning and becoming a piano player. Remember these tips to take your practice time to its highest potential!

  • Make a game plan

Ensure that you start each of your practice sessions with a goal in mind. You will find you progress more quickly and effectively.

Try taking some time out to think about what you will be working on for the week. If you learn with a teacher, look at or ask what practice tips they would recommend for you.

Then decide when you can set aside 10-15+ minutes in your day to help you work on these areas.

Remember that practising little and often helps to build muscle memory, so in the long run this is more productive than simply practising once per week.

  • Create atmosphere

Get the right set-up for you. Whether you prefer to concentrate in a quiet practice room or somewhere with more stimulation, try be consistent with your choice. This will help you enter the right mindset when you begin to practise.

  • Study the score before playing

Don’t just play a piece or passage over and over again, and definitely don’t just power through a problem area and ignore it. Identify where you are stumbling out of time and work out why it’s going wrong, then decide how you are going to fix it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher or fellow musicians!

  • Actively listening to your piece of music

Whether it’s a recording of yourself or someone else playing the same piece of music or scale that you are learning, this can help you to gain a better understanding of the style of the music.

  • Practice hands separately

If you are learning a piece hands together, it’s a completely different skill to learning it hands separately as you are activating both sides of the brain when you are playing hands together but only one side of the brain when you play hands separately. Try to practice one hand at a time when you initially learn your piece of music and don’t be afraid to do this if one hand it lagging behind even once you have begun practising hands together.

  • Be consistent with your finger patterns

If you notice any repeated note patterns in your music, try to stick to the same finger pattern too. This will help your brain to recognise this section of the music each time you refer back to it and will therefore allow the piece to flow more easily.

  • Enjoy yourself

Whilst we are all locked up inside, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to perform to your household members or even online to your friends and family. Send us through your videos and we’d love to see everyone getting involved!

Use this time to experiment and improve on your piano practice habits and feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

Unlock Your Musical Potential by Learning to Play the Piano

By Key Sounds UK • 13 May, 2024
Embarking on a musical journey opens doors to a world of creativity, expression, and personal growth. At Key Sounds UK Piano School, we believe that learning to play the piano isn't just about mastering notes and chords; it's about discovering your unique voice and unleashing your full potential. We are committed to providing a diverse range of musical opportunities for children, teenagers, and adults alike, fostering communication, confidence, and concentration - what we like to call the three C's of musical development. Cultivating the Three C's: Communication, Confidence, Concentration Communication is at the heart of music. Through the language of piano, students learn to express themselves in ways words cannot. Whether conveying joy through a lively melody or evoking introspection with a soulful ballad, students develop a deep understanding of emotional communication. Confidence blossoms as students overcome challenges, master new skills, and perform in front of supportive peers. Our nurturing environment encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, empowering them to embrace their strengths and embrace their unique musical voice. Concentration is a skill honed through focused practice and attentive listening. As students delve into intricate melodies and complex harmonies, they learn the art of mindfulness and develop the ability to channel their thoughts into their music, fostering a sense of clarity and purpose. Performance Opportunities for All We believe that every student deserves the chance to shine. That's why we create performance opportunities for all students, regardless of age or skill level. From intimate recitals to grand showcases, our students have the chance to share their musical talents with friends, family, and the wider community. These performances not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a sense of camaraderie and support among our musical family. A World of Musical Exploration Diversity is key to our approach to piano education. We offer a wide range of musical styles to cater to every taste and interest. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of classical music, the improvisational freedom of jazz, the vibrant rhythms of bollywood, the emotive power of film scores, or the spontaneity of improvisation, our expert instructors are here to guide you on your musical journey. Flexible Learning Paths At Key Sounds UK Piano School, we understand that every student is unique. That's why we offer flexible learning paths tailored to individual goals and preferences. While we provide the option to work towards piano exams for those who desire formal certification, we believe that progress should be measured not just by grades but by personal growth and artistic development. Our holistic approach focuses on nurturing a lifelong love of music, empowering students to become confident, expressive musicians. Join Us on a Musical Adventure Whether you're a budding musician or a seasoned performer, there's always something new to discover at Key Sounds UK Piano School . Join us on a musical adventure and unlock your full potential at the piano. Together, let's explore the boundless possibilities of music and celebrate the joy of creative expression.

The Future of Piano Lessons and Music Education

By Key Sounds UK • 06 May, 2024
At Key Sounds UK, we take pride in our comprehensive understanding of music education, particularly in the realm of ABRSM Piano exams. Our dedicated team possesses both expertise and enthusiasm, ensuring that every student receives the guidance and support needed to excel in their piano journey. With qualified instructors who are aware of the rigorous requirements and standards set by such examinations, rest assured that your child will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in ABRSM Piano exams and beyond. However, at Key Sounds UK, we understand that musical education encompasses more than just exam preparation. While we are committed to providing top-tier instruction for ABRSM Piano exams and other piano-related assessments, we also recognize the importance of fostering a well-rounded musical education. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate creativity, expression, and musical appreciation through a diverse range of teaching methods and repertoire selection. Looking ahead, Key Sounds UK is excited to expand our offerings beyond traditional piano exams. While these examinations remain a cornerstone of our curriculum, we also believe in the value of exploring diverse musical genres, improvisation, composition, and collaborative performance opportunities. By embracing a holistic approach to music education, we empower our students to develop the skills, confidence, and versatility needed to thrive as musicians in today's ever-evolving musical landscape. Join us at Key Sounds UK, where we are dedicated to nurturing the complete musician in every student. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly !

How Parents Can Support Piano Students Outside of their Piano Lessons

By Key Sounds UK • 22 Apr, 2024
Even for non-musical piano parents, there are ways to gauge your child's advancement in piano lessons. Firstly, observe the consistency and enjoyment your child displays during practice sessions. Regular and enthusiastic practice often indicates a commitment to improvement. If your child willingly sits down at the piano and appears engaged during practice, it suggests progress. Additionally, notice the complexity of the pieces they tackle. As they advance, you should witness them taking on more challenging pieces with increased ease and confidence, which can further reflect their enjoyment and progress. Secondly, pay attention to your child's posture and how they feel while playing. Progress in piano often correlates with improved hand position, posture, and overall technique. Even as a non-musical parent, you can observe if your child's fingers move more smoothly across the keys and if they maintain a relaxed posture compared to when they began lessons. Look for signs of correct finger placement, hand shape, and wrist movement, as these elements contribute to better sound production and efficiency in playing, potentially enhancing their enjoyment of the instrument. Lastly, prioritize communication with the piano teacher to gain insights into your child's progress. While you may not grasp the technicalities of music theory or piano playing, regular feedback from the instructor provides valuable information. At our school, we emphasize open communication and encourage feedback from all our students, irrespective of their musical background. Discussing your child's strengths, areas for improvement, and overall enjoyment with the teacher fosters a clearer understanding of their musical journey. This feedback loop ensures active involvement in your child's education and enables effective support for their development, emphasizing their enjoyment and emotional connection with the piano. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly !
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