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Key Sounds UK • Oct 21, 2018

PRODUCTIVE PRACTICE

How much does practice really matter?

Through past experiences and networking with dozens of highly experienced musicians from composers to conductors to teachers to instrumental musicians, we concluded that in an average week it takes 80% practice time and 20% lesson time.

How can we get the most out of ‘practising’ then?

One could sit down at their instrument every day for 60 minutes and be completely UNPRODUCTIVE. This could mean wasting time deciding what they are going to practice, what the aims and objectives of their practice session will be or just doing anything but progressing in the time allocated to them.

Trying to wing a practice session is a recipe for disaster. I’ve experienced this before and seen it happen far too many times!

Whether you are practising theories or a piece of music and prior to this session you decide what you are going to focus on and how much time or which days you will allocate to this then you will find your practice session much more useful and PRODUCTIVE as you won’t be wasting planning time.

In terms of the quantity of practice one should be doing, if you have a look at the second image on the right by ‘Musicnotes’ this clearly illustrates the difference the quantity of practice can make over the course of a decade or so.

The key here is to HAVE A PLAN and break this down into manageable and actionable chunks.

Studies show that the most successful musicians cultivate the following practice habits:

  1. Keep their piano in a location where they will see it regularly (e.g. their hallway or bedroom)
  2. Operate on a schedule
  3. Break goals into manageable chunks
  4. Warm up
  5. Record themselves

Sometimes it can be difficult to rectify the small mistakes in your playing, so recording yourself and listening back to this can provide you with a clearer understanding as to what does and doesn’t need improving. The top tip we always give is to practice what you don’t know, as opposed to what you do know. This in itself is a mental challenge just as much as it is a physical one, but it’s what really makes a piece or element of music sound complete as well as teach the musician what they are really capable of.

How can we make the most out of our lessons then?

Something we don’t usually realise until later on down the line is that lessons can be more productive if they are seen as check-ins, providing the student has practised effectively prior to that lesson. This means that any struggles or doubts one is having they should use in this 20% of their time to ask for help and learn how to find a solution to their problem(s).

The toughest part is of course the sitting down and getting to work, but we encourage to find a way that works for you. Of course, there will be days where you don’t want to get up but it is on these days that will separate those who work as and when they please compared to those who go that extra mile.

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

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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 !

How to Regain Momentum with Your Piano Journey When You Fall off Track

By Key Sounds UK • 08 Apr, 2024
When a student falls off track in their piano journey, it's crucial to approach the situation with understanding and positivity. First and foremost, it's essential to rekindle the student's passion for music. Encourage them to explore different genres and styles that resonate with them personally. Whether it's classical pieces, contemporary pop songs, or even composing their own melodies, allowing the student to find joy in what they're playing can reignite their enthusiasm for the instrument. Additionally, involve the student in the decision-making process by letting them choose pieces they genuinely enjoy practicing and performing. This not only empowers them but also fosters a deeper connection to the music they're playing. Consistency is key to progress in any skill, including piano playing. Encourage the student to establish a regular practice routine that fits into their daily schedule. However, it's essential to strike a balance between structure and flexibility. While consistency is important, it's equally vital to allow room for spontaneity and creativity during practice sessions. Encourage the student to experiment with different techniques, dynamics, and interpretations, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. Remind them that progress in music is not always linear and that every moment spent at the piano, regardless of how small, contributes to their growth as a musician. Lastly, celebrate milestones and achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing and acknowledging progress reinforces the student's sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue moving forward. Whether it's mastering a challenging passage, performing confidently in front of others, or simply maintaining a consistent practice routine, each step forward is worthy of celebration. Encourage the student to set achievable goals and celebrate each milestone along the way. By nurturing a positive and supportive environment, both the student and the parent can feel confident that the journey back to the piano will be filled with growth, joy, and fulfilment. 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 !

The Key Benefits of Learning to Play the Piano

By KeySounds UK • 01 Apr, 2024
There are a multitude of benefits for those who learn to play the piano. Firstly, mastering the piano fosters discipline and patience. It requires consistent practice and dedication to improve, teaching valuable life skills that extend far beyond the realm of music. The process of learning to read sheet music, coordinate hand movements, and understand musical theory cultivates a disciplined mindset that can be applied to various aspects of life, whether academic, professional, or personal. Moreover, playing the piano is a gateway to self-expression and creativity. Through music, individuals can convey emotions, tell stories, and explore their innermost thoughts in a unique and profound way. Whether interpreting classical compositions, improvising jazz tunes, or composing original pieces, the piano provides a versatile platform for artistic expression. It allows individuals to tap into their creativity, fostering a sense of fulfilment and personal growth as they explore the vast possibilities of musical expression. Furthermore, learning to play the piano has been shown to have cognitive benefits. Studies have demonstrated that engaging with music stimulates neural connections in the brain, leading to improved cognitive function, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, playing the piano requires the simultaneous use of both hands, promoting hand-eye coordination and enhancing motor skills. These cognitive benefits extend beyond the realm of music, positively impacting various aspects of cognitive development and overall mental well-being. Thus, for those interested in embarking on a rewarding and intellectually stimulating journey, learning to play the piano is undoubtedly worth the effort and dedication. 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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