Easily Learn Proper Piano Technique by Peter Hostage

Piano Technique

Basic principles of piano playing technique have developed over the last few centuries. To begin with, it is best to learn these essential concepts, which can substantially improve a player's sound and "feel" for the music.

The core of what will soon become your piano playing technique, your finger action, is where the beginning piano player needs to concentrate their first efforts. When you have mastered this all-important basic, and feel comfortable with your finger action, move on to the next step.

Your Body Actions

Now, consider your wrist action as you begin to play your first piece. What sound do you hear? A gentle movement of the wrist and a relaxed arm can greatly influence the sound of the music you are playing. Wrist action is important for quick, light staccato and rapid octaves.

Simple exercises can help improve your wrist action to the point that it is nearly automatic, and smooth with little effort.

You will need some elbow action when you are rocking your forearms while playing tremolos.

It is also important to note you should allow your shoulder to be loose enough so that your elbow can move freely. A stiff shoulder will hinder your efforts.

Keep Your Shoulders Loose

Shoulder action is essential for moving the whole arm and hand for fortissimo chords. Unlike the other actions above, which are muscular activities, this technique calls for relaxed muscles and using the weight of the arm.

Basic piano playing style calls for decreased arm action, most styles will rely on the finger movement. When your fingers are placed on the keys, and then your arm is just slightly raised, relax and let your fingers glide smoothly over the keys.

Making The Music Come Alive

In effect, your finger will be supporting your arm as it rests on the key. As the different fingers play different notes, the weight of the arm is passed from finger to finger smoothly, provide your arm is sufficiently relaxed. This will help to make a full "singing" tone, and will allow you the minute control of the volume of your music.

Minimized finger action calls for the fingers to be constantly on the keys, ready to play. Finger strength and solitary control is vital for playing passages, and to keep your tone even.

The practiced method of rotating your hand from side to side, affords your fingers to play passages with that even attack and quality you strive for.

Smooth and Clean

Remember to keep your wrist limber. This technique helps to create a smooth, clean musical phrase. Begin the phrase with the wrist at keyboard level, and then rise as you continue to play; then lowering your wrist as you approach the end of the phrase.

Best Tips

Piano students can easily avoid many difficulties they might face by properly developing their sense of touch on the keys.

If you listen to the playing of many beginning students that may sound uneven, this is partially due to the raising and lowering of the head. Developing a good sense of touch will greatly enhance your enjoyment, and certainly your tone.

About The Author

Peter Hostage is a pianist and singer specializing in jazz, blues and swing; focusing on standards and original compositions.

Peter shares his passion and knowledge on his website, http://www.teach-me-piano.com.

Visit his site where you, too, can learn to play the piano.

Visit the author's web site at:
http://www.teach-me-piano.com