How Long Should A Piano Lesson Be?
Lesson Length: AT LEAST 45 minutes but ideally longer! I love when I see that a teacher promotes long lessons. Teachers who promote longer lessons have great insight and a high level of experience, they have a lot to offer and can teach a wide variety of skills in a way that holds students interest and attention for the full length of the lesson. These teachers are experts at keeping students engaged whether they are aged 5 or 45. I thank my own piano teacher growing up who took me from 1 hour lessons weekly to 2hour lessons when she realized how quickly I was progressing. By nature of time, teachers who teach longer lessons will have less spots to offer. This may mean a possible audition process in order to carefully select good student/family/teacher matches. These teachers take great pride in their work and prioritize quality over quantity. They are invested in expertly developing the select students in the studio. The students of these teachers develop very great skills at the piano much much sooner and they learn on a deeper level. Also what they learn sticks much longer and creates a greater foundation for their future lessons and musical experiences. For teachers, longer lessons means less students can enroll so they may offer an audition or selection process but they take great care to make sure the students excel quickly and can play phenomenally. Why are 30 Minute Lessons Such A Standard Still For Beginners? Many music establishments put a great emphasis on having a large enrollment. The larger the enrollment, the shorter the lessons may have to be. This is by no means beneficial to the student's depth or speed of learning. One can only learn so much technical skill in a short lesson. Longer lessons make greater pieces, more technical and supplement skills, and faster progress when taught by a great instructor. Many teachers are taught to fit into a 30-minute lesson system. The average teacher in this system would run out of things to offer beyond 30 minutes and may not know how or what to do to hold the student's interest beyond that time. They are often doing the best they can in teaching what they know how to teach and the length of time that is comfortable for them to teach. If the teacher is not an advocate for longer lessons, there may be a reason why. In this case, a longer lesson with such a teacher may be very discouraging to the student. Teachers will teach what they can, how they can. Forcing a teacher to change their approach may not work. You just have to find a good fit and a teacher who is great at that approach already. It should be noted that master teachers are able to optimize a 30-minute lesson but they also know that the greatest value for time and growth would be lessons that are longer. What to Do Focus on going for someone or someplace that is well versed in various approaches and is passionate about developing talent with more time in the lesson. These teachers value and utilize every minute of the lesson and makes sure you are getting full value of your time. Make sure the teacher prioritizes on developing the quality of the students rather than the quantity (how many students). Longer lessons means less students for the teacher but that's ok when you are developing high quality musicians.
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1. A Well-Tuned Piano
A well-tuned piano is crucial for developing a good ear and enjoying your practice sessions. Schedule a professional tuning for your acoustic piano. If you use a digital piano, ensure it’s in good working condition and all keys are responsive. 2. Organized Sheet Music Keeping your sheet music organized helps you quickly find the pieces you need and makes practice sessions more efficient. Use a binder with dividers for different categories such as scales, exercises, and repertoire. Create folders for your music if you prefer using a tablet. 3. Practice Journal A practice journal helps you track your progress, set goals, and reflect on your practice sessions. It’s also a great way to stay motivated and focused during your musical journey. 4. Metronome A metronome is a great tool for developing a strong sense of rhythm and timing AFTER you've practiced and developed good rhythm and timing skills without the metronome first. Try starting slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the piece. 5. Comfortable Practice Space A dedicated and comfortable practice space minimizes distractions and helps you focus better on your playing. Ensure your practice area is well-lit, quiet, and free from clutter. Adjust your piano bench to the correct height to maintain good posture.
1. Master Your Posture Sit at the center of the keyboard with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly above the keys. Proper posture builds technique. 2. Perfect Your Hand Position Keep your hands in a natural, relaxed position with your fingers slightly curved. Imagine holding a small ball in your hand. Your fingers should strike the keys with the tips allowing for great control and agility. 3. Engage Your Whole Arm While playing, engage your entire arm, not just your fingers. Using your whole arm helps distribute the effort evenly and prevents fatigue. Practice moving your arms smoothly and fluidly. 4. Develop Finger Independence Finger independence is crucial for playing complex pieces. Practice exercises that strengthen each finger. Focus on maintaining an even sound and tempo, ensuring each finger strikes the keys with equal strength. 5. Practice Slowly When learning a new piece or working on technical exercises, start slowly. Focus on accuracy and proper technique before increasing the tempo. Gradually build up speed while maintaining control and precision. Rushing can lead to mistakes and bad habits. 6. Master Using the Metronome A metronome is a valuable tool for developing good technique. It helps you maintain a steady tempo and improves your timing. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. This practice ensures evenness and consistency in your playing. 7. Play with Dynamics Good technique isn't just about playing the right notes; it's also about expressing the music. Practice playing with different dynamics (soft and loud) and articulations (staccato and legato). These variations add depth and emotion to your performance. 8. Make Relaxation a PriorityRelaxation promotes smoother, more fluid playing and enhances musical expression. It also improves focus and concentration, supporting effective learning and memorization.
As a piano player, you might not immediately think about the importance of breath work and breathing techniques. However, proper breathing can have a significant impact on your playing, performance, and overall musicality. Here are some tips on breathing and breath work for the piano:
1. Prioritize QUALITY over quantity when you practice.
In the world of music, it's often thought that more practice time equals more success. While it's true that regular and consistent practice is essential for skill development, the quality of your practice is far more important than the quantity. Practicing for hours on end without a clear plan or focus can lead to frustration and a lack of progress, while deliberate and focused practice in short bursts can yield excellent results. 2. Practice small spots with detailed attention mindfully, VERY SLOWLY and VERY WELL. On the other hand, consider a pianist who takes a more focused approach. They identify a specific section of a piece that they are struggling with and spend just 15 minutes each day practicing that section, focusing on precision and accuracy. Over time, they see significant improvement in that section, leading to better overall performance and progress. 3. Start from different spots - NOT JUST FROM THE BEGINNING. The key to effective practice is deliberate focus on specific areas of improvement, rather than simply spending hours playing through a piece from start to finish. This can involve breaking down a piece into smaller sections and working on them one at a time, using a metronome to build rhythm and timing, or even practicing away from the instrument through visualization techniques. 4. Focus on making the hard parts easy by giving them the attention they require. Spot practice, where you isolate specific sections of a piece and practice them repeatedly, can also be highly effective. For example, if a pianist struggles with a particular chord progression or passage, they can practice it repeatedly in short bursts throughout the day, gradually increasing speed and precision. This targeted approach can yield significant improvement in a short amount of time. 5. Again, Focus on Quality Quality Quality It's important to remember that quality of practice is far more important than quantity when it comes to piano practice. By focusing on deliberate and targeted practice, pianists can improve their skills and make progress more efficiently. Whether through spot practice, visualization, or other techniques, it's essential to approach practice with focus and purpose in order to achieve the best results. So, next time you sit down to practice, remember to prioritize quality over quantity. If you're just starting to learn how to play the piano, it's essential to establish a regular practice routine. Effective practice habits can help you progress faster and achieve your musical goals. Here are some tips for beginners to make the most of their piano practice sessions:
1. Set specific goals for each practice session 2. Warm-up with finger exercises and scales 3. Practice playing both hands separately and then together 4. Take breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain focus 5. Record yourself playing to track your progress Understanding music theory is an essential part of learning to play the piano. Knowing the basics of music theory can help you read music more easily, improvise, and compose your own music. Some essential music theory concepts for piano players include scales, chords, and intervals. Learning to read sheet music and understanding the symbols used in sheet music is also critical for piano players.
Finding the right piano teacher is crucial for your success as a piano player. A good piano teacher can help you develop proper technique, provide guidance, and offer feedback on your progress. When choosing a piano teacher, consider factors such as their experience and qualifications, teaching style, and availability. You may also want to ask questions related to your needs and watch videos of their recitals and performances to see some of the skill levels that they work with and student outcomes.
It’s a common misconception that it is best to start learning the piano at a young age. Older children have some unique advantages when it comes to taking up the piano.
Here are just a few reasons why piano lessons can be especially beneficial for older kids:
There are few extra-curricular activities in which student-teacher proximity is as close as in music lessons. Keep this in mind when deciding how to best keep yourself and your family safe from contagions - mild or severe.
Expert instructors know the importance of preventative care and injury-free technique based teaching. This is true also for the environment and cultivating a sense of relaxation and freedom during lessons. Teachers and students must be sure that they have a clear understanding of rules, boundaries, and expectations. When the priority of wellness is in agreement, it will promote a healthy and happy teaching and learning environment. Ensure your comfort by establishing these things ahead of time and determining whether in-person, virtual, group, or individual lessons are best for you. Learning to play the piano can bring a multitude of benefits to people of all ages. While many may assume that piano lessons are only for children, the truth is that anyone can benefit from learning to play the piano, from young children to older adults. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of taking piano lessons and how they can improve your life at any age. 1. Improved Coordination : Playing the piano requires the use of both hands and feet simultaneously, which can improve coordination skills. Through practicing scales, chords, and songs, the brain is trained to coordinate multiple movements at once, leading to better hand-eye coordination and overall motor skills. 2. Better Memory : Playing the piano can also improve memory skills. While learning to play a piece, you must remember the notes, rhythm, and dynamics, which can improve your memory and cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that playing the piano can also help to prevent memory loss in older adults and can even improve the memory of those with dementia. 3. Enhanced Creativity : Playing the piano can spark creativity and imagination. When you play the piano, you have the ability to create your own music, improvise, and express yourself through sound. This can lead to a greater sense of self-expression, increased confidence, and improved problem-solving skills. 4. Reduced Stress : Music has long been known to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Playing the piano can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as it provides a form of relaxation and can even lower blood pressure. Furthermore, the act of playing music can release endorphins, which can improve mood and overall well-being. These are just a few of the many benefits of taking piano lessons. Whether you are a child just starting out, an adult looking to learn a new skill, or a senior looking to improve your cognitive abilities, learning to play the piano can provide a multitude of benefits for all ages. So, if you have been considering taking piano lessons, get started today and reap the many benefits that playing the piano can offer.
Playing the piano requires a lot of hand and finger coordination, but one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of flexible wrists. Not only can maintaining good wrist posture improve the sound and quality of your playing, but it can also prevent injuries and pain in the long run. Here are some practical tips for maintaining good wrists while playing the piano:
Here are some ways in which playing the piano can encourage creativity and self-expression:
Benefits of Playing the Piano During Winter
Playing the piano during the winter months can provide many benefits. For one, it can help you stay mentally sharp and focused. The act of playing music requires concentration and attention to detail, which can be especially useful during the long winter months when we may feel more lethargic. In addition to mental benefits, playing the piano can also be a great way to reduce stress and boost mood. Music has been shown to have a powerful effect on our emotions and can help us feel more calm and relaxed. This can be especially beneficial during the winter months when we may be more prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other forms of depression. Tips for Maintaining Your Piano During Winter To keep your piano in top condition during the winter months, there are several things you can do:
2. Humidify the AirThe dry winter air can also be detrimental to your piano. Dry air can cause the soundboard and other parts of the piano to crack, which can lead to expensive repairs. To prevent this, consider using a humidifier in the room where your piano is located. This can help keep the air moist and prevent damage to your instrument. 3. Tune Your Piano Regularly Even with proper maintenance, pianos will inevitably go out of tune over time. To keep your piano sounding its best, it's essential to have it tuned regularly. This is especially important during the winter months when temperature and humidity changes can cause the piano to go out of tune more quickly. 4. Clean Your Piano Finally, it's essential to keep your piano clean and free of dust and debris. Dust can accumulate on the piano's keys and inside the instrument, which can affect its sound and playability. To clean your piano, use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner designed specifically for pianos. In conclusion, playing the piano during the winter months can provide many benefits, but it's essential to take care of your instrument to keep it in top condition. By keeping the temperature stable, humidifying the air, tuning your piano regularly, and cleaning it, you can ensure that your piano will continue to bring you joy and beautiful music for years to come. 1. The HEIGHT of the device matters a lot It's important for the piano teacher to see the posture, hand position, and foot placement during the lesson. This is often best achieved by using height adjustable phone/device stands which can be ordered online. Why this is important A thorough piano lesson will address hand movement, finger positions and the proper height and distance from the keys. If the camera is too close, too low, or too high, it will need to be adjusted so that the proper technique is taught and observed. If a teacher is unable to observe basic piano lesson elements such as hand positions, foot movement, and posture, then the student may develop bad habits and a delay in technical proficiency due to practicing incorrectly. Keep things easy by maintaining the best height for the student. The teacher will guide you through the set-up process. 2. A CHARGED device matters a lot
A fully charged device will help ensure that the lesson is not abruptly interrupted due to low battery. Consider using charging stations throughout the day of the lesson is necessary Why this is important The purpose of the lessons are education, expression, technique, mindfulness and calm. Sensitive students may be prone to frustration if they are suddenly cut off due to a phone dying in the middle of the lesson. The more tools we use to keep students feeling fulfilled without unpleasant surprises, the better they will feel. 3. Maintain a CONSISTENT set-up Make a note on how to angle and support the device. Try to set up before the lesson starts. The teacher will guide you and confirm that the set-up is good. A solid set-up will ensure that the device is stable, at the perfect distance, charged, and ready to go. Why this is important Students appreciate getting straight to their lessons without being concerned with spending too much time on the device positioning and set-up. It is also comforting when the phone or other device is reliable, sturdy, and stable throughout the lesson. Students are going through more than enough in various areas of their lives and can get a sense of relief, peace, calm, and security during their piano lessons. The littlest things may affect some students in great ways so let's make sure we do what we can to ensure smooth, reliable, and peaceful online/ virtual lessons. |
AuthorJodi Ann Russell, Ed.D., M.M., B.M., N.C.T.M. brings a warm emphasis on mindfulness, relaxation, creativity and technique in personalized piano lessons and master classes Archives
July 2024
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