Just as a builder has a range of tools available to tackle different jobs, so do we pianists. Knowing which tools to use and when, and how to use them effectively can make all the difference between frustration and confident progress. In his most recent workshop on Saturday 11th October, Graham Fitch demonstrated how to make faster, more confident progress when starting a new piece by using the right tools for the job.
Drawing on examples from Bach and Beethoven to Chopin and Grieg, Graham demonstrated a selection of his tried and tested practice tools specifically suited for tackling the following challenges challenges encountered in the early stages of learning a piece:
- Learning the notes – Using the “speed of no mistakes” and practising hands separately properly to learn notes effectively and efficiently.
- Understanding your piece – Playing strands separately and using blocking, deconstruction and skeleton practice to simplify the score, make it easier to process and have a better understanding of what is happening musically.
- Avoid overloading memory – Make haste slowly and avoid overloading the working memory with tools like “bar by bar plus one”.
- Cultivating expressive playing – Go beyond just learning the notes and infusing your playing with musical expression by singing the lines.
- Building speed, control and precision – Using traditional rhythm practice correctly to help with developing rhythmic control and technical precision.
- Improving accuracy – Giving yourself an opportunity to pause and reflect by inserting imaginary fermatas in the score.
- Staying engaged – Incorporating “desirable difficulties” by using creative tools such as “zigzag practice” to maintain focus and build muscle memory.
If you missed this workshop, you can still purchase access to the recording and repertoire examples here. Tools featured in the workshop are also demonstrated in further detail in Graham’s Practice Tools video series.
Next Up – Polishing Your Piece!
In his next online workshop taking place on Saturday 8th November @ 15:00 GMT, Graham will move onto selecting and applying tools for finessing a piece and preparing for performance. Click here to find out more or to book your place!