JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Keyboard and Piano Forum How much do you practice?

Jeff, my previous reply about not practicing in 30 years is a bit deceiving. I don't do conventional practicing, i.e., scales, arpeggios, etc, but I do "play practice". Especially my own pieces. Before recording I'll work through any difficulties in fingering.

Some teachers believe there is enough technical practice within the piano pieces themselves. I guess it depends on what pieces are being used. I find Czerny's "The Art of Finger Dexterity" to be delightful pieces and technically healthy exercises (especially up to speed). I know of at least one concert pianist that plays these in concerts. Others will think of them as dry, boring exercises. But when played correctly, they're dazzling.

Anyway, yes, scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys playing both hands in thirds, sixths, tens, and in ascending, descending, and parallel motion, starting each scale on a different note of the scale, etc, etc, is a must in the early years. Chromatic, whole tone, and the three forms of minor scales should not be overlooked.

Don't forget about having students play-by-ear. Have them pick out familiar tunes on the piano. And of course, sight-reading.

But the bottom-line: exercises should be enjoyable and done when not fatigued. I always told my students don't practice mistakes. Which often happens when one is not alert and doesn't have the "eye of the tiger".

Jeez, I sound like an old fuddy-duddy. Forget what I said. Life is too short to lock oneself up in a room practicing dry scales endlessly. Get a life for cryin' out loud.

Best, John