Category: Piano and Music Practice
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How to Play with Two Hands at the Same Time
First, it’s normal to have trouble with this. Patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time screws up nearly everyone. Piano’s the same. Playing each hand on its own works fine. But, when you try to put them together, all hell breaks loose. Your left hand wants to do what your right…
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The piano world isn’t suited to computer science majors
“Michael, I like what you’re saying about how the piano world isn’t suited to CS majors. I’m a CS major and I’ve felt this myself. But, I kinda have some doubts. Like…don’t I have to be diligent to get good at piano? I mean, classical music is complicated. There’s a lot of detail.” I get…
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Falling apart when playing the piano for an audience
It’s OK to fall apart when performing for an audience. In fact, this is the only way you can learn not to fall apart. Seriously. You’ve got to go into that scary place and renegotiate whatever you find there. It’s the only way: through the fire and over the bridge and on we go to…
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I Hate Listening to Music! (but, I love playing it)
I’m lying to you. I don’t hate listening to music. But, I kinda do… (huh?) Wait…I’m still lying to you. The truth is, I haven’t played music much over the past few months. (But, I do like it. Honest.) “Michael…what are you talking about?” I have no clue. I’m trying to figure it out as…
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Button-Pushing vs. Music
The conversation went something like this: OP: Do you think I’ll pass my exam? (posted video) Me: Maybe you’ll pass, I have no idea. But, this isn’t music. It’s button-pushing. Play with the metronome and you’ll see where you’re deficient. OP: Thanks. I’m confused about how to count the beat with my mind. Me: Don’t…
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How to Cure Perfectionism in Your Music Practice
Musicians who identify as “perfectionists” should understand the following about what perfectionism is and how to cure it. Perfectionism is an anxiety disorder. It’s a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By “anxiety disorder”, I mean you’re afraid of making mistakes, and furthermore, this fear is making it hard for you to practice. Here’s the problem: even if you…