The fastest way to learn to play piano and make music, is to count out loud. If you choose not to, then you must use a Metronome. Every student, regardless of age, thinks that he or she can count in their heads and negotiate even the simplest rhythm pattern. It is impossible for the beginner student! Let me tell you a story. I was reviewing the progress of a 9 year old private student.
This was her 3rd lesson. She'd never played before, but possessed the arithmetic aptitude to understand the division of notes. Here first initial lessons were written in either 2 and 4 beat rhythmic patterns. The song she was attempting to play was a 3-beat pattern (3/4 meter). The count is: 1 2 3, 1 2 3 .etc.
This rhythm pattern is associated with a waltz tempo. But she was playing in the following manner: 1 2 3 (rest), 1 2 3 (rest). When she was resting, she was attempting to find the finger position on the keyboard. Until I told her to "slow it down.
" and count out loud with the emphasis on the first beat, did she play it correctly. I made her count out loud, and when she did, she understood the pulse! You see. if you deliberately and consistently count out loud when you practice, I guarantee that you will see progress. Sometimes, when you're listening to music, practice counting out loud. And remember to always slow it down when you are learning new material. I want you to make sure that you enjoy your time spent at the piano creating music.
After you've practiced your scales and arpeggios, take your time and practice simple chord progressions (I-V) or (I-IV-V), while COUNTING OUT LOUD. This exercise, will help you internalize the muscle movements need to play within that key! Just think about this. Why is it that when we were children growing up, and when we informed our parents that we were going outside to play basketball, soccer or baseball.
we didn't say: "practice baseball, soccer or baseball.? But in reality, we were practicing the sport of our choice. Always remember to take the same attitude with your piano studies and when you play piano for your personal pleasure. have FUN and ENJOY it. The easiest way to attain this level of consciousness is to count out loud at first, and then when you are able to play with a "real feel" your body will do the counting for you! To your success, Ron Worthy.