Part 7: Expanding to Five Notes (Exercise 17 & 18)
Welcome to this exciting new chapter where you’ll learn to play with five notes in each hand! These exercises are designed to enhance your dexterity and broaden your playing range.
Day 1: Introduction to Five Notes
- Written Guidance: Before diving into playing, read the ‘Detailed Breakdown of Exercises’ in the Materials tab. It offers an in-depth view of what to expect and how best to tackle these exercises.
- Video Guidance: Watch the lesson video and practice along. This will help you understand the basic coordination required for five notes.
- Sheet Music Practice: Now, focus on practicing with the sheet music alone, applying what you’ve learned from the video.
- Exercise 18 – Audio Download: Grab the MP3 file available in the Materials tab.
- Groove Along: Play along with the Exercise 18 – A B C D E notes groove track. This will aid in integrating the notes with a rhythmic backing.
Day 2: Mastery and Rhythm
- Dedicated Practice: Continue practicing with the sheet music until you feel comfortable and confident with each exercise.
- Consistency Challenge: Aim to perform each exercise correctly three times consecutively using the sheet music.
- Backing Track Practice: Finish your practice by playing along with the MP3 track, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.
Successfully completing Step 3 on Day 2 means you’re ready to move on to the next level. Mastering five notes in each hand is a significant achievement in your piano journey, so be proud of your progress!
Detailed Breakdown of Exercises 17 - 18 Congratulations on reaching this milestone! You're now engaging all five fingers, a significant step in your piano journey. As we move forward, we'll focus on expanding your skills in rhythm and coordination. But first, let's dive into today's exercises. Exercise 17:
- This drill is a straightforward scale exercise, moving up and down using all five fingers in both hands. It's an excellent choice for a warm-up exercise each time you sit down at the piano. Practicing this will enhance your finger agility and familiarity with the keyboard.
Exercise 18:
- As the exercises become more complex, it's crucial to stick to our deliberate practice routine. Start with the right hand, ensuring you're playing the correct notes with the right fingering. Then, move on to the left hand. Once comfortable, practice with both hands together slowly and evenly before increasing the tempo. If you find this exercise particularly challenging, revisit our initial lessons on how to deal with mistakes for additional practice strategies.
Common Mistakes:
- One common error is pulling the little finger away from the piano, attempting to play with only four fingers. This habit can hinder your progress and limit your playing ability. Always follow the provided fingering. Even when the little finger isn’t actively playing, keep it resting gently on the E note (right hand) or D note (left hand), ready to be used when needed. This practice keeps your hand in an optimal position for playing and ensures all fingers are engaged and prepared.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of the common pitfalls, you'll build a strong foundation for more advanced piano techniques. Remember, each finger has its role, and mastering their coordination is key to your success as a pianist.
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