| Although this article is written for pianists who | | | | for perfection is the first step in practicing on the |
| want to learn how to practice effectively, it is | | | | piano. |
| also a good advisory for any musicians wanting to | | | | Every piano practice session should create a |
| hone their skills in any musical instruments. | | | | challenge for the pianist to accomplish something |
| The great Vladimir Horowitz, an acclaimed | | | | never done before. I repeat - something NEVER |
| Russian-American concert pianist once said, "If I | | | | previously done by the pianist before, unless he |
| do not practice for a day, I know it. If I do not | | | | she wants to perfect some earlier learnt skills. |
| practice for two days, my wife knows it. If I do | | | | Each practice session could include a new |
| not practice for three days, my audience knows | | | | rudiment, new song, or a new exercise. It could |
| it." This is indeed a very wise statement regarding | | | | also be a new tempo for an old exercise and the |
| practicing on any musical instruments including the | | | | tempo does not necessarily have to be faster, |
| piano. | | | | just something different will do. The main point is |
| The hours we all put into practicing on the piano | | | | that a new accomplishment should be attempted |
| are very important if you want to become an | | | | at every practice session. That is where new |
| accomplished pianist. We all practice to maintain or | | | | techniques are learnt and there are improvements |
| improve our playing styles. However, do you | | | | instead of just being status quo. |
| know that very often, much of the time aspiring | | | | The purpose of playing any musical instrument is |
| pianist spent practicing on the piano is not at its | | | | to play music and thus, music should be kept |
| most effective? Why is that so? | | | | foremost in mind whenever you are practicing on |
| The above questions bring up the old debate of | | | | the piano. Even when playing a rudiment or |
| quality versus quantity of practice sessions. If the | | | | technical exercise it should be thought of musically |
| pianist's focus is correct, much more can be | | | | and how it can be applied to the music being |
| accomplished in just 30 minutes rather than two | | | | played. |
| hours practicing on the piano. | | | | How Long Should Each Piano Practice Session Be? |
| Many pianists do not really practice but simply | | | | The amount of practice time will differ with each |
| "play" the piano. What does this mean? This | | | | individual pianist and also whether you are a |
| means that they sit down and simply play what | | | | beginner or an accomplished pianist. A beginner |
| they already know. This can be good for the | | | | may need to practice for half an hour to an hour |
| maintenance or perfecting of certain complicated | | | | a day and gradually increase the time to 2 hours |
| techniques or scales but, with the exceptions | | | | per day as he/she progresses along. |
| mentioned, these pianists are not progressing at | | | | A serious professional pianist should practice for |
| all. | | | | about 4 hours or more a day because of his |
| The essence of every piano practice session is to | | | | increased repertoire and skills of music. As playing |
| strive for perfection and improvement. Perfection, | | | | engagements and other responsibilities increase |
| improvement and musicality should be the goals | | | | with a developing career, then practice time can |
| for a productive practice session. Every technique | | | | be decreased and you practice in accordance to |
| should be executed as perfectly as possible. This | | | | your needs your professional and personal |
| will include hand/finger positions, wrist | | | | schedule allows. Whichever the case, practice |
| movements, touch, expressions, and | | | | sessions should be a continuing process |
| interpretations among others. Practicing the wrong | | | | throughout the pianist's entire professional career. |
| techniques will develop the wrong skills. To strive | | | | |