Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum I found some great links on Piano Practice!!

Maybe some of you are aware of a member called bernhard from pianostreet forums... I've been reasearching a lot on piano practising lately and I found his pragmatic approach rally interesting.

He shares a lot of ideas with Chuan Chang (Fundamentals of Piano Practice).

Here's the list: (I've copy and pasted so a few of them can be repeated)

Have fun


http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1759.msg13695.html#msg13695
(Practise drive – the athletic/physical enjoyment of playing).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1825.msg13858.html#msg13858
(Accommodating practice times – 10 minute sessions – some mention on mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1844.msg13949.html#msg13949
(Overpractising – stop at the last perfect rendition).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1867.msg14268.html#msg14268
(Getting technique from pieces – several important tricks: hand memory, dropping notes, repeated note-groups)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1651.msg14344.html#msg14344
(How to gain hand independence – dropping notes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1894.msg14707.html#msg14707
(mental practice – Glenn Gould interview)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2053.msg16886.html#msg16886
(How should an adult beginner practice? Chang and practice spot)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2061.msg17178.html#msg17178
(how to deal with boredom)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2082.msg17230.html#msg17230
(how to concentrate).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2097.msg17480.html#msg17480
(imitating pianists)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2075.msg17593.html#msg17593
(silent practice and its advantages – Good post by faulty damper about unenthusiastic parents)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2173.msg18976.html#msg18976
(dropping notes by comparing it with batting head/rubbing tummy)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2241.msg19043.html#msg19043
(short attention span)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2255.msg19129.html#msg19129
(practising long pieces – Good discussion if one should or should not listen to CDs - Slow motion practice, comparison with walking/running)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2298.msg19672.html#msg19672
(Practice environment – the Virgil Clavier)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2355.msg20277.html#msg20277
(common mistakes made by students)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2265.msg20306.html#msg20306
(How much practice a day? – two zen stories).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2368.msg20470.html#msg20470
(Virgil clavier & silent practice – Ted gives some good information.)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2429.msg21061.html#msg21061
(Technical studies x pieces – the genesis of Studies and how Czerny derived his exercises from Beethoven sonatas - why scales are useless and at the same time essential – Chopin x Kalkbrenner story – Unorthodox fingering for scales).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2411.msg21202.html#msg21202
(Alkan op. 39 no. 4 – outlining as the best strategy to deal with this piece).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2449.msg21204.html#msg21204
(repeated note-groups as a way to tackle Czerny op. 740 no. 2)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2458.msg21365.html#msg21365
(Mental practice – tips for fingering)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2485.msg21499.html#msg21499
(How to keep a piece in the repertory – learn/forget/relearn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2526.msg21829.html#msg21829
(how to organise piano practise in short/medium/long term – Principle of memory retention – Principle of 15 minute sessions – stopping when you achieve your goals. Teachers should teach how to learn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2599.msg22431.html#msg22431
(How long does it all take? – self-taught students, the cake analogy, criticism of ABRSM for expecting people to reach grade 8 in 10 years, learning is not gradual - comparison to reading, different ways of learning, how to learn to drive a car, the dispersive method of teaching, and a 15 list to “disperse” learning).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2615.msg22522.html#msg22522
(Piece analysis – delay going to the piano and spend most time analysing – Comparison with the process of film making)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2611.msg22637.html#msg22637
(Slow practice – Glenn Gould’s finger tapping)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2720.msg23353.html#msg23353
(How to practice aim and accuracy – looking at the LH and giving verbal instructions to the RH – Full discussion on left and right brain).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2802.msg24467.html#msg24467
(When to join hands)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2864.msg25252.html#msg25252
(how everyone in the forum practises – the scientific method to decide what practice routine is good and which is not. Comments on Chang book)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2916.msg25572.html#msg25572
(Bad habits when playing/practising)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3002.msg26246.html#msg26246
(When to use the metronome)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3064.msg26866.html#msg26866
(Repeated note-groups applied to Gottschalk)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3085.msg27140.html#msg27140
(Hands together: when and how – dropping notes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3371.msg30141.html#msg30141
(zoom-zoom – all about speed playing)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3625.msg32673.html#msg32673
(PPI – comparison with body building – brief mention of movement and intellectual centre – comparison with babies walking and coma patients- muscle tension and nerve inhibition – how to investigate and test practice ideas – How to teach by using progressively difficult repertory)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3833.msg34775.html#msg34775
(analysing pieces)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3778.msg35061.html#msg35061
(Speed: discussion about gradually speeding up with a metronome or using Chang’s approach)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4105.msg37603.html#msg37603
(Does age and practice time matter? Summaries of the 7 x 20 approach – averages and standard deviations are given for the several numbers – need for a practice diary – how to deal with mastering something and forgetting it next day – what exactly is mastery – the 3 stages of mastery)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4123.msg37829.html#msg37829
(several ideas are re-explained and reinforced in this thread – How to investigate the best movement pattern: Example Scarlatti sonata K70 – How to work out the best fingering. Example: CPE Bach Allegro in A – Slow x slow motion practice – HS x HT – practising for only 5 – 10 minutes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4168.msg38569.html#msg38569
(Keeping pieces polished – learn/forget/relearn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4244.msg39203.html#msg39203
(How long to practice – having an aim, achieving it and moving on – How to define aim)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4322.msg40260.html#msg40260
(mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4429.msg41217.html#msg41217
(differences between practice and performance)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3085.msg44855.html#msg44855
(Hands together – dropping notes – when to learn HT and when to learn HS)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4954.msg46883.html#msg46883
(mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4851.msg47341.html#msg47341
(Practising for speed – Example: Beethoven Op. 49 no. 2)


http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5083.msg48306.html#msg48306
(More questions on fast speed practice – the eldorado analogy - collection of links)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5453.msg53807.html#msg53807
(3 most important practice tricks)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5555.msg53811.html#msg53811
(how long do you practice? It depends on what is meant by practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5572.msg53918.html#msg53918
(how to deal with slips - concentrate on the music, not on the score – analogy with actors and lines on a script)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5701.msg55639.html#msg55639
(3 principles of super efficient/fast learning)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5756.msg56146.html#msg56146
(Talent – Attention to detail – example of scale in clusters and how the overlooked aim is to prepare fingers.)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3561.msg31700.html#msg31700
(Questions about about the 7 X 20 principle, how do you know when you mastered a section, when to use the methods, and when they are not necessary – investigating the reasons for difficult)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4689.msg44184.html#msg44184
(20 minutes – practice starts when you get it right – definition of mastery : learned – mastered – omniscience – Aim for easy – final speed in practice must be faster than performance speed – Example: Chopin Op. 10 no. 2 – outline – repeated note groups – HS x HT)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4710.msg44538.html#msg44538
(7 x 20 minutes – Progress is the ultimate decider – How to break a piece in practice sessions – Example: Satie gymnopedie – importance of planning – aim at 100 pieces per year – Example: Bach Cm WTC 2 -)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4750.msg45125.html#msg45125
(more details: learned – mastered –omniscience – why repertory must be paramount – how to work on 20 pieces per month – a case for easy repertory – importance of discipline and of having a plan – analogy of mastering a piece and making wine – musicality is ultimately good taste – Example: Beethoven op. 49 no. 2- A list of progressive repertory to lead to Rach prelude op. 32 no. 5 – mastery is when it is easy)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4797.msg45744.html#msg45744
(No skilled steps – the usual places where students go wrong – Ht x HS)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4858.msg46087.html#msg46087
(Paul’s report - HS x HT – Example: Lecuona’s malaguena – 7x20 – need to adjust and adapt – repeated note-groups – importance of HS – hand memory – 7 items only in consciousness – playing in automatic pilot - )

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5177.msg49229.html#msg49229
(more on 7x20 – what it means to master a passage)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5298.msg50376.html#msg50376
(alternative to the chord trick – Rhythm variations - repeated note-groups – starting with the difficult bars – how to break down a piece in sessions – ways to tackle speed that do not involve the chord trick)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2714.msg23310.html#msg23310
(how to teach/learn a piece form scratch using as example J. S. Bach’s invention no. 1)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3561.msg31700.html#msg31700
(7 X 20 principle, how do you know when you mastered a section, when to use the methods, and when they are not necessary – investigating the reasons for difficult)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4689.msg44184.html#msg44184
(7 X 20 minutes – practice starts when you get it right – definition of mastery : learned – mastered – omniscience – Aim for easy – final speed in practice must be faster than performance speed – Example: Chopin Op. 10 no. 2 – outline – repeated note groups – HS x HT)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4710.msg44538.html#msg44538
(7 x 20 minutes – Progress is the ultimate decider – How to break a piece in practice sessions – Example: Satie gymnopedie – importance of planning – aim at 100 pieces per year – Example: Bach Cm WTC 2 -)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4750.msg45125.html#msg45125
(more details: learned – mastered –omniscience – why repertory must be paramount – how to work on 20 pieces per month – a case for easy repertory – importance of discipline and of having a plan – analogy of mastering a piece and making wine – musicality is ultimately good taste – Example: Beethoven op. 49 no. 2- A list of progressive repertory to lead to Rach prelude op. 32 no. 5 – mastery is when it is easy)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4797.msg45744.html#msg45744
(No skipped steps - usual places where students go wrong – Ht x HS)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4858.msg46087.html#msg46087
(Paul’s report on B’s method. Feedback from Bernhard including: HS x HT – Example: Lecuona’s malaguena – 7x20 – need to adjust and adapt – repeated note-groups – importance of HS – hand memory – 7 items only in consciousness – playing in automatic pilot)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3917.msg35495.html#msg35495
(How to improve left hand – dropping notes for coordination)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4004.msg47440.html#msg47440
(3 correct X wrong attitudes when practising)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1825.msg13858.html#msg13858
(Accommodating practice times – 10 minute sessions – some mention on mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1844.msg13949.html#msg13949
(Overpractising – stopping at the last perfect rendition).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1867.msg14268.html#msg14268
(Getting technique from pieces – hand memory, dropping notes, repeated note-groups)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1651.msg14344.html#msg14344
(How to gain hand independence – dropping notes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1894.msg14707.html#msg14707
(mental practice – Glenn Gould interview)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2053.msg16886.html#msg16886
(How should an adult beginner practice? Chang and practice spot)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2061.msg17178.html#msg17178
(how to deal with boredom)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2082.msg17230.html#msg17230
(how to concentrate).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2097.msg17480.html#msg17480
(imitating pianists)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2075.msg17593.html#msg17593
(silent practice and its advantages – Good post by faulty damper about unenthusiastic parents)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2173.msg18976.html#msg18976
(dropping notes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2241.msg19043.html#msg19043
(short attention span)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2255.msg19129.html#msg19129
(practising long pieces – Good discussion if one should or should not listen to CDs - Slow motion practice, comparison with walking/running)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2298.msg19672.html#msg19672
(Practice environment – Virgil Clavier)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2355.msg20277.html#msg20277
(common mistakes made by students)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2265.msg20306.html#msg20306
(How much practice a day?).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2368.msg20470.html#msg20470
(Virgil clavier & silent practice – Ted gives some good information)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2429.msg21061.html#msg21061
(Technical studies x pieces – the genesis of Studies and how Czerny derived his exercises from Beethoven sonatas - why scales are useless and at the same time essential – Chopin x Kalkbrenner story – Unorthodox fingering for scales).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2411.msg21202.html#msg21202
(Alkan op. 39 no. 4 – outlining as the best strategy to deal with this piece).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2449.msg21204.html#msg21204
(repeated note-groups as a way to tackle Czerny op. 740 no. 2)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2458.msg21365.html#msg21365
(Mental practice – tips for fingering)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2485.msg21499.html#msg21499
(How to keep a piece in the repertory – learn/forget/relearn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2526.msg21829.html#msg21829
(how to organise piano practise in short/medium/long term – Principle of memory retention – Principle of 15 minute sessions – stopping when you achieve your goals. Teachers should teach how to learn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2599.msg22431.html#msg22431
(How long does it all take? – self-taught students - the cake analogy - criticism of ABRSM for expecting people to reach grade 8 in 10 years - learning is not gradual - comparison to reading - different ways of learning - the dispersive method of teaching).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2615.msg22522.html#msg22522
(Piece analysis – delay going to the piano and spend most time analysing – Comparison with the process of film making)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2611.msg22637.html#msg22637
(Slow practice – Glenn Gould’s finger tapping)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2720.msg23353.html#msg23353
(How to practice aim and accuracy – looking at the LH and giving verbal instructions to the RH – Full discussion on left and right brain).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2864.msg25252.html#msg25252
(how everyone in the forum practises – the scientific method to decide what practice routine is good and which is not. Comments on Chang book)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2916.msg25572.html#msg25572
(Bad habits when playing/practising)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3002.msg26246.html#msg26246
(When to use the metronome)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3039.msg26525.html#msg26525
(how big are your hands, and does it matter? 7 x 20 minutes – exercise/activities to strengthen the playing apparatus – ways to deal with wide chords – the myth that Richter was self-taught – 3 stages of learning – Example: Chopin militaire Polonaise- scientific principles for testing practice methods – Example: Prelude in F#m from WTC1 – when to join hands and why HS – practice is improvement – the principle of “easy” – Example: Chopin’s ballade no. 4 – repeated groups)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3064.msg26866.html#msg26866
(Repeated note-groups applied to Gottschalk)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3085.msg27140.html#msg27140
(Hands together: when and how – dropping notes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3371.msg30141.html#msg30141
(zoom-zoom – all about speed playing)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3625.msg32673.html#msg32673
(PPI – comparison with body building – brief mention of movement and intellectual centre – comparison with babies walking and coma patients- muscle tension and nerve inhibition – how to investigate and test practice ideas – How to teach by using progressively difficult repertory)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3833.msg34775.html#msg34775
(analysing pieces)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3778.msg35061.html#msg35061
(Speed: discussion about gradually speeding up with a metronome or using Chang’s approach)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4105.msg37603.html#msg37603
(Does age and practice time matter? Summaries of the 7 x 20 approach – averages and standard deviations are given for the several numbers – need for a practice diary – how to deal with mastering something and forgetting it next day – what exactly is mastery – the 3 stages of mastery)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4123.msg37829.html#msg37829
(several ideas are re-explained and reinforced in this thread – How to investigate the best movement pattern: Example Scarlatti sonata K70 – How to work out the best fingering. Example: CPE Bach Allegro in A – Slow x slow motion practice – HS x HT – practising for only 5 – 10 minutes)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4168.msg38569.html#msg38569
(Keeping pieces polished – learn/forget/relearn)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4244.msg39203.html#msg39203
(How long to practice – having an aim, achieving it and moving on – How to define aim)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4322.msg40260.html#msg40260
(mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4429.msg41217.html#msg41217
(differences between practice and performance)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3085.msg44855.html#msg44855
(Hands together – dropping notes – when to learn HT and when to learn HS)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4954.msg46883.html#msg46883
(mental practice)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1034.msg47320.html#msg47320
(summary of links)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4851.msg47341.html#msg47341
(Practising for speed – Example: Beethoven Op. 49 no. 2)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4988.msg47452.html#msg47452
(Summary of links to optimise practising and planning)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2153.msg18525.html#msg18525
(Fingering for chromatic scales)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2313.msg19807.html#msg19807
(Speed of scales – factors in speed playing and an alternative fingering for scales).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2533.msg21955.html#msg21955
(an structured plan to learn scales and arpeggios – includes description of repeated note-groups and other tricks)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2619.msg22756.html#msg22756
(the complete unorthodox fingering for all major and minor scales plus an explanation)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2701.msg23134.html#msg23134
(Teaching scales – the cluster method and why one should start with B major).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2758.msg23889.html#msg23889
(scales & compositions – the real importance of scales is to develop the concept of key, not exercise)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2920.msg25568.html#msg25568
(how to play superfast scales)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2983.msg26079.html#msg26079
(Best order to learn scales – what does it mean not to play scales outside pieces)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2998.msg26268.html#msg26268
(why and when to practise scales HS and HT – Pragmatical x logical way of teaching – analogy with aikido – list of piano techniques – realistic x sports martial arts – technique and how to acquire it by solving technical problems – Hanon and why it should be avoided - Lemmings)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3499.msg31548.html#msg31548
(using scales as the basis for free improvisation)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2893.msg25500.html#msg25500
(how to teach/learn Schubert’s Impromptu op. 142 no. 2 and discussion of Burgmuller studies – Lots of practice tricks – discussion of the pragmatical x logical approach)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1871.msg14384.html#msg14384
(Reading notation – Richmann’s book – Cambridge word scramble example)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1976.msg15962.html#msg15962
(Sight reading – Richmann’s book)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2406.msg20820.html#msg20820
(the grand staff)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2577.msg22247.html#msg22247
(Keyboard topography – how to find notes by touch)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2713.msg23282.html#msg23282
(Teaching bass clef – explanation for the grand staff)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2751.msg23710.html#msg23710
(detailed explanation of the sight-reading process)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3205.msg28255.html#msg28255
(how not to look at the keys – Richmann’s reviews)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3334.msg29381.html#msg29381
(Reading both staffs as a single grand staff - Reasons for working on scales - Detailed discussion of Richmann’s book)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4461.msg41580.html#msg41580
(Looking at the keys: Good or bad? exercises to help finding notes by touch. Good contributions by Chang).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4506.msg42967.html#msg42967
(accompanying to teach sightreading)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5090.msg48850.html#msg48850
(the score is tabs for piano)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/board,4/topic,4880.3.html#msg46319
(how to acquire technique and what technique actually is)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1918.msg15015.html#msg15015
(Thumb under/over – Fosberry flop)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2024.msg16583.html#msg16583
(how to aim the pinky – using the arm to move the fingers)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2033.msg16635.html#msg16635
(finger strength)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2076.msg17157.html#msg17157
(Speed – the3 most important factors)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2079.msg17335.html#msg17335
(Hand tension)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2106.msg17587.html#msg17587
(developing both hands equally – website for left handed pianos)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2163.msg18345.html#msg18345
(Colour – overtones)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2359.msg20442.html#msg20442
(Fingering placement on the keys)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2230.msg20686.html#msg20686
(Octaves and fast octaves – excellent post by Robert Henry)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2477.msg21403.html#msg21403
(Double thirds)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2502.msg21594.html#msg21594
(Independence of the 3rd and 4thfinger – it is impossible; one should work towards the illusion of independence: it is all arm work)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2507.msg21688.html#msg21688
(Round fingers – the role of fingers)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2552.msg22037.html#msg22037
(Accuracy – the causes for inaccuracy – One possible solution: repeated note-groups, explained here in detail)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2581.msg22252.html#msg22252
(Question on piano height, octave playing, wrist movement, etc. – Anda gives some good suggestions).

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2740.msg23635.html#msg23635
(Staccatto x light accents)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1808.msg23879.html#msg23879
(Ultra fast arpeggios – slow practice x slow motion practice – good post by Herve – Abby whiteside is also mentioned)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2814.msg24872.html#msg24872
(How a student’s physicality affects teaching – discussion on arm x fingers – moving from the centre: tantien and taichi – Seymour Fink gets discussed as well)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2809.msg25013.html#msg25013
(Body movement – comparison of piano playing with the martial arts)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2948.msg25927.html#msg25927
(Czerny x Scarlatti to acquire technique – Ted gives an excellent contribution)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2973.msg25970.html#msg25970
(How to create a cantabile effect – several approaches: creating a mental image, outlining, the three basic ways to bring out a melody)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3036.msg26638.html#msg26638
(trills and melody in the same hand)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3100.msg27113.html#msg27113
(thumb over – hand displacement – practising with awareness – awareness is not thinking – learning by imitation)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3530.msg31559.html#msg31559
(how to bring out a melody – 3 different ways – Importance of a mental representation: hear in your mind and the fingers will comply)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3726.msg33453.html#msg33453
(playing with curved fingers)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3987.msg36197.html#msg36197
(etudes and alternatives to them)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4082.msg37362.html#msg37362
(you cannot learn technique in a vacuum. At the same time you cannot simply play pieces – comparison with tennis)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4182.msg38775.html#msg38775
(Hanon: pros and cons – Robert Henry’s opinion)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4164.msg39149.html#msg39149
(CC Chang and relaxation for playing fast passages)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4282.msg39831.html#msg39831
(How to increase speed: slowly using metronome x fast with chord attack – analogy against slow practice using juggling and skiping rope as examples)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4144.msg40259.html#msg40259
(improving speed of LH – moving the whole LH not only fingers)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4385.msg41226.html#msg41226
(technique is personal and relative to the piece – Fosberry flop – the best books on technique)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4734.msg44770.html#msg44770
(how to acquire virtuoso technique – aiming at 100 pieces in five years)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4880.msg46339.html#msg46339
(definition of technique: quotes from Fink, Sandor and Pires – Example of the A-E-A arpeggio)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4887.msg47334.html#msg47334
(more on Hanon)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5034.msg47829.html#msg47829
(The finger strength controversy –some excellent posts by xvimbi)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1936.msg15691.html#msg15691
(Chords and how to practise them – basic books)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2109.msg17715.html#msg17715
(how to practise chords using the cycle of 5ths – comparison with language)

http://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,665.msg25125.html#msg25125
(how to read different clefs – the history and the solution: the grand staff )

That Bernhard has been such a wealth of knowledge and information! I haven't been on that forum in awhile since he stopped posting. He was one of the highlights of that forum. Is he back? Thanks for reminding me of him.

I don't believe it! What a lot of effort!

I like this Gould quote "What it all comes down to is that one does not play the piano with one’s fingers; one plays the piano with one’s mind. If you have a clear image of what you want to do, there’s no reason it should ever need reinforcement. If you don’t, all the fine Czerny studies and Hanon exercises in the world aren’t going to help you.”

Bernard should have added - get the fingering worked out before mental practice.

That's amazing. Thanks a lot for your effort in putting together this amazing list of useful resources. As a beginner I find them pretty valuable.

Wow! Thanks so much, fe!!

Thanks, fe2008! Bernhard's practice posts on PianoStreet were great. I spent a lot of time reading through posts he wrote and found them very helpful. It's too bad he quit posting, but I guess I can understand why he did. He must have spent a huge amount of time composing his posts, and after he covered everything it made sense to just post references to previous threads.

fe2008 or others--hope you keep the compilation "bumped" for the benefit of new arrivals to PW.

Bump...

This thread is awesome!!

Sort off, Bernhard's post are very interesting but as he himself said he wasn't saying anything new. I did find his writings on the practice method helpful, even my teacher had not thought to teach me how to practice.

Well, most of what Bernhard and Chang had to say was new to me. I hope others find this thread as helpful as I do.

This is so true. Try hearing the music in your head with a metronome clicking. My teacher had me circle parts in a piece that I was having trouble playing. Then by using the metronome, showed me how I was not accurately thinking the music in my head. Try it. Its amazing how little comes from the fingers.


Enjoy

I like his stuff about breaking down a piece into sections which are simple enough to be learned in 7 attempts (the amount of repetitions necessary for your brain to learn it).

Sure, most of the ideas he wrote about weren't new, but for many of us, his posts were the first time we encountered those ideas (a lot of them were that way for me) and it's really nice to have his posts there as a reference.

So, given that he posted at PianoStreet, not here,does anyone think it would be inappropriate to ask that this thread be included in the ABF stickied thread with links to important topics?

P.S. BTW thanks a million for putting these links together Fe2008!!