Struggling with "CD" Level Accuracy? (aimed at struggling intermediate learners and possibly adults returning to music studies)

After multiple recording takes, I took some screenshots to share something of the frustration and energy it took to get the outcome I wanted. This was a demo for a “simple” scale exercise.

After multiple recording takes, I took some screenshots to share something of the frustration and energy it took to get the outcome I wanted. This was a demo for a “simple” scale exercise.

It is my belief and also my experience that people who achieve great accuracy in piano, practise more & practise differently. So it is achievable with practice. 


The question is, 


“Do I want to grow distinction level accuracy? Or am I content to remain at pass or possibly merit level?”


To attain this, a student needs to know HOW to achieve accuracy and really BELIEVE that this is possible to achieve in a short time. 


The problem I see is that students who spend months struggling on pieces do not believe that we can attain full accuracy quickly because of their experience. But the thing is that CAN do it, if we can commit to SMALL sections. This way is arguably better because that means as you learn the rest of the piece, you will be playing it correctly instead of ironing in errors that become very hard to change. 


It requires patience but you could be amazed at the results!

A possible aim is to try and AUDIO record one or several bars of music with the greatest accuracy that you can. It could be separate hands or both hands. I hope that the outcome will be not only satisfaction but the belief that you will be able to achieve that with another section of the piece, and gradually, the whole piece.


HOW: (in any order that makes sense)

  • Use silent practice before you record. 

  • Practice a section of it between 6-15 times. 

  • Have a break 

  • Record 

  • Try again another day


Warning: It may take several days to achieve a small section of a bar or a few bars! I find that breaks are not only useful, they can help speed up the process. For example, I will sometimes work on a section several times a day in short bursts.

I would love to share some of the many practice ideas I have collected over my years teaching and studying music - which my students have found useful, and which I have found useful. My main interest is in creating performance so I have been less interested in making resources, but it occurred to me that the resources may help students to create performances! I have been figuring out how to present them in an appealing way, and deliver them in a way that helps me to conserve energy.


Be patient. It’s usual to feel frustrated when you are trying to rise to challenges and level up. If you’re comfortable, it’s good for relaxation (it’s important to include this as well) but we won’t necessarily be breaking new ground. 


Questions to ask yourself, and which I ask myself:


“Do I want to grow - which involves discomfort, but take my work to a level I never even imagined possible? 


Or do I want to remain comfortable but possibly discontent at the difference between my skills and my dreams?”

 
performance, learningThe Mollusc Dimensionmusic, piano, piano technique