Geidō

“Geidō” (芸道) is a Japanese term referring to a traditional Japanese art or way, emphasizing a disciplined and lifelong pursuit of mastery. It’s not a specific, codified method solely for piano. However, we can apply the principles of Geidō to the study of the piano, creating a framework for dedicated and meaningful practice.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Geidō philosophy can inform piano mastery:

Core Principles of Geidō Applied to Piano:

* Shu-Ha-Ri (守破離):
* This is a fundamental concept in Geidō, describing the stages of learning.
* Shu (守 – Observe/Protect):
* This stage involves strictly adhering to the fundamentals, following the teacher’s instructions precisely. In piano, this means mastering basic techniques, scales, arpeggios, and musical theory.
* Emphasis is placed on correct posture, finger placement, and understanding musical notation.
* Ha (破 – Break/Digress):
* Once the fundamentals are solid, the student begins to explore and experiment, incorporating their own interpretations and variations.
* In piano, this might involve exploring different musical styles, improvising, and developing personal phrasing.
* Ri (離 – Separate/Transcend):
* In the final stage, the student transcends the established forms, achieving a unique and personal mastery.
* In piano, this represents a deep understanding of music, allowing for effortless expression and original interpretations.

* Shin-Gi-Tai (心技体):
* This principle emphasizes the importance of mental, technical, and physical development.
* Shin (心 – Mind):
* Cultivating a focused and disciplined mind is essential. This involves developing concentration, patience, and a deep appreciation for music.
* Mental practice, visualization, and mindful listening are crucial.
* Gi (技 – Technique):
* Mastering technical skills is paramount. This requires consistent and diligent practice, focusing on precision, control, and efficiency.
* Regular exercises, etudes, and challenging pieces are necessary.
* Tai (体 – Body):
* Maintaining physical health and well-being is vital for optimal performance. This includes proper posture, relaxation, and avoiding physical strain.
* Ergonomic practice habits and physical conditioning are important.

* Continuous Refinement:
* Geidō is a lifelong pursuit, emphasizing continuous improvement and self-reflection.
* In piano, this means never ceasing to learn, explore, and refine one’s skills.

Practical Applications for Piano Practice:
* Establish a Disciplined Practice Routine:
* Consistency is key. Dedicate specific time each day to practice, focusing on quality over quantity.
* Focus on Fundamentals:
* Master scales, arpeggios, and basic techniques before moving on to more complex pieces.
* Cultivate Mindfulness:
* Pay close attention to every aspect of your playing, from finger placement to musical expression.
* Seek Guidance from a Master:
* A qualified teacher can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

* Embrace the Journey:
* Focus on the process of learning and improvement, rather than solely on the end result.

* Deep Listening:
* Listening to many different styles of music, and many different pianists, so that you can broaden your musical understanding.

By incorporating these principles, you can embark on a journey of profound musical growth and mastery.

Piano practice, learning a craft…

Out of curiosity I asked an AI program to answer the question “Piano Practicing as a Craft?” It’s such a detailed and accurate description that is difficult to improve, so here it is in its entirety:

Piano practicing as a craft involves the careful, intentional cultivation of skills and expression through discipline, attention to detail, and a deep engagement with the instrument. Like any craft, it is both structured and creative, combining technical precision with artistry.

A pianist works like a craftsman, breaking down pieces into manageable sections, dissecting each phrase, and focusing on details such as dynamics, articulation, and timing. This involves an iterative process, where phrases are played and replayed until the physical and mental understanding of the piece aligns. Muscle memory is built gradually and refined continuously.

Practicing piano also includes working on technique—scales, arpeggios, and exercises that, though repetitive, strengthen the hands, improve coordination, and enhance finger independence. Just as a woodworker sharpens their tools, a pianist hones these skills to execute pieces with clarity and ease.

Beyond the technical aspect, crafting music on the piano requires developing a sense of interpretation and emotional understanding. Pianists learn to listen deeply to their own playing, adjusting tone, balance, and expressiveness. Each note, like a brushstroke on canvas, contributes to the larger emotional arc of the piece.

A craftsman of piano practice understands that progress is gradual and patience is essential. They approach each practice session with curiosity and respect for the process, knowing that mastery emerges from sustained, focused effort over time.

Tips for Playing the Piano with Feeling

As a piano student, you’ve probably heard your teacher talk about playing with feeling and expression. But what does that actually mean, and how can you learn to do it? Here are some tips to help you tap into your emotions and play piano with feeling.

1. Connect with the music: Try to understand the emotions that the composer was trying to express in the piece you’re playing. Is it joyful, melancholy, energetic, or something else entirely? Let those emotions guide your playing.

2. Listen to recordings: Listen to recordings of professional pianists playing the piece you’re learning. Pay attention to how they use dynamics, phrasing, and tempo to create emotion and expression.

3. Use your imagination: Imagine a story or scene that the music might be expressing. Let that story inform your playing, and try to convey it to your audience.

4. Experiment with dynamics: Don’t be afraid to play with volume and intensity. Use crescendos and diminuendos to create contrast and drama.

5. Shape the phrases: Think about how the melody rises and falls, and try to create a sense of direction and purpose in your playing.

6. Use rubato: Don’t be afraid to play with tempo, speeding up and slowing down slightly to create expressiveness.

7. Trust your instincts: Don’t be too caught up in the technical aspects of playing. Trust your instincts and let your emotions guide your playing.

Remember, playing with feeling takes time and practice, but the more you work on it, the more expressive and emotional your playing will become. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Have Fun with Exercises!

Welcome to another exciting post where we dive deep into the art of making piano practice not just productive but also incredibly fun! Today, we’re drawing inspiration from a fantastic approach that emphasizes creativity and enjoyment in musical education.

Introduction: Why Fun Matters in Practice Learning the piano requires dedication and countless hours of practice, but who says it can’t be fun? Incorporating enjoyable elements into your practice sessions can boost motivation and make the learning process something to look forward to each day.

Creative Exercises to Transform Your Practice

Mixing Rhythms: One of the most effective ways to spice up your piano practice is by playing with different rhythms. Whether you’re practicing scales, arpeggios, or pieces, try integrating varied rhythmic patterns. For instance, switch between triplets, sixteenth notes, and syncopated rhythms to challenge your timing and dexterity.
Play with Dynamics: Dynamics aren’t just for expression; they can be a tool for fun, too! Practice your scales or your favorite pieces by dramatically changing the dynamics. Start pianissimo (very soft), crescendo to fortissimo (very loud), and then diminuendo back to soft. This not only helps with your expressive skills but keeps the practice engaging.
Incorporate Technology: Use apps and online tools that gamify learning. For example, rhythm trainers or digital platforms that provide real-time feedback can make your practice sessions feel like playing a video game.
Musical Storytelling: Turn a piece of music into a story, where each section represents a different character or scene. This approach helps you to think creatively about the music and find new ways to express yourself through your playing.

Conclusion: Keep the Fun Alive Remember, the goal of integrating fun into your practice sessions is to make the learning process enjoyable and sustainable. By varying your routine and challenging yourself with new, playful exercises, you’ll not only become a better pianist but also look forward to each practice session with eager anticipation.

Call to Action Try out these fun exercises in your next practice session and see how they transform your approach to the piano. Happy practicing!

Tips to help bring out the best tone when playing the piano

There is a pianist from the past, Artur Rubenstein. His playing was characterised by the most beautiful tone. Rubenstein gave every note importance and make melodies truly sing. The result, as you can hear below, was truly exceptional.

Chopin Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1 in B flat

Here are some tips to achieve a beautiful rounded tone:

Play with the pads of the fingers rather than the tips. Aim for a warm ‘buttery’ tone effect when doing this.

Listen carefully. Listen attentively to the sound you are producing and adjust your touch accordingly.

Play with a variety of touch. Experiment with different levels of pressure to bring out the full range of the piano’s sound.

Rubenstein was ‘honest’ when he played. He searched for the composer’s meaning, and endeavoured to produce what the composer meant us to hear. He didn’t ‘throw away’ notes and gave them all full value. Can you practice to achieve this?

2023 Adults Social Concert

Thanks to Nick, Abi, Leanne, Trevor, Flora, Matt and Rachel for taking part in this year’s Christmas social music evening. Not to forget Sue who helped with the teas and coffees!

The evening was an opportunity to play pieces in front of other students and to make new friends. It’s always daunting to play in front of an audience, particularly other piano players, but everyone played beautifully and confidently.

Thanks to all, it was great fun!

Please observe the speed limit

Remember, when you practise it has to be SLOW. You cannot practise impatiently. Putting in the ‘time’ of practising is not enough. I would rather 30 minutes of slow practising and listening to 2 hours of just playing.

Practise slowly. Listen to what you are playing, pay attention. This helps you eliminate mistakes and bad habits.

1. Practise slowly
2. Have a plan, know what you want to achieve.
3. Do it in small sections.
4. Have patience.
5. Listen. Don’t just ‘hear’ what you are playing.

It’s not too late

If you’ve always wanted to play the piano but feel you’ve missed your chance then hear this:

It’s not too late. Learning to play the piano can improve cognitive function, memory, and coordination. It can also be a great way to relieve stress and express oneself creatively.

You’re not too old. The brain is constantly adapting and forming new connections, even in adulthood. With regular practice, anyone can learn to play the piano, regardless of their age.

How do I do it? You just need a simple method for learning that feels fun, motivating and geared to your needs. You’ll start slowly and focus on the basics. Learning to play the piano takes time and effort, but it is important to be patient and enjoy the process.

Finding your voice

When we begin playing the piano our hands and brain coordinate to play all the notes roughly at the same volume. At the beginner stage it is not yet possible, say, to play one hand louder or softer than the other. However, with practice you can begin to play the fingers of one hand heavier or lighter. Taking that forward you can gain more control of the fingers and are able to play one finger heavier or lighter than the other fingers of that hand.

The ability to create independence of the hands and fingers takes time and doesn’t come quickly. However as you progress it does become easier and there are some technical exercises available to help.

Ultimately, as your control and touch develops and you can make the phrases ‘sing.’ This is achieved usually by not necessarily playing the phrases or tunes louder, but by having the control to play the accompaniment a little lighter and quieter. You begin to find your ‘voice’ and it opens up a whole new world of expression.

Keep trying, with work and patience it will come!

The Sustain Pedal

Playing the piano can be a truly immersive experience, especially when you explore the unique qualities of the piano sustain pedal. It is the one on the right hand side and holds the key to unlocking a world of musical expressions.

One of the main joys of using the sustain pedal is how it helps you keep the notes singing. The moment you press down on this pedal, a magical transformation occurs within the piano: it lifts all the dampers away from the strings, allowing the notes to ring out and sound freely. This creates a sort of musical elixir, blending individual notes into a vibrant and full-bodied sound that lingers on, even after your fingers have left the keys. It’s like weaving a rich tapestry of sound, allowing your performances to truly sing and resonate.

But the pedal doesn’t stop there. It has another trick up its sleeve – enhancing the resonance of your piano. With the dampers lifted off, the sustain pedal allows unplayed strings to vibrate sympathetically to the notes you are playing. This adds depth to your sound, almost as if it gives a soul to the piano, bringing out the instrument’s unique voice and making your music feel more alive.

The sustain pedal is also your helpful friend when you’re aiming for a smooth legato – a seamless connection between notes that might be a stretch to hold together by fingers alone. By cleverly managing the pedal, you can weave together notes that would otherwise be impossible to connect, creating a silky thread of sound that flows effortlessly through even the most intricate musical passages.

Remember: try and use the sustain pedal as a ‘paintbrush’, bringing it in and out gently as he music requires, rather than switching it ‘off and on.’

Another interesting aspect of the sustain pedal is its ability to inject a variety of expressive effects into your music. By carefully controlling how much you press down on the pedal, you can make the sound linger on longer, gently fade away, or create an echo-like decaying effect. These subtle manipulations can add a whole new level of emotion and detail to your performances, making each piece uniquely your own.

The pedal also gives you the freedom to experiment with the tonal colours of your piano. When you mix and match the pedal’s effects with various playing techniques – like the intensity of your touch or the dynamics of your playing – you can create a stunning palette of tonal shades and textures. This flexibility gives you the power to paint different moods and atmospheres with your music, adding a personal touch to your interpretation of the piece.

In essence, the piano sustain pedal serves as an artistic tool that enhances your control over the sound production of the piano. By offering opportunities for sustained sound, increased resonance, smooth legato, and a whole spectrum of tonal colours, the sustain pedal truly allows your performances to bloom with expressive and nuanced detail.