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!