Piano tips/sheet music

[pcfan123]

Ah I think I get it now, have to run off for a bit but plan on trying it when I get home and then more practice

Hmarka added 3 Minutes and 0 Seconds later...

@ Master

I get it now, just tried a go at curved fingers and it was easier to change chords. Felt a bit unusual but I will have to work on it.

@ the youtube thing, I know I am awful so Im pretty immune to negative comments. I know I started late and I am just playing for my own enjoyments, no aspirations to be a concert pianist :laugh

 

[MasterBlaster76]

You're certainly not awful, mate.

I've almost got most of the right hand down, up to around bar no. 11 (where the semiquavers make an appearance) apart from bar/measure no. 5 - I'm trying to figure out the best fingering for that, because it's a rapid succession of two note chord changes.

Don't know if I'll ever be able to post this, because I have nothing to record with! It'll come out rubbish on my mobile, maybe I'll get my mate round one day when I've made some progress, so he can video it with his mobile. Haven't got a webcam, and even if I did, the PC's in one room and the piano's in another...

Edit: Once you've got the notes down, all the technical stuff, fill your head with images of the Holocaust when playing - it'll put the piece into emotional overdrive!

 

[pcfan123]

If you want Ill take a video of how I play the right hand part for the first few measures.

Also I have all the notes written out (A B D G etc) on a piece of paper. If you want I can take a picture of that for you.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

If you want Ill take a video of how I play the right hand part for the first few measures.

Also I have all the notes written out (A B D G etc) on a piece of paper. If you want I can take a picture of that for you.

That's OK - I've been practicing that section over and over and it's beginning to come now. Now, to sort something out for the left hand. Can't play it as written, at least not until giving the rhythms some study. Maybe if I can get this under my belt, it'll re-ignite my passion for piano. The fun will really start when the semiquavers come into play - that will have to be played really slowly, after clapping the rhythm - then speeding it up.

 

[pcfan123]

YouTube - JanGunterson's Channel

This is a great guide

Check on the right. he has a playlist that is a tutorial for this theme. Broken down into many sections. Its how I learned the tricky parts.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

You know what? You were right - the first 11 bars (at least) are not that hard and I reckon I'll have it down before too long. Nice find with the tutorial though, I'll check it out!

Edit: Do you use the pedal, Hmarka? There are certain 'cheats' you can use with those left hand chords if you can't reach all the notes (like me).

 

[pcfan123]

Just heard someone playing an amazing song at my Uni on a piano in one of the lounges. I tried to record it on my laptop, does anyone know what its called?

 

[pcfan123]

Found out the song. This is amazing!

 

[pcfan123]

Edit: Do you use the pedal, Hmarka? There are certain 'cheats' you can use with those left hand chords if you can't reach all the notes (like me).

Yea I do, im not sure when to use it though, I just use it when I think it sounds right.

Im sure its there amongst all the squiggly lines, dashes, dots etc and what not on the sheet music. Will have to figure out what all those mean sooner or later.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

No, what I mean is that your hands, particularly the left one, is too bent towards the floor. if anything it should be the other way round: a nice round dome shape with the hands always above the horizon of the keys as it were; look at the second photo Steve posted.

The broom exercise seems silly but give it a go. Lie the broom out in front of you; pick it up using your finger and thumb tips with both hands and lift it up so it is between tummy and chest. The shape of the hands is akin to the shape of the hands you want to have during playing, although this shape changes of course when playing but that is the general idea.

One other thing, when playing with your hands towards the back of the piano (chords involving the black notes), your hands will flatten out a touch, but when playing the white notes, they should be curved.

YouTube - JanGunterson's Channel

This is a great guide

Check on the right. he has a playlist that is a tutorial for this theme. Broken down into many sections. Its how I learned the tricky parts.

Tch...tch....tch...I'm very disappointed in you, young man - I thought you'd learned the piece without any help - only joking mate, you're still doing brilliantly. I'm just trying to figure out how I could upload my piano at some point. The PC's in my room and the piano's just outside in the hall.

Bass clef notes are beginning to come back now, as is motivation to play piano.

 

[pcfan123]

Would love to hear you play Master,

Dutchad, any advice on what kind of acoustic piano to look for? Im thinking of a spinet type piano thats not too big. Im a bit confused as some of the uprights have amplifiers in them? I don't want anything electric!

 

[Dutch]

Would love to hear you play Master,

Dutchad, any advice on what kind of acoustic piano to look for? Im thinking of a spinet type piano thats not too big. Im a bit confused as some of the uprights have amplifiers in them? I don't want anything electric!

There are some beautiful half upright pianos. I have one: looks good, is small and tidy but has a great sound. I will see if I can put a picture up!

 

[pcfan123]

I tried to sit on a few cushions and raise myself a bit, it seems to have helped. I find it easier to change chords now

Here is my latest attempt at the entire first part of the song (this time recorded with a better camera). There are a few mistakes but I have tried to sit higher, with my arms parallel to the ground. Not sure if I have corrected my fingers and wrists though too hard to tell while I am playing.

So have a look and any feedback would be nice.

Also included a sneak peak at the middle section, its the trickiest part of the song and sounds great.

YouTube - Schindler's List Theme 1st part attempt at piano

Any chance of hearing any recordings of you playing dutch?

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I tried to sit on a few cushions and raise myself a bit, it seems to have helped. I find it easier to change chords now

Here is my latest attempt at the entire first part of the song (this time recorded with a better camera). There are a few mistakes but I have tried to sit higher, with my arms parallel to the ground. Not sure if I have corrected my fingers and wrists though too hard to tell while I am playing.

So have a look and any feedback would be nice.

Also included a sneak peak at the middle section, its the trickiest part of the song and sounds great.

YouTube - Schindler's List Theme 1st part attempt at piano

Any chance of hearing any recordings of you playing dutch?

Nice, Hmarka. You're going to have this piece nailed in no time. Your hands are better, still a bit flat in places, but that could be because you're not used to it yet. That dog of yours likes to hear you play, doesn't he? The only thing I'd say regarding the unintentional pauses is maybe you should practice the piece more slowly, until you can play without those pauses. Then bring it back to tempo, and they should be gone.

I haven't played today - just come home from the theatre. Might have a little go now.

 

[pcfan123]

Thanks Steve,

I just need to play it slowly for a few hours and then I wont have those awkward pauses. Was just trying to play at the tempo for the video so I dont bore you to death with a 3 minute version :laugh

My hands already feel better and more comfortable so hopefully that only improves.

As for the dog, he might as well be my tail. Follows me everywhere!