PRACTICE TIPS #23: Three Questions

[Brent Hugh <bhugh@GRIFFON.MWSC.EDU>]

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PRACTICE TIPS #23: Three Questions

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How do you know when a passage is good? How do you know that it is, 

technically and musically, the best it can be?



Asking yourself the following three questions is a good start. If answer 

"yes" to all three questions, you can have confidence you are on the right 

track. If there is a problem with one or more of the three elements, you 

need to do some problem solving.



   1. Does it SOUND right? Does it have the right notes, the right rhythms, 

the right dynamics and phrasing, the right tempo, the right articulation, 

the right voicing?



   2. Does it FEEL right? Are you as relaxed as possible to play this 

passage, or do you feel excess tension in your hands, arms, shoulders, 

neck, or anywhere else? In general, do your movements feel smooth and 

flowing or sharp and jerky?  Do you even have an awareness of how your 

hands, arm, and body feel, or have you blocked these feelings out

altogether?



   3. Does it LOOK right? Can you see any evidence of excess tension? Does 

the choreography of your movements—hands, fingers, arms, head, and entire 

body—seem to match the requirements of the passage?





Off-topic Note

--------------



Just a reminder that I'm playing a concert this week in St. Joseph, 

Missouri.  I'd love to see anyone there who can make it!



Program



    * Chopin, 24 Preludes, Op. 28

    * Ravel, Valses nobles et sentimentales

    * Bartok, Piano Sonata.



Date and place



    * 27 March 2000, 7:30 PM, Fine Arts Theatre, Potter Fine

      Arts Center, Missouri Western State College, Saint Joseph,

      Missouri.  Free admission.





Happy Practicing!



--Brent





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PRACTICE TIPS is by pianist, teacher, composer, and internet nerd

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elephant's left ear--it's not even close to the whole elephant that is

"how everyone in the whole world should practice the piano".



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