Cathy Thacker Piano Studio

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Philosophy of Practice

Regular Practice is ESSENTIAL to a student's success! Practicing 4-6 times a week is preferred. Most beginners should spend 10-15 minutes a day in practice. Intermediate level students need about 30 minutes a day, and advanced students should put in 45-60 (or more) minutes a day in practice.

Whether you are studying for a math test or preparing for your next sports game, incremental practice sessions yield the best results.  The same is true for piano.

Practice Tips:

Try practicing hands separately, then hands together. 

Do things in layers:  hands separately, then together SLOWLY, then up to tempo, then add pedal.

Once you become familiar with the music, try playing it as fast as you can.  Play it high, play it low, sing along.

COUNT OUT LOUD!!!

Practice with a metronome.  You might be amazed to find out you're actually not playing with a steady beat.

Isolate the troublesome measures.  Practice them first about 5-10 times, and then incorporate them into the whole piece of music. 

Why are dynamics so important?  Listen to a Beethoven symphony, and you will understand.

Fun Facts

Who are the three famous B's in music? 

Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. 

Which famous concert pianist was known for playing so hard that he regularly broke strings?

Franz Liszt.

TRUE OR FALSE:  All musicians are crazy.  This kind of depends on your point of view, but I tend to think it's TRUE.