How to practice piano

Where’s the Finish Line?

Where’s the Finish Line?

Jeremy Denk says he never plays a piece of music the same way twice. Reading that, as a longtime fan of the celebrated pianist, reminded me of an issue I’ve been thinking about for a while: At what point will I have finished learning a composition? Does the finish line come when I have played the music at a consistent tempo?

My Teacher Made Me Practice… DURING My Lesson

My Teacher Made Me Practice… DURING My Lesson

For many years, I regarded my adult piano lessons as showtime. Of course my teacher and I worked through the material, but I saw the lesson primarily as a chance to perform work I had accomplished the week before.

Practicing in Performance Mode

Practicing in Performance Mode

After I learned the second movement of the Schubert Sonata in A Major, D664, my new piano teacher, Mark Pakman, explained I would now shift my practice of the Andante into “performance mode.”

Rushing Haydn in Adult Piano Lessons

Rushing Haydn in Adult Piano Lessons

I have never been one to do anything slowly. I entered high school at age 12, college at 16, and was a vice president in a male-dominated industry at 30. That is, until I studied Haydn.

Press Record to Improve Your Sound

Press Record to Improve Your Sound

Several years ago, my piano teacher, Stephen Wu, suggested in his low-key manner that I record myself when I practiced. I allowed a lot of time to elapse before I finally worked up the courage to follow his suggestion, despite his occasional, gentle reminders.