5 Keys to Mastering Piano Practice

Oct 12

As the school year kicks off, many students are diving into a whirlwind of activities, including piano lessons. Our piano department head, Krystyna Tucka, discusses 5 ways you can make the most of your practice time.

Organize Your Practice Time

A common question students and parents ask is “How long should I practice and what should it look like?” The answer lies in frequency and quality. Frequent, shorter, and more focused practice sessions are better than fewer, longer sessions where it’s easier to lose concentration.

Here’s an example breakdown for a one-hour practice session:

15-20 minutes of technique: Work on scales, triads, chords, arpeggios, and technical exercises.
5-10 minutes of sight reading: This skill accelerates the process of learning new pieces.
The remaining time: Dedicate this remaining time to learning your assigned pieces.

If you’re working on 4-5 pieces but can’t fit them all into one day of practice, try practicing your repertoire in rotation. For instance, you can practice pieces A and B on Day 1, and pieces C, D, and E on Day 2. Remember to adjust as needed to ensure that all pieces are getting frequent attention.

Start Strong

The first step in learning a new piece is reading the notes. An efficient way to start is to break the piece into manageable sections and practice them repeatedly. Doing so allows for better motor control and helps with memorization and familiarity with the music.

In technical sections (even short ones) practice active finger technique. Doing so will help build finger strength, which can later translate to speed.

Pay attention to fingering! What feels comfortable at a slow pace might not at a faster tempo, so always check the fingerings provided in your music edition—they’re there for a reason.

Pay Attention to the Details

Pay attention to dynamics, articulations, and accents, and try to incorporate them as soon as you can. This will save you time and effort down the road.

This is also true for expression markings. It’s much easier to get it right the first time than to rework it later. For instance, if you practice a section with a light touch and later discover that the term "pesante" means "heavily," you'll need to re-practice the section differently.

If you’re ever uncertain what a term means, a quick online search can clarify things; just type the musical term and add “in music” to find the right definitions.

Slow And Steady

Resist the urge to speed through new pieces. Rushing and reading a new piece at a fast tempo can hinder careful note, fingering, and articulation reading, which can create a habit of mistakes and inappropriate pauses.

It’s more effective to start slowly and gradually increase your speed, while still making sure to focus on all the details. If you find yourself speeding up early on in your practice, use a metronome. It may feel tedious at first, but it pays off!

Understand Your Music

It’s important to get a general idea of the piece’s style. Listening to recordings or asking your instructor to play a demo can help you understand the nuances and overall feel of a piece. When listening, pay special attention to the use of the pedal—it may vary depending on the era of the composition.

Finally, doing a bit of research about the piece and its composer can deepen your connection to the music. Understanding the context adds richness to your playing and broadens your perspective as a musician.

Understanding and Intention

In essence, the key to effective piano practice lies in consistency, focus, and a thoughtful approach. By organizing your time wisely and paying attention to the details, you’ll see your skills grow in no time. Remember, practice isn’t just about repetition; it’s about understanding and intention.

So, whether you’re working on technique, sight reading, or learning new pieces, approach each session with patience, discipline, and curiosity. Most importantly, enjoy the journey of becoming a musician, and watch your progress unfold. Happy practicing!