Book: Piano Adventures
By: Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
There are many who believe that all it takes to play piano effectively, is to "learn the notes". That is definitely not the case. In fact, it's almost utterly impossible to become a skilled musician by simply just "doing". Proper hand technique and discipline is needed in order to train and develop your muscles, as well build hand-eye coordination.
Proper Technique:
As you can see, the fingers take up each consecutive key, with the thumb always starting on the first note played in your piece (Piece is another word for music). The other four fingers are slightly arched above each key, making movement and key change flow smoothly and effectively. "You always arch your fingers, playing with only the tip of each one; as if you're holding a baseball." (6)
Improper Technique:
People who play incorrectly, tend to spread out their fingers and flatten them. This leads to cramped fingers and locked joints, making rhythm and key flow difficult. They also tend to spread out their fingers on random keys, making the separation of keys and placement of each chord on the piano hard to master. "Improper spacing will not only impair your ability to hit all your key notes in succession, but it will also hinder the fluidity in which the song piece should be played." (6)
Now let's say that your hands are a little bit on the "small" side when it comes to reaching each key. What do you do?
ive always had problems with my hand positions first when i was learning piano. I always would have my hand flat on the notes.
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