How Tiny Changes Can Produce Amazing Results in Piano Performance: Part 2
Tiny Changes Can Produce Amazing Results Over Time
Small improvements can, over time, produce results that are quite significant – even astounding. Proof is in the fascinating account of how the dismal British cycling professionals rocketed to dominate the sport after their new performance director, Dave Brailsford, introduced his new approach in 2003.
Beginning a few years later in 2007, the British cyclists won 178 world championships, 66 Olympic/Paralympic gold medals, won five Tour de France races, and held these honors over ten years. (The report stops with 2017 accomplishments.)
In considering how tiny changes can produce amazing results, I think it would be best to remember that 1% improvements are not really noticeable but that they “pay off” in the long run over time. It’s encouraging to remember the math:
“If you can get 1% better each day for one year,
you’ll end up 37 times better by the time you’re done.”
Excerpt from Atomic Habits by James Clear
How can you replicate this approach in your piano performance?
Dividing the many possible changes a person could consider making to improve overall piano performance, it seems there are two main categories: improvements in the physical and mental functions in the actual performance;
and improvements in the environment and the body.
Beginning with the second category, here are some considerations:
Improvements in the Environment and the Body
1. Room Temperature: Can the temperature in the room actually affect playing ability? I know for a fact that I don’t play as well when my fingers are cold and stiff. This is an insightful article on this topic.
Pianists with more efficient keystroke movements showed higher precision in timing and force measures. And if you want to get technical about it . . .
And related to this issue of stiff fingers, here’s a demonstration of how to lessen tension in fingers to improve performance.
2. Shoe Heel Height: Can playing barefoot or the height of your shoe heel affect playing ability? It can – when you need to use the damper pedal.
Your foot will not become tired or begin to hurt if you keep the foot angle at about 30 degrees. This gives you “push power” strength you will not have if you are barefoot or wear heels that are too low. Experiment with your chosen shoe by continuing the pedaling action for a minute. If this is not comfortable, try a shoe with a higher heel, or put a book under your heel.
Try various book thicknesses until you have just the right angle for your foot. Remember that a shoe sole that is uniformly thick will not change the angle of the foot because the toe will go up by the same distance as the heel. You might try a board as a platform for shoe and pedal.
For you DIY folks, here’s how you adjust the tension of the damper pedal. Even if you don’t need to do it, this is interesting to watch!
3. Piano Bench: Can seating posture affect playing ability? Absolutely yes!
It’s better to use a bench (instead of a chair) because it is totally horizontal. The line of the keyboard and the seat need to be parallel. Chairs most likely do not have the optimal height in relation to the keyboard, and they are more difficult to position correctly.
For example, consider how odd it would feel if the pianist was using a traditional folding chair where the seat slopes up. It creates a tension in the body to maintain a parallel position relative to the keyboard, which is not only uncomfortable but a major distraction. Attention is diverted to fighting gravity when slipping on a sloping chair!
4. Bench Cushion: Can a bench cushion affect playing ability? Probably yes.
It definitely does for me. As I’ve aged, it feels much less comfortable to sit for a long time on the traditional bare wooden bench. It would cause pain and distraction.
Here are a few cushions that are effective:
This ergonomic seat cushion is designed to relieve
sitting and hip pressure while improving posture and relaxing hip muscles.
This bench is adjustable in height.
This bench (with padded seat) works for the professional. Because of the longer length,
it accommodates two pianists for duets. It also allows for the position shifting of the
virtuoso performer who uses the wide range of the upper and lower keyboard.
This piano pedal extender for children comes in various weights and materials,
wood or lighter weight plastic. There is a spring version, but also a
hydraulic which may be easier to depress.
Well, I’m not even half way through so more will have to wait until next week – I have to go play something!
Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning student
She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”
Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.
What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?
What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?
View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:
View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:
View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:
View the books on Amazon:
