Ever had a practice session when you just don’t feel like you’re getting better? Or getting better quickly enough? Here are eight things I’ve learned that improve piano playing.

Let’s say you are just sitting down to a new piece of music. The first thing to do is look over the entire piece.

1. The Overview

• Would it be easier to read if you enlarged each page on a copier?
• Are there so many pages that you prefer to put them in a three-ring binder for easier page turning? Or do you prefer to lay them out in a row – or tape them at the edges?
• Decide at what point in a measure will it be easiest to turn the page and add that to your daily practice so it becomes automatic. Mark or highlight the spot so you don’t have to think about it again.
• Are there any repeat signs? Do you go backward to an earlier page to repeated sections?
• What is the beginning key signature? Are there any key signature changes? Do you want to highlight them to be prepared?
• What is the beginning time signature? Are there any time signature changes? Do you want to highlight them in advance?
• Are you very familiar with the key signature or do you need to play the scale several times to get the sharps or flats in your mind?

---

2. The Sight Reading

The first time you play a page you are “sight reading” it. After that, it’s practice. I like to sight read the whole piece to see what I’m getting into. But when you start to practice, you could decide to work on the entire piece or just one section at a time if it is long. How much time you have on the calendar before performing it also will determine how much to work on at a time.

No need to get frustrated on the first play-throughs. As you practice, you’ll only improve and it will get easier during the next days/weeks. Be nice to yourself – think encouraging thoughts as you improve piano playing!

---

3. The Fingering

On those areas you think are more difficult, consider the fingering. Are there already fingering numbers? Do you need to add or customize the fingering to make playing easier? Don’t feel like you’re cheating – no hand is the same size. Do you need to further mark or highlight them?

---

4. The Black Keys Jump-Off

This can really step-up your playing performance a notch or two! So many beginner pianists hardly ever consider how the black keys can improve piano playing.

When thinking about the Step 3. Fingering, see if actually using the raised black key/s makes it easier to play those more difficult areas. Write the fingering using the black keys to locate the white keys (when appropriate). For example, if you have a very low E, think to aim the left hand 4 finger to touch the left side of the F sharp so that the 5 finger naturally hits the E without having to look down at your hand.

What I mean is, play by touch more than constantly looking down at the keys. Play like you’re blind! When you start using the black key/s this way to improve piano playing by touch, you free up seconds wasted looking down at the keys.

Do you type? Remember how the typing teacher insisted you not look at your hands when typing? If you never had that experience, that’s a loss – but you can make up for it now!

---

5. The Pedaling

Using the pedal can make or break your performance. If your chosen music is written for the pedal to be used, make sure you do so properly – at the correct time and with the correct action. Pedaling should be “clean” by allowing the pedal to go all the way up, disengage the sound, and then go quickly down to sustain the new sounds. If not, it becomes mushy with overlapping sounds you didn’t want and were not intended. If you’ve never used the pedal, do start! It can instantly make you sound better and improve piano playing by freeing up your fingers to get ready for the next notes to play!

---

6. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

As I go through a piece, where there are measures that are more challenging, I like to play that spot multiple times in a row. Or even break it up into smaller “chunks” to repeat-play until I’ve mastered it. Then go back a line or so and play through the challenge, which should have been improved.

---

7. Add Artistry

Once you’ve practiced for some days, it should be easier and take less brain power to think while you play. Now’s the time to add artistry to your playing to really give it appeal! Surely there are dynamic markings to pay attention to, and you may decide to add some of your own.

Think of a roller coaster – how you slowly work your way up and then come crashing down with speed and force! You can add this to greatly improve piano playing and it doesn’t require adding notes or fancy frills or trills. Go gradually slower in an area – not really a ritardando, but just a slight variance in speed. It truly enlivens your performance!

We were drilled as students to set that metronome and master the time signature. Move beyond that level and let yourself breathe life into your playing: go ever so slightly slower or faster, a bit louder, a bit softer – minutely making changes within each measure or line or partial line. Play it for yourself!

---

8. Record and Evaluate

You may decide that you’ve done all you can think of to improve piano playing. However, I find it revealing to record my playing and then listen for areas I don’t like and want to improve. It’s almost like having a second set of ears to help you evaluate.

---

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:

---

---

About the Author, Composer, Illustrator,
Educator, and Eternal Optimist

Leslie Young is the author/composer/illustrator 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 students.

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 pattern of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

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’s an easy and effective way to learn piano.”