What is a mistake? Simply put, it’s something that doesn’t work. Mistakes prevent us from reaching our goals, or mastering new skills.
Paradoxically, however – mistakes are also an inseparable part of learning. We ALL make them: whether they happen accidentally or as a result of ignorance, most mistakes can teach us precious lessons.
Still, there’s a catch to this process: if we don’t correct them in time, innocent mistakes can transform into serious bad habits, and create big obstacles on our path.
So what are the most common beginner mistakes that most of us make during the first year of learning – and how do we correct them?
Watch the video to find out! 😉
Top 10 Beginner Piano Mistakes that Sabotage Your Progress
Video highlights:
00:02. Introduction.
00:41. Mistake No. 1: the ‘dinosaur’ posture!
02:03. Why is bad posture so common these days?
02:50. If the dinosaur is not our ‘animal of choice’, how do we sit instead? The ‘secret key’ to good posture.
04:50. The correct shoulder-elbow-wrist-hand alignment and its benefits.
06:07. What happens with our wrists and hands, as part of the correct posture?
07:28. Good posture is not a static ‘hold’!
07:52. Keeping the back straight. Avoiding slouching and neck craning.
08:12. Quick summary of Mistake No. 1 – and its solutions.
08:54. Mistake No. 2: stiff-armed finger technique.
09:50. What’s the alternative? First, let’s watch a few great masters play (video examples).
10:17. Why is good technique effortless and tension-free? Whole-arm action and weighted playing.
10:42. How do we master this ergonomic technique? A quick summary of the progressive approach to learning whole-arm action.
11:51. The old-school ‘5-finger-position’ method books – and why you should avoid them.
13:18. Mistake No. 3: ignoring tension and pain.
13:53. Never tolerate pain! What is pain actually telling you? The main solution to this problem.
14:24. Mistake No. 4: neglecting left hand development.
14:57. The healthy alternative: following a method that develops both hands harmoniously. Examples of pieces with an active LH part.
16:42. Mistake No. 4a: assuming that clefs refer to hands. How notation really works. Insightful piece examples.
18:35. Mistake No. 5: only focusing on the notes! The sad modern ‘note-typing’ trend.
19:05. How does music really work, and how do notes fit into the bigger picture? A comparison with speech.
19:42. What to do if even hitting those right notes is too difficult.
20:36. Mistake No. 5a: ‘blind’ reading.
21:23. Mistake No. 6: playing by ear or by chords.
21:39. Is musical notation ‘too hard’?
22:16. Mistake No. 7: learning random songs vs following a progressive curriculum.
22:43. The sad consequences of this approach.
23:31. Mistake No. 8: neglecting aural training.
25:00. Mistake No. 9: inefficient practice.
25:21. What is efficient practice?
26:07. Mistake No. 10: impatience (or ‘the one mistake that rules them all’).
27:19. What happens when we rush, and where do ‘shortcuts’ really take us?
27:52. What is the true purpose of playing music?
28:49. How does mastery work?
29:18. Conclusion.
Start your journey to piano mastery today by joining my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com!
As a member of PCA, you will:
- Learn how to play freely, expressively and brilliantly from the comfort of your home
- Build lasting skills by following our step-by-step Courses
- Find professional solutions to any piano problem by exploring our many hundreds of exclusive tutorials for all levels
- Master any piece with our follow-along practice guides
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It’s time to hear your playing come alive and shine!
Recommended free tutorials:
The 5 Basic Elements of a Correct Piano Posture.
The Key Principles of Correct Piano Practice: A Step-By-Step Holistic Guide.
How to Avoid Piano Injuries | Get Rid of Tension and Pain in Your Hands, Arms & Back!
Recommended tutorials (available on PianoCareerAcademy.com):
Correct and Incorrect Wrist Action: Avoiding Deliberate Upward Wrist Movements.
Myth No. 2: Piano Playing is a Finger Activity!
Aural Training: Developing our Objective Hearing.
Practice with inspiration,
Ilinca
P.S. Many new online piano lessons and video tutorials are coming soon on PianoCareer.com! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn or Pinterest to get instant updates, support and motivation! 