Q. I'm 25 years old. I've learned piano for a couple of years. I wasn't started it when I was a kid. I tried to play some stretching exercise before. Such as, Hanon No. 19 and 20. But it seems doesn't have any improvements. I really would like to know how can I improve the problems of stretching. Thank you! I really appreciated.
A. Increasing your octave technique will take dedication and patience, especially if you didn't start when you were a kid. I would continue with the Hanon excercises, but make sure that you aren't playing past when it starts hurting, because that's when injury happens!
I would begin by always relaxing any tension in your neck, shoulders, forearms, and wrists before you sit down to practice. (Remember, increasing agility and flexibility WILL take months and months of practice - even music majors who practice constantly are always working on overcoming technique difficulties) I would try slowly relaxing your neck, rolling your shoulders, and just loosely shaking your arms from your shoulders - let gravity release any tension in your arms. If you are trying to warm up or stretch any muscles with tension, you'll just hurt yourself.
Once you are loose, I would work with blocked chords first - try inversions of the major and minor triads (C-E-G, E-G-C, G-C-E) and eventually add the upper root (for example, play blocked C-E-G-C, E-G-C-E, G-C-E-G) so that you are playing an octave, but it's easier on your hands because you are supporting the stretch with your middle fingers. Do everything slowly - there is no need for speed, as that just builds tension and accomplishes nothing.
Another thing that might help is to "drop" into the notes. Hold your wrist above the piano and drop into a blocked 5th - rather than push the keys. If you can naturally drop into that 5th without too much stretching or tension, then try a 6th, 7th, and finally an 8th. Do everything in increments - never push past pain! Talk to your teacher about it too, since he/she can watch your hand position while you play and give you some specific critiques/corrections.
Hope this helps!
Can I become a good guitar and piano player if I start learning now?
Q. I'm nineteen years old. I've always wanted to learn how to play an instrument. I've enrolled myself in both piano and guitar lessons for adult beginners. Can I really learn how to be a good guitarist and pianist if I'm no longer a kid? What do I have to do? How long will it take? I want to be able to one day play by ear, like some musicians but I don't know if I'm dreaming too big.
A. Hi! I can't speak for guitar, but there is no question about it - you can learn piano (and quickly) at pretty much any age. This has been proven time and time again. I also read a college professor's study (but back from 1993) that concluded that it is easier to learn piano than guitar, but I personally think it depends on the individual and if they have a personal preference to one or the other. The key to it all is to make sure you continue to learn and follow through to the end, even if you temporarily get frustrated when starting out. Many courses also try to make learning piano fun by early on showing the student how they can use simple chords to play popular songs that they know, which I must admit is a good feeling to play something, even just simple chords, that sound like a popular song. So push forward with what you are already doing. Oh, as far as how long it may take? Again, everyone is different, and it depends on the teaching methods being applied and what your ultimate goals are. I would say, and this is a big guess, that if you apply yourself hard that you should be happily playing the piano after a solid year to the level you are seeking. You can actually keep training/learning forever, but dedicating yourself to it over the course of a year is your first step. Reevaluate then. Sure, you will be playing songs within weeks, and harder ones within months, but give it some time before you really judge yourself on how things are coming along to meet your ultimate goals. Best of luck, and have fun with it.
Richard
What are the chords for forever and always piano version?
Q. Does anyone at least know the chords for Forever and Always (the piano version) by Taylor Swift. Sheet music would rock! But even just the chords for the verses and chorus would be great too. I found them once and then lost what i wrote them down on and can't find them! Thanks so much!
A. Eb9 Bb F
Once upon a time, I believe it was a Tuesday
Eb9 Bb F
When I caught your eye, we caught onto something
Eb9 Bb F
I hold onto the night, you looked me in the eye
Eb9 F
And told me you loved me, were you just kidding?
Eb9 Bb F
'Cause it seems to me his thing is breaking down
Eb9 Bb F
We almost never speak, I don't feel welcome anymore
Eb9
Baby what happened
Bb
Please tell me cause one second it was perfect
F
Now you're halfway out the door
Eb9 Bb
And I stare at the phone, he still hasn't called
F Gm7
And then you feel so low you can't feel, nothing at all
Eb9 Bb F
And you flashback to when he said forever and always
Eb9 Bb
Oh, and it rains in your bedroom , everything is wrong
F Gm7
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
Eb9 Bb F
'Cause I was there when you said forever and always
Eb9 Bb F
Was I out of line? Did I say something way to honest?
Eb9 Bb F
Made you run and hide like a scared little boy
Eb9 Bb F
I looked into your eyes, thought I knew you for a minute
Eb9 F
Now I'm not so sure
Eb9 Bb F
So here's to everything coming down to nothing
Eb9 Bb F
Here's to silence that cuts me to the core
Eb9
Where is this going?
Bb F Eb9 F
Thought I knew for a minute but I don't anymore
Eb9 Bb
And I stare at the phone, he still hasn't called
F Gm7
And then you feel so low you can't feel, nothing at all
Eb9 Bb F
And you flashback to when he said forever and always
Eb9 Bb
Oh, and it rains in your bedroom , everything is wrong
F Gm7
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
Eb9 Bb F
'Cause I was there when you said forever and always
Gm F Eb
Did you mean it baby?
Gm F Eb F
I don't think so
Solo
Eb9 F Bb Gm7 Eb9 F Bb
Gm7 Eb9
Oh back up, baby back up
F
Did you forget everything?
Gm7 Eb9
Back up, baby back up
F Eb9 F
Did you forget everything?
Eb9 Bb
'Cause it rains in your bedroom , everything is wrong
F Gm7
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
Eb9 Bb F
'Cause I was there when you said forever and always
Eb9 Bb
Oh I stare at the phone, he still hasn't called
F Gm7
And then you feel so low you can't feel, nothing at all
Eb9 Bb F
And you flashback to when we said forever and always
Eb9 Bb
And it rains in your bedroom , everything is wrong
F Gm7
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
Eb9 Bb F
'Cause I was there when you said forever and always
Gm F Eb
You didn't mean it baby
Gm F Eb
You said forever and always
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Title : How to play an octave well in the piano?
Description : Q. I'm 25 years old. I've learned piano for a couple of years. I wasn't started it when I was a kid. I tried to play some stre...