Q. The pianist at my church told me that "there are many ways to play rolled chords each is useful for a particular different situation." Does anybody know what he's talking about?
A. He is probably talking about playing the notes of a chord one at a time, rapidly, repeatedly. There are only two ways to do it; lowest note first, middle not, then highest note; or highest note first, middle note, and lowest note. You could start with the middle note instead of the lowest or highest, but basically it will be the same.
How to play an octave well in the piano?
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!
How do I get a job playing piano at a country club or weddings?
Q. I'm 13 years old and I've heard of kids my age getting jobs playing at country clubs and weddings and stuff like that. I practice 2 hours a day and have been playing for 8 years. I play piano whenever I see one. In a store, at family parties, my parents' work parties, anything. What else can I do to get people to notice me and get a job?
A. what a negative first answer!
Okay, so here's the deal:
1: You need to play a variety of music that is good for the type of gathering you're playing for. (For example, a traditional wedding will need some light classical and/or easy listening music with rolling chords and arpeggios and sing-along melodies). Someone else might want specific songs to which you will need to be able to read (given plenty of warning so you can prepare) and/or improvise (no warning at all) an accompaniment while someone sings, or fake a tune with melody (as a solo).
2: You need an 'in'. This means you need to start somewhere, playing for a friend, or a friend of a friend. Sit in with someone who is already playing a job and help out (play duets or solos when he or she is on break). This does two things: a) It gets you in the door and gaining experience. b) It gets you noticed by other people there (the hosts and the guests).
My wife and I played a duet at a wedding for a friend of my sister (she on piano playing solos, and then playing chords while I soloed melodies on the guitar. Then, when we played pieces like trumpet tunes, she would play the 'orchestra' on the piano while I played trumpet on a keyboard. For this situation, we were required only to play background music while guests mingled and ate snacks. So, we prepared (and practised) light classical music. AND, while we were on breaks, people asked us "if we were free for this date" or "if we did "bar mitzvahs." BAM! We were 'in!'
Good luck!
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Title : What are the different styles of rolled chords for piano?
Description : Q. The pianist at my church told me that "there are many ways to play rolled chords each is useful for a particular different situatio...