Hand Independence Boot Camp

If you are a piano player, hand independence is an area that will need development and attention in every part of your learning journey. Sometimes all we need to get going on hand independence is a little encouragement and specific instructions for what to work on. We’ve got it all for you in this lesson.

1) Touch

Having hand independence means you have control of not only what you are playing but how you are playing it. By using legato in one hand and staccato in the other you are developing hand independence skills by developing the control/touch with which you play the notes

2) Dynamics

Cassi walks you through how to change the pressure and volume between the hands. By playing one hand louder than the other you are further developing your hand independence and control

🎹 Piano Technique Made Easy ✨

Technique is the foundation to piano playing. If technique has been holding you back from playing the songs you love, check out Piano Technique Made Easy with Cassi Falk. This course, free with your Pianote membership, will take you through all 12 major and minor keys as you master scales, arpeggios, chords, and more.

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3) Balance

Play a waltz-like pattern with your left-hand while your right-hand moves up a major scale. This exercise gives the hands different tasks that will feel a little bit like a balancing act as you line up the different patterns and rhythms between the hands

4) Movement

Arpeggios in the left hand will get you moving all over the keyboard while the right hand maintains a static-broken triad. This exercise feels a lot like rubbing your tummy while patting your head. Might take some time to get the hang of but it is possible!

5) Rhythm

Varying the rhythms you are playing in each hand is an amazing way to develop hand independence. This can be done using very simple scales or patterns so that you can focus more on the changing or opposing rhythms than the notes you are playing.

As you can see, this boot camp will help you to develop many aspects of your hand independence. Remember to breathe, keep a good sense of humor as you practice and don’t give up!

Cassi Falk is trained as an Elementary and Intermediate Specialist through the Royal Conservatory Teacher Certification Program. She loves the feeling of accomplishment after a good practice session and seeing students discover music. Learn more about Cassi here.