{"id":3594,"date":"2021-05-07T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=3594"},"modified":"2024-04-19T16:10:48","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T23:10:48","slug":"most-important-piano-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/most-important-piano-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"Piano Exercises: Top 10 Things to Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>One of our most common questions is, \u201cWhat should I practice?\u201d Which is a great question! In this post, we\u2019ll show you piano exercises that will help train the most important parts of learning how to play, such as speed, flexibility, agility, and hand independence. These piano exercises can help piano players of all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Piano Exercises:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#speed\">Speed<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#agility\">Agility<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#hand-independence\">Hand Independence<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#scales\">Scales<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#chords-and-chord-inversions\">Chords<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ear-training\">Ear Training<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#control\">Control<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#creativity\">Creativity<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#practice-away-from-the-piano\">Practice Without a Piano<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#active-listening-and-music-appreciation\">Active Listening<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Get exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"speed\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jordan Rudess Teaches Arpeggios (How to Play FAST)\ud83d\udca8\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7b9j5BS3KME?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We all want to play fast but, but playing fast starts with playing slowly and gradually ramping up the speed. Make sure you can articulate all your notes clearly before you get faster. Accuracy is just as\u2014if not more\u2014important as playing quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First, master the thumb tuck.<\/strong> It&#8217;s essential for fast and fluid scales. Try to keep your elbow stable\u2014no chicken wings!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Then, go <em>beyond<\/em> the thumb tuck.<\/strong> In the video above, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/jordan-rudess-podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jordan Rudess<\/a> (speed demon keyboardist from Dream Theater) shows you how to focus less on the tucking motion and more on the overall movement of your arpeggiating hand. Insightful stuff.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t forget about leaps.<\/strong> Playing fast isn\u2019t just about scales! Leaping wide distances across the keyboard is important too, and it\u2019s all about accuracy. Practice by playing the root note of a triad, then play the third and fifth an octave above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/mastering-the-thumb-tuck\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Play Scales Hands Together (Master the Thumb Tuck)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-target-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Target Practice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/jesus-molina-speed-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Jes\u00fas Molina Speed Challenge<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"agility\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Agility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to keyboard skills, agility, accuracy, and flexibility are key. Hanon exercises are perfect for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-1024x288.png\" alt=\"Hanon no. 10 in standard notation with fingering.\" class=\"wp-image-15912\" style=\"width:840px;height:236px\" width=\"840\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-1024x288.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-768x216.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-1536x431.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084449\/hanon-10-2048x575.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>Hanon No. 10<\/b>\n<p>This exercise not only improves speed; it works your fourth and fifth fingers, which are often our weakest fingers.\u00a0Remember: if your speed is inconsistent, it doesn\u2019t count! So get out that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-use-a-metronome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">metronome<\/a> and start slow. Get comfortable with the speed you\u2019re at. Then\u2014and only then!\u2014increase your speed by 3-5 bpm.<\/p>\n<p><b>> <a href=\"https:\/\/d1923uyy6spedc.cloudfront.net\/299210-resource-1618698092.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the Sheet Music<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hand-independence\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Hand Independence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hand independence is one of the toughest skills to master for pianists. A common complaint we hear is: \u201cMy brain knows what to do, but my hands just won\u2019t co-operate!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"syncopation-exercise\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Syncopation Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here a syncopation exercise you can use to challenge and develop your hand independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play fifths with your left hand in a syncopated rhythm pattern. Then, play quarter notes with your right hand. The rhythms in each hand won\u2019t align perfectly with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<video playsinline=\"\" autoplay=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2021\/Most%20Important%20Exercises\/independence%201%20compressed.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If this feels weird, that&#8217;s normal. Slow down if you need to, tap out the beat, or write out the counting in your sheet music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2021\/Most%20Important%20Exercises\/hand%20independence%20markup.png\" alt=\"Sheet music for piano exercise no. 2 with mark-up. Counting is added and matched to respective notes.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We have loads of free lessons on hand independence on our site. Some of our favorites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/blues-independence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hand Independence With the Blues:<\/a><\/strong> The blues is a very rhythmic genre that requires some nifty hand independence. It also sounds cool, making it an awesome learning tool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/hand-independence-in-5-days\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hand Independence in 5 Days:<\/a> <\/strong>Hand independence <em>takes time <\/em>to develop. And sleeping between practice sessions can <a href=\"https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2013\/04\/sleep-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">actually help<\/a>! Here\u2019s a five-day practice plan to tackle hand independence for good.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scales\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Scales<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The BEST Way To Practice Piano Scales\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l3q0d81D0Ag?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s almost universally agreed upon that music students <em>dread <\/em>scales. But scales are necessary because they train everything: speed, agility, hand independence&#8230;and they reinforce your understanding of keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ways to spice up your scale practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use a backing track. <\/strong>It\u2019ll make playing scales feel less alone and like you\u2019re playing a song with a band. Download a free backing track and learn how to use it in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this lesson<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play with different articulations.<\/strong> This can instantly make scales a lot more interesting\u2026and tricky. Play a scale staccato, tenuto, legato, or better yet, play one articulation with one hand and another articulation in the other!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play with a chord progression. <\/strong>This is similar to the backing track except <em>you <\/em>provide the backing track. By pairing your scale with a chord progression in your other hand, you\u2019ll not only end up with an exercise that sounds musical, but you\u2019ll also practice your chord progressions in every key. For starters, try the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pop-piano-chord-progressions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I-V-vi-IV pop progression<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/chords-and-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chords and Scales Library<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales and How to Apply Them<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Scales are like vegetables.<\/p>\n<cite>Lisa Witt<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chords-and-chord-inversions\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Chords and Chord Inversions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Practice Chord Inversions On The Piano\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6GSEYxrTSlU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Chords are the building block of music. This is especially true for piano players because we often comp for other musicians or accompany ourselves with our left hand. So, having chord shapes down pat in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/all-piano-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">all keys<\/a> and all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-chord-inversions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inversions<\/a> makes this so much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like scales, chords practice can be frustrating. Here are ways to de-stress the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If you&#8217;re learning inversion shapes, try D major. <\/strong>C major is great, but choosing a chord with a black key can help you navigate the transitions. So, try D major (D-F#-A) and use that F-sharp as a visual aid. Follow along with a D major inversions practice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-chord-inversions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice transitioning from one position to another. <\/strong>Practice going from root to 1st inversion, then 1st to 2nd. This will help you internalize the shapes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice with a chord progression. <\/strong>Doing this applies your knowledge of chord inversions because using inversions is the most efficient way to smoothly transition from chord to chord. We walk through an example of how to do this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-chord-inversions-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-chord-inversions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chord Inversions, Explained<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/musical-chord-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Most Musical Way to Practice Chords<\/a> (for more advanced players)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ear-training\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Ear Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Ultimate Guide To Ear Training (Beginner Piano Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U8xQfdKPRXs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Music is an aural art form, so exercising your ears is pretty essential! You don\u2019t need perfect pitch to be an excellent musician, you just have to work on your listening skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Understand intervals. <\/strong>Melodies are made up of intervals. Practice recognizing intervals by associating each interval with a song. For example, the <em>Star Wars<\/em> theme starts on a perfect 5th.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do the same with chords. <\/strong>You can apply the same principle with chords by associating chord progressions with songs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Try to figure out songs by ear. <\/strong>Pick a song with a simple melody that you know well and can hum. Now see if you can pick out the melody by ear. Sing the melody (it helps!).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a good ear, like all music skills, comes with time. You don\u2019t have to practice for hours every day but try to be consistent. You\u2019ll start to see improvement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/identify-chords-by-ear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Identify Chords By Ear<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/interval-ear-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ultimate Guide to Interval Ear Training<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/rush-e-sangah-noona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pro Pianist Plays &#8220;Rush E&#8221; by Ear <\/a>(tips and insights)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"control\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Control<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the difference between a good pianist and an awesome pianist? Control. Experienced pianists have incredible control over not only fingers, speed, and technique, but also expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beautifully-simple-exercise\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>\u201cBeautifully Simple\u201d Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this exercise, we\u2019ll play a very simple piece. Then, we\u2019ll add dynamics, articulation, and other ornaments that make the piece sound more like, well, music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/d1923uyy6spedc.cloudfront.net\/299210-resource-1618698219.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DOWNLOAD SHEET MUSIC<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This may seem straightforward, but it can be a lot to focus on when you first start. Again, feel free to mark up your sheet music with colorful reminders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084703\/image-1-1024x538.png\" alt=\"Two lines of music in standard notation with red and blue markup.\" class=\"wp-image-15913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084703\/image-1-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084703\/image-1-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084703\/image-1-768x404.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10084703\/image-1.png 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/what-are-dynamics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Are Dynamics?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/crescendo-and-decrescendo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Art of the Crescendo and Decrescendo<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete Piano Terms Glossary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you can be in control of your hands and those little tiny nuances, that\u2019s going to be what takes your playing from good to great and gives you want you need to be a very impactful player.<\/p>\n<cite>Lisa Witt<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"creativity\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Creativity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Create Emotion With Just 3 Notes (Piano Lesson)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TZteV8UW3ds?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that musical creativity can be practiced too? It\u2019s a skill like any other, and unlike scales and chords, creativity is fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Improvise with three notes. <\/strong>A fun way to challenge your creativity is to explore what you can create with a small handful of ingredients. Having constraints like this can actually make it easier to be creative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Come up with melodies using scale degrees. <\/strong>The notes that make up the diatonic scale are all you need to create beautiful melodies.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play around with the pentatonic scale. <\/strong>The five notes of the pentatonic scale sound very natural together and even better over a chord progression.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro-tip:<\/strong> When improvising, don\u2019t forget about rhythm! Rhythm can add so much character to your improv lines, taking your improv from simple to sophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-improvise-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Improvise on Piano: A Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/melody-improvisation-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Improvise a Beautiful Melody: 9 Tips From Jes\u00fas Molina<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pentatonic-scale-improvisation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Sound Beautiful on the Piano With Pentatonic Scales<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practice-away-from-the-piano\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Practice Away From the Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Practice Piano WITHOUT A Piano\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JZWS27WQFj8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yup, you can practice piano even without one! This is perfect for travelers who want to stay sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Play on a flat surface.<\/strong> Play a five-finger pattern (like 3-1-2-5-4) on a desk to limber up your fingers. Lift each finger one by one. If you practice on your leg or arm, you can also feel how consistently you\u2019re applying pressure. Neat!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tap out rhythms.<\/strong>&nbsp;Try tapping quarter notes with your left hand and eighth notes with your right. Kinda like playing the drums! You can also write out rhythms of your own and clap them out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Study your sheet music.<\/strong> Play through it in your head and notice the details. You might catch something you\u2019ve never noticed before!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"active-listening-and-music-appreciation\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Active Listening and Music Appreciation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, actively listen to music. If you\u2019re learning a song, listen to it often so that you know it inside and out. Listening to different interpretations of the same piece can also help with creativity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expose yourself to as much music as you can! Explore outside your comfort zone and keep an open mind. The more music you listen to, the more you\u2019ll appreciate the nuances in all styles of music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More related lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/listen-to-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Listen to Music<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-rock-songs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">36 Greatest Piano Rock Songs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/easy-jazz-standards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 Easy Jazz Standards to Learn First<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/famous-classical-piano-songs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">40+ Legendary Classical Piano Songs By Difficulty<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h3 style=\"font-size:22px;\"><b>Master the Piano YOUR Way \ud83d\udd25<\/b><\/h3><p>As a Pianote+ Member, you\u2019ll get access to our 10-step Method, song library, and growing community of piano players just like you. Plus: get coached by world-class pianists and learn whenever you  want, wherever you want, and whatever you want.<\/p><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Three core piano exercises to boost your speed, improve hand independence, develop control, and make you a stronger player.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":3639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[523,520,1112,509],"tags":[1069],"class_list":["post-3594","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hand-independence","category-play-faster","category-practice-musicianship","category-technique","tag-gsotp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3594"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3594\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17065,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3594\/revisions\/17065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3594"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}