Classical piano is an intriguing genre, full of passion and beauty. However, this genre might feel daunting especially for beginners or self-taught individuals. But fear not, you can play this music!
Yes, all you need to start classical piano is attitude, technique, practice, articulation, and inspiration. Here are some important tips and guidelines for you.
Tips and Techniques for Playing Classical Piano
Learning scales, chords, vibrato, and melody is indeed necessary for understanding classical music. However, the technique of playing classical piano is equally important to upgrade your classical playing.
1. Pay Attention to Body Posture
Body posture is a crucial component, no matter what style of music you play. However, it becomes especially important in classical piano playing because the position of your hands will affect the sound produced.
Practicing with improper body posture can also be painful! Yes, this will be very noticeable if you plan to practice seriously for long periods. Hand injuries can occur due to incorrect practice and improper playing techniques.
If you feel pain and discomfort in your hands or other parts of your body while practicing, stop playing the piano immediately and don’t force yourself to practice all day long. You may need to consult a doctor for treatment of such injuries.
So, what is the proper body posture for playing the piano? Starting from the hands, observe how you touch the piano keys. If your wrist is lower than the position of your fingers, you need to correct that posture.
Don’t let your hands hang down; try to lift your wrists slightly. Make sure your shoulders are not stiff or tense. Practice to be more relaxed and comfortable with the correct posture.
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2. Practice Your Technique
Training your technical skills cannot be replaced; this is important for you to learn. It’s not just about pressing piano keys, but also about your style in playing them. Most pianists are seen playing with curved fingers and looking at the keys.
The key is that your hands should always be in touch with the keys. Allow your fingers to reach all the keys to be played. If you want to practice your finger playing, works like Minuet in G Minor by JS Bach are great for you. This piece doesn’t involve many jumps so fingers can keep touching the keys.
3. Improve Your Reading Skills
For both beginner players and self-taught players, their playing often gets stuck just focusing on the keys or keyboard. However, your reading skills also need to be trained.
This is important so that you can play classical piano more interestingly and dynamically. One of the pieces that can be used to practice your classical piano skills is Erude No. 11 Pour Les Arpeges Composes in Ab by Claude Debussy.
This piece of music can help you train better sight-reading skills. This will encourage your hands to follow what your eyes see over time.
4. Train Coordination
Hand movements and sight need to be well coordinated to play classical piano more interestingly. Start by training both hands, each trained independently to be more flexible and less rigid.
If you feel you have mastered enough and want to get a little more complex challenge, Nocturne in C# minor by Frederic Chopin is an interesting choice. This piece features some techniques that can train your piano skills, such as vibrato and double rhythm.
Progress from these exercises may seem slow. You need to practice continuously with improvement every time. Train your hands to be flexible and able to play at the desired speed.
Once you’re more comfortable, coordinate your right hand and left hand to play together. Remember, your fingers should seem to hop from one key to another without staying in the air for too long.
5. Do the Work!
Your theory will be useless if not practiced directly in exercises. Understanding scales, arpeggios, chords, and others is indeed necessary. Playing techniques from books or other tutors are also needed.
However, this theory might only be for piano skills, whereas you also need confidence. Well, that can be achieved through practice and practice. Playing classical piano with confidence will give you a better performance.
In general, the recommended classical piano practice is 30 minutes every day. You might be able to practice more, and that’s great! Remember, to practice every day and as consistently as possible even if it’s just a short time each day.
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6. Take Time to Get Inspired
You may have felt that practicing classical piano is complicated and difficult. If that feeling comes, it’s a sign you need to seek inspiration and be more explorative. Look for beautiful and easy classical piano pieces to help you learn.
Music for Classical Piano Practice
Most people would agree that the key to success in classical piano playing is consistent and relentless practice. Consistent and regular practice can naturally improve your musical abilities. Here are some pieces of music that can be used for practice.
1. Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart
The composer of this music is unknown, but it is likely Leopold Mozart. Minuet in F comes from the works of various composers dubbed as Nannerl’s Notebook.
The piece was composed by Nannerl’s father (Maria Anna Mozart) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was a master pianist. Minuet in F is a great piece for beginner classical piano players.
You’ll find Minuet in F full of beginner-friendly music. The piece features an elegant and minimalist style typical of the classical period.
2. Minuet in G Major and Minuet in G Minor by Petzold
The composer of this music is Christian Petzold, often associated with Johann Sebastian Bach. Minuet in G Major might be synonymous with children practicing piano. However, pianists like Lang Lang also enjoy this simple minuet.
Minuet in G Major is quite charming and expressive with just one sharp. If you’re afraid of black keys, don’t worry when practicing this minuet. It’s suitable for beginners who want to learn by crossing under and playing with scales.
Moreover, this piece is also good for getting used to changing hand positions. It trains finger skills in playing the keyboard.
3. Prelude in C Major by JS Bach
JS Bach or Johann Sebastian Bach is the composer of this piece. It features dense notes that may seem intimidating at first glance. However, upon closer observation, this music is actually very easy for practice.
It’s one of the often recommended pieces for easy classical piano. The basic part of this piece is to practice C major chords. The writing of the piece is also easier to predict so you won’t have too much difficulty in reading the play.
Beginner players can practice looking ahead and preparing for the next chord for smoother playing. Keep practicing to improve your skills in playing these chords.
4. La Candeur
The composer of this piece is Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmuller. The piece is created and included in the collection of 25 easy and progressive etudes. Etude is a French word meaning “study”.
These pieces are designed with several important techniques to train beginner pianists. Starting from scale exercises, chords, jumps, and others. These etudes will be very helpful although many pianists find them boring.
5. Sonatina 1 in C Major, Ops 36
Muzio Clementi is the composer of this friendly beginner classical piano piece. It’s a fun and easily accessible piece. However, it sounds great when you play it.
With three movements and several modulations in different keys, Sonatina 1 sounds comfortable for indoor concerts. If you can master playing this Sonatina, you can practice other Clementi Sonatas that use C, G, and F major keys.
6. Solfeggietto in C Minor by CPE
CPE Bach or Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach is a pianist as well as the son of Johann Sebastian Bach. This piece sounds amazing and many people have made cover versions with electric guitar music.
Although it sounds cool, you or beginner players don’t need to worry because this music can be used for practice. The minor key in this piece gives an epic and dramatic atmosphere. Suitable for training your skills and speed in playing classical piano.
7. Waltz in A Minor, B.150
From composer Frederic Chopin, Waltz in A Minor is an easy-to-play classical piano piece. Using the A minor key, Waltz creates a majestic and elegant classical work. A simple yet not at all sounding like a beginner’s play.
You will encounter cool triplets and quintuplets sequences in this piece. If studied further, you can break down these sequences which turn out to be easy triad arpeggios for beginners.
8. Canon in D by Pachelbel
This piece by composer Johann Pachelbel can be used for classical piano practice. Canon in D is quite popular and has a significant impact on the history of classical music. This piece of music is a favorite for wedding parties.
Practice with Canon in D and see the progress of your chord playing on the classical piano. If listened to for a longer time, it may sound like in the song “Don’t Look Bach In Anger” by Oasis or even like “Basketcase” by Green Day.
9. Gymnopedie No. 1 by Satie
This piece by a composer named Erik Satie is among the easy classical piano pieces for practice. A minimalist yet very beautiful piece at the same time. Gymnopedie has its own vibe even though the song is slow.
The music flow is quite steady and may provide a different challenge for beginner players. With the left hand playing with quite large jumps.
So, do you have enough enthusiasm to start or continue practicing classical piano? With consistent practice, you can become a successful pianist in this classical music industry.