As a beginner piano player, you probably find that how you want to sound and how you actually sound when you play are two different things. While this difference is completely normal when learning anything new, it doesn’t make it any easier. We used to believe that if you just play enough scales, it would fix the problem. But it’s only part of the solution.
Why Scales Don’t Make You Play Smoothly
Scales, chords and arpeggios are wonderful things. They’re important building blocks of music, specifically Western music. And practicing them independently can play an important part in learning your music.
But they won’t necessarily make you play smoothly or remove stiffness in your playing.
(Just so you know, the collective gasp you heard might have been some of my amazing colleagues.)
All three are patterns that you will see in your music. Practicing them helps you recognize these patterns more easily when you hear or see them. And when you practice them, you’re creating a shortcut to the muscle memory of playing them.
For example, when I look at music for the first time, my hands will automatically form the chord shapes before I’ve even realized what the chord names are. When there is a scale pattern in the music, my hands will automatically play those notes without thinking which fingers to use. That’s where we want to get you. Just not today.
Many of my neurodivergent learners struggle with stiff fingers and fine motor control. Just drilling more scales didn’t work. So, we approach things a little differently with this 3-step approach.
Step 1: Rhythm
Think about the covers of songs you hear. Even though the genre and the notes are a little different, you still recognize the original song. Why? Because the rhythm of the basic melody is the same.
Starting with a short segment of rhythm removes the stress of trying to remember everything: rhythm, notes, patterns, dynamics, and the list goes on.
Clap the rhythm slowly, then quickly. If it falls apart, go back to a slower tempo (speed).
Next, bring it over to your piano. Play the rhythm on just one note really loud. Then, play it again really quiet.
These mini steps help you internalize the rhythm. By adding one element at a time, you can explore in a systematic way.
You can see how quick and easy this is in the video above or here. While you’re not playing smoothly quite yet, you’re on your way.
Step 2: Add The Melody
Once you feel confident in the rhythm, add the melody. Again, we are keeping this very short (1 – 2 measures long). The goal isn’t mastering everything all at once. It’s making small progress that builds over time so you can play smoothly.
Play the melody with the rhythm. Once you have the notes and rhythm together, add dynamics.
What happens if each note gets louder? What happens if they get quieter?
While it’s not easy to master playing gradual dynamics, it’s great for instantly making even the most basic melody feel more like a song. It’s also infinitely more interesting to practice!
Step 3: The Wrist Gesture
At this point, your rhythm and melody are feeling strong. You’ve explored different ways to play, kind of like your own mini cover of the piece.
But it might still sound a little clunky compared to what you are aiming for.
Your wrist and arms are probably stiff. All your joints are connected, so tension in one area will affect everything down the line. Plus, look at your fingers. Then look at your forearms and biceps. The difference in muscle size is clear. So, let’s help them out!
Rolling your wrists may seem too simple. And yet, over and over again, I see my students play with less tension after releasing tension in their wrists and arms.
While we tend to think of playing piano as moving horizontally on the keys, your fingers and wrists will move vertically as well. Watch here to see how using your full range of movement makes playing smoothly more natural.
Play Your Songs Smoothly
We’ve focused quite a bit on small segments of your pieces. And this is exactly where you should start. But when it comes to putting all the parts together so you play a whole piece smoothly, you might need a bit of extra help.
What was holding you back from playing smoothly: rhythm, notes or tension?
And, if you’re wanting to do a little bit of scales to memorize those patterns, learn them here.
Ready to explore personalised piano lessons that celebrate your unique learning style?
Book your Meet ‘n Greet and discover how accessible, neurodivergent-friendly lessons can help you create your own musical magic from day one!
