Piano lesson on how to avoid tension in your playing

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2017
  • Concert pianist and teacher Graham Fitch answers three Pianist reader questions that all relate to tension problems: repeated octaves, left-hand tremolo, tricky accompaniment. This lesson complements his full-length article inside Pianist magazine issue No 94, which you can download here: pocketmags.com/pianist-magazi...
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    ◼️ LESSON BY: GRAHAM FITCH - Pianist, teacher, writer and adjudicator gives masterclasses and workshops on piano playing internationally. He is also in high demand as a private teacher in London. Graham is a regular tutor at the Summer School for Pianists in Walsall and also a tutor for the Piano Teachers’ Course EPTA (UK). He writes a popular piano blog and has launched an online piano academy. practisingthepiano.com/​
    ◼️ FILMED AT: STEINWAY HALL - The masterclass takes place on a Steinway concert grand at Steinway Hall, London www.steinwayhall.co.uk
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ความคิดเห็น • 126

  • @JoelAWeiss
    @JoelAWeiss 4 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    "Let me see if I can do it." And he nails it!!!

    • @buk1733
      @buk1733 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Joel Weiss he did pretty well actually

    • @GordonCooperPiano
      @GordonCooperPiano 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Of course he nailed it, he is Graham Fitch.

  • @skateata1
    @skateata1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Tension was the bane of my existence when I was playing. I was so anxious about getting anything wrong.

  • @jmt1335
    @jmt1335 7 ปีที่แล้ว +226

    I had the unparalleled musical blessing of being one of Graham's students years ago.... Not a day goes by that I don't share something with my students that came from his lessons and piano teachings!!!!!

    • @JoelAWeiss
      @JoelAWeiss 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      What an aweseomely nice thing to say.

    • @nathangrant1824
      @nathangrant1824 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      he has a very appealing manner. i don't feel at all patronised, i feel like he is discussing idea and techniques with me as an equal which would be absurd because i am a rank amatuer.
      i would love to have a teacher like him. you were most fortunate.

    • @Tousanx
      @Tousanx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      thank you for sharing. you are definitely lucky.

    • @nerilcatte0931
      @nerilcatte0931 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are so lucky

  • @popqueen77
    @popqueen77 6 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    Countless hours of practice and tons of money already spent, yet some of the advice here was still an eye opener! Thank you so much! Mr.Graham is one of the most amazing teachers for me. Logical, precise, meaningful, and clear guidance is hard to get. And his character is just so graceful and elegant. I wish I could take his lesson in London...
    It is nice to realize also that regardless of where we live, we all practice the same exact piano pieces. I felt the deep connection to the people who have dedicated their time and sweat for practicing the same pieces created by great composers. Lots of appreciations to them.

  • @CaptainCaveman782
    @CaptainCaveman782 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I get more from Graham Fitch video's than my expensive teachers. I asked my teacher about repeated octaves too and she just told me "try to relax".
    For weeks i got nowhere and now after trying this technique suddenly a breakthrough!

  • @user-uu5xf5xc2b
    @user-uu5xf5xc2b 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Can't tell how much I appreciate for these being available on TH-cam for free

  • @andrewinkelman376
    @andrewinkelman376 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    A tremendously helpful, intelligent, communicative and understanding teacher ; had I only heard/understood these important insights some 50 years ago, my finger joints would be in a very much better state... Take great care, all my dear friends pianists....

  • @jbertucci
    @jbertucci 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I sincerely and deeply thank you for making this available for free. Blessings!

  • @cjimcook
    @cjimcook 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank-you Graham. I'm only a beginner, but I can still appreciate everything you have to share.

  • @hkuntun2313
    @hkuntun2313 7 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Thanks for sharing excellent tips. Your youtube postings are highly educational. I wish it was available 20-30 years ago , people may not realize how it is easier to learn piano today because of video like this.

    • @nikolaacimovic8854
      @nikolaacimovic8854 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      There is certain amount of knoledge one can get from good teacher,like good habits on piano etc...That can learn almost everyone who has even small musical talent.So anyone can learn propper "body" language of piano music and there is a stop.Each indidual must explore then his special approach to his artistic vision...There can not help even the best teacher of the world....Without that,noone can hope to become a serious performer...That can not be "learned", it is own expirence and own vision...

  • @lucianasser
    @lucianasser 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Graham Fitch's explanations are impeccable! He's brilliant at explaining his concepts (not to mention at playing). His videos are gold! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!

  • @capuano3d
    @capuano3d 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    4:35 pathetique
    8:17 czerny 740 nr8

  • @matthewdavar
    @matthewdavar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Dear Graham, You are amazing teacher and pianist. Much appreciated all your excellent videos.

  • @angieshyrenergy
    @angieshyrenergy 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just discovering this magnanimous treasure of Graham Fitch teachings! Seconding everyone's comments about Graham Fitch's graceful ease of teaching, effervescent encouragement and learning countlessly more in 1 video than years of piano lessons! Thank you!!!

  • @russellwilson1584
    @russellwilson1584 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, this was eye-opening

  • @kamnovak5268
    @kamnovak5268 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you rock graham!!

  • @michelleyb.9709
    @michelleyb.9709 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    To be able to access absolutely phenomenal players and master instructors is the best reason for yt

  • @eleven864
    @eleven864 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You're my hero. Nowhere near the level of the questioners but you're helping me so much regardless.

  • @zarabwz
    @zarabwz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For the left hand in Czerni etude op.740 there is an exercise which is particularly helpful in speeding up-
    starting playing with the top three notes and then rapidly reaching for the bottom note and back. So your hand is positioned on the 1st and 2nd fingers, when the 5th finger is a last minute addition.

  • @jundrix3675
    @jundrix3675 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The last tip was amazing! I think it solves many problems for me.

  • @GuyMannDudeTheOnly
    @GuyMannDudeTheOnly 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love your videos Graham! Great information !!

  • @ruthlx596
    @ruthlx596 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love Mr Fitch's tutorials. Late to the table but glad there's always space in a digital class! He's taught me more in the last two videos than I've learned in 15 years of formal weekly lessons, so thank you so much, Mr Fitch!!!

  • @HatakeHyei
    @HatakeHyei 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Finally understood my hand pain, i'm training octaves ALWAYS with the pinky out waiting to play the next note. Gonna change that next practice. Thank you so much.

  • @brog534
    @brog534 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This is an eye opener thank you so much bless🙂

  • @artygunnar
    @artygunnar 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thank you Professor Fitch!

  • @PinkPianist
    @PinkPianist 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So helpful! Thanks!

  • @kenra2964
    @kenra2964 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks a lot!

  • @drbekken
    @drbekken 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent.

  • @grandstandforpiano1822
    @grandstandforpiano1822 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @Ogaitnas900
    @Ogaitnas900 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for these lessons!

  • @myroslavadanilova771
    @myroslavadanilova771 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love your lessons!

  • @ishagshafeeg
    @ishagshafeeg 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Quite useful, thanks

  • @denisekarenhenderson9070
    @denisekarenhenderson9070 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Marvellous teaching

  • @MichaelClark-zc7ht
    @MichaelClark-zc7ht 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant video! Appreciated :)

  • @PIANO_LAB
    @PIANO_LAB 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great video as always!! Thankyou!!

  • @mokhtarpiano1187
    @mokhtarpiano1187 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very helpful, thank you.

  • @markleepotter6685
    @markleepotter6685 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome! Fantastic tips, thanks! 👍

  • @dianneanderson216
    @dianneanderson216 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes I found these tips very helpful👏

  • @frankytumbuan4493
    @frankytumbuan4493 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Mr Graham...you are my inspiration...

  • @esmeraldalowry2836
    @esmeraldalowry2836 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is awesome ! I love the way you make those songs feel so easy to play. Without tense. Thank you professor Fitch.

  • @ccsv10
    @ccsv10 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was a fantastic video, thank you.

  • @SewTexas
    @SewTexas 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Much appreciated, you play beautifully

  • @bruno.virgilio
    @bruno.virgilio 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    a so nice video! thanks for sharing

  • @waltherpari5103
    @waltherpari5103 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    nice explanation, thank you very much!

  • @NganNguyen-hm5qc
    @NganNguyen-hm5qc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thanks so much for sharing those things for us...

  • @mattdevereaux4550
    @mattdevereaux4550 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great fellow. Inspiring AND practical ! M

  • @XxD3vaAtaToR
    @XxD3vaAtaToR 7 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Greetings! Perhaps you could discuss about the C#minor section of Chopin's Ballade No.3? some notes in my RH is usually hit or miss when playing in faster tempo.

  • @PatchworkJazz
    @PatchworkJazz 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A video on practicing difficult polyrhythms for example 5:4 realising the ornaments with good rhythm in Chopin would be amazing

  • @donsquillace277
    @donsquillace277 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    such good teaching. you are giving the world so much

  • @luigipati3815
    @luigipati3815 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Excellent lesson, I hardly see anything better around. I bought his ebooks a while ago and gained some powerful knowledge, especially about practicing. In 30 minutes a day I am getting more from the piano now than I did with 3 hours a day a year ago. And of course Pianist Magazine is second to none.

    • @rachelmoran3175
      @rachelmoran3175 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi! Do you remember the name of the ebook that helped you with your practising? I'd love to read it!

    • @okno2277
      @okno2277 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rachelmoran3175 did you find it??

    • @rachelmoran3175
      @rachelmoran3175 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@okno2277 no I never did 😅

    • @okno2277
      @okno2277 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rachelmoran3175 oh alright 😢

  • @andreamyob9458
    @andreamyob9458 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lovely clear, unambiguous explanation!

  • @dinorivera9153
    @dinorivera9153 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you so very much your extremely helpful God Bless

  • @talasadaqa5452
    @talasadaqa5452 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your great advice! I was having trouble playing a Czerny study but this really helped me.

  • @yicantong2299
    @yicantong2299 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you so much ,sir ,that's realllllllly helped !
    I was very tired and desperately about my octaves and tremolo today ,but now i feel I can play all day to improve it !
    Best wishes to you!

  • @martaordonez1072
    @martaordonez1072 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice I like the way you teach, thanks

  • @bikedawg
    @bikedawg 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fantastic video on technique! Breaking it down like that is so very helpful--thank you so much!

  • @prod.retrix4935
    @prod.retrix4935 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is going to help le so much when I game

  • @rachelmoran3175
    @rachelmoran3175 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The advice on the repeated notes was exactly what I was looking, pity I didn't see it sooner and my practice sessions would have been much more productive 😭 had to keep stopping because my hand was getting fatigued playing repeated 4-note chords , so glad I found this now, hopefully I will be ready to accompany a singing exam next week 🤞

  • @valeriocadeddumezzanotte
    @valeriocadeddumezzanotte 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bravo

  • @GerardvanR
    @GerardvanR 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Graham, can you tell me something about the metronome indications of the etudes by Czerny? Are they to be played as fast as indicated? If not, why did Czerny give us such "impossible" metronome figures? In his Pianoforte School op. 500 he insist to follow these MM marks very carefylly.

  • @ChopinIsMyBestFriend
    @ChopinIsMyBestFriend 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don’t know where to ask but I would definitely like to see a walkthrough and how to smoothly play the second cadenza of liebestraum

  • @avocadodelphinus1184
    @avocadodelphinus1184 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    i've played piano for 7 years now and tension is driving me crazy

  • @alimohammadinezhad8010
    @alimohammadinezhad8010 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thanks for teaching this important thing .
    what's first song you're playing?

  • @hollyt73
    @hollyt73 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yes Fitchy!

  • @ryzhendrix8224
    @ryzhendrix8224 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    helps alot

  • @crehenge2386
    @crehenge2386 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How would you adress a heavy thumb in Chopins drills?

  • @williamfitzgibbon1031
    @williamfitzgibbon1031 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was wondering if you give me your suggestions for pedaling on the prelude in G major by Chopin

  • @dimitrilemeur7703
    @dimitrilemeur7703 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Do you know perchance what is the music in the introduction ? Thank you.

    • @PianistMagazine
      @PianistMagazine  4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hi Dimitri - the intro piece is taken from Czerny’s Variations on a theme by Rode.

  • @sholemgimpel6050
    @sholemgimpel6050 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent narration, but how can one understand your hand-wrist-and-arm movements while they are concealed underneath your coat sleeve?!

  • @fletcherwadsworth1634
    @fletcherwadsworth1634 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What is the intro piece? Not der erlkonig, the one playing during the Steinway hall walkthrough?

    • @PianistMagazine
      @PianistMagazine  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's "Variations on a Theme of Rode" by Czerny

  • @oysteinsoreide4323
    @oysteinsoreide4323 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What about upright pianos with no repetition mechanism? Repeating will take more effort on a regular upright piano I guess.

  • @sanchopansa1950
    @sanchopansa1950 ปีที่แล้ว

    what piece is he playing around 9:00 ? Sounds like Bach .

  • @pattieharley1563
    @pattieharley1563 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What would you recommend for Mozart Sonata C KV 545 - bar no 11 / the arpeggios in left hand - playing them slowly doesn't hurt but it's not the point;-) how to play these quickly without tension in forearm? When I try to speed up they became sloppy, not even in sound and rhythm, and the hand is sore.

  • @vincectec
    @vincectec 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    But how can you play with relaxed hands when a stretched hand is required, as in the Chopin 10/3 con bravura passage?

    • @diegovillacrez8349
      @diegovillacrez8349 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      You need to let go of the outter notes as soon as you play the chord.

    • @roadguide123
      @roadguide123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@diegovillacrez8349 hi... I'm learning Chopin B minor prelude and it's making my lower right pinky hurts...do you have any advice on this? Thanks in advance for your help

    • @jukkageisler2312
      @jukkageisler2312 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@roadguide123 Try to always keep your wrist behind the playing finger. Think about the notes one by one and rest on every single one. This should release the tension.

    • @roadguide123
      @roadguide123 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jukkageisler2312 thank you very much for the advice... I will follow it during my practice sessions...God bless🙏

  • @rooo1014
    @rooo1014 ปีที่แล้ว

    4:37

  • @CatsAndClassicalMusic
    @CatsAndClassicalMusic ปีที่แล้ว

    When I practice Rachmaninov’s concerto 2, second movement, bars 94 to 111 are very messy and make my wrist hurt, also a couple days after I metronome practice a section, I can barely play it. How can I fix that?

  • @Fazorification
    @Fazorification 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I seriously need to know the piece in the intro... Everyone keeps saying Erlkönig but i mean the one before that, with the cinematic view of the piano shop. Can anyone help?

  • @hanukuo8088
    @hanukuo8088 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Which allegro did he play ?

  • @asylumrain
    @asylumrain 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So how does having your wrist up and arms swaying help?

    • @FromG2eminor
      @FromG2eminor 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Keeps you from tensing or stiffening up. Effects the tone quality too, in a positive way.

  • @andrewporter1348
    @andrewporter1348 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Oh my god what is the name of that masterpiece that played in the intro of this video?

    • @matthewschubert4954
      @matthewschubert4954 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Der Erlkonig by Franz Schubert

    • @andrewporter1348
      @andrewporter1348 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Matthew Schubey I thank you deeply.

    • @PianistMagazine
      @PianistMagazine  6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The piece on the introduction of this video is 'Variations on a Theme of Rode' by Czerny!

  • @junchengchew9790
    @junchengchew9790 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My left were so tense when playing the revolutionary etude

  • @paolashiadani1046
    @paolashiadani1046 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    What is the piece of the beginning????

    • @PianistMagazine
      @PianistMagazine  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's "Variations on a Theme of Rode" by Czerny

  • @amolkakde5751
    @amolkakde5751 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    With left Hand and missing top camera angle. I couldn't see properly what he was doing.

  • @randomcubing7106
    @randomcubing7106 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steinway Quality.

  • @yudipitre5720
    @yudipitre5720 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This happens to me, to much tension and my wrist hurt.

  • @panwathammaraks3585
    @panwathammaraks3585 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    When I play Fantasie impromptu my arm stings what should I do

    • @pjbpiano
      @pjbpiano 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Your arm is too tight. You need to loosen it up.

    • @panwathammaraks3585
      @panwathammaraks3585 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks

  • @premierepasta1562
    @premierepasta1562 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That Schubert is being played quite exquisitely in that intro.

    • @beth9603
      @beth9603 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm learning that exact piece and came.onto youtube in search for help with it :D

    • @andrewporter1348
      @andrewporter1348 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      What exactly is the name of that song?

    • @MrBnnashton
      @MrBnnashton 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Erl King

    • @Fazorification
      @Fazorification 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      What is the name of it? Noone seems to know.

    • @Fazorification
      @Fazorification 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      What piece is that, exactly? Noone seems to be able to give any other answer than "Der Erlkonig", which isn't in the intro.

  • @user-ws3sl9xi7y
    @user-ws3sl9xi7y 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Like dribbling a basketball. You're welcome.

    • @RanBlakePiano
      @RanBlakePiano 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Harder then throwing ball in basket

  • @lawrencetaylor4101
    @lawrencetaylor4101 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is out of my pay grade as a pianist, but I do appreciate seeing the techniques and I've been trying several exercises for finger independence with no tension. Gosh, those fingers can be difficult, n'est-ce pas?
    But I'm not a stranger to helping people with pains and tensions. I have a video on exercises for the low back but also shoulders and arms. Oh My Aching Bach.
    th-cam.com/video/tK9sc0ckSpw/w-d-xo.html

  • @senorserrano2597
    @senorserrano2597 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    google.com

  • @OsakaJoe01
    @OsakaJoe01 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    40 seconds later... 😒