Ten Things Serious Pianists Do Every Day

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2017
  • improvplanet.thinkific.com/
    "The Four Pillars of Piano Technique" is now a full 32-lesson course.
    Enroll in at the link above.
    Dr. John Mortensen, Steinway Artist and Professor of Piano, gives ten assignments to his new students.
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ความคิดเห็น • 758

  • @cedarvillemusic
    @cedarvillemusic  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

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    • @neoflyboy
      @neoflyboy 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Amazing video, lessons for piano and life in general. What do you recommend to absolute adult beginners? Those courses say you need to know something already. How to get there the impro way? Any book? App? Course? Thanks

  • @crashcondo
    @crashcondo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +491

    When you want to be a serious pianist and you watch this video and realize how not serious you are. Humbling.

    • @niliannyslopezs5531
      @niliannyslopezs5531 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Winner of a video, I have been researching "what type of jazz is bill evans?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Poneyton Introductory Preeminence - (just google it ) ? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for discovering how to master the piano without the normal expense. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my buddy got cool results with it.

    • @emilylarimore127
      @emilylarimore127 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      True

    • @NelsonStJames
      @NelsonStJames 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Guilty.

    • @batner
      @batner 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yep. I am an ambarrasment. I probably better just stop trying. But I got the best Kawai digital available 2 years ago, it was expensive af, so I guess I keep trying until it breaks and quit then.

    • @hen-nt1cl
      @hen-nt1cl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      i mean, everyone starts somewhere. even a beginner pianist can be considered a serious one if they put in the effort to improve

  • @alexander.smirnov
    @alexander.smirnov 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1772

    Contents:
    0. Introduction [0:00]
    1. Listen and study scores [1:59]
    2. Sight-reading at least 20 min. a day [4:29]
    3. Read about music (biographies of composers, music history books, etc.) [5:32]
    4. Go to live concerts, listen to professional performances of all instruments, not just piano [6:17]
    5. Record and critique yourself [7:15]
    6. Guard your practice time (plan your time, write the schedule). Remember the idea that you start getting good at something after 10 000 hours of practice [8:06]
    7. Scales and arpeggios!!! All keys should be equally comfortable for you [9:16]
    8. Improvise and compose [10:52]
    9. Go straight at your weaknesses in music [11:46]
    10. Discuss music with other musicians [12:37]

    • @crucifiedresurrected6692
      @crucifiedresurrected6692 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Александр Смирнов спасибо!

    • @TankiCubed
      @TankiCubed 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Александр Смирнов thank you

    • @patriciazavalas4327
      @patriciazavalas4327 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Yes, ALL TRUE. THANKS for giving the time to clarify and share!!!
      So encouraging. I will now keep on insisting WITHOUT feeling off putting. Sure true, if you don't, you will be the one who CAN'T. IF YOU do , I E PLAY, STUDY SCORES, go to recitals , play with and for others, compose, then you will be the one who can't --- so simple, heh .. go for it, the joy of this soul deep language is worth every effort to gain freedom at the keyboard - or instrument of choice

    • @sergeikhmylov1557
      @sergeikhmylov1557 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      спасибо, Саша!

    • @rafaelgomez1989
      @rafaelgomez1989 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Александр Смирнов thank you !!!

  • @Madeline64
    @Madeline64 4 ปีที่แล้ว +169

    “If all keys aren’t equally comfortable for you, you are no kind of musician”
    I’m just going to go curl up and die hahahah

    • @lifeontheledgerlines8394
      @lifeontheledgerlines8394 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      It hurts, but ya gotta stop crying on the floor in fetal position and just PRACTICE!
      - from someone who's been in your shoes lol

    • @tamalyncervin2117
      @tamalyncervin2117 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      True!

    • @kenhimurabr
      @kenhimurabr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If it's hard now, try to do all this stuff with soprano and baritone clefs instead normal piano ones.

    • @stuartmarks8844
      @stuartmarks8844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That statement is complete bs. Some slurs and slides are literally impossible in F#. Thus.....technically speaking it's not possible to be comfortable with a key which doesn't lend itself at all to certain executions.

    • @Dopameme
      @Dopameme 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I really doubt he meant it literally. He even stated later in the video that he's not as comfortable improvising Fugue expositions in d# minor, and obviously he is a serious musician. Some keys are naturally going to be much harder than others due to being awkward for the hands.

  • @WilliamSlaght
    @WilliamSlaght 6 ปีที่แล้ว +735

    You young players, listen here also, since I have something to also add to this brilliant video:
    I've been playing (jazz) piano for 17 years. Only recently I've actually decided to seriously practice like a madman. However, I've just got diagnosed with MS. In fact, 2017 was the year where sudden various neurological crises started happening upon me. My right leg, then the left, and now my right arm. I'm unable to play the piano as I did before. Makes me feel a bit sick and suicidal honestly. My biggest regret was to NOT properly practice for various years that I missed out on. I was only playing standards (and keys) that I was super familiar with for all this time. I only could've only performed Giant Steps in the original key, and that's pretty much it. Only recently I started to "seriously," or should I say 'rationally,' practice, and I'm 25 now, and MS just happened.
    Anything can happen in life. I took music very seriously, but I never took practice seriously. You have to practice practicing and practice organization before practicing the piano. It has to be done. Practice avoiding distractions whether you eventually fall for them or not. Life is a practice of which is coincidentally happening to you. Be thankful there is life AND MUSIC.
    I only recently started to be a studious artist, which fellow non-musician friends found me becoming quite pedantic about music. Whether it's MS, death, an accident or what not. You're living in this moment, and ask yourself if you want to improve and take the appropriate steps. You have to think long and hard. One has to THINK if one wants to develop oneself into a serious artist.
    Don't become a "Classical" pianist if you do not listen to "Classical Music." I'm serious. Also LISTEN TO THIS GUY! I really dislike people who talk about technique, harmony or music without actually knowing what they're talking about. I hate asking "why?" and having the person dogmatically reply with "I was taught this" or "my professor showed me this." No, you need to KNOW why!
    Life has been giving to you. I like to see it as having to balance two things: control and comfort. If you keep choosing "comfort" all the time (whether it be socializing, smoking pot, playing video games, and/or etc.), then TIME will push you into situations and places you do not want to be in. Time will keep pushing you whether you like or not. It's up to you to "control" yourself, discipline yourself, and understand and utilize the time that life has bestowed upon you. Take "control" of your life; however, one needs to balance it out with "comfort" or else one will go mad.
    The time is now or never, and it'll always be. We all live in the present. I missed out the chance of my dream of which was to record myself performing all these Jazz standards, but I procrastinated and it never happened, and I'm 25 and it's too late. Again, you never know what time and life will bring you, and so understand this carefully.
    -William Slaght

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  6 ปีที่แล้ว +114

      Sorry to hear of this adversity. I hope you will find some fruitful and life-giving ways to engage with your love of music, even though your original plan may have to be reconsidered.

    • @bsharamistreh8348
      @bsharamistreh8348 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      i am jazz piano player and 4 months ago neurological crises started happening suddenly one day after being practicing 4 hours , right leg and arm and left side also , can i have your email-adress?

    • @SleeplessinOC
      @SleeplessinOC 6 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      LinkBulletBill I’m so sorry fir your difficulties and diagnosis! And here I am complaining about petty things. Thank you for your inspirational post. I’ll do my best to take to heart what you said although I am much older than you.

    • @paulthornton918
      @paulthornton918 6 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Don't be too hard on yourself mate.....you were young and you still are, if you had spent thousands of hours practising you would have missed out on other things, how could you possibly have known you would become ill. I hope advancements in medical science will soon make your life much more enjoyable, I'm sure they will eventually.

    • @MelodicaMen
      @MelodicaMen 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      LinkBulletBill Brilliant comment. Thank you, William.

  • @raphaelhudson
    @raphaelhudson 6 ปีที่แล้ว +393

    "I am spending the entire day making myself improvise fugues in D# minor" --- respect

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  6 ปีที่แล้ว +149

      It was a long day.

    • @alcidearttuhaskel250
      @alcidearttuhaskel250 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Oh my

    • @MsBettyRubble
      @MsBettyRubble 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      cedarvillemusic How do you feel about d sharp minor now?

    • @Microsoft-Windows
      @Microsoft-Windows 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      MsBettyR. With Equal Temperament, it's the same as every other key :)

    • @karolakkolo123
      @karolakkolo123 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      D# minor is my favorite key to play in all seriousness. My favorite Bach fugue is the 8th one from book I of WTC, which is in D# minor. Also Scriabin's etude op.8 no.12, one of my favorite etudes, is written in D# minor

  • @davisatdavis1
    @davisatdavis1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +112

    I'm glad that this guy said to compose. Some of my friends make fun of me and push me around for composing. They love hearing me play piano but then turn against me when I compose. It mentally hurts me. It warms my heart to hear what you said about composing in the video.

    • @espanasmusic6899
      @espanasmusic6899 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I just realize that I am such a lucky guy, because my family does not mind if I play my own songs.

    • @amandajstar
      @amandajstar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      They're envious! A lot of people will accept that you have talent but don't like to feel that your talent 'goes too far'. Pay no attention, do what you do for love and money if possible, and only play to those that are interested.

    • @ludwigvanbeethoven2107
      @ludwigvanbeethoven2107 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ur doing great yk! I'm a singer and I write songs and all that...yes my parents tell me.to stop weiting such depressing songs but I can't help it haha

    • @BryWMac
      @BryWMac 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Get a midi controller and a quality daw with some quality vsts. Put what ever you produce on Soundcloud, Spotify, TH-cam or sell it through beatstars. It really pains me how music is just memorizing other people's compositions while a kid with a laptop is throwing together hits. I really think this is what is contributing to the lack of colour in alot of modern music. You're more then a jukebox and piano is the perfect interface for producing, or obviously making instrumental piano music. Do it, share it with the world. You're friends are never a good enough sample size. If just 0.01% of the world cares about your stuff that's about a million people.

    • @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849
      @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @Davis Robinson it’s time for new friends. Seriously. Stop calling them, stop answering their calls. I promise, in just a short time you’ll realize that having different friends or even no friends is a million times better than friends who bring you down.

  • @dog3579
    @dog3579 6 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    I have played the piano for over sixty years. This video should be required watching for anyone who aspires to be a musician. I can't claim to do each of the ten things every day, but I do each of them at least several times every week. Frankly, I can't imagine making any real progress for an aspiring musician with less than fifteen hours per week of practice. Practicing one hour each day barely warms me up! Bravo, Professor!

  • @ThursdayNextSO-27
    @ThursdayNextSO-27 6 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    I've been playing piano since I was 4, I practice everyday, I'm 11 now but I'll keep playing my whole life because I'm devoted

  • @darykinnaman2319
    @darykinnaman2319 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I could have used this video 40 years ago. I will never be a Concert Pianist but I know I have Talent and enjoy playing.

    • @williamhill2221
      @williamhill2221 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now To be piano teacher in music universities and music colleges are very difficult. Don't be dream about pianist. To be piano teacher job audition Depends on your piano performance level. Your piano performance level is more high, your demonstration skill is more strong. Piano teaching are combination with your performance high level and your demonstration skill. This point is very important.

    • @williamhill2221
      @williamhill2221 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Different level piano teacher are big difference from performance level to demonstration skill.

  • @jeremybogard1216
    @jeremybogard1216 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Can't believe I just found my old piano teacher after 20+ years. Such great insights here. I love the bit about how we're all narcissists. So true. Looking forward to seeing lots more content from the artist I once knew as "Mr. Mortensen" (now Dr. Mortensen). So cool!

  • @AggroChip
    @AggroChip 6 ปีที่แล้ว +186

    It's also important to have fun

    • @StephenFasseroMusic
      @StephenFasseroMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      said all the mediocre musicians ever.

    • @thehappypiano2985
      @thehappypiano2985 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      razrrgwinny I’ve started playing piano five years ago when I was 10years old.now I’ve improved my piano but I’m bad at reading notes.I want to improve my studying.

    • @skepticmonkey6923
      @skepticmonkey6923 4 ปีที่แล้ว +61

      @@StephenFasseroMusic Dude, if dont even enjoy doing it whats the point?

    • @jordidewaard2937
      @jordidewaard2937 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Yup. People like Tiffany Poon, Valentina Lisitsa and Lang Lang keep screaming it, but people keep not accepting this as something really important for some reason

    • @kanecanedy623
      @kanecanedy623 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      jordi de waard what is bro?

  • @daniabadeister1526
    @daniabadeister1526 6 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    Great advice, for any person who'd like to be a musician really !
    I'd add : sight singing. It's really important to be able to hear the music you are reading, and everybody should be able to read a score out loud.
    It takes so much practice, but it's really worth it!

    • @Str8representing
      @Str8representing 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Don't you need to be able to sing intervals before starting sight singing?

  • @kimrunic5874
    @kimrunic5874 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I did a lunchtime gig playing piano in a fancy restaurant a couple hours a day. After 6 months of that, 6 days a week, I was in the best playing shape of my life. What made the crucial difference was that, although it wasn’t a pressure situation, you had to play non stop and not screw up. Your technique and musculature necessarily go way up. So great to feel like the master for once. It’s ebbed away since, I’m sorry to say.

  • @user-nv2wt4hi8t
    @user-nv2wt4hi8t 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Been coming back to this for just over four years now. Continues to be a hidden gem on this platform. An absolute masterpiece of passion and tutelage.

  • @denizbesikcioglu
    @denizbesikcioglu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I love this video! And may I add;
    11. Know your instrument well: If you have an acoustic piano, open it up and learn about the mechanism, learn how to clean it, learn how to tune it, check its tune periodically and read about your instrument: the history and the culture of it.

    • @lordvaderbossofdoom3960
      @lordvaderbossofdoom3960 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You sure you wanna tune your upright?

    • @iona-sh
      @iona-sh ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lordvaderbossofdoom3960 Why not? Is it rocket science?

  • @ErickPaquin
    @ErickPaquin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Well that was a good slap in the face for me...and well deserved. Man do I need to get my !@#$ together on that instrument. Thanks, just what I needed!

  • @ronan8764
    @ronan8764 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I started playing music when I was 14- I'm 18 now, and I've always loved playing the piano the most. I've felt like I was at a stand still in my practice though, and realized all I was really doing was just repeating the music I've already learned, rather than learning something new to improve myself further. This video has really helped a lot already, and has motivated me to do better, to practice more, to practice the things I may not like, etc etc. This was a great video to watch and I'll probably rewatch in the future when I need a kick in the rear to do better. My music director would say that "there's always room for perfection" no matter who you are.

  • @PANDORASBOXRELEASE
    @PANDORASBOXRELEASE 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Some great truth bombs here. A lot of young musicians really need to hear your message. The best thing you said was how shocked you are by people who claim to play piano for over 10 years and have very little to show for it. I have been playing for over 17 years, and classically trained with music theory, but even with this experience I cannot say I am a serious pianist. Sure I could play advanced pieces by Rachmaminoff or Chopin, or talk about some music history, but I definitely do not understand everything there is to know about my instrument. If anyone ever wants to get better at something, what you are not good at has to be acknowledged.

  • @droiD392
    @droiD392 6 ปีที่แล้ว +135

    excellent lizst

    • @tamalyncervin2117
      @tamalyncervin2117 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He has a doctorate degree in music, of course he can play like that!

    • @nmaurok
      @nmaurok 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      When does he play Liszt?

    • @ZuduOoT
      @ZuduOoT 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      it was a pun (list/liszt) lol

    • @sebastian-benedictflore
      @sebastian-benedictflore 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah, I lost focus though and had to go Bach to the beginning.

    • @thehappypiano2985
      @thehappypiano2985 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      tristan my favorite is la Campanella

  • @Se_bito
    @Se_bito 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I would love a teacher like you that challenges my knowledge all the time and aspires that I grow every day through hard work. Im not a professional musician, and Ive recently taken piano at 23 years old. But Im definitely putting in the work in all the theory and fundamental techniques. Sadly, im self taught and I know self teaching will never be able to substitute a competent teacher. But I have really loved the journey until now, its been four months and Ive seen incredible results by staying consistent practicing every day.

  • @paolagarcia9094
    @paolagarcia9094 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm so glad I found this video and realized that I'm doing a lot of things listed in your video! I'm happy you uploaded this and I hope it gets the views it deserves!

  • @MikeyOnKeys
    @MikeyOnKeys 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love composing, and I’ve been composing for about a year now. I’ve written 2 sonatas so far, in the progress of writing two more, I’ve written waltzes, miscellaneous pieces, rondos, etc. It’s super fun and anyone who wants to really get into music should try it.

  • @TheRobTV
    @TheRobTV 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    record yourself... YES. I recorded a few minutes playing the third mov of bach's bwv 1052. During the recording I only notice a few mistakes. Listening. i notice right and left hand clarity issues, timing issues, finger accidentally hitting the note beside it. You are so right.

  • @JadwinManuel
    @JadwinManuel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i love this. I've grown up learning music in the marching band and transitioning to self-teaching. A lot of teachers tend to avoid going into theory with the younger audience and it holds them back sooo much. There are so many pianists out there that are lost when asked to improv and actually put their music chops to the test.

  • @lesturner9849
    @lesturner9849 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great video! Im not an aspring pro muscian but I do take practice and study seriously. Ive been playing for almost two years now and enjoy this instrument everyday. I enjoy the mental challenge and rewards that come from progressing.

  • @redalert374
    @redalert374 6 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I keep learning songs that are above my level, and I force myself to inch ahead memorizing every note. You are amazing! Another person to add to the list of people I want to be as good as one day .

    • @kyoryu1
      @kyoryu1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Piano Gamer01 You are my other half, bro.

  • @jillmcaleese6514
    @jillmcaleese6514 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I keep coming back to this video, the advice is so sound... it's very easy to neglect aspects. Even if I don't do every one every day, this is a great reminder list, thank you for that. Late starter, London

  • @santsounds
    @santsounds 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm going to show this to every student I ever have, and also use it as a reminder for myself. Well done. This is THE video.

  • @Un1234l
    @Un1234l 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love this. I used to do all this instinctually, due to my love for music and how I wanted to repay it for almost quite literally saving me. As a result, my growth in the first 3 years had been phenomenally explosive; the following 7 have been stagnant.
    I was born with particularly strong hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, and the constant sweating and slipping off the keys discouraged me immensely and made me walk away for good; there's no way I could fight the biology and physiology.
    A huge part of me had been missing the past 7 years as a result. And this video reminded me of a happier time.

  • @snacklepussPSN
    @snacklepussPSN 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A decent de-stressing gesture is a great help as well: I used a self realized one which is crossing hands over on the keys for a few seconds or more and randomly exploring keys far from what you were practicing; then stop by lifting both hands in front of you where centre of Piano is; then place the left hand on top of the right hand and intermingle all fingers while flexing them the hands and wrists and vice versa: Instantly you can go back to full practice mode: This crossover relaxes both hemispheres of the brain naturally as is evident when you relax in lying down; you automatically cross your arms and legs:

  • @Ravelin10
    @Ravelin10 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I would add 11th: Study all the harmony you can in order to understand what you are playing and (for example) be able to find the right dynamics without depending on the different editions of the scores. ;)

  • @LQ...
    @LQ... 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love this energy, I just started learning to play and want to take it serious. A lot of other videos I’ve seen aren’t as straight forward about what it takes

  • @sophiekreynolds1
    @sophiekreynolds1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    been playing for 20 years, and trying to take it to the next level. thanks for this amazing video!

  • @LordQueezle
    @LordQueezle 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is so, so true. I have almost finished my first semester of college level piano. Nothing here is new information to me, which makes me feel better about myself, but it is worth reminding ourselves time and time again to do this things so we continue to improve.

  • @sleazyslytherin6836
    @sleazyslytherin6836 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "10 years of study and not a whole heck of a lot to show for it" I needed that call out xD great, thought-provoking video!

  • @BarnieSnyman
    @BarnieSnyman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I couldn't agree more with you about recording and critiquing oneself! When I first filmed myself playing...boy oh boy, was that an eye/ear-opener! Not to mention that a camera/microphone induces a good measure of stage-fright in me! And I still feel I have a lot of work to do in order to be able to make a decent recording. PS - The Schubert G-flat Impromptu...its quite fun to play it in different keys and to hear how it sounds.

  • @alexclose2353
    @alexclose2353 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dr. Mortensen, these ten suggestions are foundational that I have not been doing and I need to put more effort into them. Thanks for this comprehensive foundational list.

  • @haemsta1
    @haemsta1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    this is pure gold! these tips of advice apply to other professions and life. what an inspiration. thank you!

  • @JamminWithJake
    @JamminWithJake 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely amazing. Thank you for this treasure chest of wonderful insight.

  • @jimbrownmusic
    @jimbrownmusic 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brilliantly helpful post, John. Thank you!

  • @kadenennis8107
    @kadenennis8107 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, I genuinely appreciate this video as it brought to light all the things I could be doing to improve.

  • @Jolie_sailor
    @Jolie_sailor 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you professor. Great advice.....all of them.

  • @mikegallagher4388
    @mikegallagher4388 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Halfway through this but absolutely loving this. Great advice.

  • @H.O.M.I.
    @H.O.M.I. 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for this wonderful & enlightening video!

  • @koi1762
    @koi1762 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i am a illustrator, only playing the piano as a hobby, it is crazy how much similarity there is between developing a skill like drawing and something like piano, especially mentally wise.

  • @hopesonmakokha5217
    @hopesonmakokha5217 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gosh this is invaluable. I watched this years ago and back then I felt a little bit overwhelmed. Now that I'm studying music on a higher academic level in university, it's only just dawned on me how useful your advice is, in fact every musician should be doing most of these. This is an eye opener. Composing music is my greatest passion, for me I really need to focus on sight reading more and analyze the works of the great musicians and composers to learn as much as possible from them.

  • @broggsey
    @broggsey 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for posting, one thing that always gets me is I work on a routine that includes all the elements and it goes great for a while but then I start obsess on one piece or one element and the rest goes out the window more and more until I’m just doing one thing

  • @enchade
    @enchade 6 ปีที่แล้ว +192

    This is absolutely true! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, there is no other way to get better just practice, don't stay on your comfort zone and work on your weaknesses and this is not just for piano but for everything you want to get good at. I'm 17 and I play piano since I was like 5, what have I done these 12 years?!?!!? This video motivated me to start doing what I say "I love most" @cedarvillemusic thank you man! Keep uploading videos because I'm looking forward to see them

    • @evasetina1529
      @evasetina1529 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      enchade I don't understand. I go to school at 6am, come home at 4pm, go to athletics training until 7pm, and then i have to do my homework and studies...and sleep. I'm unable to squeeze those 2h a day of piano practise in my schedule even if i wouldn't have breaks or free time....welp

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  6 ปีที่แล้ว +67

      I have great respect for those who excel at athletics. However, you can't be excellent at everything. At some point you have to choose what matters most to you.

    • @timowolff1105
      @timowolff1105 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      enchade i‘m teaching myself since four years the piano. I‘m practicing two hours every day

    • @darkray5653
      @darkray5653 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Eva Šetina at some point you have to pick athletics or music. I've quited most sports I played and focus now on music

    • @nasanchez964
      @nasanchez964 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I agree with you, but PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE without order and purpose is not enough. you have to learn how to do it. believe me, I'm an expert on being a total mess.
      this video opened my eyes.

  • @brandonwhitaker8468
    @brandonwhitaker8468 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is a solid call to action for me. I get pretty good at whining that my skills aren't improving, while at the same time not working to these kinds of standards. Really motivating video, thanks for making it!

  • @AlpamayoJoe
    @AlpamayoJoe 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you ! Very clear an instructive. Ciao John

  • @HannahKayW
    @HannahKayW 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks a ton for the help John. I have to say sometimes it's hard to know what to do when you don't have a teacher and you're just floundering around in community college. This truly points out the flaws in my methods of practice. I admit I'm often afraid that it took me too long to get into good habits, I wonder if I'll be able to shorten up my weaknesses in time for me to be able to be a Pianist as my career, even though I've been playing all my life... but I won't stop even if it doesn't end up how I imagine it, because I love music too much.

  • @kathleencook3060
    @kathleencook3060 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! I wish I was preparing to Attend your classes.
    I would work my butt off!
    You are a great teacher!!
    Thank you.

  • @WarrenPostma
    @WarrenPostma 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This advice is excellent for non-professionals who CARE about their musical abilities. Especially going at your weaknesses. I am 48 and I'm going back to Piano to get good enough that I can use the Piano to write songs. I faked my way through guitar without learning music theory and sight reading, and I realize now how much that crippled me. Now that I'm wanting to write songs, I realize that the quality of what I produce is crippled by my lack of knowledge, and conversance with what music is. Music theory is knowing what music is. Great points all of them. Also you've encouraged me to up my daily practice time. I want to get good (enough for my own purposes) before I'm 60.

  • @MichaelAlexander1967
    @MichaelAlexander1967 6 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    That's funny, "What have you been doing for TEN YEARS?!!" That tickles me. When you don't practice consistently or participate in competitions or prepare for serious auditions, then progress can be really really slow, especially for those who just do it for a hobby. C'est La Vie! Non-the-less, this is one of the best piano tip & mentoring videos I have heard!! Really great advice. If I were going to be a music major who plays piano, I would live by this video. I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

    • @RussTi
      @RussTi 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My thought was that they are going to school for 8 hrs, and then homework for 3, and then extra curricular for a couple more. kinda hard to find an hour or two to practice in todays school setting.

    • @kenhimurabr
      @kenhimurabr 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RussTi you can find a part time school and fill the other 4 hours daily with music studies. And physical exercises/sports.

  • @domberta7825
    @domberta7825 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Many, many thanks to Dr Mortensen for his 10 rules!

  • @joseph_burdock
    @joseph_burdock 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was really helpful, thanks for the extra drive to keep me practicing even more!

  • @EmbertoneSampling
    @EmbertoneSampling 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

  • @deecher9494
    @deecher9494 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this. Working on some transcriptions, my sight reading, and my tension,

  • @rolandascarrunz2715
    @rolandascarrunz2715 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dear Dr. Mortensen:
    Thank you for this amazing video. It is great advice, not just for pianists, but for all musicians.
    You gave me a kick in the pants. I used to be a guitarist and because of life’s circumstances I stopped playing about 40 yrs. ago.
    I am now retired and have decided to pick up the instrument again. This video provides so much good, positive advice.
    I decided to play the guitar for my own enjoyment.
    Your video made me realize how much greater that enjoyment will be by my following your ten points as they’re applied to the guitar.
    Thank you again for your ideas.
    Roland Ascarrunz
    recovering guitarist.

  • @calebbritt1183
    @calebbritt1183 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wish I had seen this video freshmen year or earlier, but I am glad I saw it now as a Senior. Regardless of being a Jazz Alto Sax "player" (I put it in brackets because after hearing his definition of a musician, I am still far from it) I can translate this info straight to my instrument and personal studies. Seems like an awesome Professor that is strict on his students because he cares. Thank you for caring! God bless you, and keep on educating the future of music.

  • @johnmeye
    @johnmeye 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this! Great advice I'm so ready to put into action!

  • @F0rCe77
    @F0rCe77 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Many of these advices apply to almost any profession! Great video!

  • @drmichaelshea
    @drmichaelshea 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    No that’s one tough - and no doubt excellent - teacher. At age 19, I wasn’t even close, but I’m no musician either. Congratulations to those who are ready and able.

  • @darrinsiberia
    @darrinsiberia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've been playing for 4 mass services a week for 4 years as well as funerals and weddings and I can honestly say my sight reading has really improved not so much the difficulty but it's more like I trust my fingers more I insti ncrively know where they are... it takes a lot of repetition and practice helps to have a job that forces you to do it.

  • @glennmartin974
    @glennmartin974 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent for any musician in any genre ! Sharing !

  • @rodericktech5643
    @rodericktech5643 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From another professional pianist with degrees, but with a partly non-musical career - Dr. Mortensen is right on here. Every point. Listen and imitate and you will do well. Excellent video.

  • @Toygoody
    @Toygoody 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done. Very good pointers for aspiring musician or someone who just want to improve their craft.

  • @CallMeMrAnderson
    @CallMeMrAnderson 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video! Been a few years since I've taken lessons as life has taken me away from the piano, but after watching this I feel a need to dust off my piano fingers and get practicing on the pieces I was never able to finish learning.

  • @jerrybriardy
    @jerrybriardy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks Doc! Outstanding advice. I really appreciate this video. I'm not one of your students, but I'm going to share this with other musicians.

  • @taiyoomori5671
    @taiyoomori5671 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much this was a real eye opener

  • @lance1380
    @lance1380 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That...! Is one of my favourite parts of the op 23 no 2
    My teacher played that when we left class and I actually hid behind the coats haha and she realised I was listening to her play that piece especially that left hand singing line very dynamic and emotional piece...
    Thanks!!! 😊
    I started late not Prodigy but I did start serious at 15 and put 8-9 hrs a day quite obsessed the piece that got me into classical piano was Emanuel ax playing at proms Beethoven 3rd piano concerto
    And that Scriabin etude he played at his last live performance was amazing and he was in his mid eighties!...

  • @TonusFabri2024
    @TonusFabri2024 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great advice. I particularly like his emphasis on improvising. Church organists have to improvise; jazz pianists improvise as a matter of course; but most classical pianists hardly know the word! I love improvising at the piano, and seeing if I can get into the style of Vaughan Williams, or Rachmaninov etc. Similarly, classically trained singers panic at the thought of improvising! I once had the pleasure of improvising all the vocal narrative for a church Christmas pageant. It was exalting, and surprisingly easy once I let myself go. The organist accompanied me without missing a chord; we were like two jazz musicians who've played together for years.

  • @seaurchin1953
    @seaurchin1953 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I want to take my playing to the next level and now I know how. This is tough love at its best. Great advice, you really opened my eyes.

  • @IndyMAB1964
    @IndyMAB1964 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is an amazing list of how to become a better musician! I appreciate your taking the time to put this list together. As someone that has played the piano since I was 13 (am now 58), I know that I should be further along in my journey than I am. Life happened and I am not a professional musician, but I do see the value of these points, and I am going to print them out and put them on the wall so that I can read them. I am sure that your students that follow this list of points become excellent musicians!
    One thing that I would add to the list, maybe as a bonus point after the fundamentals, is to experiment with other instruments. Because I play piano, I can play the organ, but the multiple manuals and voices of the stops, whether pipe organ or draw-bar organ, provides different voicings and different playing experiences. I also play the accordion, banjo, saxophone, drums, bass guitar (and, by extension, the bass viola as a bass fiddle for bluegrass). It's all fun and it gives me a more well-rounded sense of being a musician. It's also fun to be able to say, "sure, I can play that!" It also affords experiences that I might not have had otherwise, like playing Sam Houston's personal pipe organ, which is located in Huntsville, TX just off the Sam Houston State U campus (where I attended for college).

  • @stephankusel208
    @stephankusel208 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Absolutely captivating, amazing and outstanding tips, doing my advanced certificate this year in piano, and I found this video enlightened me and has helped me a lot. Thanks for this video

  • @jeffh5388
    @jeffh5388 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A great teacher and inspirational. Thank you.

  • @pastapower594
    @pastapower594 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow! Great advice! You woke me up. Wish you were my teacher. Thank you for posting.

  • @ShantiSwaroopPrabhakar
    @ShantiSwaroopPrabhakar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m a beginner. No aspiration at the moment but hope to get better. And I am happy that I do much of what is said here already. I also understood every single point is so valid here. Thank you.

  • @domberta550
    @domberta550 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Many, many thanks for your advice!

  • @therainforest4314
    @therainforest4314 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent well grounded advice. It's great if a person does have a good aptitude for music, but nothing beats enthusiasm and sincere dedication to piano studies. Thank you for sharing, cedarvillemusic. :)

  • @dichebach
    @dichebach 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good advice for everyone who wants to master their craft.
    I'm a retired professor of anthropology, now training as a programmer. It is remarkable to me how good the advice in this video is for mastering the craft of programming. Good stuff Professor Mortensen!

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I suppose there would be many parallels between piano study and any form of deliberate practice, whether programming, tennis, rock climbing, etc.

  • @Mike1614b
    @Mike1614b 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great list. I find if I'm not too familiar with a particular key, if I improvise, I become more familiar and comfortable with the chord changes and notes faster.

  • @bbkfiberoptic965
    @bbkfiberoptic965 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Was going to ignore this video.
    ..so many people giving advice. But this is priceless! Thank you

  • @shimmeringreflection
    @shimmeringreflection 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great advice. Thank you for the valuable lesson

  • @geraldparker8125
    @geraldparker8125 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man, such good and thorough advice! I like, among other points, your urging to music students (and this applies to voice students as well as to instrumentalists. I worked in various musical circumstances, in cities great and humble, in which there were conservatory and university level music programmes, all with performance majors included in the curriculum. In such an out-of-the-way place, muscialy speaking, as London, Ontario, the very large department was full of students who had no real idea of what professional performance stardards really are. One simply has to hear the great vocalists and instrumentalists to have any clear idea of what is expected of a fine performer. In London, Ont., many kids had very inadequate ideas of up to what they needed to measure. Concerts by important musicians make it clear what the standards are. Students should even be required to attend concerts. Having them write critiques of what they heard, to avoid sluffing off, help to make them get to and into the concert and recital halls.

  • @nasanchez964
    @nasanchez964 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you so much sharing this video. I even took notes.many of the things I kinda knew, but hearing it made me realize I am not doing a good job. I'll try and follow your advice.
    I think you left out a good one which is (in my opinion) very important, I hope you share this thought with me: "be patient and cope with frustration". those two are the enemy of learning, and one has to be ready to face them.
    P.S. Subscribed.

  • @dmitrybuldakov3554
    @dmitrybuldakov3554 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These are excellent advices - both, for enthusiasts and, I believe, for professionals too. Thank you!! :)

  • @michaelsmith697
    @michaelsmith697 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent points!

  • @rogeralleyne9257
    @rogeralleyne9257 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So glad this channel found me!!!🙏🙏🙏

  • @God_Is_Good_Everyday
    @God_Is_Good_Everyday 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your energy is passion. Thanks

  • @MsPea
    @MsPea 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just came across your video. It applies to all music students, I think. I study violin, but these are all things I will keep in mind to incorporate into my daily or weekly practice routine. Thanks.

  • @taryllhanchard3978
    @taryllhanchard3978 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I compose little motif everyday sometimes many.
    That I then work on.
    I find it really easy now and it really helps with performances because I can predict the music.
    I can quickly figure out the patterns in the song, chord progression melody and harmony and theme/style and quirks the song has.

  • @LoriCitro
    @LoriCitro 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! Wonderful tips. Thank you!

  • @SelenaN
    @SelenaN 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you very much for your advice! As an incoming piano student for college, your expertise was highly appreciated!

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Best wishes as you start this adventure.

  • @willschneider4616
    @willschneider4616 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Some of those incoming high schoolers are getting 30 minutes a week of lessons, which may explain why they suddenly blossom in college when they're studying for many hours a week directly with music professors.

  • @USSBB62
    @USSBB62 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for these great words of encouragement. Just starting out for the first time at 70 years young.

  • @pianomonique
    @pianomonique 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS AND MOTIVATIONAL LEARNING........ WONDERFUL!!!

  • @dong-khwanyi1245
    @dong-khwanyi1245 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, Thank you for yout lecture!!!

  • @mikefaz5374
    @mikefaz5374 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you very much for this video.. you are an amazing teacher