Piano tips?

[Blahman]

Hey guys!

I'm really struggling with have cleaner lines/phrases with my right hand... It's partially my lack of chops and lack of technique.

What are some practice routines/exercises to help me towards having smoother lines across the keys? Essentially I'm trying to develop my improvising in bebop but right now my playing sounds very like "ta-ka-ta-ka-ta..."

Also, what are some classical pieces that really helped your technique?

[engelbach]

Originally Posted by Blahman

Hey guys!

I'm really struggling with have cleaner lines/phrases with my right hand... It's partially my lack of chops and lack of technique.

What are some practice routines/exercises to help me towards having smoother lines across the keys? Essentially I'm trying to develop my improvising in bebop but right now my playing sounds very like "ta-ka-ta-ka-ta..."

Also, what are some classical pieces that really helped your technique?

I can't answer in detail for the majority of pianists because I'm largely self-taught and have only average chops.

But the three most important things are practice, practice, practice.

And an important part of that routine is as much in your head as in your fingers. Hear the line that you're playing in your mind, and even better, sing it out loud along with your playing.

And there are books of exercises to strengthen your fingers and their independent movement that I'm sure others here will recommend.

[jazzman1945]

For systematic technical progress on piano recommend workbook of Czerny - Germer - Selected Piano Studies .


http://www.amazon.com/Selected-Studi...Czerrni+Germer

Just keep in mind that these exercises You must play in all keys.

[Blahman]

Thank you for the tips!

I find that singing with my playing helped me immensely.. However I struggle with translating it when I want to "stretch the keyboard", meaning go through a few octaves up or down... That's where my lines break apart and sound disconnected!!

[engelbach]

Originally Posted by Blahman

Thank you for the tips!

I find that singing with my playing helped me immensely.. However I struggle with translating it when I want to "stretch the keyboard", meaning go through a few octaves up or down... That's where my lines break apart and sound disconnected!!

Poco a poco. Practice and give it time and it will come.

[Ken]

I've been reading a biography on Bill Evans "How my Heart Sings" and there's an excerpt by Warren Berhardt:

"Bill introduced me to the Bach two- and three part Inventions, which he loved dearly and sight-read almost to perfection. We marveled at their architecture and mathematical purity. He was convinced that the Inventions were the perfect exercises for a pianist, not too difficult, but each one a finger-bender and a gem."

[Blahman]

Hmm, where do you think I can access such pieces for free? I'm on a college student budget

[jazz oud]

Originally Posted by Blahman

Hmm, where do you think I can access such pieces for free? I'm on a college student budget

Have you tried the "internet"? I hear there are all sorts of things there.

Seriously, though, googling "bach 2 part inventions sheet music" turned up plenty of resources.

[engelbach]

Originally Posted by rocklandpiano

12 Tips for Memorizing Piano Music:
Helpe this stie:http://colorinmypiano.com/2010/03/02...g-piano-music/

Welcome to the AAJ Forum.

That's a good link.

However, O.P.'s question wasn't about memorizing but about smoother playing during an improvisation.

Cheers,
Jer