Arioso7's Blog (Shirley Kirsten)

Piano Technique: Geography, choreography, and muscle memory in practicing scales (Video instruction)

Today’s lesson by Skype from Berkeley, CA to the UK focused on refining e minor scales. Of particular interest, was the segment, midway, that explored un-snagging a portion of the Harmonic minor form in STACCATO. A valuable technique applied included spot practicing critical areas of difficulty.. i.e. C to D# to E in every octave. Geography, choreography and muscle memory were collective ingredients in promoting overall improvement in the scale execution.

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Skyped piano instruction can be very productive if the transmission is clear and unencumbered by static. This particular student is tech savvy and has the best possible hook-up for her web cam-driven lessons.

Excerpt, E Minor Scales in Legato and Staccato

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Practicing the E minor Arpeggio (blocking technique)



Cleo the Cat interrupts