Piano Technique: E minor arpeggios in staccato (various practicing approaches)–Video

Playing staccato triplets through romping arpeggios poses challenges for many students. Tension is triggered by what seems like disconnected notes, when in fact, the root, third, fifth progression should have a connecting thread. (despite note detachment) That's why I'll often recommend blocking out the arpeggio as the first preliminary to playing in LEGATO (smooth and…

Piano Technique Tips: Leaning toward the piano in contrary motion

One of my wise colleagues tipped me off about moving toward the piano when playing scales and arpeggios in contrary motion. After trying it, I integrated the leaning forward motion into my own practicing and naturally, it trickled down to my students in the lesson environment. Here's a demonstration using the E minor arpeggio in…

Piano Technique: Rolling out a four-note E minor arpeggio in all inversions (using a supple wrist and relaxed arm)-Video

The key to achieving fluidity in playing these arpeggios, is having a relaxed arm and supple, "spongy" wrist. The wrist, I would add is a SPRING, or shock absorber. If you freeze your wrist, you might as well play the piano with a pencil. I dip my wrist with each inversion, and I roll into…