Hopefully, having read parts one, two, and three, you'll be venturing deeper into your musical adventure. This final part wraps up our virtual 'practice session' and hopefully will send you on your way armed with further ammunition for more exciting practice!
Below are two examples (similar to in part 3) where we have altered the rhythm. This time we are doing the SHORT, LONG version to exercise the fingers further;
Play the above examples at varying speeds, along to a metronome occasionally. Have you also tried 'silent' practice? You can learn quite a deal from listening to the rhythm of the keys / tone holes as you 'play'. Also with the breathing / sound production out of the picture, your brain can focus on rhythm alone..........
This session has only covered a limited amount of activities, but as mentioned in part 1 I have aimed this blog at adult students with limited time.
However, here are some further ideas to send you on your way;
- Speed. DO practice at various speeds, pushing yourself OUT of your comfort zone. You won't get anywhere fast plodding along at your normal 'comfortable' level. Increase the speed until the wheels fall off (then have a good giggle!)
- Do play by EAR. Well known tunes, tunes you've studied in the past. This will help your aural skills to improve. Don't get disheartened if if takes you several attempts to find the next note. If you are recognising that the one you have just tried is wrong, then you're learning already!
- Play your piece in different styles; swing your classical studies (sorry,....just heard all the Bach purists screaming in agony!) Baroque-ify adding trills, ornaments and more, add random accidentals (or dis-regard the key signature, not a problem for many ;) !) for a contemporary feel.
- Try playing a MAJOR piece in its relative MINOR key and vice versa! Have you tried Frere Jaques in a minor key?.....most creepy!
- Get your thespian head on, or take drama classes! A great performer has the ability to 'become' someone else in order to put the mood across. try playing AS your favourite performer (you won't see James Gallway fumbling about, apologising every bar and suchlike would you?!) perform as the Queen, Norman Wisdom, Ali G!
Anyway, I hope these tips have proved useful and you have a long and happy practice life with your instrument,
Keri Degg.
