How to Rekindle Your Piano Skills and Improve Hand and Finger Technique
I decided to write this guide to help former classical pianists return to the piano after a long hiatus. I completely understand the mixed feelings of frustration and fear you may feel. But with the right approach you can improve your skills fast. This blog will provide practical strategies to enhance your hand and finger technique. Let’s get your confidence back.
1. Test Your Technique
Take time to reassess your current level of proficiency and hand technique. Start off by playing some scales, chords, and arpeggios. Check how comfortable you feel playing again after taking a break.
Do your hands feel tense? Are your fingers slower than they used to be? If you notice any discomfort, address these issues with your teacher (if you have one). If you’re starting this journey alone, you’ll have to focus on specific areas that need improvement. Don’t rush into old and difficult pieces if you were an advanced pianist in your past life.
2. Focus on Hand and Body Position
Proper hand position is critical for effective piano playing. Your body needs to be in alignment with the piano, so you can move up and down the keyboard. Relax and curve your hands as you’re holding an apple in your hand. Position your finger pads on the keys in such a way that you apply minimal force. To achieve this:
· Finger Independence Exercises: This is where scales, chords, and arpeggios come into play. Play simple patterns that focus on each finger movement. By practicing each exercise slowly, you gain strength and speed in your fingers.
3. Revisit Finger Strength and Agility Exercises
One of the quickest ways to regain your technique is through finger strengthening and dexterity exercises. Three of the best methods I use when I practice are Hanon, Czerny, and scales. These exercises are designed to rebuild muscle memory and improve finger independence.
· Hanon Exercises: I warm up with a few exercises before every practice session. Each exercise focuses on different fingers. You may get bored at first. But if you play them slow and focus on creating beautiful melodies, you’ll notice how nice they sound.
· Czerny Exercises: Czerny has very nice exercises as another option. His virtuoso book focuses on a variety of patterns and rhythms. They can challenge your finger coordination and endurance.
· Scales: Practice playing one to three scales every time you warm up. When you play scales often, you also recall music theory. Scales will also help you with hand stability.
4. Incorporate Slow Practice
When you start playing the piano again, focus on something more easy to play. It’s very tempting to jump straight into the difficult old pieces you once played. Slow practice is essential for rebuilding technique. When you play slower, you allow yourself to focus on using proper fingers and accuracy. In the long run this will help you increase speed and avoid any tension in your hands.
If you have trouble playing slow and accurately, use a metronome. You can set a tempo that feels good to your hands and lets you play each note at the same tempo as the previous one. As you get more confident you can increase the tempo.
When you encounter difficult passages, break down the piece. Short segments and slower practice will get you closer to your goal. As you learn a challenging passage, increase the speed to the desired one.
5. Emphasize Hand and Finger Relaxation
You should never play with tension in your hands and fingers. If you feel pain at any moment of your practice, stop, reassess what causes the tension, and play that page slow. As you practice, think about relaxing your hand. Don’t rush into logging in the hours you practice, but the quality of your practice session. You need to be present while you practice. Stop thinking about walking your dog, cleaning the house, or what you have to do next. This is of no value to you. You can impact your technique and overall playing experience. Two of my favorite tips are:
· Hand Stretches: Perform gentle stretches on your hands and fingers before each practice. Stretching helps in maintaining flexibility and reduces muscle strain.
· Massage Hands and Fingers: Gently massage both forearms, hands, and fingers.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Returning to the piano is a marathon not a sprint. Set realistic and achievable goals. Stay motivated and focused when mastering a particular scale or piece. Of course, celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Soon enough you’ll be playing more difficult pieces.
7. Pick Musical Repertoire You Enjoy
Even though technical exercises are essential, playing musical repertoire is equally important. I usually spend 15-30 minutes warming up. Then I practice my repertoire for another 30 minutes to two hours (depending on how much time I have). Pick time that works for you. Choose pieces that are challenging yet manageable, and work on them.
Why do I need to play scales and arpeggios? They focus more on your technical skills. Warm up exercises help you learn the music faster and with more precision.
8. Seek Feedback
If possible, work with a piano teacher who can provide you with constructive feedback. Identify challenging areas that need improvement. And work with your teacher to get fresh perspective and guidance. Every successful musician has a teacher for a reason. We all need help and mentorship.
9. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to regaining your piano skills. Set aside 30 to 60 minutes of regular practice and make it a daily routine. Remember, progress not perfection as Marie Forleo always says.
Conclusion
Returning to the piano after a hiatus can be a challenging experience but very rewarding. Reassess your technique and focus on hand position. Incorporate finger strengthening exercises, practicing slow and maintaining relaxation. Set realistic goals. Pick musical repertoire, seek feedback, and stay consistent in your practice. With patience and dedication, you’ll soon regain your confidence. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the instrument and your own musical journey.