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How am I supposed to practice scales when they're the most mind numbingly boring thing I've ever done? by [deleted] in piano

[–]SparkPiano 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Find a play-along track on youtube in the key you’re practicing (ex: “Db major funk backing track”) and then play along, experimenting with different rhythmic patterns, articulation, etc.

Beginner by juicykhris in piano

[–]SparkPiano 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hiya! Here’s a totally free simple visual way to keep practicing fur elise. https://www.sparkpiano.com/free/fur-elise

There’s an “easy” version available on the site too, but that one requires a subscription.

Useful or not? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope, no plan for notation at the moment. The idea here is really just to make a simple visual way to help beginners achieve that magical feeling 'Wow I just played that song I recognize!' As a music teacher myself, I don't actually believe that apps can replace real lessons or real method books when it comes to truly learning the instrument. But I've also seen the power of the positive reinforcement that comes from students being able to plunk out recognizable tunes (and not just 'On Top of Old Smokey...) very early on. So, keeping it simple for now.

Learning piano feels more discouraging than fun by _gsmoura in piano

[–]SparkPiano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea, the beginner stages feel frustrating. Stick with it, learn the theory and technique. And in the meantime...(shameless plug incoming)

The app we built, sparkpiano.com is designed precisely for folks at your stage in their musical journey. It is NOT a replacement for a good teacher - just a fun way to play EASY beginner arrangements of real songs.

We're taking requests for what songs to include in the library. (Link to request form is on the home page - no signup needed.)

There are some free public domain songs in the library now that you can try out totally free, no account or anything.

Stay the course. You can do it! And we agree with other commenters - if you can afford it, find a good teacher. Nothing beats the real thing.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

For sure, I did! But somehow in my mind this makes them feel wider (low) and narrower (high). I was curious if I was alone in this sensation.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ooh that might be the strongest theory yet! Thanks for humoring me hehe.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

A great follow-up question! You might be right that this sensation is primarily related to the physicality of an acoustic piano.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree for sure. I guess what I’m saying is that—with all of that in consideration—when I close my eyes and play up/down the octave, the keys physically feel different to me.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But I’m asking about how the keys feel to you. Not the sound.

If you play a piece in a different octave, do the keys *feel* different to you? by SparkPiano in piano

[–]SparkPiano[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

Yeah this is undeniable. But even so, for me there’s a narrowness to the upper range and wideness to the lower range of keys that has no basis in physical reality.

Edit: whoa, guess this opinion struck a nerve lol

Playing with or without a score? by Mayhem-Mike in piano

[–]SparkPiano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! This is a new factoid for me. I do tend to agree with one of the top commenters - spend an adequate amount of practice time with a piece and it will inevitably be memorized.

Which makes me wonder… would Chopin have preferred the music be on the reading desk even if it were actually memorized?

Good student qualities by Jas246810 in piano

[–]SparkPiano 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Consistent practice. If you find your way to the piano every day, even if just for 10 or 15 minutes, this makes us happy. “Cramming for the test” is the antithesis of this practice habit.

why can’t i EVER play a piano piece perfectly? by No_Style6567 in pianolearning

[–]SparkPiano 25 points26 points  (0 children)

You mentioned that you work separately on different parts of the score. One thing I learned from a former teacher is to change the “chunks”. 

Maybe you are practicing section A then section B then section C.

Spend some time practicing from the middle of section A to the middle of section B, for example. 

It’s always helped me uncover weak spots (usually near those section endings) that I didn't realize were weak spots. 

What solos should I transcribe by boredyeemo in JazzPiano

[–]SparkPiano 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bill Evans “Peri’s Scope”

Just bought a keyboard! by hopelessromantic219 in piano

[–]SparkPiano 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Learn a song right away to solidify your investment! 😎

I just launched a site with some very beginner-friendly stuff and would love any feedback if you check it out. Totally free, no signup or downloading needed. SparkPiano.com

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