We're all guilty of them at some point. However, identifying and correcting those mistakes are all part of the learning process to becoming a fabulous piano player. Here's my top 8 mistakes to watch out for...
1. Whoa! Slow down!
When approaching a new piece of music, we're taught to practice each hand separately until we've mastered the correct notes, fingers and rhythm - precisely - in manageable sections. Get this stage done correctly and you'll complete the piece in good time. However, the tempo can sometimes be our undoing. Having built up our confidence with separate hands, combined with the urge to match the final tempo we hear on the radio, it's all too easy to play too fast when putting both hands together. There's more things for the mind to process with added coordination thrown in.
The key is to be patient and slow everything down. Playing slowly and precisely for a good period of time will help develop that 'muscle memory' - in other words, the illusive ability of play 'without thinking'. Get things wrong in this stage and further effort will be needed to undo this mistake, now played automatically, and relearn.
Whether it's learning separate hands or putting them finally together, start off slowly and provide yourself enough time to process what you read, no matter how painfully slow that might be. It'll pay dividends in the long run.
2. Using the wrong fingers
It's so important to make sure you're using the correct fingers. It goes without saying, learning and regularly practising your scales will help improve your finger technique. It's also important to understand the reasoning behind a good finger technique. Our hands are all different in some little way such as a larger span, so being flexible yet logical in our approach to our finger technique is sensible. A good teacher will always explain the reason why we should put a certain finger here or there. Good fingers will help you navigate the keys precisely and effortlessly.
3. Forgetting to count
From the beginning, I always encourage my students to count, count, count. It's yet another dynamic to add to the list and understand. We have a specific note to recognise, then a specific finger to use and now a beat to count out loud. If you have a metronome then that's an excellent way to assist you with the rhythm and tempo. Counting out the beats won't last forever when learning a new piece but it's a good habit to get into in order to play well. Get familiar with hearing your voice count. The sooner, the better.
4. Missing the small print
So we're playing the correct notes with both hands, with the correct fingers and at the correct rhythm and tempo. But what about the dynamics, phrasing and articulation? Are we taking note of our mezzo fortes, crescendos or staccatos to name just a few? Although this can be the last stage to get right in the learning process, it really is what brings the musical piece to life. So please. don't miss this one out.
5. To practice or to play?
These are two different things. To practice a musical piece is to completely deconstruct it bar by bar. Mistakes should be made. Timing should be slow. Each section should be repeated until perfected (check this out). Only then, once all completely learnt can we truly 'play' from start to finish and enjoy with satisfaction. However, it's also important not to fall into the trap of just 'playing' what you already know - whether that be a piece you've totally finished or the first section of a movement, never to progress beyond as it's your 'favourite' part.
Always progress. Always strive to discover new pieces. Be inspired. Continue to learn and develop as a player.
6. Stop slouching!
Having a good posture whilst sat at the keys is often overlooked. Without thinking we can slip into a hunched back with our chin pointing down. Our head should be held high and confident, with our eyes rather than our neck doing most of the movement needed to read music and check fingering. The shoulders should be tension-free with lifted arms and a straight, aligned back. Our fingers must be arched and relaxed with a straight yet flexible thumb.
Playing with a good posture will enable you to practice for longer and avoid developing a repetitive strain injury (it's true). It'll also allow you to play with better expression and dynamics - the sound will be better and you'll look amazing playing it.
7. Making the mistake of missing a mistake
At times it can be difficult to identify a mistake whilst practising at home, minus teacher. It's important to develop our listening skills and become a critique of our own work. One good way is to record your performance and listen, really listen. Did we play a wrong note then? Could I use more expression? That tempo is anything but consistent...
Always strive for perfection. Don't ignore a mistake.
8. Where's the enjoyment?
It's easy to forget the reason why we're learning the piano. Learning at first can be a challenge and we can often feel overwhelmed by it all. The piano is a beautiful instrument and it should be learnt with joy. It shouldn't be a chore. Keep things fun, regularly remind yourself why you're learning and be inspired by others. Make sure you have an understanding and flexible teacher too. If you want to take a break from practice and just play what you've already achieved, that's completely fine. Play for your family and friends or even book a concert. Enjoy and have fun.