Piano 2014

I'm continuing piano this semester again, and I've had a few classes since I've been back. We've covered everything we did last semester and now we've advanced more in the second book. I've been a lot better with practicing lately, and I've gone over the songs 'Sunrise' and 'The Ballet Dancer' so much that I almost know them by heart. I can definitely play fairly quickly now, but I realise that I need to improve my beats and timing for notes. I also find it a lot easier to play notes on my right and left hand at the same time now.

Rachel is now teaching me how to move my right hand up and down the keyboard while playing. This is very challenging for me, because I used to remember what notes were purely based on where my fingers were - not relying so much on the note on the paper. I now have to focus on keeping the notes on my left hand correct while at the same time figuring out where my fingers are on my right hand. It gets a little overwhelming at times, and I have to go pretty slowly, but I think with practice it'll all become a lot easier.

The new notes I'm learning on the right hand

The songs I've been doing lately are 'Three Blind Mice', 'The Dancing Kangaroo', 'Follow the Leader' (which involves the use of the right hand in a new location, and well as the left hand by middle C), 'Lightly Row' (also moving on to more complex playing), and 'Sweet and Low' (which is at the back of the book, so is slightly more difficult, but includes notes I've already learnt).

I really enjoy the challenge that piano presents, and I need to continue to consistently sit down and practice everyday. I've recently heard about a concert that I have the potential to play in, which is exciting and offers me some motivation.