Wednesday, January 11, 2023 by Jose Quesada | Lessons

Learning to play the piano is a challenging and rewarding endeavor, but it can also be frustrating for beginners who make common mistakes. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common mistakes that piano beginners make and provide tips on how to avoid them. 

1. Not practicing regularly: One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not practicing regularly. To improve your piano skills, it's essential to set aside time each day for practice. Even just 15-20 minutes of daily practice can make a big difference in your progress. 
2. Poor posture and hand positioning: Proper posture and hand positioning are crucial for piano playing. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back and feet flat on the floor can help improve your finger dexterity and control. Additionally, keeping your wrists relaxed and having a proper grip on the keys can help prevent pain and injury. 
3. Not understanding music theory: Understanding music theory is important for being able to read sheet music and play a wide range of songs. Beginners often make the mistake of skipping over music theory and focusing only on playing songs by ear. Taking the time to learn basic music theory will pay off in the long run.
4. Playing too fast: It's important to learn piano techniques and songs at a comfortable pace, before attempting to speed up. Beginners often make the mistake of trying to play songs too fast, which can lead to mistakes and frustration. 
5. Neglecting proper finger placement: Piano playing requires proper finger placement for efficient and accurate playing. Often beginners make the mistake of using the wrong fingers for certain keys or playing out of order. Practicing proper finger placement can help build muscle memory and good habits. 
6. Not listening to the sound: Another common mistake beginners make is not listening to the sound they are producing. Paying attention to the sound you're producing can help you identify mistakes and make adjustments. 

In conclusion, avoiding common mistakes is an essential part of the piano learning process. By practicing regularly, maintaining proper posture and hand positioning, understanding music theory, playing at the right pace, paying attention to finger placement and listening to the sound you're producing, beginners can make steady progress and achieve their piano playing goals. 

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Thursday, January 5, 2023 by Jose Quesada | Lessons

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child's musical development and help them succeed. One of the most effective ways to do this is by encouraging regular practice at home. But how can you make sure your child stays motivated and engaged in their piano practice? Here are some tips to help you support your child's musical journey: 

1. Set aside a specific time for practice each day. Consistency is key when it comes to developing a new skill, and setting aside a specific time to practice piano each day can help make it a regular part of your child's routine. 
2. Choose a time when your child is most alert and focused. This will make their practice more productive and enjoyable. 
3. Create a quiet, dedicated practice space. A space free from distractions, such as TVs and loud noises, will allow your child to focus on their music and make the most of their practice time. 
4. Be supportive and encouraging. It's important to recognize and celebrate your child's progress, no matter how small. This will help to keep them motivated and engaged in their musical journey. 

By following these tips, you can help your child practice piano consistently and effectively, setting them up for success in their musical pursuits.

Thank you for reading our blog post on tips for encouraging consistent piano practice at home. At Zion Piano Studio, we believe that personalized, one-on-one instruction is the most effective way to help students reach their full musical potential. That's why we offer private lessons with experienced, passionate instructors, tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual student. In addition to private lessons, we also offer special events, such as recitals and festivals, to provide performance opportunities and further learning experiences for our students. Our facilities and pianos provide the perfect environment for learning and growth. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced pianist, we have something for you. At our studio, we believe that music has the power to transform lives and bring joy to those who make it. We hope to share this passion with you and look forward to helping you embark on your musical journey. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first lesson! 

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Sunday, August 23, 2020 by Jose Quesada | Lessons

Photo Credit: Sakurako on FlickrThe COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way most people take piano lessons. More and more students are turning away from in-person lessons to take online lessons. While online lessons work as fine as in-person lessons, many people find them challenging and overwhelming. The present guide is intended to summarize our recommended actions that students can take to have a positive experience when taking online lessons. 

Take Online Lessons as You Would Take In-Person Lessons 

It is common for students to take online lessons more casually. When taking lessons, dress up accordingly and spend some time preparing. 30 minutes before the lesson begins, clean up your space, connect your devices, check your internet connection on speedtest.net, and locate all your materials. When possible, make sure you have a private and quiet place to take your lesson. If you have some time left, spend it warming up or going over your homework assignment. At the time of the lesson be ready to call or receive a call on time. During the lessons behave appropriately as you would do in an in-person lesson. 

Record Your Homework Assignments

Performing live over the internet is challenging. Teachers rely on the quality of the internet connection and the audio settings to have an accurate listening of the composition. Instead of planning to perform online, record your homework assignment and send it to your teacher beforehand. In the case of theory assignments, you can take and send pictures of your homework. 

Use Devices and Platforms That Makes You Feel Comfortable 

The ideal online lesson will have two digital pianos and two computers connected over the internet via ethernet cable. On top of that, students and teachers may enhance the audio quality with microphones and headphones or speakers. While that is the ideal setting, the setup can be stressful for the student. Being emotionally stable is more profitable than having the right equipment. A happy student with a cell phone will learn better than a stressed student with the ideal setting. Use the electronic device and the video call system that makes you feel more comfortable. 

Improve Your Connection 

If you want to go an extra mile to improve your lesson experience, know that your internet connection is the most impactful factor. Check your internet connection before each lesson using speedtest.net. Check which electronic devices get connected better to the internet. When possible get closer to your router or improve your connection with an ethernet cable or a wireless range extender. 

Improve Your Sound Quality  

It is important that students and teachers are able to hear each other clearly. Use headphones or speakers to improve the sound that comes out of your electronic device and use external microphones to improve the sound you are sending to your teacher. Depending on the video call system that you use, you may take additional steps to improve the sound quality. 

In all circumstances keep your goals at hand. If your goal is to have fun and enjoy music, keep the settings simple and enjoy each minute of your lesson. If your goal is to earn achievements or awards at a more professional level, invest in improving your audio settings and your internet connection. 

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

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