Piano phrasing for dummies

Ames0325 · Post by **Ames0325** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:10 pm

So I am learning to play the piano. I am doing ok however I don't understand how to phrase or play dynamics very well. No matter how much I practice I can't seem to make it fluid and well dynamics don't seem to make much sense on the piano either. Obviously more air which is how I have always thought of louder dynamics isn't gonna make the piano play any louder. I of course ask my piano teacher these questions but it seems like everytime she explains it goes right over my head. So any of you guys have any analogies that mihgt make sense to my tuba-playing brain?

Amy

craigpotter · Post by **craigpotter** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:17 pm

Just think of making the music speak - that is what matters the most. Worry less about how to make the sound, and just try to make what you want it to sound like. If you can make beautiful music on the tuba, try the same devices - rall/accel, cresc/decresc etc etc. Try experimenting with the d=pedal as well - you don't have to push it down all the way and sometimes it can help with phrasing.

Just some thoughts

MaryAnn · Post by **MaryAnn** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:38 pm

Chances are that you are playing on a very light-action piano, one that plays loud no matter what you do. On a piano with good action, a wide range of dynamics is possible (you hit the keys harder to play louder.)
As for phrasing....the damper pedal, as mentioned, will help. Also has your teacher showed you how to take your hands off at the end of a phrase? Sort of looks like something a ballerina would do. Phrasing etc has a lot to do with minute tempo and dynamic changes; the tempo you should be able to do, and the dynamics, as stated before, may depend on the action of the piano you're playing. Try to find a really nice grand piano and see how loudly and softly you can make it play.
MA

ThomasDodd · Post by **ThomasDodd** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:50 pm

MaryAnn wrote:Chances are that you are playing on a very light-action piano, one that plays loud no matter what you do. On a piano with good action, a wide range of dynamics is possible (you hit the keys harder to play louder.)

A good, velocity sensitive keyboard would can help. Not the cheap ones, the are worse than a light-action piano. MIDI connectivity is usually a good starting point, most MIDI keyboards have velocity sensing, and few non-MIDI keyboards have it.