Hobbies!

[Blighter]

For me it's:

-Work. I'm a workaholic!
-Computing (Web development, a lil bit of VB6 "programming", general tech support rubbish, etc)
-The Outdoors. Lurrrveee the outdoors.. walking, camping, running.. all of it!
-Random childish stuff with mates (bouncy castles WIN \0/)

That's about it

[Psymonkee]

Gaming/Reading (sometimes )/Music (listen to, not playing )

Not a huge amount but meh!

[phykell]

Originally Posted by Mondo

I do realise that, that's basically how i can touch type, i never took any course or lessons. With the hours i spent on doing essays and MSN was how i learn how to type. Obviously that is much easier being i spent hours on the computer practically everyday. If i spend that much time on the piano i am sure i would be competent too.

Exactly! Playing piano will benefit your typing speed and accuracy too, and vice-versa

[Mondo]

Originally Posted by phykell

Exactly! Playing piano will benefit your typing speed and accuracy too, and vice-versa

Just spent the past hour practicing the start to White Houses by Vanessa Carlton....boy, my right hand hurts ! The start with the whole octave of the b to b note stretches my hand and although i can reach it, i will need a lot more practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIBGQ...eature=related

I think i can do it up to 4:12 sec in so far, then i am lost lol

[phykell]

Originally Posted by Mondo

Just spent the past hour practicing the start to White Houses by Vanessa Carlton....boy, my right hand hurts ! The start with the whole octave of the b to b note stretches my hand and although i can reach it, i will need a lot more practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIBGQ...eature=related

I think i can do it up to 4:12 sec in so far, then i am lost lol

If a single octave is a big stretch then you're right, you'll need to practice and get as much flexibility as possible. Are you using an electric piano/keyboard? I wonder if there are ones available to suit smaller hands?

If your RH is hurting, take a look at your technique. Use your fingers to play the notes rather than your forearms and keep your hands raised over the keyboard rather than flat against it (if that makes sense!). Keep your back straight and your arms at a level just below the keys, and keep them fairly relaxed. It can all help to avoid fatigue - that's why you see ancient pianists who can play long complex sonatas - it's all about technique

Here's the one I'm doing (and failing miserably to master):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFTLkyb-IKk

[Mondo]

I am playing on a Yamaha P-70, a keyboard with Graded Hammer Action.



Another problem i think is that i don't have a stand at the moment, its really at the wrong height, its too low if I stand up, its too high if i sit down.

[phykell]

Originally Posted by Mondo

I am playing on a Yamaha P-70, a keyboard with Graded Hammer Action.

Another problem i think is that i don't have a stand at the moment, its really at the wrong height, its too low if I stand up, its too high if i sit down.

I've only tried the P120 and P80 (both graded actions); Yamaha's hammer action is excellent and better than the equivalent Rolands IMO. I used an electronic piano when mine was away being tarted up and I miss it now - the harpsichord and church organ sounds, etc.

If you're sat at the wrong height it's not going to help your playing. TBH, it's no wonder your hands are hurting! I'd invest in a decent quality X stand if I was you and a good seat. Are you using the pedal at all? If you haven't tried the "deluxe" Yamaha pedal, rather than the flat one they supply with it, try one - they're tons better IMO

[Mondo]

ooh, Stand arrived ! X Stand, guess i'll need a nice chair now

didn't do much tonight, apart from i learn how to play heart and soul ! I can do both top and bottom, but just not together, my fingers still don't know where they are on the keys just yet.

[phykell]

Originally Posted by Mondo

ooh, Stand arrived ! X Stand, guess i'll need a nice chair now

didn't do much tonight, apart from i learn how to play heart and soul ! I can do both top and bottom, but just not together, my fingers still don't know where they are on the keys just yet.

If there's one bit of advice I would give it's doing your scales and arpeggios each day. If you don't have any time to do anything else, at least do those. They'll help you train your hands like nothing else will

[Mondo]

whats arpeggios ?