Alfred's Adult Piano Lesson 4
Level 1 - Isometric Exercise & Hand Massage
Alfred's Adult Piano Lesson 4 is for you if you're learning to play piano with Alfred's Adult All-In-One Course -- either with a teacher or on your own. This tutorial is free, for personal use only.
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Isometrics, Hand Massage & Curved Fingers
Pages 10-11
Let's talk for a minute about hand exercises and piano playing warm-ups. Back in Lesson 1, I told you that I think warm-ups are a great idea, and to include those exercises in your daily practice routine.
I'm not going to say the same for this isometric exercise. Why?
Frankly, done incorrectly, this exercise could lead to increased tension in your hands, and even injury. Using too much pressure or having your wrists bent in at an angle are all things you might not even notice you're doing, but could adversely affect your hands.
So, I'd rather that you put your hands on the keyboard (which you'll be doing coming right up on page 12), and practice using each finger individually there. You'll only use as much effort as is necessary to press they key, so you won't overstrain, and you're practicing at the same time.
Alfred's Adult Piano Lesson 4
Hand Massage
The hand massage described here is fine, just be sure to heed the warning to not press too hard!
I also like hand massages after practicing, since sometimes tension can creep in without you even realizing it. Especially if you're working on something challenging and have been practicing for a while, or getting emotional! :-)
Alfred's Adult Piano Lesson 4
Keep those fingers curved!
With my younger students, I call curved fingers "playing with the tiptoes of your fingers." That might be a helpful image for you, too! If you're the analytical type, check out #3:
"Straight fingers will bend at the first joint, opposite to the motion of the key, delaying key response. With curved fingers, keys respond instantly."
Curved fingers are the most efficient way to play, delivering the most action and control with the least effort. You do want to make your playing as easy as you can, right?
And you ladies out there... I'm sorry to say that you really do need to keep your fingernails short to study piano. By short, I mean they need to be no longer than the tips of your fingers. Otherwise, you won't be able to hit the keys with your fingertips, your fingers will be forced to straighten out, and you'll hear all these annoying clicks when you play!
Sorry! :-)
Get ready for your first song!
All right! You're ready to turn the page and get those fingers on the keys! Good work so far. I this tutorial, Alfred's Adult Piano Lesson 4, has given you some additional insight into your playing.
Don't forget to keep reviewing your finger numbers, and do your breathing and hand warmups from Alfred's Adult Lesson 1 before practicing.
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