Play Piano - How to Play Piano With a Legato Feel!
In playing piano, there are two basic types of touches on the keys.
The first one is called "legato" which is a literal translation of being "tied together" in Italian. And the second is called "staccato," which means detached.
In music, it means that notes must be played or be sung connected or smooth flowing. There should be no rests or silence between the notes. A curved line is used to indicate that the notes should be played in this manner. The curved line may be placed above or below the notes on the piano piece. The secret to achieve correct execution of legato is for the pianist to not lift the first note until the second note is played.
So, how does one master the art of legato?
Here are you legato dos and don'ts:
First, position the hands over the keys of the piano (observing proper posture). The fingers should be positioned on different keys and the hand should still look a little arched as if holding a ball so that the fingers curve out naturally and the tips of the fingers are touching the surface of the keys. Press the one under your thumb. Remember not to lift that first note until the count is done. Once the count on the first note is done, lift your thumb from the key and press the one under your index finger at the same time.
Note: there should not be any rests or silence between the two notes. Continue doing this with your other fingers on your right hand then try your left hand to complete your exercise.
Playing legato, does not always mean that the notes should only be played softly. You can also try playing it loudly. However, it is not advisable to use the piano pedals when learning how to play legato. It is a technique that should be learned manually. Because legato is a technique that should be used as a habit, practice it using different amounts of overlap. This technique is also considered as one of the most important skills to hone for a beginner.
Always remember, that the correct posture and finger position will make your piano playing easier, much more when practicing the said technique on touching the keys.
Correct finger position allows you to release and press the keys with great ease. Combine correct posture and musical techniques to help you achieve your goal in perfecting the art of piano performance.
The first one is called "legato" which is a literal translation of being "tied together" in Italian. And the second is called "staccato," which means detached.
In music, it means that notes must be played or be sung connected or smooth flowing. There should be no rests or silence between the notes. A curved line is used to indicate that the notes should be played in this manner. The curved line may be placed above or below the notes on the piano piece. The secret to achieve correct execution of legato is for the pianist to not lift the first note until the second note is played.
So, how does one master the art of legato?
Here are you legato dos and don'ts:
First, position the hands over the keys of the piano (observing proper posture). The fingers should be positioned on different keys and the hand should still look a little arched as if holding a ball so that the fingers curve out naturally and the tips of the fingers are touching the surface of the keys. Press the one under your thumb. Remember not to lift that first note until the count is done. Once the count on the first note is done, lift your thumb from the key and press the one under your index finger at the same time.
Note: there should not be any rests or silence between the two notes. Continue doing this with your other fingers on your right hand then try your left hand to complete your exercise.
Playing legato, does not always mean that the notes should only be played softly. You can also try playing it loudly. However, it is not advisable to use the piano pedals when learning how to play legato. It is a technique that should be learned manually. Because legato is a technique that should be used as a habit, practice it using different amounts of overlap. This technique is also considered as one of the most important skills to hone for a beginner.
Always remember, that the correct posture and finger position will make your piano playing easier, much more when practicing the said technique on touching the keys.
Correct finger position allows you to release and press the keys with great ease. Combine correct posture and musical techniques to help you achieve your goal in perfecting the art of piano performance.
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