Learn to play
beautifully

Question: If a professional musician was given an advanced piece of classical music of say 15 pages, something they had never seen before, how long would it take them to learn such a piece? When I have watched a concert pianist playing on a DVD, I have always wondered how long it took them to...

Question: Dear Albert:

I am a beginning piano student and I am curious about something. It is always stressed that one should practice hands separate, then hands together. However, hands separate is ridiculously easy. So much so, that putting hands together is so different that the hands...

Question: Hello Albert. A performer’s emotion(s) play an essential part at every performance. What can you say about managing moods (good or bad) during practice and performance?

– Leo (California, USA)

Albert’s reply: First and foremost, emotions must be cultivated during...

10 Expert Tips

Everybody is under intense time pressure these days, and musicians are no exception. In reply to the many requests about efficient piano practice, here are some expert tips that can help you make the most of your practice time.

1. Get organized. Practicing the piano efficiently is...

Question: I used to play when I was younger. I am 52 now but still love to play (it’s innate). Unsupportive family members restricted me from practicing as much as I wanted. So I stopped for a few years but can’t get rid of it. Can I catch up to a speed of just an average piano...

Question: Okay, so I haven’t taken piano lessons for 5 years and I stopped as a beginner so I’m not very good and I don’t know all that much. But for whatever reason I have been playing random songs lately and I’ve been trying to play music where my right hand and left...

Question: Just a quick question re: counting notes… timing. I’m immediately interested in finding help in proper counting of various notes. I struggle with this more than anything. Reading notes is not an issue… playing correct timing of notes is. Can I expect to find this...