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Question: I wonder how I can practice playing chords with both hands so the notes sound together. I’m talking about complex chords which need to be played with almost all the fingers of both hands. Thank you.

– Marina Kolykhalova (Olot, Spain)

Albert’s reply: Playing chords...

Question: Hello Albert,

First of all, thank you so much for this website I appreciate the work you put into all this just to help us!

Here is my question: I play piano on a keyboard at home. But I’ve noticed that when I play on a real piano somewhere else (for example at school) it is kind...

10 Expert Tips

New: Major Scales for Piano for free download!

A thorough study of piano scales is vital to playing musically and with confidence. Nonetheless, while virtually all piano music has scales literally left and right, all too many students view scales as needless tedium rather than...

Question: How would you stop a pupil lifting their heel when using the pedal?

Albert’s reply: To resolve this pedal problem you’ll need to show your student that good piano pedal technique involves the toes as much as it does the ankle.

Pianists need to gain control over various...

Question: Where do your hands go when you are beginning to play a song?

– Bob (New York, New York, USA)

Albert’s reply: You’re referring primarily to hand position here, and secondarily to piano fingering.

Hand position refers a block of keys which fall underneath the fingers...

Question: How should you place your hand while you’re playing the piano?

– Oliver

Albert’s reply: The hand should be curved in a smooth arc, roughly forming a half-circle.

If you place your hand flat on a table and slide your wrist forward while keeping your fingertips in...

Question: I would like to know what exercises I can do to strengthen and train my left hand. I have been searching the internet and have only found a few, but there are thousands out there. Any suggestions where I can get specific exercises/drills for the left hand would be appreciated.

–...

Question: Hello Albert,

Firstly, many thanks for the positive feedback you have given me to my questions which is a tremendous help.

My question today relates to technique, working the fingers in a proper way to enable them to become supple, strong, thus enabling the student to tackle difficult...

Question: Hello Albert,

Often bringing out or emphasizing particular notes within a chord is required, as in e.g. Schubert’s Moment Musical, Op. 94 (D.780), No. 2, where the higher notes of the right hand octave chords have to be phrased.

Especially in octave chords or 4-note chords this...

Question: Hello,

Have you any tips on developing a non-legato touch when playing, for example, Mozart’s C major Sonata K. 545? I can only manage a very uneven and rather slow staccato.

I am 59 years old. Is it possible to make further progress at my age?

– Richard (France)

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Question: Is it imperative that you study a piece until you memorize it before moving to another piece?

Example: In my books that I am working from I will study a piece until I can play it well by reading from the page then I move to the next piece.

But, when I go back to play the piece again...

Question: I have been playing piano since childhood. I am a mediocre jazz player, strong harmonically, but weak technically. I don’t play classical music. Though the years I have practiced scales and exercises such as Hanon, without any positive results. A few years ago I took some lessons...