3 Tips To Play Piano Faster, Lighter, Tension-Free

[@GariGold]

I love your sense of humor.

[@myklkay]

This must be the most important lesson in piano : once you get this, it makes the rest really easier.

[@lawrence18uk]

To point out the connection between tension and 'feeling anxious' is so good. I had not thought about it before... So simple, and understandable

[@retlwiz]

I give myself tension headaches from tensing my left shoulder especially while playing - they can last for days! This is very useful

[@mjcs6399]

One of the best technique videos I've seen.

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Thanks for taking time to leave a feedback✨😊

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Well, if laziness really is the key to success….I’m set for life

[@wooyoungjung3296]

Wow, I've had this issue with tension for years, and after scouring all of KZbin I found that this is the first video with amazing advice that was explained in such a simple and concise manner. Thank you Mr. Zhdanov for the best video on piano technique out there!

[@voskresenie-]

My prof in college always told me to relax my shoulders, but I constantly found myself going back to raising them, and playing seemed to get harder when I relaxed them. It was only years later that I realized I was sitting too low, so raising my shoulders raised my hands and put them in a more comfortable position, at the cost of tension elsewhere. So if it feels uncomfortable relaxing your shoulders, try raising your bench a little to get your hands into the same position they were in before.

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Absolutely!

[@goldie5788]

Wow 👏👏👏 Your wife must be an amazing musician 🤗 Looks like she was such a cute, smart, fun and hurd working girl Adorable 😇

[@TheIrekpod]

🤯 wow, such practical advices, presented in an extremely simple and clear way. Thanks a lot ☺

[@annathebell2518]

I'm so excited!!😭😭 I tried what you said and my left hand has finally experienced no tension for the first time!!! My hand doesn't hurt after I play anymore.

[@stefaniacartapiano]

I have also had this issue with tension since forever, I ended up "breaking" my tendons and it was one of the main reasons to stop playing in the first place. Your videos are so helpful, I am so glad I have found you today. I also love that you mention two women (your wife and Argerich) as role models. That's such an inspiration, thank you!

[@m.a.3322]

Seeing your wife play Chopin's 'the bees' etude at the age of 8, both killed my self-esteem & motivated me to practice! 😂💞

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

M. Ahsan I have never heard this funny "the bees" nickname for this etude, so my self-esteem is also killed, no worries😂

[@bzeliotis]

Very important life saving tips! Thanks.

[@MadMax300173]

I had been wondering for the past 5 years why my left shoulder always got tense, with Alberti bass, and also when there are lots of chords on the left hand; everything felt filmsy and uncorfotable in an umpredictable way, especially when you have patterns with a third between fingers 3 and 5. Your first tip seems to be the first approach that seems to truly help here (hope tomorrow will work too). This excercise for the elbows is a treasure! Thank you for sharing it!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

I am glad you found it helpful! I have a special video on the Alberti bass by the way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omjYl3mVfJppe5I

[@ruthlll4161]

i had played piano for more than 10 years, in this extremely tensed manner. My piano teacher always told me to add more strength when hitting the notes, and do the lift when moving away from the keys. I actually don't care about the pain/fatigue caused by the tension. But the worse thing is that, with tension I get very uneven notes, which is a huuuuuuge problem. The harder I try, the more uneven the notes get, which is extremely frustrating. I actually stopped playing piano for almost 10 years, at least partly due to the frustration. I want to thank you for making this video and for sharing your experience generously. I come to realize that for more than 10 years I played the piano in a wrong way, or at least I realize that there is more than one way to play the piano. I have a question about the hand posture. My teacher told me to place my hands on the piano with the posture that my palms are far away from the keys (i.e., place my palms higher rather than close to the keys). But I guess this posture actually creates tension. What is the right way to put hands on the piano? Thank you very much!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

I am sorry for you having that teacher!😅 Check out my recent videos about bad playing habits and Hanon exercises, you might find some answers there

[@antoniovisioli4460]

Grande pianista e docente eccezionale. Grazie Maestro.

[@adrianacenteno3737]

Hi Denis! Great tips! BTW Marta Argerich is a world famous Argentinian pianist! Thanks and greetings from Argentina!

[@mitchnew3037]

Genius ❤

[@BacktoNatureJ]

Best video for playing without tension! Thank you!

[@marilynengle]

Very sensible and explained extremely clearly.

[@michaelshark1]

One of the best videos I have seen on the explanation and breakdown on good piano technique. Thank you .

[@chainmanz7476]

thanks to this video most problems playing fast have been resolved. thanks so much.

[@milsal229]

Great video! Underrated channel

[@markahearn1]

Great advice! I would like to add that when you learn to relax those unused muscles, you will be less prone to injuries such as tendonitis. Also when relaxed, the tone of the instrument sounds much smoother. I won't name any names, but I have seen many famous world class concert pianists (way, way way better than me) with the tone of a banging jack hammer because they don't or can't relax.

[@michaelbolen2118]

Nice video. Interesting to see the crossover between relaxed techniques in piano and sports, including martial arts.

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Some of the piano physiology specialists I had a chance to work with have studied sports, in particular tennis, in order to understand how to better optimize piano playing. The fact that these topics are not a compulsory part of a professional piano education is a complete shame.

[@michaelbolen2118]

@@DenZhdanovPianist Я только начинающий пианист, но я согласен.

[@rich3419]

It's all the same. The mind/body always performs best when relaxed.

[@anju8376]

i love when informational vids get straight to the point. this is so great, thank you for this important lesson! i need to rewatch and internalize these things; i did way too much hanon with "marching" fingers, my technique is so heavy with extra tension that is not needed. im trying too hard

[@11kwright]

To be honest, if I could play at that speed with some tension, I wouldn't care. However, excellent advice and I'm going back to the drawing board and going to play slower without tension. Although very few great pianist have zero tension and in the end it's the output. We should strive to a tension free playing but if you've reached a high standard with little tension, so you still have tension but little, then I wouldn't get bogged down with being perfect and zero tension.

[@edgardomartinezlazaro3800]

Wonderfull video! And very usefull Denis, thanks ❤

[@MARLONdaman]

FINALLY AN ANSWER I BEEN LOOKING FOR! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@rebekkasong1869]

Thank you, very good

[@gregnarez]

Thank you so much. I will put those technics to work

[@rohinagrawal9727]

currently in pain from practicing chopin op 10 no 2 and 12 . i cant thank you enough. just when i think i can play it as a certain tempo it is only partly true. i need to wait a couple more practice sessions patiently before i can actually play it with the same TENSION FREE playing as me playing it slow.

[@ProgramistaNaBudowie]

Thank you very much for sharing knowledge. I'll check out those tips when practicing piano.

[@ryzikxpiano]

i tried to learn op 10/1 but tension is a real killer... hopefully this video can help me make a breakthrough. there's lots of info here i haven't heard before. great video

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

You’re in a wrong place, try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKPLZ2WFo61or80

[@SusanRLin]

Thank you very much, Denis! I will work on the points you made, in addition to the extra boost from subscribing to your channel 😄Congratulations on recovering from your hand difficulties, and I really appreciate your sharing your valuable learnings with us.

[@williammanico2359]

Wonderful advice and demo. Your comment about remembering that comfortable feeling from slow playing is very insightful

[@littlebrookreader949]

Great lesson! Thanks!

[@lvb1770]

This has helped me greatly with Chopin Etude Op 10 No.1, Thank you so much!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Glad to hear that!

[@MARLONdaman]

Wow! Great Knowledge for Piano.

[@josephinebrown6631]

Thank you kindly.

[@warrensha]

You did an absolutely great job. Thank you.

[@ericastier1646]

lack of hand flexibility seems to be one stumbling block for relaxed playing as any stretch to reach notes makes the inflexible hand work harder to spread out. Gaining more flexibility will eventually help in playing with less tension. But also working on finger independent control avoid firing muscles that are not needed required years of conscious practice for me.

[@RolandHuettmann]

Denis, your lesson to professionals and amateur players means to me that we should not learn how to use fingers to hit the piano, but learn how to remove them from the keys...) Well, it is an interesting instruction, and I get a sense about it, but it reminds me a bit about the swimmer who instructs the non-swimmers watching to just do what he is doing. They may drown though. For the swimmer it often is not imaginable that someone cannot swim. My experience is that before things become light and effortless, it is work -- even if enjoyable -- that still requires hundreds, if not thousands of hours of practice. Was there not this saying that to become master of anything, you need to invest 10000 hours of practice? What does it mean? Someone practicing one hour per day would need 10000 days. So he/she would be practing over 27 years -- not leaving one day untouched... oh wow... I will never reach the goal as I would even live that long. ))) -- but may be, as you promise, we can cut short? And also, I think, one has to develop the mind for the touch, the hand movement, the rhythm, the melodies, the harmonies, the intervals, the structure of a piece, the details of expressions.... Fingers, ellbowes, arms and wrists and the whole body follow. A relaxed mind will produce a relaxed play. A tense mind can never achieve it. Entering a dark room, eyes need to wide open, and only with time, you will see the different parts of the interior of such room. But it is also true, to my understanding, that there is a two-way relationship between body and mind. The mind is influenced by the playing, and the play is influenced by the mind. The mind needs something concrete to develop, and at the same time be able to detach itself from the action of playing. In the end, in the ideal, there is a very calm mind watching action without being involved in the action itself. Maybe it sounds a bit paradox? So, as I understand, to learn how to release tension, how to actually remove fingers from the keys, is a universal principle, even though with "learning" we usually associate tension. Maybe it is neither this nor that? It is just this slip in between? It is between doing and not doing? So, my deep thank-you for sharing your experiences. You playing really looks great and effortless, and it sounds how it should sound: muscial and beautiful. It is enjoyable to watch and I am thinking how to use it for myself and hope other do too. Waiting for more... ))) 🙂

[@gmrwawa]

Thank you !!

[@vincenzotabone7167]

Lehrreiches Video! Klar , deutlich und mit Humor erklärt. Mir gefällt der analytisch-technische Approach, der sehr hilfreich ist.

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Danke, Vincenzo!

[@jerryandorjanetgilmer89]

​@@DenZhdanovPianist😅

[@cw9285]

Thanks!

[@lindasprague269]

Just great! Thanks!

[@scottjoyce100]

very good. thank you.

[@Tautropfenoase]

Perfect Tipps.🥰👍

[@multiluke9999]

Great video!

[@martinamedvedova9402]

Very useful clues! Thanks!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mireil30]

Bravo! Мне очень понравилось!

[@dominiquebrice3876]

Tips on piano hand recovery ???

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Rest long enough, don’t hesitate to find a good physician with expertise in musician’s injuries, rebuild your technique from scratch in the most ergonomic way possible. Here are a few points to start thinking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3Wcgpajod6agdEsi=DESEmlpOmzqefG8l

[@edmulder6021]

Bedankt

[@davidjay3074]

Excellent

[@nadiiagoncharenko4305]

Чудове заняття і поради!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Dyakyju!

[@flagerpiano]

milion dolar question!!! :))) how Horowitz could play with that flat fingers? he uses lot of finger motions im sure you now it:)) of course he had very special grand piano with very light keyboard but still..?( or even Gould? p.s very usefull video ❤️

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

There are many speculations about Horowitz, some say he had a syndrome of an unnatural flexibility (and this makes it very difficult to focus the nail joint, so fingers inevitably bend backwards), some that he might develop this technique as a reaction on hand issues which didn’t allow him to use usual set of muscles. Severe hand issues is a strong speculation, because Horowitz was using an incredibly powerful but not quite safe piano technique in his younger years, and this could explain his few-year long disappearances from the stage. Look at his younger and later recording, you will see the difference in finger movements. But we don’t know for sure of course, because the man was even more gifted in marketing than in piano playing, and knew that mystery attracts the most. Of course there are some “unique” people, I wonder how Kissin still didn’t get focal dystonia with his habit to lift fingers so high, and by banging each key so wildly, but I would not suggest to orient on people who use a risky technique, and represent an exception of not getting issues.

[@Ro8818.]

Thank you 🙏 I really needed this lesson, My fingers keeps getting “jammed” when i try to play fast.

[@jupitermarx]

My issue as a beginner is middle C with my right hand. The curve in my wrist necessary to play middle C becomes stiff at the point where my hand and wrist meet underneath. Running up the underside of my right wrist. I'm sure this is common. But I spent 35 yrs as a hairdresser. So, I'm familiar with tendinitis. Is there a solution for me?;)

[@pablofigueroa97]

What a good video

[@nikolayevichmyshkin8515]

awesome

[@austinong1972]

hi great video, may i ask should the pinky be straight or curved? my teacher says it should be straight all the time

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

For most people yes, and I also have a video about pinky specifically on the channel, look for “last but not least pinky” keywords. But some people especially with small hands use a curved position. It needs a development of different muscles

[@cyba9774]

Just found out you can copy the subtitles of a video and print it... great for studying. Click on the 3 dots right next to share, download, thanks, Clip, Save" below the video -> show transcript, click on "..." and remove timestamps so you can mark the text with holding left click. Badoom! Thanks for the video, it's some really good advice 😁

[@thousandlocks3258]

Can you explain what you are playing? I want to learn that scale you are playing?

[@MK-bs3dn]

4:33 Beethoven op111

[@AndroidSon]

The tip nomber one: Think what to play next on playing the present note.

[@karmasicy4002]

This was lovely thankyou for this lesson

[@jolenemalone6976]

I have medicine which causes tension can I still do this

[@CorradoLoffredi]

Hi Denis! 😊

[@greatmusicchannel8549]

Hello Denis. I have a problem of stuck in the keyboard fifth finger when i take fourth.I do not remove fifth properly and it sounds second. I do not know if you recorded any video about it, if not please could you make video about it and how to rework this problem? ❤❤❤

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Hi you can work on a sensation of the arm weight transfer- find a sensation of walking and supporting the forth finger properly + play them on contrary motions - 5 out (micro pulling arm motion), 4 in (micro pushing motion), or vice versa

[@greatmusicchannel8549]

@@DenZhdanovPianist Thanks dear ❤️❤️❤️

[@bec1038]

inspiring

[@jennywr]

Thank you!

[@LD9_YT]

What if I have a very fast passage and I have to lift my finger before the key? What do I do then? I can't just wait for the key to get up with my finger?

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

For extremely fast passages you might consider to play not diving to the bottom of a key. But this unsupported approach without a proper leaning sensation towards the bottom of a key needs a maintenance practicing in a slower tempo on mezzoforte more often. But the point of this video is that you let the key go up as quickly, you just do it not by pulling fingers up, but by solely releasing them instantly. Takes time to master this skill, but it’s worth it

[@GeordieLynd-j9v]

Donny Extensions

[@Sprellic]

5:45 with that mouth movement looks like a Yuja Wang impression :)

[@BoSong]

posture of expansion that is it.

[@ScruffyTubbles]

Good video Denis what do you say to this 10000 hour question. That you become an expert at 10000 hours practice?

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Too many variables are involved. This is a nice marketing gimmick about 10000 hours for people who are not used to even basic skills of reflection. At what age do you start? How good your mental/physical abilities and talents? How good is the quality of your training? How good is your ability to concentrate for a long period of time? Is these hours are spread evenly or not? Because practicing every day 1 hour is one thing, practicing once a week 7 hours is just another thing. Another question is what you consider to be an expert. One thing is to understand music deeply in the context of the history, performance traditions, and culture, another one is to be a technically proficient piano player.

[@ScruffyTubbles]

@@DenZhdanovPianist As ever a very considered intellectual response. I did think 3-4000 could be enough. Stay well.

[@MbogaTatu]

5:45 😂😂😂

[@anjinsanx44]

Should u do this if ur practicing Hanon?...i started playing at age 43 Got 8 1/2 yrs playing so far

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Check this, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfKh3WorLOrZpo , a special course dedicated to the Hanon Exercises is attached in the description

[@anjinsanx44]

@@DenZhdanovPianist thank u wlll do

[@pianoismyeverything]

This is literally the most difficult piano technique

[@kaiparis1073]

Your videos are fantastic Denis. Thank your for your great effort. I am curious now: who is your wife, if I may ask? Viele Grüße aus München!

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Thanks! There is a link to her KZbin Channel in the description!

[@kaiparis1073]

@@DenZhdanovPianist great thank you!

[@kaiparis1073]

@@DenZhdanovPianist actually I cannot find the link you mentioned, sorry.

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

@@kaiparis1073 no problem. In the video description (where you see time codes, description etc) there is a link to the Elina's Chopin Etude, published on her channel, this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnbMYoqjfM6MY7M you may reach a home page of her channel from this video.

[@kaiparis1073]

@@DenZhdanovPianist wow that was fast, thank you again, Denis!

[@Daniel_Zalman]

25/2 at age of 8? Unbelievable!

[@suzannebrown945]

❤️

[@fortepianist1832]

Прекрасный урок, спасибо! Денис, в Вашей "школе волка" (:D) нет урока как играть четырёхголосные аккорды шестнадцатыми или даже тридцать вторыми не перенапрягая руку и не уставая?

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Пока нет, но всё будет (когда-нибудь). Но в целом принцип тот же, как с быстрыми повторяющимися октавами - это в прошлогоднем уроке про октавы. Объединять несколько аккордов в группу, высвобождать руку между группами, использовать «рикошет»

[@fortepianist1832]

​@@DenZhdanovPianist Обязательно посмотрю!

[@rproctor83]

Tension is my final boss.

[@jananfang9815]

Ich habe die 1000 gemacht 😀

[@Piano-Love]

My hands are small, I ask how can children play so well with small hands and I struggle. My feel like my technique is in a prison.

[@moviejlemj9256]

Ofcourse you can’t say she was not lol

[@WebKryz]

Олег Жданов случайно вам не родственник? тот что военний експерт

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Нет :)

[@lightball1414]

Pepe the Frog plays classical music?

[@fahimdawer]

The problem with all musical instruments is that you get better at it over the years not in days, months or single or two years ...the tension in fingers goes away with time......there is no wrong or correct posture for any instrument as long as it suits you and you are comfortable with it.....

[@DenZhdanovPianist]

Most students use inefficient habits because they didn’t have proper instruction at the early stage of development. This leads to restricting technical issues, and potential health risks. You may want to expand your understanding of this topic by exploring such diagnoses as carpal tunnel, focal dystonia, and many others, which happen to both amateurs and high-level concert pianists. Leon Fleischer, Lang Lang, Andsnes, are just a few top level players among many, who despite their technical brilliance ran in severe health issues. Among hobbyist players, the amount of injured students, or students who can’t meet their goals because of technique deficiency despite years of hard practice is astonishing.

[@fahimdawer]

@@DenZhdanovPianist I said that based on my own interaction with keyboards not pianos and I was talking about tensions in fingers, hands and posture for all instruments not just piano......nevertheless a teacher may give someone direction but he has to cover the distance by himself .....

[@ngocthuytientruong9176]

Thank you so much !

[@christineaisbett8472]

Brilliant…thank you