Essentials Mastery | Piano Beginner's Mind

What is so often looked down upon, in any field, is the basics, yet, without them, the more complex components simply cannot be mastered. Therefore, the basics are to be respected, mastered and maintained, no matter the level.
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Associated article: piano-jazz.blog...
Appropriate short video: • Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindful...
Online store: gumroad.com/da...
In pianism, the essential basics are: the chromatic scale, the major scales, the major and minor triads and then adding the major seventh and dominant seventh to those two triads.
No only is knowing them absolutely paramount no matter which path you are on but realising how they are always available for one to develop both mental and physical skills is of equal importance.
This video, along with its associated article, have been published to assist newcomers (and remind experts - cough) on how to enhance one's abilities both at and away from the piano, before repertoire is selected.
Related articles/videos:
1. piano-jazz.blog...
2. • (old video) Three 'Maj... (Major scale mastery)
3. • (old video - newer ava... (Finding your natural limit)
(Strangely, KZbin has done something with subscriber notifications. You would do well to press the bell next to my Subscribe button and choose to be notified for all new uploads).
danthecomposer Piano Challenge: • danthecomposer's Piano...
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[@danthecomposer]

Online store: gumroad.com/danthecomposer - In addition to Subscribing and Liking, do consider seeing all my recent videos in one place to keep up to date and find answers to questions you may have: kzbin.infovideos - as well as considering my blog for a spot of wisdom: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com. If you'd like to support me, try Patreon: www.patreon.com/danthecomposer

[@ZEBULON181]

The art of zen and piano playing

[@danthecomposer]

Well spotted. Welcome to my channel. Enjoy having a look around and be sure to see the description boxes for more.Best,Dan

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci Dan. I'm plugging away, and your exercise of playing 3 soldiers on one hand and 4 on the other has really helped me get past a barrier. I'm now working in my M/ m 7th chords and that will be my task for a while.

[@SHIFTnopistons]

You're the perfect teacher for me. Thank you for the invaluable content, really.

[@SHIFTnopistons]

Hope I said that right :)

[@danthecomposer]

You did, thank you and welcome! You will go far. You're watching this video which is great but are you watching it as part of this very important playlist? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5eYlpqrZcSnqbs&list=PL4cPpP-Ua6NWl43cy2XiArwodqSmWBOzC&index=4 Keep me updated :) Best, Dan

[@abitofsupport601]

In a couple weeks, ill be starting to learn the piano at age 23. Listening/watching these to get ready and have advanced techniques to practice outside of my teacher.

[@bobeberts7473]

Dan, have just read your blog re: your three heroes. As well, I really enjoyed your new Mastery video. I've written to you via email before, but want to say publicly that your enthusiasm is powerful. So too is your generosity as a teacher. Cheers from Canada, Bob Eberts

[@danthecomposer]

Hello Bob, Comment here and email received. Just going through the YT comments then I'll be on your email right away! Takes quite a while every day but done with pleasure. Thank you equally for your kindness and acknowledgement of the teachings. You will go far. Do be reminded I seek no recognition, just progress reports! See you around. Sir. Best, Dan

[@joe604ipod]

So happy I’ve found your channel Dan. Thanks for the effort and time you’ve put into your KZbin channel and other works!

[@Scottie345x]

Watched your other 6 Piano Philosophy and I've never felt more in tuned with my keyboard. Great videos I look forward to coming here to get new insight anytime I'm on KZbin

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Scottie and welcome. Most kind of you. Have you checked out the related article or my blog in general? www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com Expect more from my channel; its based on user requests and they don't stop coming! Best, Dan

[@rich3419]

Love the ideas you share with us. Thanks!

[@danthecomposer]

Pleasure! I hope they help both at and away from the piano. Best, Dan

[@LastChances06]

I enjoy watching your tutorial vids.. it's indeed understandable.. Great teacher! Godbless you sir!

[@sidneymorris2254]

Thanks Dan. Besides how good these videos are,it's your willingness to share your knowledge with others and spend some much time putting this all together. Thank you Dan. Sid from Liverpool 👍👍👍

[@danthecomposer]

My pleasure Sid, thank you for your kind words. As always, keep me updated! Best, Dan

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi Dan, I like the concept of the beginners mind. I learned about this from Shunryu Suzuki some years ago when I began to meditate. I am also learning to play the piano and I always felt that loosing yourself (forget your ego) is the only way to really play good. So learning concentration/ meditation and learning an instrument - keeping that beginners mind (the big mind in which every possibility is contained - is a perfect combination. With such a mind it is possible to do exercises each day without getting bored of them because every day you start them with a fresh mind, as a beginner. But I also learn from a buddhist monk and he gave me this advice some day. It is important to be aware of your progress to step further on in what ever you are learning. Keep the beginners mind concept but don´t let it become too dominant. Just be aware of your big mind. I like your videos. They are refreshingly different for me. When watching them sometimes I wish they would be a little more focused on one or two things. Sometimes it is a little too much information at once ... you are talking very fast :) I wish you joy and creativity

[@danthecomposer]

Hello there and thank you for your comment! Welcome to my channel. Yes, indeed - you may also like this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/09/dissecting-dissected.html - it relates to what the monk told you, which was, of course, correct. I try to slow down consciously because I know foreign people are watching or it's a complicated subject even for natives, so I hope you notice in other videos that I do try to make a point by slowing down or repeating! But thanks for the reminded ;) Keep me updated. Best, Dan

[@jasonhuang1447]

Hi Dan, I came across your channel last month when I was rehearsing for our Christmas concert in school, and I have to say you have given us an absolute goldmine!! I have always thought the best way to learn music is through understanding the theory behind it and how it works, and you are doing just that. Not sure if you have any fans from China, but growing up as a Chinese while forced to learn piano by my family was an agonizing experience, especially when the mainstream music education back in my country is very much confined to sheet-reading and learning to play classical compositions. I am so happy that I found your channel, and I enjoy learning songs and jazz theories from your tutorials. After watching your videos, I realized it was a totally right decision to pick up piano after giving up for 5 years, and with your help, piano-playing has never been so interesting before. Thank you so much for what you have done for us, I will make sure to share your channel with my friends, and I look forward to learning more from your videos. Btw, not sure if you checked out La La Land in theatres yet, absolutely fantastic musical with great jazz compositions in it. If you are interested, I'm sure people would love to see you do some tutorials on the songs from the movie. Looking forward to it:)

[@danthecomposer]

Hi Jason, welcome and thank you for your positive comment! :) I am humbled. I have a couple from China, indeed, and I know how harsh they can be on obsessive learning (not just the piano!) - You do very well to continue your piano from a fresh, more You approach. Somebody else mentioned La La Land so I must get to it very soon! I'm study the music carefully to see what I can do with any favourites. Thanks for the tip/reminder. Meanwhile, I offer this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html Keep me updated! Best, Dan

[@carolweaver3269]

Thank you Dan, for this video lesson and invite and recommendation, to find this video. Bless you, for helping all of us in such a great way.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Carol for your kind comment and welcome to my channel! Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com Best, Dan

[@jmundstuk]

Great exercise ideas. Did the one finger chromatic but only left hand for quite a while. I think my fourth finger, recalcitrant fellow he is, liked the attention.

[@agapewordembassyansbach1542]

Another classic Dan.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Sir. Your comments are always appreciated :) Best, Dan

[@Splendid365]

Thank you Daniel! I love learning the 12 Keys & can't wait to start unlocking doors to the music in my head with them!!

[@danthecomposer]

Excellent! I look forward to learning of your results. How are you with the 12 major scales right now, away from the piano on your internal piano? piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/08/internal-piano-visualisation.html Best, Dan

[@Splendid365]

After less than a month of focusing on the "Big 12" I am very familiar with the notes of each scale, able to create Major Triads in all 3 inversions, Minors, Major 7ths & Dominant 7th and am currently working on assigning numbers to each note - 1-7. Some scales are easier to run through quickly than others, but I'm also working on my dexterity to improve hand & finger placement so I can get faster in all 12. If you were to give me a test and ask me for example, "What is the name of the 4th note in the Eb Major scale..." It would take me a few seconds to see it in my minds eye, but I would answer, "Ab" (that took about 6 seconds!) Oh, and I'm also working on learning the 7 chords within each scale. I know - I'm all over the road - but I've made a resolution to be able to play any song rattling around in my head on the piano by the end of 2017 - so I'm motivated! Until that happens, learning piano is my full time job!! So...based upon my current understanding, when do you suppose I'll be ready to start lessons with you Daniel?? Thanks again!! Lisa

[@danthecomposer]

That was a good read! You go well and will of course achieve your resolution :) Why not write up your top 3 list of pieces to start working on, dissect and analyse their component parts, identify technical difficulties you think you'll experience and have them absolutely embedded on your internal jukebox... Then we can begin! Pleasure. Best, Dan

[@Splendid365]

I'm on the job! will pm you for lesson details.

[@Samstraysongs]

Always looking for more finger exercises, thank you Dan!!

[@danthecomposer]

My pleasure, glad it helped! You may like this one, too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXmTaWiDg9ZspLM Best, Dan

[@christophermarquis8399]

LOTS OF GREAT EXCERCISES THANKS

[@danthecomposer]

Pleasure as always. piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2017/01/essentials-mastery.html

[@alaskarenegade8122]

I ADORE this video! It is exceedingly BRILLIANT; it really has solidified much of what I have already learned from you, Dan. I also had a few "A-ha!!" moments. This video was so helpful to watch along with your "Pianist in 10 Lessons Series." I learned wonderful tips and exercises to apply in my practice. Always learning! Also, as always, I get a hearty laugh from your impromptu wit and humor. Thank you, my Friend. (this is Dina, BTW. LOL)

[@danthecomposer]

I got a feeling it was you after the first two adjectives!! :) Glad it helps you solidify... strong roots are the most important... as is humoUr! Do keep me updated, as always! Stay warm. Best, Dan.

[@joeyg6953]

Excellent Dan, thanks!

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Joey and welcome! Progress reports always appreciated. Best, Dan

[@danielleceleste4791]

Lol 😂 do something “mental” with the chromatic scale , so to speak. Piano definitely makes me feel mental most days. 🤯

[@jackholland6013]

Hello Dan. I am currently at lesson 3 in your "become a pianist in ten lessons" Playlist. would it be more beneficial for me to work on what is outlined in this video before moving on?

[@danthecomposer]

Hi Jack, good question. Yes. This kind of takes the content of those videos and crushes it into one philosophy. You would also do well to spend some time on this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npaoh6Wvls9gras They're all around the same requirements. Enjoy your destinationless journey :) Best, Dan piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/3-important-piano-elements.html

[@jackholland6013]

danthecomposer thank you for the reply. I'm sure you can understand my desire to learn new things but I will continue practicing these until I am 100% confident with them. I will also check out the links before moving on to he next lesson.

[@congolferebautista3705]

Hi Dan! I'm from.the philippines. Been practicing piano for almost a year now, can you give me an advice of how I can practice my left fingers? Thank you in advance. God bless you always Dan :-)

[@danthecomposer]

Hello and welcome! Thank you for your comment. Please read this first: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html And then see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3q0gpd4pZZgg8U And this is quite useful too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYHHkKSAg7yKgqs Let me know how you get on :) Best, Dan

[@denyllevillar8647]

MC Golfere I'm a Filipino too!😆

[@christophermarquis8399]

SHOULD YOU PUSH YOUR ENDURANCE IN YOUR FINGERS AND ARMS UNTIL IT HURTS?

[@danthecomposer]

Aching is good, pain is bad. piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/04/hands-muscles-and-tendons.html Best, Dan

[@dfinedigital]

what keyboard is that? please model?

[@danthecomposer]

Welcome to my channel :) Yamaha DGX 640! Best, Dan www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com

[@MartinNY78]

Why the quality of your recording looks so poor? I like your videos but the quality takes away from the overall experience.

[@danthecomposer]

Martin and Brent, I join with You both. On this particular occasion, I forgot about the sunlight at the end. In general, I film during the day or at night with the lamp on and it comes out better, no? However, slowly, KZbin and Patreon are picking up so that am more able to dedicate funds to this channel. I have every intention to continue growing and creating and I am more than aware that I need to update my 'stuff'. For this reason, I am already planning to invest in a new computer in February. I also wish to buy a digital camera with memory card so that I can record without using the HD webcam (which lowers quality and creates a tiny delay). I will also get better editing software (I don't edit my videos apart from the beginning and end fades) but for example, my animated podcasts - absolutely impossible on this computer... too much delay during editing, it drives me up the wall. Be assured, both of you and anyone reading, that I value this channel and its subscribers greatly and I will be moving only in a direction of growth and improvement. Nevertheless, glad the video helped! I hope you enjoyed the related article/links, too :) Best, Dan

[@ju2705s]

You lost me after 10 sec. For me you came from a other planet and I guess I will never ever play piano. Its a shame because its so a great instrument but I am near 50 Years old an need it in a /100 speed with clear and short handle steps. So its a bit frustrating but fastinating at once.

[@danthecomposer]

Hello there, thanks for letting me know; it's a good sign. Welcome to my channel. If this was a little too fast, I recommend this playlist, in which the video we're commenting on is number TWO, and the one before it will help in understanding it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ6pgoRsmclqmKs - please let me know how you get on. You are not alone and you will get this and begin progressing. Also, read this at your leisure: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Best, Dan