Hanon No.1, Wrist Circles Exercise - How to Play Piano with Ease

[@lewlafanz6932]

She goes straight to the point while many others beat around the bush. They keep talking about the whole body but never clearly demonstrate how . She is an excellent piano teacher , the best I have ever seen. I had many piano teachers including international competition winners. None of them is as good as this one here in terms of explaining and demonstrating the techniques

[@Erik-e7v]

I'm self taught and your channel has helped me improve my playing. Thank you for posting these helpful videos.

[@ComposerConductor]

This video is the ONLY video that resonated with me. THANK YOU!

[@Daniel-nm2qb]

As a beginner, this channel has been amazing! I love your teaching! Thank you so much!

[@Lunar123424]

I do agree! Recently found out about this lady her channel. One ☝️ of the best 🎹❤️

[@everela]

As of today, it’s my favorite exercise! I’m so grateful for you!

[@albertoyzf7429]

As a very beginner, I figured out this technique watching videos and good players trying to explain and doing it, but it wasn't shown, and when trying really messy (overall for the weak hand), but this video is exactly what I was looking for. Best explanation, providing a perfect drill to develop the technique!!!! Great analysis, effort and work!!! Thanks for your generosity!!! Thanks a million!!!!

[@JesusGarcia-gq7jz]

I am playing this exercise the way she suggests and it's helping me a lot, instead injuring as some suggest, I feel very flexible and better to play piano music! Do it and prove for your self!

[@a.a.dehulster7567]

Thank you for your advice! These exercices have a benificial effect on my playing. stiffness dissappears. Much better sound and control. Standing on 5th finger is not uncomfortable anymore. Happy!

[@akshobiya7501]

I've been learning the Piano for a month now and I'm grateful I found your channel. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ezechielpitau]

Very cool. One question though: The movement is exaggerated a bit for visual clarity, right? I mean, when I look at 6:30, surely we're not supposed to play with a wrist THAT high, right?

[@PianoTeachingPros]

You are correct. The demo is exaggerated so we can see clearly, also the exaggeration helps the practice. When performing repertoire the motion should be kept economic. Check out our new tutorial on "balance" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYmqm5qcad2dorM), it explains from a different perspective of the wrist rotation. - PTP team.

[@Ezechielpitau]

@@PianoTeachingPros Thanks for the clarification!

[@m1nhhoang]

I can't afford having a teacher, time-wise. So Google and KZbin, sheets, books are how I am learning. Videos like this are GOLD to me. After 6 months, I am now can make the sound River Flows In You, but my pinkie was terribly painful. And the sound was not great, I was not happy. But this video changed that, I now know how to move my wrist to support my finger, it's just so smooth, I was super surprised after this excercise. Please keep the, coming!

Oh! I'm a beginner too and for me it was amazing... Simple and perfect. Thank you so much teacher.

[@rengevid]

thank you for your tutorial.

[@larrylun2371]

Thank you so much for the beautiful teaching.

[@magdelinechin5491]

The best video that I have seen on wrist circles. Thank You.

[@stephenvinson6474]

If you know of Guy Maier's approach to piano technique...he identified what you are teaching here back in the 1940's. He called these "arm-circles"...so good to see you continuing He was always concerned with how to play musically and with safety.

[@tomyvrosales3535]

What a fantastic insight!!! I have been practicing Hanon 1-6 but now I finally understood the rotation part. Thank you so much

[@eminezola0]

As a Piano student I REALLY APPRECIATE IT ❤️😍you teach the technique better than most of the teachers and thx for teaching efficiently and slowly🙏

[@johnbalao9582]

Thank you, madam professor, for your very informative presentation.

[@sukhvarshnayyar7751]

Repeated your teaching way is most beautiful like you and more beneficial than others...

[@rengevid]

Hanon is a great tool, for many reason, that many pedagogy of the piano must realize. Whether you are a beginner, or a seasoned pianist or one, who has left the piano for many years and have decided to return to this monster of a keyboard with 88 teeth, Hanon, places you on the path to rejuvenation . What developments are meant for the fingers, hands, wrists, etc, are just mere reasons, why you should get into the Hanon Studies. These parallelism can be approach from many different ways paraphrasing as you go along, from the octaves to the tenths which will decrease any borders of repetition. Articulations involving, staccato vs. legato within each passage. Mainly, these exercises can be played musically, like children themes all based upon the C Major Scale. Many conservatories throughout the world focus all 12 tonalities. But, the true basis of this study is to search your mind from such a stiffening mindset pattern to that that leads to technical freedom, as if your brain, hands, wrist, arms, are functioning on auto pilot. You can accomplish many ways of getting your life necessities done, just going through the excesses without total concentration of doing them, make your coffee, do Hanon, things you must finish with a deadline, while doing Hanon. I would say that these studies are quick to develop the brain, mind, etc, as much as they are in developing your fingers to play the piano. There is insight in discovery, look to this as not just an exercise, but a path to secure your present as well as your future. My piano students are totally aware of this aspect. Show less Reply

[@moritlh]

This was incredible

[@virginiaprokop3699]

Absolutely loved this video!!!!!!!

[@BRL1611]

I did not know Hanon could look do beautiful!!

[@TemptedThreads]

Thank you so much for breaking this concept down into its elemental parts. I can now understand why it is necessary and how it is accomplished. So few take the time to teach in a way that doesn't skip techniques that, for the teacher, are now automatic.

[@bk6131]

very helpful for beginner. Appreciate ~

[@douglashart5059]

Thanks so much for your videos! They are really well done and your instruction is easy to follow!!

[@Videogame9559]

Hi great stuff I have semi weighted keyboard but I have a muscel wasting condition so this will help me alot so my fingers keep working I've started piano on my midi keyboard thanks.

[@chariquiambao102]

I have been looking for a video like this explaining the proper technique! So many online information is on how to "quickly" play without attention to technique to avoid injury. Thanks so much! I also watched your rating on beginner classical books....just what I was looking for.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Absolutely! Our goal is to help pianists enjoy a lifetime play. Check out our new videos on "balance" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYmqm5qcad2dorM), "finger positions" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInEeYOtl8yneLs") and "fix lazy finger" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV6TZGeeprJ9p7M), all helped to build healthy playing habits - PTP team.

[@memeguaia]

Thank you so much for this, please keep doing the Hanon series

[@sabrine3919]

I'm grateful for this video, love it 💗🙏🏻

[@user-sk7ws4sr4x]

One of the points with Hanon exercises is to develop strength in the 4th and 5th fingers. How may I ask are you supposed to develop strength in those fingers if you compensate by this enormous rotation of the hand outwards everytime you use 4 and 5? :D

[@tomlavelle8518]

Yes I prefer the right hand default position as an octave above Middle C. Placing it ON Middle C seems to run into my torso too much.

[@dornelli1]

not only a terrific teacher, but a gorgeous one to boot

[@EastValleyChorale]

Question about notation. On morning song by Gurlitt, there are 3 note slurs, but each note has a staccato marking. What does that mean? Thanks

[@pianolover2720]

This could be 'portato', really depends on the context, you can give a little pulsing rather than a hard articulation. The phrase is still connected. Find some recordings and decide yourself.

[@EastValleyChorale]

@@pianolover2720 thanks

[@dornelli1]

as a drummer, i always admired players who had an easy grip, exactly because they knew that economy in motion can go a long way

[@josephinebrown6631]

Thank you kindly

[@saiashok28]

I want to learn piano. I will learn from you now :) . Subscribed!

[@turningpointmusicalchannel6101]

Excellent

[@turningpointmusicalchannel6101]

Thanks for your reply

[@turningpointmusicalchannel6101]

Which is your model number

[@flylikeafly0]

02:24 my middle finger gets stuck between black keys eventhough i dont go that deep as on video.. is this an issue would be getting over a diffrent method ?:)

[@JustinThomasT]

Hii mam really nice to watch and learn

[@kellycoote7149]

On your wrist circle return to the body are your fingers rolling up off the finger pads and onto the fingernail? They seem almost vertical in orientation on the return to the body. Are we not supposed to play with the finger pads on the keys? When I raise my fingers up on the return as you do, I’m no longer on the finger pads but resting on the fingernail. It appears that my finger pads only remain on the key up to about a 60 degree angle relative to the key. At 60 degrees I can feel the finger pad and finger nail both touching the key at the same time. As the angle steepens the finger rolls up off the pad and onto the nail. My fingernails are clipped short.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Good question. When I exaggerate the motion to first teach it and have students learn it, you may feel you come up on the fingertips more. Once you automatize and fine-tune the motion, the fingers will not circle as high onto the fingertips. We actually don't always play only on the finger pads. We can play back deeper on the fingers when dropping with arm weight. When we roll off or play with a light sound, it is more towards the fingertip. Please tune into watching my Beethoven Ecossaise technique video to be released this Thursday to see more technique in action. Thanks for watching!

[@JoaoMilasch]

Thanks for taking the time to share this with us! Does it mean the left hand will always do clockwise circular motions and the right hand counterclockwise motions? I am trying that on Hanon number 1, getting a bit lost when I reach the descending part. I assume I should keep going with the same circular motion direction as the ascending part. Thanks again!

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Great question! The clockwise/counterclockwise motion depends on which direction the notes are moving (ascending or descending). When notes move away from the body (RH ascending notes or LH descending) = circle under. When notes move towards the body (RH descending notes or LH ascending notes) = circle over. See this video for guidance, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZPWkKOpltKCrJI Thanks for watching!

[@MrBurikella]

This is nice, but what would you do if your fingers would stuck in between the black keys?

[@fpul]

Should I assume that this is a bit exaggerated or should I really be focused on high lifts?

[@scientistplayspiano7422]

I think the purpose of this exercise is to help establish the feel of wrist movement. Larger motion will help build the kinesthetic feel. It's not just the lifts, but also the drops to make the whole circles. When applying wrist circles to performance, the motion could be fine-tuned, and become subtle for fast passages, even barely noticeable for the audience.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Thank you for watching and your question. We do first practice with exaggerated motions to learn how to incorporate these techniques into our playing. Over time the motions will become fine-tuned and smaller, especially with faster pieces. We do need a lift of the wrist/arm (as a unit) and circle under to incorporate the strength of the arm into our playing. Happy practicing!

[@MotjeSoete65]

Wanneer je het zo voor toont voelt het voor mij ook overdreven aan. De vingers rusten bijna niet meer op de toetsen en ik denk dat heel wat hier dan overdreven gaan bewegen. Ik krijg les, begonnen op mijn 58 en mijn hand en vingerbewegingen zijn volgens de lerares erg goed. Ik volg les is de muziekacademie.

[@Sitbon08]

A well intentioned video, however I strongly disagree with some of the movements being demonstrated here which are potentially injurious. In a healthy, well-coordinated technique, it is so important that we don’t isolate the wrist, but rather allow the wrist to be moved passively by the forearm. When the wrist falls below the level of the top of the white keys, as demonstrated here, we are breaking the natural unity of the finger, hand and forearm and making the wrist move beyond its mid-range of natural motion. When the wrist goes down too far, the upper arm will compensate by pulling out which may contribute to shoulder or back pain. I recommend all players read the book/DVD, ‘What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body’ by Thomas Mark to understand more about your own anatomy and healthy coordinated playing.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Andrew, thank you for your thoughtful comments, obviously the motion was exaggerated here to demo the idea. Everyone is different, there are brilliant players with unnatural movement. We are also a big fan of Thomas Mark's book. The video is to provide a useful tool for beginners to exercise wrist motion. Everyone still needs to find their own best posture through practice - PTP Team.

[@HMS20th]

This was my first day practicing your method. Thank your for your effort. But, after a period of consistently practising "EXAGGERATED" motion, am I going to be able to do it smoothly ? It was really difficult. I hope the consistent hard work pays off after a while.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Yes, it will take a while to get used to it, especially two hands are doing opposite motions. Be patient, practice slowly and relaxed, you will get there - PTP team.

[@davehoffman9072]

Thanks. I've been practicing these Hanon exercises for a few years. Your lesson has answered questions I've had for some time. The fluidity of the circular technique will improve my playing very much and eliminate tightness in the wrists. Good camera angles on keyboard, And term treble C is new as well. Yea!!!❤

[@xGaviJax]

How to play relaxed when you play in the center of the piano with both hands ? I'm learning alfred book 1 and most songs are playing in the center and I can't find a proper relaxing position for my wrists there

[@PianoTeachingPros]

The principles are the same, play slowly and align wrist with each note, two hands are independent. It's important to relax. You can also check the tutorial on basic posture: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ7bnXprl9-Wr7M; and use of arm weight: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPLlHypdpmYrqs; everything works together. Stay tuned, we will roll out a video on hand posture in the near future - PTP team.

[@grantmcmullan5593]

I think we should avoid ulnar deviation when playing the thumb where possible. Rather than shifting the alignment of the hand with the forearm, one can simply move the hand in so that the thumb sits comfortably at the edge.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

The principle is to align wrist to use arm weight most effectively. However, everyone's hands are different, definitely try out different ways and see what works best for you - PTP team

[@anesthesiabeyond8519]

Dr. Bronson, great video 👍👍👍 Is it true that the weak fingers, 4th and 5th stand up to het more strength when the stronger fingers sew leveling or scooping at the keys levels? Therefore the sounds are more evenly produced? Thanks 🙏

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Taller fingers actually produce a weaker tone. Play down into the keys for a richer sound. I explained more in my reply to your comment in the Beethoven Moonlight Sonata arr. Thanks for watching!

[@MotjeSoete65]

Met mijn schouderproblemen is dit voor mij erg vermoeiend. Het is een oude bijna Russische methode dacht ik ook. Kan natuurlijk verkeerd zijn. Maar te extreem. Hoewel ik het Hanon boek heel goed vind.

[@highway5163]

4:45

[@pierretremblay3130]

I’ve been taking private lessons for almost a year and practicing as much as I can but it’s frustrating when I’m struggling to play a song at the right tempo.I’ve been trying to play the can can for weeks and its an uphill battle each time but I’m hanging on.

[@dhruvgupta745]

Thank you for these great videos professor! I am having difficulty doing wrist circles while playing scales with many black keys in them , I saw your video on 'black key fingering' but that didn't seem to be using wrist circles. The issue is when the scale starts on a black note: for LH the pinky plays the note, and now the remaining fingers go very high up which makes it difficult to play (the fingers play near the ends of the keys where more force is required to press them). Should I just practice more or should I not use wrist circles in this case?

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Octave scales do not use wrist circles or forearm rotation. Play with a level wrist, taller angled thumb, & elbow out. 5-finger scales use wrist circles, as they change direction quickly.

[@anesthesiabeyond8519]

Dr. Bronson， thank you so much for your video。 It’s it true that the 4th, 5th, the weak ones stand up and stronger ones, 1st and 2nd fingers level or scoop? Therefore the sounds are more evenly?

[@nitinuppal94]

@@PianoTeachingPros since you suggested that the rotations aren't used in scales. Can you also add when exactly the rotations are to be used for example in a song? Thank you

[@peterkrauss6962]

That's classic Hutcheson technique

[@bk6131]

Dear Janci, may I asked a question bother me a lot during practice wrist cycle. Is it always true that turn left wrist clockwise, while turn right wrist counterclockwise? And for some measures at beginning , my right hand already cross to the left side of my body, so I should turn the direction opposite? Or for practice wrist cycle propose, this is not suitable and I’d adjust one or two octave higher? Appreciate your time :)

[@PianoTeachingPros]

It depends on which direction (ascending or descending) the hand is moving to determine clockwise/counterclockwise. In both hands, if the notes move away from the body = circle/scoop under; notes move towards body = circle/scoop over. Try this out on simple 5-finger scales to begin to get the feel for it. Play RH 12345, LH 12345 at the same time and then the hands will circle in the same direction.

[@bk6131]

@@PianoTeachingPros Thanks for the reply! Trying and degesting the rule. Need some time to practice this out. Appreciate the explanation :)

[@bk6131]

@@PianoTeachingPros practicing another two-week and the tips really works. Appreciate the help and wish you a happy 2022 :)

[@Andreylarin1]

Wrist circles can be counterproductive, they tend to destabilize the whole alignment. Best pianists like Martha Argerich don’t do them that much.

[@McZeppoLoligo]

Hi thank you for the video! :)) The movement feels really good for me in hanon exercise nr1. Regarding exercise nr2 i do a second much smaller and faster circular motion when i am changing direction between the two fingers. Somehow the motion doesnt work for me in hanon nr 3. The second circular motion does not feel economical since i have to change direction so fast from finger 4 to finger 1 when playing the exercise with the right hand upwards for example. I hope someone understands what i mean. So how would i move my wrist for exercise number 3?

[@scientistplayspiano7422]

Have you tried rotation, sometimes it is more economic than big circles, check tutorial on Hanon 5&6 in the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHvZgqhtrah8o5Y

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Great questions. Once you get beyond Hanon #1 (wrist circles) and #5-6 (forearm rotation), the other Hanon exercises combine these motions. I have a Hanon #2 video I'll be releasing soon that will show this. Thanks for watching!

[@PianoTeachingPros]

Just released - Hanon #2 video to show you how to combine wrist circles & forearm rotation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKrHinmcjrGbaM0

[@McZeppoLoligo]

@@PianoTeachingPros Hi thank your for your explanation 🤩 i really appreciate the effort. Your teaching is great! It helped me a lot! :)

[@clairedunnage6806]

I'd like to know what the purpose of wrist circles is. My piano teacher has never talked about them

[@PianoTeachingPros]

The purpose is to align wrist with fingers so that you can effectively use arm weight. It is easier to play and control the dynamics.

[@KalpaHettiarachchi]

❤❤❤

[@dale4853]

This version of a wrist circle is just taking energy out of the key. A waste of time .

[@gonewiththewind2147]

These are very helpful to beginner like me. It really helps balance and use of arm weight. If you have a better way, why not show us.

[@PianoTeachingPros]

We have to respectfully disagree and would be happy to see your version of wrist circle. - PTP team.