🎹 5 Tips for BETTER Practice Sessions 🎹

[@derrick2251]

Please don’t stop uploading. The value you bring with each video is unmatched anywhere else on the web. Thanks so much!

[@Emma-ob5oj]

Kilzuh I agree!!

[@AnnathePiana]

I agree too. Looking forward to joining his course when I'm working again.

[@joshwrightpiano]

That is very kind! Thank you so much

[@joshwrightpiano]

@@AnnathePiana I look forward to seeing you in the course :)

[@joshwrightpiano]

@@Emma-ob5oj Thanks Emma!

[@ROBERT-ml7ml]

The book analogy actually wasn't that bad, and to put my own twist in to it... its kinda like reading a book, but if you have so much going on in your life (as most of us do), or you simply find it hard to concentrate, you can find yourself 2, 3, 4 pages in the book, and not even remember most of what you just read. So just like playing pianio, you need to come to play with a relaxed, joyful approach. Put your stress, worries, everyday day problems to the side. Now is your time, your time to give gratitude for being able to play piano or any instrument and make beautiful sounds that touch people. Practice with great focus and intention, and you will not only learn piano, but you also begin to learn deep things about yourself along the way. It's beautiful. Stick with it, get a good teacher if you can. I went deep in this comment lol. I felt inspired, so I had to write something. Love your channel, just found it recently. Thanks for the work you do!

[@andrewcoleman8026]

I would enjoy watching an office tour!!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Sounds great Andrew!

[@sherylhooker5350]

Thank you for being so real in this video

[@brianadonovan2682]

0:59 *Tip 1.* Optimize your environment. 2:00 *Tip 2.* Optimize your instrument. 2:55 *Tip 3.* Optimize your mind; meditation, prayer, gratitude, or breathing exercise. 4:25 *Tip 4.* Listen to recordings. 5:48 *Tip 5.* No mindless practicing.

[@brynbstn]

As you get older another important prep is making sure your body, shoulders, arms, hands are stretched and limber... probably not a noticeable concern for you atm. I do specific yoga stretches and relaxation techniques from tai chi before practicing. Nice suit!

[@The8BitPianist]

1. Optimize your environment. (Keep it clean) 2. Optimize your instrument. (Get a better one, get it tuned, enjoy it, or visit a "local friend's house") 3. Begin with meditation, graditute, prayer or a breating exercise to quiet your mind down. Be grateful to have a means of expressing yourselves. 4. Listen to recordings, get inspiration and ideas from them (don't nessecarily try to copy the tempo) 5. Use your mind to learn. Actively think and stay focused. The idea to sit there and remember it not only by playing it, but also absorbing and analysing it (maybe without touching the piano) is an intresting idea I'm definetely gonna try! Also, listen to the way he says "news" at 3:22 it's hilarious.

[@cschlums2235]

i was about to comment the same thing about the news lmaoo

[@lukejay929]

"Prayer, breathwork, gratitude" 🥰 Beautiful 😇

[@vkippen]

🌹THANK YOU, Josh!🌹

[@Dihydrousoxide]

Timestamps / Chapters 0:58 Tip 1: Optimize Your Environment 2:00 Tip 2: Optimize Your Instrument 2:54 Tip 3: Optimize Your Mind - Begin with Prayer, Mediation, or Calming Technique 4:25 Tip 4: Listen to Recordings 5:47 Tip 5: No Mindless Practices

[@ericastier1646]

I feel a little guilty to watch your great video without having yet ordered a lesson to support you. But in honesty i have very limited means. Yet after watching some of your colleagues, I always like to return to your videos as you are most intelligent, and very apt pedagogue and skilled pianist and i always get something from your video. This one is great, i like how you put yourself on the spot, this really helps to envision how to approach practicing. I recently discovered a new mental state to approach practicing that seems beneficial. Instead of practicing under self-pressure , and constantly rejecting one's result like oh no this is not good, but it'll get better. Instead accept your level and say this is YOURS (Say your name) current rendition of the piece as slow as needed (very important) until you can see your current state of advancement with the piece, without lying to yourself, instead of constantly trying to play faster than and hope things will somehow improve by repetition (which by the way is a very frustrating and non pleasing way of practicing). I just imagine that i am actually composing the piece instead of simply reading playing instructions and allow myself to listen a lot to the sound as slowly as needed to not feel ANY hesitation and uncertainty. Only then can i see all the blind spots and what has not been resolved. Then i use a pencil for each and everything i fix. Stopping and taking the pencil to write on the score itself is a huge help to memorization even if later i never read the mark or note i put on the score.

[@janeladney]

Josh, you are a genius at conveying memorable concepts I use to improve my playing immediately! Yeah, instead of rushing over a passage, all distracted with sunglasses on and competing thoughts blaring in my mind for attention....I go to the keyboard and start listening for "textural possibilities." I'm really enjoying mastering new material now.

[@LiliVG]

Super helpful comments. Some that you mention I practice but others, such as clearing the mind from distractions, is something that I need to overcome. You are a great concert artist and I think you were born to be a teacher. What a gift you have.

[@Emma-ob5oj]

Hey Josh, can you make another video about pedaling?? Thank you for these amazing and helpful videos. I really enjoy your input, you’re so kind to share your knowledge with us! Thank you

[@joshwrightpiano]

Yes, I have a few already here on KZbin. I'll be making one specifically about the una corda pedal soon!

[@Emma-ob5oj]

@@joshwrightpiano that’s fantastic, thank you. I just watched all of your videos about pedaling.

[@politereminder6284]

@@joshwrightpiano Please do! Thank you! I love your videos.

[@johndavis8285]

Tip 5. Use mind! Brilliant!

[@clergi4969]

Timestamps: Tip #1 Optimize your Enviroment 0:59 Tip #2 Optimize your Instrument 2:00 Tip #3 Beginn Practice Session with Meditation, Prayer, Gratitude or breathing exercise 2:55 Tip #4 Listen to recordings 4:25 Tip #5 No Mindless practicing 5:48 Thanks for the great content ❤. Please Don't stop uploading.

[@switchlaserflip9243]

I turned off all news and media suggestions and now I only get piano videos recommended. Best thing I ever did sense getting a metronome.

[@joshwrightpiano]

awesome!

[@littlequeen8369]

I need that! How did you turned off all news and medias suggestions?

[@OumiKapilaMusic]

#3 is subtle, but perhaps the most powerful - breathing, meditation, prayer, will no doubt put you in a more positive preparatory state and calm the nerves, allowing for a more relaxed introduction to practice sessions. Having recently recovered from an injury due to what I had thought was over practice, I pondered in my recovery time as to why 4-5 hours a day caused me to become injured while many pianists play for longer, and much more difficult pieces. It came down to one major thing - tension. Each of us might be different anatomically. For me it was the discovery of the in & out principle, wrist rotation, and having perfect hand alignment that adapts continually throughout a piece. The cultivation of total relaxation, I am happy to say, has now allowed me to continue pain free. Thank you Josh, as always for your brilliant insight and selfless devotion to both the art, and to your students.

[@SputnikExperiment]

I love how you described your thought process in conjunction with tip #5. Deliberate practice is something that is talked about but few people care to illustrate exactly how it's done. Thank you for doing that, Josh.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thank you Michal!

[@mikeg2798]

Great tips. I am not good at playing without the sheet music on front of me so this really helps. Thanks!

[@bradowens9856]

I can't thank you enough Josh. Your videos have been very helpful. I'm learning at a later age and this resource has been invaluable. Thank you!!

[@zanex3270]

Quick Summary: 1 Optimize enviroment, Clean enviroment. 2 Optimize your instrument, get your instrument tune. Find opportunities to play on better instrument. 3 Optimize your mind. Begin Session with Meditation, Prayer, Gratitude or any other breathing exercise. Relaxed Brain/Mind, relief stress, more effectiveness 4 Listen to Recordings. Inspiration, new ideas, kinda competitive. (Don't be affected by fast tempos, might mess up your practice or ego) !5! Use your mind to LEARN. Focus on what you are practicing. Not robotic practicing. Analyze what you practice. Read carefully, realize what you practice. Careful and focus reading/practice! Piano is not only touch! Use your brain! (My english suck but hope it helps)

[@RheaBorja]

Josh: re tip #5, pianist Helene Grimaud does this and she talked about it in a New Yorker profile on her a few years ago. Super-helpful tips, especially #5, thank you.

[@PatriceFitzgerald]

Absolutely fascinating. I finally started to study piano a year ago, and I'm grateful to learn about techniques that help even the experts. It was reassuring to hear you play some of these passages repeatedly--if someone like you has to play something over and over like that to get it perfect, I'm encouraged to know that it's not just me... thanks for the video!

[@musickitchen1871]

Your videos are so useful and engaging. This one was particularly special because you shined the light on how you practice that passage (tip #5 - no mindless practicing). Your honest recording of working that out in real time is no doubt very appreciated by your viewers. Superb! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@sebastianfernandezmascagni556]

I REALLY want the studio tour Like if you too🤙🏻

[@pierrecohenmusic]

Please more videos of you sight reading and practicing like this! This gives us huge insight on your practice methods! Thank you!!

[@despinaspyridopoulou7699]

Thank you that was really helpful! You‘re truly amazing 🥰

[@PeterHontaru]

These were very helpful! I highly agree with all of them and I definitely need to work a bit harder on the active practice one, especially more mental practice. I do tend to fall into the trap of just practicing passively after a while

[@cyba9774]

Advice from Franz Liszt how to tackle a new piece: "Liszt's lessons usually lasted two hours; frequently, to illustrate his explanations more clearly, he read some passage from a favorite author, pointing out the connection between music and literature. He outlined a method of tackling a new piece, recommending a student to read it through slowly about five times: the first and second times for accuracy of notes and rhythmic values; the third time paying attention to the dynamics, indicated or implied, as well as details of articulation, accentuation, and the like (he wanted the bass and treble studied separately, seeking how to nuance each); the fourth time looking for points of imitation or hidden themes in the inner parts; the fifth time deciding on the correct speed, and planning accelerandos and ritardandos where suitable. He did not require every piece to be finished to perfection as long as the mood was understood, and he encouraged his students to read a lot of music and broaden their experience." It's from an excerpt from Hilda Gervers' book "Liszt as a pedagogue". It can be found on Lisztomania with 8 pages - the quote I mentioned is on page 3. Thought I'd post that here and there because I remembered that at some time, wrote it down, knew that'd come from Liszt and improved drastically in my practice and sightreading, but I didn't find the passage again until now. It pretty much lines up with the things you also mentioned. Thanks for the great videos, Josh - they really help a lot.

[@nanwijanarko1969]

Thank you Josh! Nice tips. When I used to take lessons for piano I would watch your videos to help me practice. Now I no longer do music, but I would work on songs or pieces for special occasions or people just to get my fingers moving and be happy. Number 3 and 5 is definitely spot on. Now that I have limited time to practice, being mentally ready, mindful, and present during practice really upped the quality.

[@joshs6536]

I really like you, dude. You’re a good guy. Saving for your lifetime membership propractice deal (just doing Alfred books right now).

[@ThePianoFortePlayer]

Great tips, especially the 5th one about avoiding mindless practicing

[@joshwrightpiano]

Glad you enjoyed it Yousef :)

[@gisellerz]

Loved your tips, specially the analyzing part for memorizing. This year my goal is to learn some pieces to play by heart.

[@MaxBergmanis]

Great tips! Thank u Josh

[@andreeasocolaw4557]

I love your videos they keep me focused on getting better and I’ve loved the practice pro when I used it for my specific pieces.

[@darykinnaman2319]

I love the piano, but I have to play keyboards living in an apartment. I researched each one before I bought it, Roland has a keyboard that had great grand piano action and sound. I also have the Yamaha and the Korg which both have great keyboard action. I love these keyboards and it does motivate me to play all of the time. I watch your videos and practice your tips. Thank you.

[@dorcmoha1029]

I found this video very helpful - Thanks!! Also, I would love to see a video tour of your studio.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@thestateofalaska]

I really appreciate you showing the learning process. Every time I listen to professional pianists it’s always just them playing difficult pieces perfectly. Since I never see the work and struggle that goes into it I often feel like I’ll never be able to get to where they’re at.

[@michelepellegrino6640]

Thanks for sharing this tips:) Being “one” with the music you are playing really feels great because you are not thinking at anything else other than it

[@PIANO_LAB]

Great tips! I definitely would agree that when my studio is a cluttered mess I have much more trouble focusing on the pieces that I am supposed to be practicing haha.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joseangelsanchezgarcia]

Show us your studio please!! Greets from Spain :D

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks José!

[@lightseeker134]

Excellent video! Thank you! A studio tour would be awesome.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Jim_Mundy]

Of course we want a studio tour! I've been away for a while (ProPractice life member), and WOAH! Second piano! And maybe new location? i look forward to a tour. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas and have a wonderful new year!

[@wellnesshearddifferently5920]

Waw Josh really valuable tips you help us take our piano playing to such a level! Thanks again I am so grateful you’re putting out so much valuable content like this!!!!

[@r7eagle_]

Great information..

[@JesyB2023]

Thank you so much. Even this activity to of playing the piano helps me connect with my inner self. Definitely prayer and meditation helps reduce the stress of daily living. God bless you for your great work

[@homamellersh8446]

Thank you so much, that is brilliant advice , especially the tip number 5 .

[@linaatthepiano]

Josh, I can completely relate to your point about mindful practicing. It makes such a difference in the learning progress.

[@TommysPianoCorner]

Very interesting. Steps 1 to 4 I think I have covered but I definitely need to work on Step 5. Thanks

[@shirleymccord5896]

Extremely valuable advice - particularly the memorising part at the end - thank you. Do you ever use Schenkerian analysis - if so how useful do you find it?

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks Shirley. I took an entire semester of Schenkerian analysis in my doctoral studies. Pianists like Murray Perahia (who I greatly admire) swear by it. I personally didn't find it all that helpful even after the semester ended. I still do plenty of formal and chordal analysis though, and highly recommend analyzing in a way that you find most helpful (so, if Schenkerian analysis helps you, I absolutely recommend it).

[@pericologan]

Your tips are pure gold! very uplifting. thank you very much.

[@metteholm4833]

This is golden advise! Thank you so much, Josh Wright! Practise on a table can actually do some good.

[@harrynking777]

Regarding step 5, I have recently tried writing out the small sections. When, I can't remember I copy the music. I then go back to practice it.

[@anastasiakim1951]

Thank you so mush for the great tips. I totally agree with you. You are a wonderful educator and pianist!

[@ShewTX]

Please make a video tour of your studio. I'm also interested in knowing how you store and organize your scores. I moved all the books/scores off the sides of my piano. Amazing what a positive difference it made. I never realized how distracting all that clutter was.

[@duannehaughton4893]

Studio tour from Josh? Yes please!😀

[@hostelvibes3463]

Love your videos!!! I only watch your videos for piano tips. I'm playing gr 7 Unisa exam this year 🎉

[@jordidewaard2937]

2:25 Grand piano in apartment gang rise up! In all seriousness, I am blessed with nice neighbours who make no problem as long as I don't play at unreasonable times (before 8 AM, after 8PM, mainly because my underneighbours recently had a baby)

[@christinamandasari6148]

Thank you so much, I really need to listen to this advices for my own practice!

[@epicbanzai3440]

Always enjoy your useful tips, Thanks!

[@JaySuryavanshiMusic]

I would really love a studio tour!

[@maralagounari6193]

I was always too lazy to use my brain. I didn't want to think and I didn't want to analyze or memorize.But as the the years passed by I started feeling insecure when I was playing long pieces.I felt like I was in the darkness where I couldn't see what I was playing.Yes I could hear, but I couldn't see...so I started analyzing and memorizing .In the beginning it was horrible hearing myself,,trying to memorize,but eventually I started exercising my brain and I improved myself. Ι'm still working on it though. .

[@tastenfee123]

Thank you so much for this videos, so many advices it helps me a lot to practicing and teaching.

[@Lynkevmusic]

Thanks Josh for your generous video. great tips.

[@leona7522]

I 'know' these from your previous videos but I'll be referring to this one often. Maybe once a week to keep me from getting into maniac auto -pilot mode. Many thanks as always!!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks so much Leon!

[@norindapyngrope8030]

Josh Wright is always Right😁😎

[@downdog70]

Yes on the studio tour Josh. Thanks

[@jordanhebbert4274]

Hi Josh! I’m new to this channel! So happy I found it! I can’t afford a teacher right now so I’m trying to teach myself. I have been playing for sometime but haven’t had a professional lesson since I was a child. Do you have a video showing what your practice session looks like? I’m trying to find the best way to use the time to improve, not just play.

[@El_Funky_Habibi]

New sub! Thank God for the internet ! I appreciate your vids !

[@MarceloFonseca]

I ve been minimizing my time learning new pieces , dividing my time in small sections where I can concentrate more .. this small sections of learning have been potentially useful for me !! 😀

[@maxwellspiano3580]

Hey josh, would you recommend listening to some recordings from professional pianist on the song you are currently learning?

[@eugenie3642]

Great video! Thank you, Josh!

[@arodisifenix]

Hi Josh, could you make a video of raw uncut practice session? All the best! Great videos, just keep going!

[@ale.alvarez2666]

Thanks Josh as always great value from your videos!

[@charleschilders6388]

You always make me smile in joy over your pleasure in playing the piano.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks for your kindness Charles!

[@PriscillaB2015_]

Yes to the studio tour!!

[@victormunoz1864]

Hi there. Came across your videos (great stuff) Question. I noticed you always refer on how to sight read and reading music etc. Here's my thing, I have no idea on how to read music not even basics. However, I memorize all classical songs (from Beethoven and Chopin and Claude De Bussy. About 1 month to memorize and perfect it) level intermediate. I listen and memorize. So my question is... anything I can do differently? A teacher said it would be good to learn style and how to pedal and give the peice emotions etc. Any tips? Thank you.

[@Simphony_7]

Awesome video as always! Studio tour would be cool for sure:)

[@LF-tq8zr]

Thanks for sharing tips💖 Hope you can make a video to explain some 20th century music

[@joshwrightpiano]

Unfortunately a lot of it is under copyright :( But pre-1924 is still public domain, so let me know what pieces you're interested in!

[@LF-tq8zr]

​@@joshwrightpiano Can you make a tutorial video for "Szymanowski: four etudes, op. 4, no. 1 ( E flat minor)" ?

[@joyceoneal3380]

The secret for my dedication is an HOURGLASS. When I stand up, I lay it over. So when I practice an hour, it is a real hour. You can use a stopwatch on the phone; you have to be more disciplined with the phone as it is not as visually compelling as a real hourglass. The other rule is that "Anything Played 5 Times in a Row Every Day Will Give You Progress." Make a counter, or get 5 marbles and a cup and saucer. Marbles around the saucer, work each into the cup with a complete play and repeat til the marbles are in the cup. Good visual incentive as you are not "practicing a half-hour" but instead are "doing the marbles." Especially good for children as it takes the onus off PRACTICING. Child can be encouraged to do a marble anytime through the day. So if it takes an hour for 5 marbles at the beginning of the week, it might take 10 minutes at the end. And you are DONE with that piece's segment. This is your REWARD for slogging through 5 times at the beginning of the week! (And the progress you made inspires you to do MORE at the end, but you don't HAVE TO do more.). It's tricking the brain. 🎯

[@debrac2023]

Number three really isn't nearly as 'woo woo' as it seems. I do so much better in the early morning freshly sprung from slumber than after a frustrating day at work. Unfortunately my piano lessons are in the late afternoon after work and I do so much worse and it really slows progress in class. I do try to spend the few minutes I have before my lesson to 'decompress' but truthfully my mind is all awhirl. I definitely second finding your zone before you begin practice.

[@chiaramariadedominicis458]

Unfortunately I can give this video only a thumb up! Great advices ❤

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks Chiara!

[@melissesen]

Yes! Studio tour please!

[@pianoguy3563]

Josh, I've a question. When you say that it's better to play on a good instrument, would an upright piano count as a good instrument? Thanks for the tips!

[@pejmanaflaki3869]

You are an inspiration ..

[@1955robyn]

SO valuable!! Thank you!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks Robyn!

[@esauponce9759]

Thank you for this, Josh!

[@rrickymaa]

sure id love to see ur studio

[@anthonyhughston829]

yes studio tour please

[@grahamokely7233]

Thank you Josh. In this video and another video, you use the word 'hard' working to describe someone's effort at piano practice. Does 'hard' working mean long hours, or diligent focus, or shorter and smarter practice or labouring through fatigue or persevering to find the best techniques?

[@elnekramer9094]

Does the VIP course include everything in the premier course as well?

[@fryderyckchopin484]

Is a grand piano really necessary to explore my dynamics?

[@joshwrightpiano]

No, but it helps tremendously. You won’t reach your full potential on an upright piano, and you certainly won’t on a digital piano. However, don’t give up if all you have is a digital piano. Work with what you have, and over time, work to upgrade your instrument.

[@enbao2015]

Thank you Josh

[@leninnavarrete2502]

Thanks 👍🎹 🥳😃😉 Saludos desde 🇪🇨🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@magicalmysterypiano8144]

Oh, you are right, by playing the atmosphere should suitable. Me fo example I open the balcony so that people in the street hear my playing!

[@mickizurcher]

How funny, I make sure all my windows are closed so my neighbors don’t hear me!

[@magicalmysterypiano8144]

@@mickizurcher I used to do it as well

[@sebastianbonde8869]

Thank you very much

[@growingpianists]

Hi Josh, would you share if the mic in front of you is also the mic recording your piano sound or do you have another mic for that?

[@anthonyhughston829]

josh posted this right before i went to go practiced, liked

[@joshwrightpiano]

fate

[@anthonyhughston829]

@@joshwrightpiano would you have any tips on the appsionata 3rd movement?

[@captivator13]

U are the best my dear Josh ☺️ Sam 🎵✌🏻

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks Sam! I hope you're doing well.