(Old Video, Newer available) The Illusion of Hand Independence | A Philosophical Discussion

A common issue for those learning the piano is surely that of hand independence. The left hand does this and the right hand does that; major scales cause frustration, improvisation appears impossible. But fret not! There is a solution: seeing the hands as a unit of ten fingers. It's a little philosophical but give the video a chance: I demonstrate eyes-closed exercises to get you think as ten soldiers and not two hands of five fingers.
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More up to date and better quality: • Breaking Your Brain to...
Any skill or art has smaller and smaller components and it is by mastering these smaller components that the greater skill becomes manageable. One of those smaller components regarding hand independence is actually not physical at all but a state of mind; a mindset which has overcome the noise of the ego, a mind which understands that we have ten fingers rather that two hands of five fingers.
Same philosophy but with more technical exercises: • Bringing Two Together ...
By using the chromatic and major scales as a tool, as demonstrated in this video, learn how to master finger independence by mixing them into one 'big ten-fingered hand', to remove conscious interference by closing the eyes and to become a spectator to your hands rather than their interfering ruler.
Receive a lesson from the great Master itself: Water: STEADY PERSISTENCE.
Articles referred to in this video:
1. The Mind Triangle - piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2015/1...
2. Conscious Interference - piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2015/0...
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[@danthecomposer]

Please help me to help you by making the most of the following links which will give you access to much more recent content, as well as some options to support my channel: Video Management Website: www.dan-the-composer.com Blog: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/ All Videos: kzbin.infovideos All Playlists: kzbin.infoplaylists eBooks and Podcast Collection: danthecomposer.gumroad.com/ Water Pianism Syllabus: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2022/04/water-pianism-syllabus.html Patreon: www.patreon.com/danthecomposer Don't forget the Bell icon when you Subscribe to be notified of all new uploads!

[@boayjunhung7023]

9:51 "So in other words you're playing the piano by not playing the piano." Best instructions I've heard all day.

[@bubblebath2892]

The exercise starts at 6:40, variation at 10:48, another one at 12:25, Summary at 15:05,Using major scales : 16:11

[@ericahata2162]

The intro is quite interesting though. I Wouldn't skip it!

[@bubblebath2892]

@@ericahata2162 Yes it's nice to appreciate the good stuff, although if somebody is in a hurry or revisiting the vid : the intention is to provide a jump to what is actually needed

[@projectdevd8655]

Thank you.....

[@karenhines9263]

Useful to know if using video to remind when practicing.

[@ionlytypecomments676]

This is ultra instinct, but for pianists.

[@kimbyvan7392]

remember to be realistic - you'll have to put in a bit of work whichever system you choose for learning piano I have spent months studying teaching yourself piano and discovered an awesome resource at 4LearnPianoEasy.blogspot.com

[@enriquealonzo3771]

FRRRRRR

[@zechariahhye926]

Fr bc u basically gotta just do it but dont think about it

[@thealchemist7819]

I’m an experienced drummer and avid reader of philosophy who has just picked up the piano. You, my good friend, have fructified all three of these endeavours of mine in one very short video with one very refreshing perspective. Thank you for maintaining your attitude in this harsh world. ❤️

[@fredgreen9035]

This makes a ton of sense because that is how I learned to type and now I type like a son of a gun and I don't think about my fingers just what I want to write.

[@danthecomposer]

Happy to read your comment, thank you for sharing and welcome to my channel. You've hit the nail on the head! You may find this video equally of interest: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Best, Dan

[@Johan-rm6ec]

I needed this vid 35 year ago!!! Thumbs up

[@theusurperking4279]

This goes against everything I've ever learned about piano and you know what? It works. Very good!

[@danthecomposer]

Excellent comment. A person who emptied his cup in order to acquire a new flavoured tea. I trust you will find something in my other videos, too. You may enjoy this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@axeman2638]

Could it be that has more to do with doing something new and different more than the thing itself?

[@rickholzer708]

If I beg your pardon , do not say that "is completely different " ......it's just a very neglected layer of the piano skills, since we are always concerned about look at our hands on a intellectual perspective.....not changes you, but adds a new color on your experience....

[@alex-er3de]

Your teaching style is unique. Very artistic and philosophical. I love it.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly and welcome! I'm glad you understood the point of this video. You may find this article of interest, also: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Best, Dan

[@alex-er3de]

And thank you as well. The article lead me down a good path.

[@BikyC]

Perfectly Balanced as all things should be

[@PauloTravels]

- Thanos

[@latrekistaboricuablogger7421]

First time I've viewed a YT piano tutorial with a philosophical perspective; the notion of blending my two hands is interesting. As a beginner player, I'm often frustrated at the slow pace of my progress. Kudos to you for this. Thanks much.

[@danthecomposer]

Hellol Lola and welcome to my channel! It seems you're on the right path to understanding my teachings. Very good. You will find this article very useful at this stage: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html Let me know how you get on :) Best, Dan

[@toreyjones5715]

I just decided to learn, and this is the second video I randomly clicked. Then I hear you talking about the ego, and I'm just like 'Synchonicity is really something, huh?'

[@radhey_87]

You have become my piano mentor because you talk in my language

[@gigipizzuto4068]

that is definitely an original approach. I'll start doing this exercise every day. I thought I had reached a good hand independence through martial arts... till my fingers touched a piano lol

[@danthecomposer]

Welcome :) Thank you. Yes, martial arts, depending on your Master, is a beautifully mental affair and touches many aspects of life, including the piano. Do blend your mental training to this teaching: the fingers can do what the mind can imagine them doing and the fingers cannot do what the mind cannot imagine them doing. Think about it. piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@theophilusmartins5822]

Gigi Pizzuto Same but with finger drumming

[@gigipizzuto4068]

Theophilus Taiwo Martins I found this approach also in daily exercises such as Hanon or Czerny. They taught me not to think right hand plays this and left plays that. They taught me to follow the music sheet and at each point in time play what it is written. So I never play a chord in arpeggio with my left hand, but in my head I place 3 or 4 single notes and at the same time I play the single notes with the right hand. It is still very challenging when you have a series of 1/8 and 1/16 notes on one hand and a mix of 1/2 and 1/16 notes on the other hand.

[@gigipizzuto4068]

Theophilus Taiwo Martins this is my wife told me once (she used to play piano as a kid). Take at most 2 songs and learn them well. Separate parts and practice them very slow then accelerate. First one hand then the other, then both together.

[@theophilusmartins5822]

Gigi Pizzuto Yes, that's how it should be done and that's how I learn songs too..

[@beto1glez]

I started practicing the keyboard this month and this guy has a point. I notice that if I dont focus on my playing i make less mistakes, if i just play it without thinking that is..

[@-jq8gt]

This makes so much sense. I'm an intermediate jazz piano player and something that occurred to me recently when comping with the left hand was to not think of my left hand as something separate from my right, but to not even think of it as a hand. Instead, just as I might start a melody line in my right hand with a leading note, I now think of my left hand as just an extra finger on my right hand that sometimes throws in a chord just before the beat, or in between melody beats, if that makes any sense. Anyway, it's a subtle shift in thinking, but it's helping me quite a lot. Hope that perspective helps someone out there.

[@kyanareneemayfield2834]

That's crazy, I don't usually leave comments but I just tried these exercises for about an hour -- it literally felt like my fingers were moving on their own while my mind all but disappeared. You're an amazing teacher danthecomposer

[@danthecomposer]

Hi Kyana, I am honoured to receive a comment! Thank you also for your kind words. I hope your comment inspires others to try out the ideas presented. I only share the truth of the ways of the mind and body; it just takes a little effort to see it for oneself as you did. You would surely find this article quite interesting: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan.

[@jafarhh]

The video being more "live" than prepared is what makes this so great. A cut up and edited lesson wouldn't tell us how you actually think, but instead would make your focus, "How do I turn all this information into simple bite-sized sentences?" Most good teachings are lost on that attempt to sound clean and clever.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you - it's kind of you to notice and appreciate. I do not edit videos, it is true. 99% first takes. Welcome to my channel - you may like this, too: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Best, Dan

[@zerolelouch22]

omg such a good point dude. I really felt like we went on a journey together

[@fincorrigan7139]

@@danthecomposer Thus avoiding the rather tedious process of editing video:) ;). Super instruction. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[@Rudi_Mentary723]

I did what you said every day, 2 hours , for 2 months. I started on the 15th of Dec'17. I am amazed at what I have achieved. I can play different notes with both the hands simultaneously without even putting any thought into playing the keys ! It's so easy now.

[@danthecomposer]

Wonderful :) Thank you for sharing. I hope your words inspire everyone else who reads them. You would also enjoy this video, I think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Best, Dan

[@louisenicholas7077]

This is the first video that I have watched on this subject for months. I believe I can now go forward and continue my studies. I was about to quit before seeing this video. I will go on and watch the newer videos. Thank you so much

[@tomlavelle8518]

The first video I’ve seen that discusses the Philosophy of playing.

[@clan7576]

I'm posting this a year later, had a discussion in one of the discord servers I'm in about your video. People say that this philosophical discussion is useless and that you should just get some hanon exercises, etc. But I gotta say, a year ago when I discovered this video, I couldn't use both of my hands together. So after doing this exercise (6:40), in 2 days I started to use both of my hand independently. So thank you for that! I started as a "self-taught" and this video boosted my progress by a mile! Now I got a piano teacher and planning to become a jazz musician! Thank you

[@search4truth616]

This is what I seek in anything I learn. The unlying philosophy of its meaning and purpose. Otherwise, I'm a not understanding it, I'm just memorizing it. What kept my son and me from learning to play the piano was the misconception that one had to have a split brain, each side guiding each hand, independently. But I've learned better now. How one plays the piano is starting to make sense. It is not a super-human dexterity or a genetic predisposition. It is an understanding of the fundamentals and copious amounts of practice. I believe now that anyone who wants to play the piano and believes that they can, will become piano players. Thanks for pulling back the veil and opening up this new realm of personal expression for me and my family. I will be buying a Yamaha P125 for my family next month.

[@alexinivai08]

I just started playing piano and this probably one of those videos that will always stick on my mind

[@danthecomposer]

Alejandro, I was touched by your comment. Tank you. I hope you have discovered my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - I believe you will find a connection with a lot of the content. Best, and welcome, Dan.

[@JoeRock1Take]

This 42yr old armchair philosopher who cannot read music and just started learning the piano last week is very grateful to find this video. I'm only 10mins in and I'm already hooked. You are talking my language! Thank you so much. I thought this new journey was going to be a huge learning curve for this old dog but you've just blown my mind within the first few minutes. Again, thank you.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you JR and welcome to my channel! Your comment is appreciated. Good to see that you 'got it'. I would absolutely invite you to see this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html which will introduce you to my blog, and this one for some newer videos: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2017/06/five-beginner-videos.html Hope to see you around! Best, Dan

[@CrystalDennisMusic]

This is really interesting because I started playing a week ago and do notice when I let my brain get in the zone and tune out in a matter of speaking, I do play better. Then when I start thinking about what I should be doing, I lose it and have to go back to it. This really helped a lot, going to add these exercises to my practice sessions.

[@danthecomposer]

Hi Crystal, welcome to my channel and thanks for your positive comment. I hope it will encourage others to trust in the teachings, too. You may also enjoy this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@mirabellemaitland9037]

Why have I not spent more time on this excellent video on the Illusion of hand independence. I will be spending time with it now and I thank you Dan.

[@HILARI333]

Wow !!!! That blew my mind...very new perspective-- Hand Unity !!! One organism with 10 little helpers. I will TRY this, as I am a beginner and have been struggling with this issue. Thanks SOOO much !!!

[@TheDarkASE]

This works all too well, I started seeing results after 15 minutes of practicing. After I was done with the index, I tried just staring at the wall, and I couldn't believe I was playing what you were doing without looking. Thanks man. Great video

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you for sharing your comment and welcome to my channel! I hope others are inspired and motivated by your own success. Sharing is very important in making progress and learning. Enjoy your destinationless journey. Perhaps consider this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2017/01/essentials-mastery.html Best, Dan

[@Collwila]

My lightbulb moment came at the beginning when you said treat your hands as one. I still watched the rest of the video and of course am trying the excercises. Thanks for posting the video.

[@danthecomposer]

Hello Bill, Thank you for sharing your experience. I believe you will also find this article useful on the subject of hands: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Welcome to my channel. Best, Dan

[@MatthewHarrold]

Liked, sub'd, and now re-learning the piano. I'm 45, had my first piano lesson over 40 years ago. Spent 20 years making bread and butter with noise, and the last decade as a retired ex-muso. I can 100% testify (and agree) that the conscious brain is only a minor part of the equation (but more-so when group improvisation is happening). My skills have always been adequate, but only when the audience is "your average punter" or my band mates are covering the gaps. Always conscious of my own half-arsed skill set, I'm gonna thank you Dan for giving an old dog some clear steps to new tricks.

[@danthecomposer]

Hi Matthew, Thank you for your positive and kind message. You clearly understand the teachings and will go far on your destinationless journey. You will surely find this article useful: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/03/practormance.html I hope you will keep me updated with your progress. Do consider your musical personality (what you like and why) and your general direction towards goals over the next 12 months (but not in too much detail). Welcome to my channel. Best, Dan

[@dantron7073]

Wow.. I’m learning piano right now and noticed I play worse when I think too much rather than letting it flow.. and I’ve also learned about the conscious mind (ego) and the subconscious mind (divine source), and I immediately connected these concepts with my piano playing.. and now I come across this video a week later and you are basically teaching the same idea.. what a strange synchronicity..

[@matt10342]

By far the best piano teacher on KZbin. Nobody else teaches with the amount of philosophy that you do while still being so concise. You have taken the art of the piano and broken it down so even noobs like me can learn, and I love you for that. Keep being an inspiration!

[@DeepSingh-wo9bu]

I love this teaching method. Connecting the soul and spirit of the instrument along side the soul of the pianist is always implied but never stressed upon on many other videos I’ve seen. Your a great teacher

[@spacesheep69]

"You achieve the transcendental point of playing the piano by not playing the piano" I knew I wasn't high enough for this

[@Kirkunik1]

Thank you. As self taught, I find this idea very liberating.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you for your comment. Glad you are open-minded to understand the idea of this video. You may find this article useful, too: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@onimiste6446]

I love how it does not make any sense when you listen with your brain, but makes a hell lot of sense when you listen with your heart

[@johnrobinson4445]

This confirms my suspicions. I learned to achieve 'hand independence' by ignoring the 'independence' part and graphing the timing of each finger, regardless of hand. Then, move the fingers in the proper order according to the graph. It works. The hands are a combined whole.

[@danthecomposer]

Hi John, welcome to my channel and thanks for your comment. It seems you found a technical solution and that works for you, it's natural and is now, I suppose, effortless. Perfect. You'd never have found that in a book! I knew a guy who used binary code for major scale mastery - worked for him! Best, Dan

[@charleshudson5330]

Clever. Encourages the brain against believing one hand is dominant and the other hand is submissive. The ultimate goal in playing the piano - often unstated - is to establish a keyboard 'in your mind'. Such that there are two keyboards. The physical keyboard of the piano. And the virtual keyboard, an exact duplicate, in your mind's eyes. Your brain. Once established, your hands can jump around without your eyes constantly looking, because you have a duplicate keyboard in your mind.

[@karloff007]

What a revelation Dan ! I have major issues with both hands , I concentrate so hard and now I know not to ! Playing from the subconscious makes sense , I have meditated for the last twenty years and have a good link to the subconscious and know my triggers for my ego , we tend to be to critical with our abilities and therefore pull away from trying , thanks very much for the information !!

[@tonygohagan2766]

When I first started playing, November last year : Hand Independence was my major impediment/frustration/fear ! I'm glad I found this lesson when I'd only just begun because it is responsible for Allowing me to play with both hands, as Dan The Piano Man Taught me to see my Two Hands as One! Thank You @danthecomposer !

[@danthecomposer]

Hello Tony, thanks and welcome! :) You do very well to understand the teachings of this video - I wonder if you'd like to see this article now? piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@tonygohagan2766]

+danthecomposer Thanks for replying, Dan! Yes, I'll check it out for sure :-)

[@thelolipopwizard5480]

I've been practicing the intro of Bo Burnham's "Art is Dead" with out looking at the piano and my performance was a lot better than when I was consciously looking at where to press the keys. As someone who is just starting to play the piano (as in a few days ago) this has eliminated/prevented bad habits.

[@matthewjorge4883]

I know you posted this video a long time ago but I just wanna thank you for helping me. My hand independence has gotten a lot better since this video!!! THANKS!!!! 😊

[@lummers12dub]

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH TO PIANO is a truly remarkable piece of material. The mind is an amazing machine for sure.

[@achmadgunaryo2150]

I have given up learning piano because I feel too difficult to learn in an old age. I’ve tried hard, but still, don’t make it. But after I found your video I fell embarrassed of my own words that I always say to my Karate students that the biggest enemy in your life is your ego. Thank you sharing the video. Now I start to practice playing piano again.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s great to read. Be sure to see my newer content also! And playlists. And see description boxes always. You’re in the right place. Looking forward to updates 🙏 Best, Dan

[@Kaiyzkayzi]

I'm two weeks into learning piano and hand independence was one of my biggest concerns. I felt like Frankenstein's monster banging away, one hand at a time. This video has been so helpful, things have really come together! Thank you!

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you for sharing - comments like yours motivate others to give it a go :) Perhaps you may enjoy this video, too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Best, Dan

[@hostnik777]

Yes! Finally a teacher who knows wtf he’s talking about. I’m not even trying to become a player, just learning to be a better composer, but so many vids I’ve seen are the barely sighted leading the blind, deaf and dumb. Will be watching a lot more, thanks!

[@danthecomposer]

Hello there, thanks for your kind comment and welcome to my channel. If I may recommend this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL4cPpP-Ua6NWl43cy2XiArwodqSmWBOzC And this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Please keep me updated with your progress. Best, Dan

[@LoudLin86]

THIS is exactly what I needed to make progress! I did notice that I was best in conquering new challenges at the piano when relaxing into it and stop focusing on it... But then I'd always force myself to focus on the fingers to "understand" what I was doing and would immediately make mistakes and get frustrated. Thank you! 💐

[@jackgold5620]

At first blush, I think my ego is far more in control of my mind than is my inspiration source! :) It took me some time thinking about exactly what purpose this serves and, once it slapped me in the face, I finally came to the conclusion that, as with everything else worthwhile, "steady persistence", "slow and steady", "baby steps", "crawl before you walk", pick your euphemism, is the only way to accomplish your goal. Thanks for your fantastic presentation and for the amazing way you explained quite a complex concept so simply and thoroughly.

[@Potatoverse]

I'm a beginner at piano and there's this one song that I've been trying to learn for a week but my hands just couldn't play together. I watched your video and tried the excercise and out of nowhere I was able to play with both hands at once! Are you a magician or something? Because you've certainly enchanted my hands.

[@danthecomposer]

Well it's funny you should mention magic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKPbqoN_rKeonsk Anyway, now that you've watched this hand independence video, you would do well to apply the ideas from this one next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Do also be sure to go through this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL4cPpP-Ua6NWl43cy2XiArwodqSmWBOzC And keep me updated! Best, Dan

[@Potatoverse]

Thanks! I'll be sure to do so

[@josemv25]

@@Potatoverse then look in your right pocket

[@Potatoverse]

@@josemv25 Oh my! There's a mask and it's telling me to wash my hands before and after playing the piano!

[@banaantjexx164]

The outro of Chopin's Balade No 1 has a bit that was awesome to practice this kind of movement.

[@blackboxcomics5966]

If you are serious about your playing watch the whole video and listen carefully to what he’s saying, the explanation & the exercise go hand in hand

[@ekiny]

As someone who just started playing the keyboard, I'm sure it'll help me with learning the piano. Thank you, going to have to practice til I can use 2 hands at the same time now.

[@danthecomposer]

Hell there, You are in a good place :) I recommend this article since you are new here: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html Keep me updated. Best, Dan

[@22singhisking]

Ultimate lesson...how to unblock a mental block... thanks a lot

[@victorpratt8545]

I'm following!! Best left and right hands solution ever Thanks for showing up in my feed One hand with ten fingers Subconscious over concious routines Perseverance Yay

[@elizabethwelch5333]

Best advice I've heard all day

[@PaintersEar]

This method worked for me, within minutes like the man says. I can play boogie woogie just fine on either hand but not both hands together. This method helped me near instantly to improve the coordination of both hands. I've adopted it as a daily warmup.

[@abhinavparajuli8016]

2:13 perfectly balanced as all things should be

[@MrDwayneLITE]

"IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THAT THEN YOU HAVE A STRONG EGO" demn! shots fired!

[@MrDwayneLITE]

not me but i can tell u had multiple hits. That is exactly how i view playing that part about taking consciousness out of it... In fact when I people ask me what did i just play i often times cannot repeat it

[@danthecomposer]

You do well. This article may hit home with you: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/08/conscious-interference.html Best, Dan

[@seheyt]

@@danthecomposer Reminds me of the "Inner tennis" book my violin teacher gave me when I was ~12. Eye opener

[@danthecomposer]

Try Zen in the Art of Archery, too. Best, Dan

[@normagiunchi4157]

THE AMAZING PIANO PLAYER THAT YOU TALK ABOUT IS TERRANCE SHIDER. THANK YOU FOR THE TEACHING

[@priyabratprince]

u know this the first useful video since ages I'm searching for hand independence

[@danthecomposer]

Happy to be of service, my friend. Welcome! Do also consider this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@lightovernight1244]

I have become enlightened listening to you. A feeling of content.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly. That's a great thing to share. Once you're done with this video, see this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Be sure to see my newer videos, too :) Best, Dan www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com

[@misternewoutlook5437]

This makes sense. It explains something that I've found weird. I have real trouble from time to time practicing up tempo pieces slowly to get the notes right. I find it harder than just playing it a bit more quickly. It must mean that when you play a tempo piece slow, you're allowed to think too much on what your hands are doing which is why it sometimes feels really awkward. Don't get me wrong, the metronome is excellent to have, but using it properly in the context described can really be beneficial. Scale exercises become like meditation which is really relaxing. Interesting video.

[@ZackZavage]

I'm speechless. I've had serious problems playing the major C scales with both hands using the correct fingers (left 54321321, right 12312345 at the same time) as shown in another video of yours. I tried it for about an hour and still couldn't make it. There was some kind of locked door I would run against in my brain, causing me to always mess up halfway through. And now after watching only about two thirds of this video and practicing alongside for about 20 minutes, I was able to almost instantly pull it off despite not putting nearly as much conscious effort into it, as I did beforehand. You are so right in so many ways, thank you so much. It's fascinating how one can trick his brain with the correct approach, or how you would say it 'break the brain'. It goes without saying that I'm gonna work through the rest of this lesson.

[@danthecomposer]

Very appreciative of your comment, Zack. Welcome to my channel. Be careful with the words 'correct fingers' - there are not any. Every hand is different and your goal is to master your own and make yourself have 10 equally abled fingers able to play anything in any combination. I may have provided 'most common' fingering but have now expanded this and made it clearer. See here: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html You would do well to view this video on finding your natural limit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omKmlIBsmrGorMk&lc=z125gjuyrpvyhhp5r04cgfki5pmgvx2w02g Glad the video helped in general, good Sir. Best, Dan.

[@petersimms8290]

I was surprised at how quickly the hands can become independent whilst practicing this technique Dan. Thanks again.

[@danthecomposer]

+Peter Simms My pleasure. I am glad it helps. A little every day will start to trick the mind (you 'lie' to it) that you have 10 fingers and not two hands. Once this state is reached, and the idea of left and right has gone, you will simply see the 'left hand fingers' as 'those fingers over there' and the right hand fingers' also as 'those fingers over there', removing all hand independence issues instantly without wasting time doing left and right hand studies which ENFORCE the idea of left and right hand which stop the issue from being removed. As always, it's in the mind :)

[@suyan9733]

Be like water, thanks Bruce Lee.

[@Aaa-ho3sq]

Wow, this was great. No one else has explained it like you have, some might have mentioned "don't focus on each individual hand" or whatever, but I like how you explained 10 fingers and all that other stuff, that made it click in my brain. I also like the way you explained how it worked and like the philosophical side of things. Thanks for the help, keep doing what your doing!!

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly for your comment and welcome to my channel! You do well to understand this. I would recommend this video next, seeing as you are ready for it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Also, this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Keep me updated! Best, Dan

[@jenniferzarkosconrad8887]

Haven't tried this yet but love the philosophy behind it. Everything is always better when you remove your ego!

[@megatodd]

very unique take on music. ignoring the ego. watching this video makes me think that all great instrumentalists must use this to become one with the instrument its very clarifying. thanks.

[@kidkelly7]

YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. I WILL MEDITATE.... CALM EGO... AND DO IT. VERY GOOD.

[@z-woohoo5745]

You are brilliant, I finally made some sense out of this two handed debacle .

[@chillraffeoho7715]

very nice how you bring buddhist middle way philosophy and music in such a practical manifestation together !

[@dledman]

I love your insight of philosophy on piano - I'm able to fully commit to practice due to quarenteen and I defiantly noticed the distruption in my behaviour and paradigm - my ego is suppressing my creativity. I thought I was going crazy but this insight puts me at ease. Thank you!

[@jsviel]

This is the video I needed most! Thanks Dan! I started piano a few weeks ago and your videos have kept me the most engaged by far. I feel like you're the Mr. Miagi of piano :D

[@danthecomposer]

Well, how kind of you. Thank you for your comment and welcome. I was amused by the Mr Miagi comment. It seems you understand something far beyond the piano. Also, I'm Daniel too ;) You may find this article interesting: piano-jazz.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/give-up.html I look forward to any future comments you may make. Best, Dan.

[@juli1358]

I have always taken this approach and thought it was incorrect but it was the only way I could play. Thanks! I feel better. Good tutorial.

[@danthecomposer]

Hello Juli, welcome and thank you for your comment. It's great to know you feel better; that's important to me; not just learning but 'feeling good' in general. You will like two videos. This one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5eYlpqrZcSnqbs - and this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Let me know how you get on :) Best, Dan www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com

[@safwanmohammed7715]

Masterpiece about hand independence

[@gabrielalvarado5347]

This is the best piano channel I've ever seen, connecting spirituality, philosophy and music... It's majestic!

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly; you will go far since you are able to recognise that most of my content has nothing to do with the piano at all! You would enjoy this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE - and may like this: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Hope to see more of your comments and progress reports across my channel! Best, Dan

[@gabrielalvarado5347]

danthecomposer you sure will hear more about my progress!

[@aybee63]

from 7:46 "I have silenced my ego!" 100% and if everyone on the planet could play an instrument well, the planet would be a very different place! 11:32

[@danthecomposer]

Well spotted, thank you for your comment. I agree indeed. The Ego only wants to kill you; it wants to drown you and mislead you into believing your desires and forceful efforts are beneficial, knowing this will only lead to disappointment and a draining of your energy. It tells you you're not good enough or makes you behave impatiently for results. This is why I wrote my eBook: Water Pianism: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/p/water-pianism.html - to help people balance their mind and realise that playing the piano is not just about fast fingers and repertoire! Mind, then Body, THEN Piano. Welcome to my channel. Best, Dan.

[@theempathicpotato3768]

I understood this better than most informational videos, this alone has my subscription and like, thank you very much Dan

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly Karl and welcome! Good to see you 'get it' and don't fight it. Might I recommend this article? piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Hope to see you around. Best, Dan

[@thebat4977]

this guy's a genius

[@dm9465]

This is good,someone who actually talks straight. Thanks keep going.

[@Advait]

Music is spiritual. guys like you are the proof! great great tutorial

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you C, welcome to my channel! You will surely like this article, then: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html And this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLbe31tdsyGbc0 See you around :) Best, Dan

[@opsoc777]

From what I can gather, what he's talking about is basically a mix of psychology, meditation, and muscle memory, these are techniques I've been using for various things my whole life. Very good for videogames.

[@hnm9382]

vynneve right

[@101xaplax101]

it's not spiritual anymore than any other subconscious process is........walking, talking, etc......most of our activities become subconscious once we learn them

[@RareTechniques]

@@101xaplax101 The expression of walking is not spiritual at all... Music on the other hand, is the elaborate and aesthetic production of vibrations. Walking? It is nothing but a ego process of having to be somewhere, usually.

[@nessxxiii]

The amount of wisdom you have was as unexpected as it was refreshing. Very very very very nice video.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Jack, and welcome. You do well to understand such things. You may find this article of interest, as well as my blog and the Water Pianism philosophy in general. piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html I also recommend this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLbe31tdsyGbc0 Best, Dan

[@User-kz4vo]

holy fuck. my mind is blown. The improv shit was UNREAL

[@danthecomposer]

Well, thank you and welcome! Glad to be of assistance. You may also enjoy this article, then! piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Best, Dan

[@Thovan77]

Hi. First piano video I ever watch that insists on silencing the ego. Big UP man! Haven't tried yet, but something tells me this is mind-twisting. Thanks for bringing together musical practice and the more philosophical aspect of life. Will explore your channel in depth....

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Tom and welcome to my channel. You clearly get it and will go far. Talking of mind-twisting, you may like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aoaJ-wf7yAfbc And this: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/07/3-important-piano-elements.html Let me know how you get on. Best, Dan

[@BRODGLENN]

playing at a subconscious level...thanks a lot sir..

[@danthecomposer]

Indeed. To become an observer to the hands is the pinnacle state of mind of the Water Pianist. Consider this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE And maybe this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@mat13channel]

Surprisingly interesting approach, very pleasant to listen to. Thank you for sharing.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly and welcome. I'm glad you're open enough to understand the benefits of this natural philosophy. Best, Dan

[@wakeandsee]

Fantastic, just what I was looking for, instruction by someone who understands how the mind works and can explain it clearly. I'm a complete beginner and you are a real find, many thanks.

[@Roger-xb7gg]

Brilliant, it's rare that I'm surprised by what someone has to say, especially on KZbin!

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you kindly, Sir Roger, welcome to my channel. I hope you will find more things which hit you. Perhaps try my blog, too? piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html Best, Dan

[@EnriquedeMesa]

I liked the explanation. I'm going to use your advice.

[@danthecomposer]

Very good... welcome! This video is important for the open-minded. Do also consider this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYHHkKSAg7yKgqs Best, Dan www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com

[@marcusmarguillier]

Perfect! This is just about what I am strugling with at the moment (trying to play my composition, sixt lesson of the ten lesson series). As if you knew ;). Thank you for this video. It will be included in my daily practice from now on. I am realy enjoying this. I can not thank you enough. Have a wonderful day !

[@danthecomposer]

+Marcus Marguillier Thank you sir Marcus for your comment (I was sure I responded to it but it seems not!) I would be curious to hear your composition when it is done. I wonder if the honour shall be mine one day!? I am happy that this video struck a chord with you ;) In my new book (Water Pianism) there is a chapter on Hand Independence, too, as you shall see! How are things? Best, Dan

[@CouncilOfTheLostGoats]

Good teachers know how to do something well Great teachers know why they can do something well. You've managed to successfully break down what it truly takes to play piano well. What mentality and "mental muscle memory" (as I like to put it) it takes. If you were teaching Kong fu, you'd tell your students to wax on, wax off. Bravo, my friend.

[@simplyput5615]

I loved when he said do this with your eyes closed!!! Subscribed!

[@fabiopalma4429]

Really interesting perspective.

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you for your comments. I'm glad it helps you. You will find this article interesting: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html Best, Dan

[@spacetaco048]

This is exactly why I only practice songs with the hands together at all times. When I get used to a song with one hand and then get used to doing the other part with the other hand and then try putting them together... I FUCKING LOSE BRAINCELLS BRO

[@benjaminvraphael]

I've been playing for two years yet this is probably the most difficult thing I've ever tried to get my head across

[@mkmeed]

Great and beyond words. Thanks for exploring the concept that you 10 fingers to play with two hands...

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you Sir. I hope you will apply this philosophy to my other videos, particular this one (part or 2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYHHkKSAg7yKgqs Best, Dan.

[@jenghis3827]

a great teacher. big respect for you sir

[@danthecomposer]

Thank you sir... I recommend this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPbnGCcgd2cptE Best, Dan

[@karinkashiki2344]

It’s like touch typing but on piano. Nice video, you have earned a sub.

[@gregbowles6654]

Will try starting tomorrow, and keep you posted. Thanks so much

[@danthecomposer]

+Greg Bowles My pleasure! All the best.