Ten Things Serious Pianists Do Every Day

[@cedarvillemusic]

New courses on piano technique and historical improvisation now enrolling at Improv Planet: The Four Pillars of Piano Technique : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/the-four-pillars-of-piano-technique Tone Production at the Piano : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/tone-production-at-the-piano How to Practice : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-practice The Piano Foundations Series : improvplanet.thinkific.com/bundles/piano-foundations And more: improvplanet.thinkific.com/

[@neoflyboy]

Amazing video, lessons for piano and life in general. What do you recommend to absolute adult beginners? Those courses say you need to know something already. How to get there the impro way? Any book? App? Course? Thanks

[@crashcondo]

When you want to be a serious pianist and you watch this video and realize how not serious you are. Humbling.

[@niliannyslopezs5531]

Winner of a video, I have been researching "what type of jazz is bill evans?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Poneyton Introductory Preeminence - (just google it ) ? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for discovering how to master the piano without the normal expense. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my buddy got cool results with it.

[@emilylarimore127]

True

[@NelsonStJames]

Guilty.

[@batner]

Yep. I am an ambarrasment. I probably better just stop trying. But I got the best Kawai digital available 2 years ago, it was expensive af, so I guess I keep trying until it breaks and quit then.

[@hen-nt1cl]

i mean, everyone starts somewhere. even a beginner pianist can be considered a serious one if they put in the effort to improve

[@alexander.smirnov]

Contents: 0. Introduction [0:00] 1. Listen and study scores [1:59] 2. Sight-reading at least 20 min. a day [4:29] 3. Read about music (biographies of composers, music history books, etc.) [5:32] 4. Go to live concerts, listen to professional performances of all instruments, not just piano [6:17] 5. Record and critique yourself [7:15] 6. Guard your practice time (plan your time, write the schedule). Remember the idea that you start getting good at something after 10 000 hours of practice [8:06] 7. Scales and arpeggios!!! All keys should be equally comfortable for you [9:16] 8. Improvise and compose [10:52] 9. Go straight at your weaknesses in music [11:46] 10. Discuss music with other musicians [12:37]

[@crucifiedresurrected6692]

Александр Смирнов спасибо!

[@TankiCubed]

Александр Смирнов thank you

[@patriciazavalas4327]

Yes, ALL TRUE. THANKS for giving the time to clarify and share!!! So encouraging. I will now keep on insisting WITHOUT feeling off putting. Sure true, if you don't, you will be the one who CAN'T. IF YOU do , I E PLAY, STUDY SCORES, go to recitals , play with and for others, compose, then you will be the one who can't --- so simple, heh .. go for it, the joy of this soul deep language is worth every effort to gain freedom at the keyboard - or instrument of choice

[@sergeikhmylov1557]

спасибо, Саша!

[@rafaelgomez1989]

Александр Смирнов thank you !!!

[@Madeline64]

“If all keys aren’t equally comfortable for you, you are no kind of musician” I’m just going to go curl up and die hahahah

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

It hurts, but ya gotta stop crying on the floor in fetal position and just PRACTICE! - from someone who's been in your shoes lol

[@tamalyncervin2117]

True!

[@kenhimurabr]

If it's hard now, try to do all this stuff with soprano and baritone clefs instead normal piano ones.

[@stuartmarks8844]

That statement is complete bs. Some slurs and slides are literally impossible in F#. Thus.....technically speaking it's not possible to be comfortable with a key which doesn't lend itself at all to certain executions.

[@Dopameme]

I really doubt he meant it literally. He even stated later in the video that he's not as comfortable improvising Fugue expositions in d# minor, and obviously he is a serious musician. Some keys are naturally going to be much harder than others due to being awkward for the hands.

[@WilliamSlaght]

You young players, listen here also, since I have something to also add to this brilliant video: I've been playing (jazz) piano for 17 years. Only recently I've actually decided to seriously practice like a madman. However, I've just got diagnosed with MS. In fact, 2017 was the year where sudden various neurological crises started happening upon me. My right leg, then the left, and now my right arm. I'm unable to play the piano as I did before. Makes me feel a bit sick and suicidal honestly. My biggest regret was to NOT properly practice for various years that I missed out on. I was only playing standards (and keys) that I was super familiar with for all this time. I only could've only performed Giant Steps in the original key, and that's pretty much it. Only recently I started to "seriously," or should I say 'rationally,' practice, and I'm 25 now, and MS just happened. Anything can happen in life. I took music very seriously, but I never took practice seriously. You have to practice practicing and practice organization before practicing the piano. It has to be done. Practice avoiding distractions whether you eventually fall for them or not. Life is a practice of which is coincidentally happening to you. Be thankful there is life AND MUSIC. I only recently started to be a studious artist, which fellow non-musician friends found me becoming quite pedantic about music. Whether it's MS, death, an accident or what not. You're living in this moment, and ask yourself if you want to improve and take the appropriate steps. You have to think long and hard. One has to THINK if one wants to develop oneself into a serious artist. Don't become a "Classical" pianist if you do not listen to "Classical Music." I'm serious. Also LISTEN TO THIS GUY! I really dislike people who talk about technique, harmony or music without actually knowing what they're talking about. I hate asking "why?" and having the person dogmatically reply with "I was taught this" or "my professor showed me this." No, you need to KNOW why! Life has been giving to you. I like to see it as having to balance two things: control and comfort. If you keep choosing "comfort" all the time (whether it be socializing, smoking pot, playing video games, and/or etc.), then TIME will push you into situations and places you do not want to be in. Time will keep pushing you whether you like or not. It's up to you to "control" yourself, discipline yourself, and understand and utilize the time that life has bestowed upon you. Take "control" of your life; however, one needs to balance it out with "comfort" or else one will go mad. The time is now or never, and it'll always be. We all live in the present. I missed out the chance of my dream of which was to record myself performing all these Jazz standards, but I procrastinated and it never happened, and I'm 25 and it's too late. Again, you never know what time and life will bring you, and so understand this carefully. -William Slaght

[@cedarvillemusic]

Sorry to hear of this adversity. I hope you will find some fruitful and life-giving ways to engage with your love of music, even though your original plan may have to be reconsidered.

[@bsharamistreh8348]

i am jazz piano player and 4 months ago neurological crises started happening suddenly one day after being practicing 4 hours , right leg and arm and left side also , can i have your email-adress?

[@SleeplessinOC]

LinkBulletBill I’m so sorry fir your difficulties and diagnosis! And here I am complaining about petty things. Thank you for your inspirational post. I’ll do my best to take to heart what you said although I am much older than you.

[@paulthornton918]

Don't be too hard on yourself mate.....you were young and you still are, if you had spent thousands of hours practising you would have missed out on other things, how could you possibly have known you would become ill. I hope advancements in medical science will soon make your life much more enjoyable, I'm sure they will eventually.

[@MelodicaMen]

LinkBulletBill Brilliant comment. Thank you, William.

[@davisatdavis1]

I'm glad that this guy said to compose. Some of my friends make fun of me and push me around for composing. They love hearing me play piano but then turn against me when I compose. It mentally hurts me. It warms my heart to hear what you said about composing in the video.

[@espanasmusic6899]

I just realize that I am such a lucky guy, because my family does not mind if I play my own songs.

[@amandajstar]

They're envious! A lot of people will accept that you have talent but don't like to feel that your talent 'goes too far'. Pay no attention, do what you do for love and money if possible, and only play to those that are interested.

[@ludwigvanbeethoven2107]

Ur doing great yk! I'm a singer and I write songs and all that...yes my parents tell me.to stop weiting such depressing songs but I can't help it haha

[@BryWMac]

Get a midi controller and a quality daw with some quality vsts. Put what ever you produce on Soundcloud, Spotify, KZbin or sell it through beatstars. It really pains me how music is just memorizing other people's compositions while a kid with a laptop is throwing together hits. I really think this is what is contributing to the lack of colour in alot of modern music. You're more then a jukebox and piano is the perfect interface for producing, or obviously making instrumental piano music. Do it, share it with the world. You're friends are never a good enough sample size. If just 0.01% of the world cares about your stuff that's about a million people.

[@russell_szabados]

@Davis Robinson it’s time for new friends. Seriously. Stop calling them, stop answering their calls. I promise, in just a short time you’ll realize that having different friends or even no friends is a million times better than friends who bring you down.

[@raphaelhudson]

"I am spending the entire day making myself improvise fugues in D# minor" --- respect

[@cedarvillemusic]

It was a long day.

[@alcidearttuhaskel250]

Oh my

[@MsBettyRubble]

cedarvillemusic How do you feel about d sharp minor now?

[@Microsoft-Windows]

MsBettyR. With Equal Temperament, it's the same as every other key :)

[@karolakkolo123]

D# minor is my favorite key to play in all seriousness. My favorite Bach fugue is the 8th one from book I of WTC, which is in D# minor. Also Scriabin's etude op.8 no.12, one of my favorite etudes, is written in D# minor

[@dog3579]

I have played the piano for over sixty years. This video should be required watching for anyone who aspires to be a musician. I can't claim to do each of the ten things every day, but I do each of them at least several times every week. Frankly, I can't imagine making any real progress for an aspiring musician with less than fifteen hours per week of practice. Practicing one hour each day barely warms me up! Bravo, Professor!

[@CarolCrawford-uo6qf]

😊

[@jeremybogard1216]

Can't believe I just found my old piano teacher after 20+ years. Such great insights here. I love the bit about how we're all narcissists. So true. Looking forward to seeing lots more content from the artist I once knew as "Mr. Mortensen" (now Dr. Mortensen). So cool!

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

I know this is an old comment, but I don't think that all pianists are narcissists. If anything, I'm the opposite because I'm always finding fault with my playing and am never happy. "Good enough" doesn't exist in my world, yet perfection is impossible. I'm only Grade 2-Grade 3 ABRSM on piano, but I'm constantly told I am an excellent drummer but I'm still filled with imposter syndrome in that arena. That doesn't feel like narcissism to me. 😊

[@darykinnaman2319]

I could have used this video 40 years ago. I will never be a Concert Pianist but I know I have Talent and enjoy playing.

[@williamhill2221]

Now To be piano teacher in music universities and music colleges are very difficult. Don't be dream about pianist. To be piano teacher job audition Depends on your piano performance level. Your piano performance level is more high, your demonstration skill is more strong. Piano teaching are combination with your performance high level and your demonstration skill. This point is very important.

[@williamhill2221]

Different level piano teacher are big difference from performance level to demonstration skill.

[@ThursdayNextSO-27]

I've been playing piano since I was 4, I practice everyday, I'm 11 now but I'll keep playing my whole life because I'm devoted

[@ingeborghjertaker1963]

Good for you!

[@roadtogod6556]

still keeping it up?

[@mouse5318]

Update?

[@daniabadeister1526]

Great advice, for any person who'd like to be a musician really ! I'd add : sight singing. It's really important to be able to hear the music you are reading, and everybody should be able to read a score out loud. It takes so much practice, but it's really worth it!

[@Str8representing]

Don't you need to be able to sing intervals before starting sight singing?

[@J1283-s1k]

Been coming back to this for just over four years now. Continues to be a hidden gem on this platform. An absolute masterpiece of passion and tutelage.

[@kimrunic5874]

I did a lunchtime gig playing piano in a fancy restaurant a couple hours a day. After 6 months of that, 6 days a week, I was in the best playing shape of my life. What made the crucial difference was that, although it wasn’t a pressure situation, you had to play non stop and not screw up. Your technique and musculature necessarily go way up. So great to feel like the master for once. It’s ebbed away since, I’m sorry to say.

[@sleazyslytherin6836]

"10 years of study and not a whole heck of a lot to show for it" I needed that call out xD great, thought-provoking video!

[@AggroChip]

It's also important to have fun

[@StephenFasseroMusic]

said all the mediocre musicians ever.

[@thehappypiano2985]

razrrgwinny I’ve started playing piano five years ago when I was 10years old.now I’ve improved my piano but I’m bad at reading notes.I want to improve my studying.

[@skepticmonkey6923]

@@StephenFasseroMusic Dude, if dont even enjoy doing it whats the point?

[@jordidewaard2937]

Yup. People like Tiffany Poon, Valentina Lisitsa and Lang Lang keep screaming it, but people keep not accepting this as something really important for some reason

[@kanecanedy623]

jordi de waard what is bro?

[@ronan8764]

I started playing music when I was 14- I'm 18 now, and I've always loved playing the piano the most. I've felt like I was at a stand still in my practice though, and realized all I was really doing was just repeating the music I've already learned, rather than learning something new to improve myself further. This video has really helped a lot already, and has motivated me to do better, to practice more, to practice the things I may not like, etc etc. This was a great video to watch and I'll probably rewatch in the future when I need a kick in the rear to do better. My music director would say that "there's always room for perfection" no matter who you are.

[@PANDORASBOXRELEASE]

Some great truth bombs here. A lot of young musicians really need to hear your message. The best thing you said was how shocked you are by people who claim to play piano for over 10 years and have very little to show for it. I have been playing for over 17 years, and classically trained with music theory, but even with this experience I cannot say I am a serious pianist. Sure I could play advanced pieces by Rachmaminoff or Chopin, or talk about some music history, but I definitely do not understand everything there is to know about my instrument. If anyone ever wants to get better at something, what you are not good at has to be acknowledged.

[@Se_bito]

I would love a teacher like you that challenges my knowledge all the time and aspires that I grow every day through hard work. Im not a professional musician, and Ive recently taken piano at 23 years old. But Im definitely putting in the work in all the theory and fundamental techniques. Sadly, im self taught and I know self teaching will never be able to substitute a competent teacher. But I have really loved the journey until now, its been four months and Ive seen incredible results by staying consistent practicing every day.

[@TheRobTV]

record yourself... YES. I recorded a few minutes playing the third mov of bach's bwv 1052. During the recording I only notice a few mistakes. Listening. i notice right and left hand clarity issues, timing issues, finger accidentally hitting the note beside it. You are so right.

[@sophiekreynolds1]

been playing for 20 years, and trying to take it to the next level. thanks for this amazing video!

[@denizbesikcioglu]

I love this video! And may I add; 11. Know your instrument well: If you have an acoustic piano, open it up and learn about the mechanism, learn how to clean it, learn how to tune it, check its tune periodically and read about your instrument: the history and the culture of it.

[@lordvaderbossofdoom3960]

You sure you wanna tune your upright?

[@iona-sh]

@@lordvaderbossofdoom3960 Why not? Is it rocket science?

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

​@@iona-shMay not be rocket science, but isn't to be trifled with by an amateur. It's not like tuning a guitar!

[@snacklepussPSN]

A decent de-stressing gesture is a great help as well: I used a self realized one which is crossing hands over on the keys for a few seconds or more and randomly exploring keys far from what you were practicing; then stop by lifting both hands in front of you where centre of Piano is; then place the left hand on top of the right hand and intermingle all fingers while flexing them the hands and wrists and vice versa: Instantly you can go back to full practice mode: This crossover relaxes both hemispheres of the brain naturally as is evident when you relax in lying down; you automatically cross your arms and legs:

[@MikeyOnKeys]

I love composing, and I’ve been composing for about a year now. I’ve written 2 sonatas so far, in the progress of writing two more, I’ve written waltzes, miscellaneous pieces, rondos, etc. It’s super fun and anyone who wants to really get into music should try it.

[@bonnielawrence8748]

Oh. If I only had this advice when I was younger. Then again, it's never too late! Thank you for this advice.

[@paolagarcia9094]

I'm so glad I found this video and realized that I'm doing a lot of things listed in your video! I'm happy you uploaded this and I hope it gets the views it deserves!

[@redalert374]

I keep learning songs that are above my level, and I force myself to inch ahead memorizing every note. You are amazing! Another person to add to the list of people I want to be as good as one day .

[@kyoryu1]

Piano Gamer01 You are my other half, bro.

[@kathleencook3060]

Wow! I wish I was preparing to Attend your classes. I would work my butt off! You are a great teacher!! Thank you.

[@Un1234l]

I love this. I used to do all this instinctually, due to my love for music and how I wanted to repay it for almost quite literally saving me. As a result, my growth in the first 3 years had been phenomenally explosive; the following 7 have been stagnant. I was born with particularly strong hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, and the constant sweating and slipping off the keys discouraged me immensely and made me walk away for good; there's no way I could fight the biology and physiology. A huge part of me had been missing the past 7 years as a result. And this video reminded me of a happier time.

[@Ravelin10]

I would add 11th: Study all the harmony you can in order to understand what you are playing and (for example) be able to find the right dynamics without depending on the different editions of the scores. ;)

[@santsounds]

I'm going to show this to every student I ever have, and also use it as a reminder for myself. Well done. This is THE video.

[@rolandascarrunz2715]

Dear Dr. Mortensen: Thank you for this amazing video. It is great advice, not just for pianists, but for all musicians. You gave me a kick in the pants. I used to be a guitarist and because of life’s circumstances I stopped playing about 40 yrs. ago. I am now retired and have decided to pick up the instrument again. This video provides so much good, positive advice. I decided to play the guitar for my own enjoyment. Your video made me realize how much greater that enjoyment will be by my following your ten points as they’re applied to the guitar. Thank you again for your ideas. Roland Ascarrunz recovering guitarist.

[@rodericktech5643]

From another professional pianist with degrees, but with a partly non-musical career - Dr. Mortensen is right on here. Every point. Listen and imitate and you will do well. Excellent video.

[@jsquaredm]

i love this. I've grown up learning music in the marching band and transitioning to self-teaching. A lot of teachers tend to avoid going into theory with the younger audience and it holds them back sooo much. There are so many pianists out there that are lost when asked to improv and actually put their music chops to the test.

[@LordQueezle]

This is so, so true. I have almost finished my first semester of college level piano. Nothing here is new information to me, which makes me feel better about myself, but it is worth reminding ourselves time and time again to do this things so we continue to improve.

[@willschneider4616]

Some of those incoming high schoolers are getting 30 minutes a week of lessons, which may explain why they suddenly blossom in college when they're studying for many hours a week directly with music professors.

[@WarrenPostma]

This advice is excellent for non-professionals who CARE about their musical abilities. Especially going at your weaknesses. I am 48 and I'm going back to Piano to get good enough that I can use the Piano to write songs. I faked my way through guitar without learning music theory and sight reading, and I realize now how much that crippled me. Now that I'm wanting to write songs, I realize that the quality of what I produce is crippled by my lack of knowledge, and conversance with what music is. Music theory is knowing what music is. Great points all of them. Also you've encouraged me to up my daily practice time. I want to get good (enough for my own purposes) before I'm 60.

[@dichebach]

Good advice for everyone who wants to master their craft. I'm a retired professor of anthropology, now training as a programmer. It is remarkable to me how good the advice in this video is for mastering the craft of programming. Good stuff Professor Mortensen!

[@cedarvillemusic]

I suppose there would be many parallels between piano study and any form of deliberate practice, whether programming, tennis, rock climbing, etc.

[@SelenaN]

Thank you very much for your advice! As an incoming piano student for college, your expertise was highly appreciated!

[@cedarvillemusic]

Best wishes as you start this adventure.

[@brandonwhitaker8468]

This is a solid call to action for me. I get pretty good at whining that my skills aren't improving, while at the same time not working to these kinds of standards. Really motivating video, thanks for making it!

[@lance1380]

That...! Is one of my favourite parts of the op 23 no 2 My teacher played that when we left class and I actually hid behind the coats haha and she realised I was listening to her play that piece especially that left hand singing line very dynamic and emotional piece... Thanks!!! 😊 I started late not Prodigy but I did start serious at 15 and put 8-9 hrs a day quite obsessed the piece that got me into classical piano was Emanuel ax playing at proms Beethoven 3rd piano concerto And that Scriabin etude he played at his last live performance was amazing and he was in his mid eighties!...

[@TonusFabri2024]

Great advice. I particularly like his emphasis on improvising. Church organists have to improvise; jazz pianists improvise as a matter of course; but most classical pianists hardly know the word! I love improvising at the piano, and seeing if I can get into the style of Vaughan Williams, or Rachmaninov etc. Similarly, classically trained singers panic at the thought of improvising! I once had the pleasure of improvising all the vocal narrative for a church Christmas pageant. It was exalting, and surprisingly easy once I let myself go. The organist accompanied me without missing a chord; we were like two jazz musicians who've played together for years.

[@yeetymcyeetersson1639]

4:53 This applies to every single discipline and is great advice. If you’re stuck on learning a discipline, attack your weakness in that discipline and you’ll improve. Change takes time, but time is all it takes

[@Treblemaker888]

I'm not majoring in piano, I'm a percussionist and all of these things are what my teacher tells me to include in my daily regiment. This really is universal!

[@michaelpeeples1126]

Thanks for this wisdom. From my experience with other instruments, I couldn't agree with you more on learning scales, 10000 hours of practice practice practice, and recording yourself.

[@ErickPaquin]

Well that was a good slap in the face for me...and well deserved. Man do I need to get my !@#$ together on that instrument. Thanks, just what I needed!

[@seaurchin1953]

I want to take my playing to the next level and now I know how. This is tough love at its best. Great advice, you really opened my eyes.

[@calebbritt1183]

I wish I had seen this video freshmen year or earlier, but I am glad I saw it now as a Senior. Regardless of being a Jazz Alto Sax "player" (I put it in brackets because after hearing his definition of a musician, I am still far from it) I can translate this info straight to my instrument and personal studies. Seems like an awesome Professor that is strict on his students because he cares. Thank you for caring! God bless you, and keep on educating the future of music.

[@haemsta1]

this is pure gold! these tips of advice apply to other professions and life. what an inspiration. thank you!

[@drmichaelshea]

No that’s one tough - and no doubt excellent - teacher. At age 19, I wasn’t even close, but I’m no musician either. Congratulations to those who are ready and able.

[@tfpp1]

This guy is spot-on! Every single item he lists is so beneficial. Especially nos. 1-10. I might add another suggestion: *WRITE* about music. Write your own program notes, writes analysis papers, articles, anything. You got a kooky theory about something or some composer or their music? Write about it!

[@aprillavai6679]

This is a great video! Thank you! I'm off now to do assignment #2! I'm not an aspiring pianist, but I am a new music teacher who wants to get better at piano. :-)

[@jeremybeadleslefthand480]

I'm glad that somebody is saying it as it is. I am only six weeks in to my piano journey, as a 35 year old. I absolutely love Classical Music and want to be a really good pianist. People tell me not to be hard on myself when I need to practice multiple hours a day. But then I see adult progress videos where they are playing for an hour a day for a year and I feel disappointment if I don't sound better than that after a year. But of course, feeling like that can be seen as arrogant. But I'm happy to see what has been said here

[@driversteve9345]

One of the major reason I LOVE Elton John's live performances! He certainly knows how to improvise his music! No two concerts of his are hardly ever the same!!! Thanks for being a big supporter of improvisation! That's where the entertainment is for me and why I love Elton and anyone else who can do a good improve performance! :)

[@johntate6537]

I love this. I play the flute, not the piano, and I am not a music student - at least not professionally, and not at this stage of my life; but all of this is so familiar and resonates so well with me. It also strikes me as being very generalisable - the specific details may vary, but this is really the pattern for learning and getting good at anything, especially a skill, i.e. something you have to learn through practice and getting good at it rather than through memorising. I would only add: have fun. You absolutely need the practice and the background research to create a basis to your technique, but you need to find on a regular basis what makes you want to do this. When I changed flute teachers once and came across, for the first time in a while, someone who was interested in me as a musical personality, I rediscovered why a loved the flute so much, and I redoubled my practice. Practice hard - and make it fun.

[@lesturner9849]

Great video! Im not an aspring pro muscian but I do take practice and study seriously. Ive been playing for almost two years now and enjoy this instrument everyday. I enjoy the mental challenge and rewards that come from progressing.

[@MichaelClark-zc7ht]

Amazing! I'm going to make all my students watch this. Thank you sir!

[@darrinsiberia]

I've been playing for 4 mass services a week for 4 years as well as funerals and weddings and I can honestly say my sight reading has really improved not so much the difficulty but it's more like I trust my fingers more I insti ncrively know where they are... it takes a lot of repetition and practice helps to have a job that forces you to do it.

[@sonni.walkman]

i am a illustrator, only playing the piano as a hobby, it is crazy how much similarity there is between developing a skill like drawing and something like piano, especially mentally wise.

[@ShantiSwaroopPrabhakar]

I’m a beginner. No aspiration at the moment but hope to get better. And I am happy that I do much of what is said here already. I also understood every single point is so valid here. Thank you.

[@CallMeMrAnderson]

Great video! Been a few years since I've taken lessons as life has taken me away from the piano, but after watching this I feel a need to dust off my piano fingers and get practicing on the pieces I was never able to finish learning.

[@davewallace593]

Solid stuff. I am not a pianist, but a bass guitarist, and (making appropriate adjustments) I would say that these wisdoms would apply to all instrumentalists and singers, and by extension to all performing arts. Thanks for the clear structure.

[@F0rCe77]

Many of these advices apply to almost any profession! Great video!

[@LQ...]

Love this energy, I just started learning to play and want to take it serious. A lot of other videos I’ve seen aren’t as straight forward about what it takes

[@taryllhanchard3978]

I compose little motif everyday sometimes many. That I then work on. I find it really easy now and it really helps with performances because I can predict the music. I can quickly figure out the patterns in the song, chord progression melody and harmony and theme/style and quirks the song has.

[@tzodearf2596]

I started a notebook for all things piano related from finger exercise patterns, chord voicings, tips, songs, licks I come up with, etc. I want to be a competent pianist before I die and I squandered my tuition elsewhere. So, I have to study on my own. The notebook gives me plenty of things to practice so it doesn't get stale. It also helps me test out ideas. I watch a lot of videos and few are the ones I want to watch twice because I wasn't ready to take notes. I also started keeping a file folder of things I practice and write out my practices on index cards. One of my difficulties has been maintaing consistent practice habits and persevering through all the suckiness of not knowing how to do something well.

[@domberta7825]

Many, many thanks to Dr Mortensen for his 10 rules!

[@jillmcaleese6514]

I keep coming back to this video, the advice is so sound... it's very easy to neglect aspects. Even if I don't do every one every day, this is a great reminder list, thank you for that. Late starter, London

[@IndyMAB1964]

This is an amazing list of how to become a better musician! I appreciate your taking the time to put this list together. As someone that has played the piano since I was 13 (am now 58), I know that I should be further along in my journey than I am. Life happened and I am not a professional musician, but I do see the value of these points, and I am going to print them out and put them on the wall so that I can read them. I am sure that your students that follow this list of points become excellent musicians! One thing that I would add to the list, maybe as a bonus point after the fundamentals, is to experiment with other instruments. Because I play piano, I can play the organ, but the multiple manuals and voices of the stops, whether pipe organ or draw-bar organ, provides different voicings and different playing experiences. I also play the accordion, banjo, saxophone, drums, bass guitar (and, by extension, the bass viola as a bass fiddle for bluegrass). It's all fun and it gives me a more well-rounded sense of being a musician. It's also fun to be able to say, "sure, I can play that!" It also affords experiences that I might not have had otherwise, like playing Sam Houston's personal pipe organ, which is located in Huntsville, TX just off the Sam Houston State U campus (where I attended for college).

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

That's funny, "What have you been doing for TEN YEARS?!!" That tickles me. When you don't practice consistently or participate in competitions or prepare for serious auditions, then progress can be really really slow, especially for those who just do it for a hobby. C'est La Vie! Non-the-less, this is one of the best piano tip & mentoring videos I have heard!! Really great advice. If I were going to be a music major who plays piano, I would live by this video. I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

[@RussTi]

My thought was that they are going to school for 8 hrs, and then homework for 3, and then extra curricular for a couple more. kinda hard to find an hour or two to practice in todays school setting.

[@kenhimurabr]

@@RussTi you can find a part time school and fill the other 4 hours daily with music studies. And physical exercises/sports.

[@torisu_exe]

excellent lizst

[@tamalyncervin2117]

He has a doctorate degree in music, of course he can play like that!

[@nmaurok]

When does he play Liszt?

[@ZuduOoT]

it was a pun (list/liszt) lol

[@sebastian-benedictflore]

Yeah, I lost focus though and had to go Bach to the beginning.

[@thehappypiano2985]

tristan my favorite is la Campanella

[@kadenennis8107]

Thank you, I genuinely appreciate this video as it brought to light all the things I could be doing to improve.

[@MCshaneization]

really respect how you made this video in your bathrobe, just goes to show how down to earth you are. Where can I buy one like that?

[@michaelsmith697]

I worked in a classical record shop prior to my university days. I learned so much from the 8 hours a day listen to all types of classic romantic baroque music. It gave me ideas of interpretation and knowledge of what the composers wrote.

[@DavidMiller-bp7et]

Just one among the dynamic wisdom gems: Record and critique-Narcissism is a quiet killer; I am academically trained as a vocalist. I had an aversion to listening to my recorded efforts, couldn't recognize or like my sounds from outside, compared to the auto-eroticism of internal singing. Now at piano focus for a total of somewhere between 10-15 years; I have not yet recorded myself because it is difficult to manage; I have accepted the reality that I will never be what I would like to sound like and suffer not much illusion that I'm not as good as I would like to be-already had the proof experience in singing. Of course, you will tend to hyper focus on all the places, sometimes small for a perfectionist, where you didn't do what you wanted, even though, in the moment, you didn't catch it and performance is not the place for analysis. Whatever you have when the curtain goes up and the baton goes down or the first intro chords of your pieces sound, whatever is there is there. I plan to start recording myself as my situation permits, and that will become a better gauge of where I am. I get it-have few illusions. The proof would be the corollary mentioned by Dr. J: Do I enjoy what this player is putting down? Is it fun, entertaining, enjoyable, or profitable in some way? And then the self-critique: why? what is it that was good or could be improved-then go right the speed bump spots. Does it seem under control or do we have to root the player along with body English? My wife attended the service of a small country church where the young daughter of the pastor was the accompanist. She would play from the hymnal in some tempo but when she reached some difficult bars she slowed down to a snail's pace, then again went a tempo till the next tough spot. The congregation was used to it, so no one ventured a critique; she should have had some lessons with J M, except that she would probably have to be hospitalized with a mental breakdown. I'm into most of his 10 points, have been for most of my life, but reality is the standard. The mirror doesn't lie unless we are not honest about what we're seeing? That's our issue not that of the mirror. These lessons are right on gold, of course. It's nice to take and not be accountable to anyone but myself. If I were to study in person with him, I would have to clear my diary of anything else. Too much scrutiny, up close and personal. I like his honesty and directness. He has encouraged me to do more in the way of transposition, early days but they are promising, I have added my own custom chord studies to my scales and arps; I can see how going right at the weaknesses is the most productive use of time and preparation. I have this general approach, now applying it more to piano regimen. It would take some pretty good ego strength to get past this guy's better books. But if you do, even partially, you really have something solid-and fun, which was primary reason for choosing music as a major in the first place. What treasures are these tutorials! So thank you deeply to Dr. J and all contributors of good will.

[@prayIcouldsing]

Thank you for these excellent strategies. I'm 64 and starting all over again with lessons. My teacher is teaching me so much music theory and my problem is that it seems jumbled in my mind. I feel like I need to see an outline and get a better idea of where I'm at and where I need to be. Feels like I'm walking with blindfolds. Also I'm the type that asks why. Why is it important to know all of the chords when I can simply play them by sight reading? If I know the reason why it is important to learn something then I feel like I'm working toward something beneficial. I do enjoy when she analyzes a piece of music and points out what the composer has done. I'm playing for my enjoyment so I could easily keep it as simple as I want it. Yet there is this other side of me that wants to go full throttle. I practice at least two hours a day. Within that time I also play for the enjoyment. My teacher is trying to teach me how to practice. She knows I like to play a lot. She is stressing the difference between practice and playing.

[@andersonmills7699]

Thanks. This is quite inspiring, even for us amateur musicians.

[@MsPea]

I just came across your video. It applies to all music students, I think. I study violin, but these are all things I will keep in mind to incorporate into my daily or weekly practice routine. Thanks.

[@broggsey]

Thanks for posting, one thing that always gets me is I work on a routine that includes all the elements and it goes great for a while but then I start obsess on one piece or one element and the rest goes out the window more and more until I’m just doing one thing

[@jerrybriardy]

Thanks Doc! Outstanding advice. I really appreciate this video. I'm not one of your students, but I'm going to share this with other musicians.

[@Toygoody]

Well done. Very good pointers for aspiring musician or someone who just want to improve their craft.

[@lidiaquinillo7657]

great advice...rigor, organization, objectivity and persistence will help a lot in any discipline, son.

[@8628416]

Translation: Get obsessed and don't procrastinate (no time for that)

[@tamalyncervin2117]

True. We never know when our time here will be over... (I'm just being realistic!)

[@PhilipChristian]

Haha exactly. I am. Definitely obsessed but maybe procrastinate :/

[@stephankusel208]

Absolutely captivating, amazing and outstanding tips, doing my advanced certificate this year in piano, and I found this video enlightened me and has helped me a lot. Thanks for this video

[@alexclose2353]

Dr. Mortensen, these ten suggestions are foundational that I have not been doing and I need to put more effort into them. Thanks for this comprehensive foundational list.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup for this. I just started the piano last year at 65 yoa (like my Mom) and have a lot to learn.

[@bbkfiberoptic965]

Was going to ignore this video. ..so many people giving advice. But this is priceless! Thank you

[@hopesonmakokha5217]

Gosh this is invaluable. I watched this years ago and back then I felt a little bit overwhelmed. Now that I'm studying music on a higher academic level in university, it's only just dawned on me how useful your advice is, in fact every musician should be doing most of these. This is an eye opener. Composing music is my greatest passion, for me I really need to focus on sight reading more and analyze the works of the great musicians and composers to learn as much as possible from them.

[@deecher9494]

Love this. Working on some transcriptions, my sight reading, and my tension,

[@godowskidream2820]

Dear Dr. Mortensen, your advice should be taken an respected to all serious piano students as God's "Ten Commandments" to all real believers.

[@therainforest4314]

Excellent well grounded advice. It's great if a person does have a good aptitude for music, but nothing beats enthusiasm and sincere dedication to piano studies. Thank you for sharing, cedarvillemusic. :)

[@H.O.M.I.]

Thank you for this wonderful & enlightening video!

[@helencoyle5565]

Best advice I've ever heard around the piano. Everyone is way to relaxed , practise , be serious during practice , get comfy with all the parts. So so helpful. Its like listening to my demon , who says you can't amd also says why. The why is how we can not cant 🤣 amazing

[@rogeralleyne9257]

So glad this channel found me!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@pastapower594]

Wow! Great advice! You woke me up. Wish you were my teacher. Thank you for posting.

[@Tonal.Harmony]

You mentioned lack of preparedness for collegiate piano performance. Could you elaborate on the typical repertoire requirements that should be in place in a year of piano? How much repertoire should be memorized in a school year?

[@BarnieSnyman]

I couldn't agree more with you about recording and critiquing oneself! When I first filmed myself playing...boy oh boy, was that an eye/ear-opener! Not to mention that a camera/microphone induces a good measure of stage-fright in me! And I still feel I have a lot of work to do in order to be able to make a decent recording. PS - The Schubert G-flat Impromptu...its quite fun to play it in different keys and to hear how it sounds.

[@yamatocoaching7864]

I love everything you saying, I've constructed these ten things exploring the idea and teaches not knowing how to play the piano. I'm shopping for a piano teacher/coach let me know.

[@enchade]

This is absolutely true! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, there is no other way to get better just practice, don't stay on your comfort zone and work on your weaknesses and this is not just for piano but for everything you want to get good at. I'm 17 and I play piano since I was like 5, what have I done these 12 years?!?!!? This video motivated me to start doing what I say "I love most" @cedarvillemusic thank you man! Keep uploading videos because I'm looking forward to see them

[@evasetina1529]

enchade I don't understand. I go to school at 6am, come home at 4pm, go to athletics training until 7pm, and then i have to do my homework and studies...and sleep. I'm unable to squeeze those 2h a day of piano practise in my schedule even if i wouldn't have breaks or free time....welp

[@cedarvillemusic]

I have great respect for those who excel at athletics. However, you can't be excellent at everything. At some point you have to choose what matters most to you.

[@timowolff1105]

enchade i‘m teaching myself since four years the piano. I‘m practicing two hours every day

[@darkray5653]

Eva Šetina at some point you have to pick athletics or music. I've quited most sports I played and focus now on music

[@nasanchez964]

I agree with you, but PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE without order and purpose is not enough. you have to learn how to do it. believe me, I'm an expert on being a total mess. this video opened my eyes.

[@pianistprodigy1072]

I been playing the piano since 2012. My weakness are sight reading, scales and arpeggios, improvise and composing music. So, today going start doing 20mins of sight reading etc.