The SECRET to Expression That Most Piano Players Skip

[@tbpcok]

I'm the "Tom" in this video. Obviously, I've been playing the piano for many years. What happened to my playing is that I thought I had progressed beyond using a metronome and counting out loud, that's for "beginners," and I hadn't done it for many years. I knew my playing lacked musicality, but I didn't know what to do except practice harder. Ashlee introduced me to the idea of practicing smarter not harder. It did take me a couple of months to re-learn the "simple" techniques of using the metronome and counting out loud while I play at half speed. Now I use these fundamental techniques every time I learn new pieces and when I re-learn pieces that I have played in years past.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Tom! Thank you for adding this! I know so many others will resonate especially with seeing your own words typed out here!

[@billycockrell2470]

I don't have perfect time by any stretch of my own imagination. But, mine is pretty good. When I'm struggling with something, counting out loud is the game changer. Counting internally gets a little mixed in with everything else in your head while playing. Time is the backbone, where chords are the flesh. If you ever plan to play with anyone, you must be able to keep time. Even if you're a singer only. If you can't count, you don't know when to come in. I put timing first. You can miss a note or a chord and it go unnoticed. Miss a beat and everyone notices. This is a good foundational lesson. I'm not a pianist, yet lol. This is for everyone.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Yes this is so so so good! Thank you for sharing. And yes, it’s absolutely for every musician, not just pianists!

[@GLCTLC]

Thank you

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

You’re welcome!

[@ALACGltd]

I fully agree that counting out loud with a metronome is key. Guitarist , upright bassist , piano accordionist here. It’s so perfect. ❤couldn’t agree more Thank you for your videos

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@catherine6653]

Good rhythm lesson. I will give it a try.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Thanks and I’m so glad!!!

[@mikesosa1146]

Thank you so much Ashlee!

[@brandyspianostudio]

This is great. My teacher always told me to count out loud and it works!

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Right? Ikyk! Glad you liked it!

[@sunving]

Thank you very much, I will buy methenom now :) , When I first ran into your video about counting, I was in despair, but then I start learning how to count , yes you are correct. And may be I should learn how to count out loud with methronon

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

You're welcome! It's a game changer :)

[@PianoPaladin]

Great video! I think it would also be helpful to demonstrate counting specific pieces - especially with complex rhythms and varied note values... I can count to a metronome but when I go to count my pieces while playing thats where things get dicey - especially with varied rhythms - dotted notes, quarter not triplets. If the rhythm is the relatively even - like eighth notes - not an issue in counting but if it's a more complex rhythm that's where the counting goes out the window for me... Take the intro section to John Williams score Somewhere in my memory where you have eighth notes followed by 16th notes, and varied rhythms... I think it would be super helpful to see how to count various pieces - easy to advanced... again great video...

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Great idea! I’m adding this to the list - and thank you for the kind words!

[@rlittlefield2691]

I have pretty good timing. I play on stage every week, but I do like and recommend this idea.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Nice!

[@Gill3D]

Such a simple technique yet I know from personal experience how effective it is.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

I’m glad!

[@kazuki535-j5j]

I find counting essential and often play a piece that would not be possible if I did not count❤

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@koolkatss4854]

The audio is fine.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Phew! Thanks for letting me knwo

[@MickEdwardsAccordionVocal]

Hello this is very good and deserves a Thumbs up Well done, Best Regards🪗🪗🪗Mick.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Thanks so much!!!