The Secret To Playing Fast Runs On Piano

[@ThePianoKeys]

In this tutorial, I'll show you an insider tip on playing fast runs on the piano without spending extra time practicing. You can apply this practice tip to other songs, but I'll be using as an example Chopin's Nocturne in C# minor, posthumous. 💡💡FREE COURSE PREVIEW: bit.ly/3MMnEyh 🎹 1 Year Piano Success Blueprint: bit.ly/4aDd07h 🌟 Piano Pedaling Tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpfCe51rbK19es0 🗒 Practice Makes Permanent Book: bit.ly/3uyfUK4 ✔ Get Weekly Practice Tips To Your Inbox: bit.ly/3Rwk3aN 🎹 REACH YOUR PIANO GOALS: thepianokeys.com 👉 Join My FACEBOOK GROUP: bit.ly/3w9o5sH Donate to support my channel: 💖 PayPal: paypal.me/thepianokeys Donate to support my channel: 👉 Cash App: $ThePianoKeys #thepianokeys #pianotips

[@thecosmicgoddessherself]

Hi ! I‘m a Piano teacher, and wild love to set up my screen to look like yours and have the same angles for tutorials. Can you tell me how/what you’re using?

[@ThePianoKeys]

@@thecosmicgoddessherself Hi! For my "talking head" I have a DSLR camera, for the overhead, I put my iPhone on a boom mic stand, and I record the audio in Logic Pro. Then I edit it all together using a software called Filmora. I have different lights meant for filming/photography and set them up as best as I can in a very limited (currently) space. Lots of stuff to coordinate and then takes hours to edit together.

[@p3rrypm]

The two of you could just use OBS studio and then save the stream so you don’t have to edit it together later.

[@p3rrypm]

If you do that set your DSLR up as a web camera and if it doesn’t support that then get one that does.

[@davidhall7275]

Bravo for getting to the meat of the matter immediately without gushing for five minutes on intro and personal items. Very good and immensely satisfying to learn from you.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@allengoodwin7043]

Lol, i missed it. I skip to the middle of a lot of videos for exactly that reason. 😂😂

[@TheMagickeys]

I don’t know exactly how I came upon this video, but I’m SOOO glad I did! I’m a professional pianist of over 50 years of study and performance across many genres. In my constant honing of technique, I’ve reformed from my earlier teachings once exposed to teachers like Taubman and Barry Harris. I believe what you taught here was perfectly presented. Personally I’ve described this concept by visualizing dragging a wet mop across the keys. Much love to you and this beautiful work!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Oh, I LOVE this! Yes, playing the piano is a lifelong process of learning and honing! It's interesting that you talk about a wet mop, because the analogy I use with my students is like they're using a rag to dust the piano keys! Great minds. 😊 Thanks so much for your wondersul comment!

[@Gottenhimfella]

I think the wet mop analogue adds more emphasis to a key feature which is not explicitly mentioned in this clip, although it does also flow somewhat from the lever metaphor, and if you knew what to look for, it was being applied. It is the attribute of moving the wrist at a *constant* speed (assuming the notes are all the same time value, as in most runs). When students practice slowly (and this was even visible when Marina demonstrate how they play) their wrist tends to be static for the duration of each chunk of notes, and then reposition with a jerk for the next chunk. I like the mop idea, because our intuition of the friction between the wet cords and the keys introduces the idea of the arm being the active lever which "drags" the fingers up or down the keyboard. It also is intuitive that a mop needs to be dragged at a constant speed, otherwise effort is wasted (a combination of inertia to be overcome, and drag increasing when the speed reduces) I think a further helpful image (for the finger movement, specifically) is to imagine the legs of a small child who has been slow to get on a train after the whistle was blown. The parent leans down from the doorway and grabs the back of their overalls and takes the child's weight, at which point all the legs have to do is patter along the platform in order to keep up, they don't need to provide any propulsion whatsoever.

[@SopranoPersonalityspices]

Same here. It's a blessing in disguise to have come across this wonderful video. I'm excited to use this technique in piano playing ❤❤❤❤. Hats off to you Ma'am

[@jorgerivas1424]

Excellent tip. It works! My Russian teacher from Moscow Conservatory taught me this technique recently. I went back to Chopin polonaises and etudes I had been stuck on for many, many years and was thrilled that it helped, like magic. Keep 'em coming!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yay!! I'm so happy to know that it works for you! The best teachers give you this kind of nuanced approach to technique. Sounds like you have a great teacher!

[@quadricode]

Fast scales have been the death of me. I've studied the lectures of Taubman, my own teacher, and countless KZbin pedagogues. They all just talk about being relaxed, chunking, using rotation, reducing thumb movement, moving your body, breathing, etc. But I've just been stuck forever, where scales in 16ths above 85bpm are laborious and tiring. I know I'm doing something wrong but I can't figure it out. Nobody I've seen has articulated the idea you presented. I'm excited to try it at the piano bench tomorrow. Thanks!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Wow, sounds like you've really dug into this subject! Sometimes it's one small, but important, thing that makes all the difference.

[@josantonioalcantara]

The base of piano is coordination and getting a deep knowledge on how the instrument and your body works separately and combined. Unfortunately there’s no a simplified way to get there. All the points that you brought up are essential because without them you will get stuck for those reasons. That’s why many people focus on those, they are the most common reasons among all the levels of piano players for a lack of progress. Let me use this tutorial as an example. The tip is awesome and the explanation is great but lacks more context. If you haven’t interiorized all the things you mentioned and you are not constantly aware in your practice exactly what you are doing, the tip becomes worthless. Fast playing in piano becomes easy when you realize that it’s doing things the easiest way possible and correctly. The difficult part is to be aware of all the aspects to make it the easiest and practice them correctly. It’s not only the amount of time you do it but the quality of your practice. It’s focusing on perfecting your practice every time you sit in front of the piano

[@dsugimoto313]

I have small hands, too. So many people who teach these techniques don't take that into account. Thank you for this.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome! I guess people with bigger hands don't think about what it's like with small hands. 😊

[@ayokay123]

@@ThePianoKeys Hell, I was once tempted to get one of those 7/8ths special keyboards, but since I have a pretty easy 9 note span, I figured I could work around it. You definitely inspire confidence in that regard.

[@gregrosendahl7362]

I like this video format. So many 'helpful hint' videos throw out general information and try to explain it in one minute, leaving the viewer a bit confused and possibly worse off than when they started. Spending 5-10 minutes focused on just one thing and how to do it properly is much more productive for those watching and trying to learn.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, Greg! I agree with you, and I think people sometimes downplay the importance of small steps and want to rush ahead to the "big stuff."

[@quadricode]

Oh man, those KZbin videos drive me nuts. "How to play fast scales", followed by 10 super generic "tips".

[@markteasdale9283]

I am a guitar player with small hands like yours.... I can do pretty good on guitar.... But when I'm playing keys I was concerned get my small hands would not be able to do too much... You've been very.... You have great technique with those tiny little hands. I'm encouraged

[@ThePianoKeys]

If you want a result, you will do whatever it takes with whatever you have. 😊

[@annamcdonald3268]

Your 7 minute video for playing fast runs on the piano is so well explained and demonstrated. Thank You !!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful, Anna!

[@RochelleM491]

As a musician, producer and record industry professional, I don’t know where KZbin has been hiding you, BUT after finding you, I no longer need to search for a great piano teacher!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Fabulous! I'm so happy that you found me!

[@poemsnow4898]

"Chunking the info together." Outstanding tricks. -- W. Kirk Reynolds

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you like that idea!

[@stevesharon1649]

i have done limited teaching and from the beginning that is the very first thing i have beginners do so you made my day!!! I show them that it is hard to reach end to end if wrists below hands....but if you keep elbows up wrists naturally stay above hands and the arms can easily reach all 88 keys like robotic arms.....faster amd ore accurately

[@ThePianoKeys]

That's awesome! I'm glad you're teaching your students proper technique that helps them play better.

[@themaincat85]

You articulated this technique very well. Clearly and efficiently explained without fluff talk/showing off. Wonderful technique. Respect.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@jezm1703]

My piano teacher was right then all those years ago. Constantly yelling and bashing the edge of the 12-inch ruler up under my wrists - sayings "wrists up, wrists up" !! I just wished she hadn't been so brutal causing me and my brother to eventually give up. I returned to the piano and keyboard many years later mind. Thank heavens I did. Enjoyed this video very much.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Oof! Sorry to know that that was your experience, but glad that you came back to piano!

[@lestrangemd]

First time your videos showed up for me. I was never taught technique and hence have remained a very mediocre pianist. I can already tell that your techniques are going to help me a lot. Thank you so very much.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad this was helpful! Proper technique gives you the freedom to reach your true potential.

[@blackusmc6531]

You embody the essence of a great teacher. Stay strong and be well.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@tuanhoan25]

Thank you so much Marina for all that you do! I appreciate you lots and lots 🙏

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, Tuan!!! I appreciate your support so much! It feels great to know that my work matters to you. And of course, you already know this technique from our talks during your lessons. 💖💖

[@DBKEYS]

This is crazy… I thought I was the only one who knew about this. I literally call it “the 4th finger trick” to my students. So glad to actually witness this from someone else

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yay!! Your students are fortunate to have you teach them good stuff! 😊

[@alexalexis3140]

Yes this is true. I was doing it on my own thinking I was breaking some rules. I'm glad to hear it from a pro

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm happy to know that you found it on your own!

[@carlosdurney8547]

Hola Marina, gracias por tus videos, Estoy aprendiendo Canon en D , lo hicistes hace mucho tiempo,probablemente ya no lo visitas por los comentarios. Tengo 79 primaveras y es dificil para mis manos y memoria,pero sigo en las trincheras y cada vez noto progresos. Gracias una vez mas.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@hektor6766]

Thank you for coming right out and teaching the technique. So many others dance around it, and I've seen too many clawing at the keys or flat-fingering, neither of which work and create tension. I'm brand-new to he piano, but I can already see an improvement in speed and accuracy. Subscribed.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much! It's good to learn proper technique early on.

[@peterj6721]

I have struggled with this EXACT run for several months! I am so excited to try it with a higher wrist tonight and hopefully make some progress. Thanks for this video!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Oh wow! You're very welcome!

[@john5880]

Thanks a lot for the tip, you're clearly among the best at what you do. As a beginner it took me a while to notice that those who play fast often if not always play clearly above the keys, whereas beginners tend to play to low. It's a great format, straight to the point. You're the best teacher I could find for tutorials and pro tips while keeping things simple, and I searched a lot. So thank you very much.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Wow that's awesome that you noticed these details! I'm so glad that you found me, too!

[@jazwork]

Thank You. This was the piece I was given at university and still play for senior homes and I appreciate so much this 'secret'. I'm practicing now. Thanks again

[@ThePianoKeys]

Fabulous!

[@harleycharley8323]

I began lessons at the age of 7. I play professionally, but I have areas where l need help. I’ve found that place! Thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Awesome! I also get help wherever I can! Professionals are always learning. 😊

[@selwynbrown7409]

Thanks for a very helpful video. I’ve been playing professionally for 40+ years, self taught by ear. Always looking for ways to improve, new things to learn. This simple tip is a big help. Thanks again 👍🎹

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome! Those of us who love music never stop learning.

[@selwynbrown7409]

@@ThePianoKeys So true, keep inspiring 👍🎹🎶

[@michaelalberson126]

I have been playing for many years and around lots of other keyboard players and you are the first person who I have seen this method or was willing to share it so I have subscribed to your channel and looking for to more.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much and welcome to the family!

[@thomaspavey1718]

Just what I was looking for. I had been struggling with this precise problem in my practice of Chopin’s Nocturne in C Sharp Minor. You are so kind to share this tip. Eternally grateful. Tom

[@ThePianoKeys]

Oh wow! I'm so glad I was able to help!

[@selvamthiagarajan8152]

I don't talk about it, because I don't know anything about piano, but I am glad you are talking about it.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@aleiraxae]

1: fingering 2: high and relaxed wrist 3: your fingers will flow 4: move your arm with the keys

[@ThePianoKeys]

Great!!

[@FloydSmithjrTheattitude]

Fascinating, yesterday on a whim, I tried raising my wrist and relaxing just to see if it would make a difference. Your right, it was weird and uncomfortable so I retreated back to making things harder than they have to be. Thanks

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome! Stay with it, and eventually it'll feel great!

[@weissrw1]

Really good!!! Another thing you are doing which newer player might not notice is that as you go higher on the keyboard you lean that way. Coming down, you lean back. Without the lean the angle of the wrist just can't execute. You do it naturally, but newer players might just sit straight up.... Again, great tips!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much! Yes, I talk about all that stuff in my technique courses, but wanted to keep this video focused on one major thing.

[@weissrw1]

@@ThePianoKeys That makes sense! BTW, I have been playing that Nocturne for three years. It's beautiful. Those runs at the end used to be a nightmare. Hours and hours....,up and down, over and over.

[@ThePianoKeys]

@@weissrw1 I'm glad you got it sorted out! I feel like it's not talked about enough that building your piano technique in addition to learning repertoire is the fastest way to success.

[@ScarletteFiesci]

Thank you Marina. Really found that helpful. I wondered why it has been hit and miss when doing runs. I thought it was because I wasn't warmed up and I suppose in a way it was. I always seemed to manage runs when I was warmed-up and subconsciously held my hands at the optimum angle subconsciously. It's really helpful when someone makes this so transparent. Although you feel like 'oh yeah' kind of sensation - it really makes playing so much easier. Love your tutorials, and all these little gems which only a truly accomplished pianist would know especially after years of study. Thank you so much. Can't wait for the next tutorial. Always enjoy your tutorials. Your breakdowns really have resolved a lot of my issues and omissions I have experienced since starting to play as a child. I shall be eternally grateful.

[@ThePianoKeys]

What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for letting me know that my videos are helping you!!

[@glamgal7106]

I liked the way you demonstrated playing fast runs on the piano. I took piano lessons from age 10 until my early twenties. Like you said, “of course you have to practice” but coordination and placement are also important. My hands aren’t particularly big either. Thanks for your tutorial. Trivia: Franz Liszt’s hands were so big that they could reach more than an octave.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yes, there are so many components that go into playing well! I just don't see people talking about the wrist placement much.

[@hippophile]

Perfectly timed. I am having a look at Rachmaninoff Op32#10, and the run at the end was worrying me. OK, I am not lifting my wrist MUCH more, but the idea is helping me relax my whole right paw, which is making it immeasurably easier! This is not a run I would even have contemplated 6 months ago! Thrilling! Don't you hate though how all the fingering suggestions seem to be for people with big hands? I thought this was impossible first time I looked till I figured out some new fingering...

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad this video was helpful! Truthfully, I rarely look at fingering suggestions. We always need to make the music adapt to us. 😊

[@anaandre-e7d]

Can't wait to try it, thank you. I love your videos, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with the world. You're a true blessing 💞

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your support!

[@jazwork]

Thank You. This was my concert piece at university and I still play at senior homes and I appreciate so much your 'secret'. Thanks again.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@janl5651]

I know you hate it when we refer to things like this as “hacks”, so I won’t. But i tried out this technque and compared it to the one with the lower wrist. And I am happy to confirm that it works for me as well. 😊

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yay!! I'm so glad that it works for you! (It's actually guaranteed to work if you do it right because... physics. lol)

[@slimyelow]

My experience as a jazz player (multi instrumental incl drums) is that your mind must but be able to think (and understand) fast notes first, in order to sound convincing when playing fast. I also learned that by learning jazz phrasing on piano and drums (accent each off-beat note for runs on piano and rolls on drum) really made my playing accurate, especially those fast 16th note lines. In classical, runs are sort of part of every composer's arsenal and are more of a filler ornament that is completed in one stroke so to speak. - like the stroke of a paint brush

[@ThePianoKeys]

Excellent points!

[@humblehombre9904]

I am a drummer. Lifelong, like you on piano. What you say makes sense. In drumming, we use muscle memory. We do our practice, all our rudiments (various drum roll patterns) as beginners, slow, methodical, perfect. We then incrementally speed up with the metronome. I personally go faster until I make a mistake then go slow and start over. Muscle memory is your very best friend….hated friend!lol. This, as I am learning, is the same in principal. A metronome or a click track, begun slow enough that you can get EVERY note PERFECT in posture, is a step forward, then moving the speed up slowly. I am wondering if this is something like you are teaching us here? Thank you for these very informative lessons. I’m getting it.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yes, this is exactly what I do! Practice slowly to get all the movements in place, then get faster incrimentally. I don't usually aim for "perfect" on a single practice session, but do aim for that over the course of several sessions. In this particular video, what I'm really focusing on getting across is that angle of approach to the piano and how it makes it much easier to play faster.

[@warrendoris9669]

Great job lil sister! Especially the part about setting up the notes in groups, and keeping the wrists elevated. My very first piano teacher would insist on that too. I appreciate you not carrying on for minutes before starting. 🙌🏽👍🏽😍

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@warrendoris9669]

​@@ThePianoKeys😎😎

[@davidmiller4078]

Wonderful im a guitarist but have been thinking of including some piano keyboard training mainly fo the sound and extended voicings i found your presentation inspiring cheers

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@59Esthersimkin]

AWESOME lesson!! Bless you for sharing "insider" information. It confirms what so many great piano teachers know: Virtuosity is a LEARNED SKILL. It is accessible to any dedicated pianist who has access to specific techniques for specific skills.

[@ThePianoKeys]

YES!!! Couldn't agree with you more! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@59Esthersimkin]

😉👍

[@hippophile]

This sounds really useful. Just looked at my technique and, yes, my wrists are mostly quite low. Lifting them a bit seems on a first try to generally make things easier and lighter (even without the runs), but just a first impression. Be interesting to work out how this fits togther with wrist circles...

[@ChopOliver]

Thank you for sharing this tip. God bless.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Isabel-fy1er]

Thank You. Pure gold. I will start today

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much! I'm glad that you'll be applying these techniques to your playing!

[@ThePragmo]

KZbin just brought this video to me as well. And it turns out it's very important to me.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad that this video was helpful for you!

[@TruthSurge]

good advice to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. Bending your wrist up then trying to move your fingers is keeping a lot of tension in the upper or top forearm muscles. But one thing I notice is that it is very difficult even for you to keep each note equally spaced at faster speeds. They tend to pause when your hand position moves and speed up during each chunk. Personally, (I don't really play piano) I find it hard to wrap my brain around doing groups of 4 then 3. I would be struggling to keep the notes equally spaced but I guess on piano that's about the only way besides using both hands. glad I play guitar! I think it's easier, actually but you can only get 6 notes at a time ever. thx for nice tips.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for your comment! It's actually not at all difficult for me to play this run - but keep in mind that I'm playing it on a digital piano, which has a very different action than an acoustic piano, which this kind of music is intended for. Also, I wasn't really focusing on performing, but on explaining what I was doing while playing, so different goals here. 😁

[@TruthSurge]

@@ThePianoKeys I heard you play the run very smoothly at least once and I was just making the comment that not just you but other pianists who do fast runs also have the skip in timing when their hand must reposition using that thumb movement. I've heard that in guys like Art Tatum. I literally slowed down his run to .25 (25%) to hear each note better and he also exhibited this problem which was only really evident at slower speeds. At 100% it's so fast you can't really notice the 5% off between each chunk of 3 and 4. I'm just very observant so don't take it personally! I like to try and understand and notice stuff. I did like your explanations and approach to explaining it. Thx for the reply!!!! Best of luck with everything!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

@@TruthSurge I totally get it, and no offense taken at all! I hope that you keep watching my vids and give me your insights! 😁😁

[@TruthSurge]

@@ThePianoKeys I don't have too many insights. hehehe I will always suck at piano because my fingers are weird and I don't have desire to really learn it. I know the notes and I do play it if I want to do some music but it's not technique oriented. Just chords and music and if I do need a fast run, I'll just turn my tempo down during record and do it that way. thank ye!!

[@catherinesarah5831]

Thank you so much. This is an invaluable aid to better playing technique. Much appreciated. 🎹🙏

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed this video!

[@birage9885]

Good advice. I am not a piano player, I am a guitar player, and the same applies to the fretboard. Economy of motion and positioning.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yes!! Economy of motion is exactly how I teach my private students.

[@gunorijssel7987]

THANKS A MILLION...........THIS IS GOLD!!!!!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@vwwilson8625]

You're right this is the best secret to playing fast, 👍👍👍

[@ThePianoKeys]

It works every time!

[@hiphophorse]

Ohhhh. I was told to Arch my hand, imagine im holding a ball or something but I never understood why. Great vid. Might improve my carpal tunnel type pain when I play fast. Thank you for the secret tips

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@brmh1667]

Thank you for your advice. It is very helpful and there is a surprising amount to remember when this doesn't come naturally. Again, thank you.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@lindamcdermott2205]

Yes basic three finger technique...and remembering where 4th finger goes. I also agree with the lift wrist...Now i could really use some help w Albeniz' runs....

[@ThePianoKeys]

Which ones?

[@brewcology]

Best piano fast run tutorial I've come across. Thanks

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@sandydickinson6193]

Excellent! 🎹 Thank you! 🎶

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@carlhopkinson]

Great instruction presently simply and clearly.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm happy that you found it helpful!

[@StephenScott1]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad you found it!

[@timallen6025]

Beautifully articulated , both in explanation and movement . Thank you , an amateur writes..

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@Araconox]

I learned the Fantasie Impromptu by Chopin when I was 16 and have been stuck on slow speed on that piece ever since , especially the difficult runs that have stumped me for over 40 years. I'll try this technique , earnestly. Wish me luck..it's so frustrating not being able to play this up to speed.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I have some tutorials on that piece - search my channel - they may give you some insights.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

Bars 7-8, right? (Beginning on A).

[@syzygy2464]

An important point she touches on here is trying to game the system. I think in the social media era, a lot of people have become convinced that some people are just more "naturally gifted" than others, because they only ever show you their successes. There's only one real route to playing like this, as she said: she's been playing and intensively studying her whole life. How good you become is solely based on how much, and how well you practice. How much do you love it? How much of yourself are you willing to give it? Ask yourself what your goals are and what you want to achieve and also be very honest with yourself about your shortcomings and practice practice practice. There's no shortcuts. Even the best of the best have had nightmares about learning Chopin, you can bet on it. Sounds scary, but it's proof that anyone can do it. It's a determination check.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I agree with you 100%! The main reason I created this channel, and subsequently a whole series of piano courses, was because I was tired of the messaging around learning piano through 5 minute "hack" videos. And it made me feel sad that people were thinking there was something wrong with them that they could turn these hacks (or courses that promise to teach you piano in a number of days) into actual skills.

[@trombonemunroe]

Dorothy Taubman talked about the lifted wrist a lot, too. A sunken wrist is the form flaw I have to spend more time correcting my students on than any other single flaw. Sunken wrists not only slow you down but inevitably lead over time to strain-related chronic injuries. I hope people are paying attention!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yes! It's the biggest problem I see when people ask me why they can't get better at piano. So I created a whole bunch of online technique courses that have truly transformed the way my online students approach their playing.

[@alastairwilson457]

What a great video, so clearly explained. Cute doggie too!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you so much! He's always trying to get on camera.

[@tedl7538]

Great tip, and very well explained and demonstrated, thanks!🎹

[@ThePianoKeys]

So glad it was helpful!

[@obrienjohnj]

WOW! I remember this from my exercises with my master in NYC.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You had a great teacher!

[@ffggddss]

Thanks for this tip! Early on, I mistakenly thought you were referring to Chopin's C# minor Prelude, which also has a fast run, but one that only goes up, not down. Once I realized it wasn't that piece, I started realizing how many of his compositions have runs. The A♭ ("Heroic") Polonaise, the "Minute" Waltz, etc. And not just Chopin; there's the long non-monotonic (i.e., changes direction) run near the ending of the 3rd Mvmt. of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (even the arpeggios near the beginning of that mvmt.; and in the 1st mvmt. there are rising and falling arpeggios, although they don't call for much speed). (I see that you have another video on arpeggios - I'm gonna hafta check that out, too!) So this tip is really applicable quite a lot! Fred

[@ThePianoKeys]

Hi Fred! Absolutely right! Lots of scale-type runs in so much music!

[@ffggddss]

@@ThePianoKeys Oops! I meant the C# minor Waltz, not Prelude.

[@שלמהשלייפר]

Thank you for sharing this with your audience, I do appreciate it. The ring omn the finger may be an issue for some musicians.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked the video! Yes, sometimes rings can get in the way, but I didn't mind it in this particular case.

[@שלמהשלייפר]

@@ThePianoKeys That is ok for young people. Have a great day - From Israel.

[@jemapiano]

Excellent tip, thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@vk7898]

Great lesson, thank you 😊

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked it! 😊

[@rat-race8724]

Thank you for going into detail explaining this!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bigronlfavordawolfmanhall9371]

Yes mam I reall like this tutorials I ran to my piano to try this exercises.. Thank you so much.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@marymissmary]

Thank you for this! I’m working on that very piece, and I can’t wait to try this out.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Awesome!! Let me know how it goes.

[@Winngnuttz]

Marina..if I ever meet you I’m gonna give you a big hug…thank you so much for this tip

[@ThePianoKeys]

That's sweet, thank you!

[@samanthacummins2268]

Well… I needed this info 40 years ago 😂 but it’s still helpful now!! Thanks for sharing!

[@ThePianoKeys]

🤣🤣 I got here as soon as I could! Glad you found it helpful!

[@emilerose1424]

Well explained and excellently demonstrated. Thank you for these piano run tips. Great job.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@Nestor-c9p]

thanks. really helps play-by-ear enthusiasts.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@lmsthomas89]

Telling them they're in E major also helps. Playing speed will also be affected by how the notes in the run line up with the LH notes.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Yes, a lot of factors go into playing well. This tutorial was focused on the one thing that most people don't think of, which is keeping a higher wrist.

[@nataliecavanagh7432]

Fantastic tip! Works wonders, thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much, glad you found it helpful!

[@kevingodding9316]

Fantastic lesson ❤❤❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@clydebermingham121]

Music is like life situations . Besides a technical approach to an instrument … there’s always the emotional and ‘sociological ‘ aspects of music . The Human Interactions .. and the ‘VIBING TOGETHER ‘. Emotions & Adrenalin Cna pain someone to new heights right on a spur of a moment Once someone can play phrases very comfortably slowly … once out in a situation that brewing about a certain feeling & emotion , that can drive someone . As in jazz and other improvisational music , a Musician’s vibe , feeling & emotions is affect by the vibes from musicians playing along & together One person a throw a whole band off … .just the same , one person can drive the whole band to another level A good drummer & good bassist Cna drive a whole band , or at least a soloist to soar and play a certain way

[@ThePianoKeys]

Agreed.

[@elisabettaricci5688]

Thank you Marina!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome, Elisabetta!

[@hugoapresname]

Thank You for the great tips. Lectured in brevity and with a great example 🙏❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks, so glad you liked the video!

[@2isuru]

Thank you maam. Im gonna try this technique ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome 😊

[@tuanlinh7]

Thanks for teaching ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevenbeer6005]

That was very concise ad helpful! Cheers!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@backyardanimals777]

This was educative and helpful. Thank YOU.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@drsauce4347]

That was such a great tip! It is definitely feeling much different, but gives a highly successful outcome. Immediately subbed.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, I'm so glad that this worked for you!

[@BrettPenza]

Great tips. Less pain too keeping the wrists up, almost like you’ve got a ball in your hand. Isn’t it also true, that when figuring fingerings, you’re always looking to keep the thumb anchored to white keys? Thanks, great advice!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked the video! I hesitate to use the term "always" when it comes to fingering because of the different situations in a piece of music as well as differences between people in hand size and technical abilities. I'll be making a fingering video soon.

[@BrettPenza]

@@ThePianoKeys Great point. "Always" is a bit constricting.

[@gioseffozarlino1107]

Thank you, Marina!!! Wonderful lesson, as always!!! I wish you a wonderful evening!!! 🌷🌷🎶🌷🌷

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you! You too!

[@gioseffozarlino1107]

@@ThePianoKeys 🌼🎵🌼

[@tonyqunta32]

Excellent teacher!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@ruthytootsgreen802]

That’s so helpful. Thank you so much! Invaluable teaching. I have subscribed. X

[@ThePianoKeys]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cltherrien]

Great video Marina - thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked it, Cathy!

[@zayedalhajeri2136]

Simply; you are AWESOME, and one of the BEST..💖✌🏻💫

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!!

[@ayokay123]

EXTREMELY helpful!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@Ron9257]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@svnrm2004]

So nicely explained.🌹 Thanks 🙏

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, I'm so glad you liked the video!

[@peterpascuales4917]

Beautiful tip, thank you!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonnysee2948]

Amazing! Love this! Excellent job! Thank you❤🎉

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@ednadeau7384]

thank you so much! Just discovered your channell WOW, Started about a mounth ago,,,,,, and experienced lotts of pain UNTILL YOU came A L O N G thank YOU.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Oh no, pain is a definite sign that should not be ignored. Glad you found me!