The Secret To Playing Fast Runs On Piano

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.
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[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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".

[@themaincat85]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@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!

[@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!

[@poemsnow4898]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you like that idea!

[@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. 💖💖

[@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!

[@vwwilson8625]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

It works every time!

[@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!

[@sandydickinson6193]

Excellent! 🎹 Thank you! 🎶

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@obrienjohnj]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

You had a great teacher!

[@tedl7538]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

So glad it was helpful!

[@user-pr7iq6xp9j]

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!

[@stevenbeer6005]

That was very concise ad helpful! Cheers!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@nataliecavanagh7432]

Fantastic tip! Works wonders, thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much, glad you found it 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!

[@peterpascuales4917]

Beautiful tip, thank you!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@carlhopkinson]

Great instruction presently simply and clearly.

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm happy that you found it helpful!

[@jonnysee2948]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@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! 😊

[@cltherrien]

Great video Marina - thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked it, Cathy!

[@rat-race8724]

Thank you for going into detail explaining this!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vk7898]

Great lesson, thank you 😊

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked it! 😊

[@pianoatthirty]

Wow... I've been casually noticing recently how a gentle raising of the wrist during fast runs seems to make everything easier -- and now this wonderful video just confirmed that. Thank you!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

That's awesome that you were already starting to discover this on your own! Glad you liked the video!

[@alastairwilson457]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

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

[@lospopularos]

Excellent lecture! Thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@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.

[@kewsepehr1060]

Great tip, thanks for being so giving 😊

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful!

[@samokech5160]

Wonderful lessons, thanks

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you liked it!

[@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. 😊

[@tonyqunta32]

Excellent teacher!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@svnrm2004]

So nicely explained.🌹 Thanks 🙏

[@ThePianoKeys]

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

[@StephenScott1]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad you found it!

[@icuc1314]

Super helpful thank you!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@catherinesarah5831]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed this video!

[@Littleneddygtw]

lovely and helpful. thank you.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thnks so much!

[@JanesOracle]

Fantastic knowledge and skills!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@ruthytootsgreen802]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ayokay123]

EXTREMELY helpful!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@Ron9257]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@DanielMichaelTaylorMusic]

Very good your talent is amazing!!!!!! Thanks for the tips.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@kevingodding9316]

Fantastic lesson ❤❤❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Sveccha93]

Great video, thank you!❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@beders]

this was great info. I never realized this. Thank you

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@Dichweed]

Thank you for the lessons. :)

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're 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!

[@santamariajorge]

Thank you. Great advice.!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@hugoapresname]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks, so glad you liked the video!

[@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!

[@sonicart1808]

Incredible advice thank you....

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@jcr3500]

Thank you!!!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@tibaultmifuki9413]

❤ thank you and bless you for that tip

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@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!

[@gunorijssel7987]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're very welcome!

[@davidsams7030]

Thanks for the tip

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@dessiplaer]

Great tip!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@zayedalhajeri2136]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!!

[@tuanlinh7]

Thanks for teaching ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@brewcology]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@cleideamorena6830]

Obrigada pela dica!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@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!!

[@MaxRiley]

Thank you from Italy. Subscribed.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ChamberPianist]

Thanks ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

Well done!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@afiya77]

Excellent!!!!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@backyardanimals777]

This was educative and helpful. Thank YOU.

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@basfludi]

Thank you so much!

[@ThePianoKeys]

My pleasure!

[@joeljerryw6416]

Very helpful ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@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!

[@elisabettaricci5688]

Thank you Marina!

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome, Elisabetta!

[@2isuru]

Thank you maam. Im gonna try this technique ❤

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome 😊

[@jameswhatsit]

Awesome vid, the two camera angles are very useful. thankyou!!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thanks so much!

[@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!

[@anderdelafuente7233]

Great teacher

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@kingpasha6057]

Brava!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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. 😊

[@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.

[@tommymandel]

Thanks - very useful!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HarvesterCapeTown]

Thank you

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@user-kx8mb5bl2j]

Thank you uh‼️‼️‼️

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@gioseffozarlino1107]

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

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you! You too!

[@gioseffozarlino1107]

@@ThePianoKeys 🌼🎵🌼

[@MrLinights]

Subscribed!

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@brothercaleb]

Very good 👍🏾

[@ThePianoKeys]

Thank you 🙌

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci.

[@ThePianoKeys]

You're welcome!

[@Bashanvibe]

This makes so much sense I’ve been positioning my hands wrong 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ThePianoKeys]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@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!