Tips for CLARITY & REDUCING TENSION in Broken Chords & Arpeggios

[@AFGautonompunk]

dear Josh, the more i watch and practise , the more i like your idiosyncracies , the more i learn from you and any other source of piano and life, i figure. naturally i like your way of teaching now and am content with my young membership of your (master)classes which will certainly stay in my memories and found a place in my heart as well. thanks for becoming the teacher for me and surely lots of enthusiastic pupils that also look forward to your content, everytime there is something new to be learned.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thank you so much for this kind message. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos

[@victormunoz1864]

@Josh Wright Hello! I have written to you before. Like your videos great information. For my particular case, I have never taken piano lessons or know how to read. But I have memorized Clair De lune, 3 Chopin (Nocturne) and Beethoven 1/3rd movements. Take me like 2 weeks each to memorize all the peices. Do you do private lessons or videos? I wanna do La Campenella but don't have a video to memorize the notes finger placement? Thanks

[@justesjc]

The one dislike must be a harp player....

[@lucilacantu]

😂😂😂

[@matikbe]

LOL

[@reza7105]

Very high quality video and you explained it really nicely, thanks!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Glad you liked it Reza!

[@isaiahadamsvlogs5309]

For somebody who is preparing to audition for college piano performance, having only played the piano for three years, your videos are on of the most helpful resources I have found. I went from playing a bach invention in c major to playing Schumann Abegg variations and chopin etudes op.10 nos. 1 & 8. Thank you so much for your advice!

[@FranciszekCiuk]

How did you make so much progress so quickly? I’m in a similar situation that you described here, just passed a very important for me exam which I’ve practiced a ton for, I want to apply for college either next year or in two years but I don’t really have a teacher and I’m scared I’ll mess myself up with poor repertoire choices etc. Hearing your story would mean everything for me:)

[@isaiahadamsvlogs5309]

@@FranciszekCiuk (1/3) I would love to share! I won't go through everything because that would take a while, but I will go into my inspirations, routines, and goals. I really got inspired to pursue piano/ classical music because of 3 KZbin channels: Josh Wright, Tiffany Poon, and Twoset Violin. Twoset helped me find the fun and adventure in practicing classical music, Tiffany Poon gave me the inspiration to keep fighting through my adversities at the piano, and Josh Wright helped me to boost my technique a lot with really helpful tips. During the start of my third year of piano with the third teacher in as many years, I really clicked into gear. I was content just being able to play some semi-challenging repertoire, but my new teacher saw that I could do more and told me she was going to prepare me for college auditions. I didn't think I had a chance so I didn't give it much thought but once I saw the progression I made with her, I decided to go for it. I started practicing 4-5 hours every day for a year to prepare for the auditions. I had a couple emotional breakdowns due to the stress of it all, but the KZbin channels above really helped to get me through that.

[@isaiahadamsvlogs5309]

@Franek Ciuk (2/3) I recorded pre-screenings, I played recitals, concerts, and any opportunity I could get to perform because I knew my lack of experience would be a sore subject when it came to college auditions/ applications. I was granted to ability to perform the second movement of Beethoven's piano concerto no. 4 with the North Centra Chamber Orchestra and I did it even though it wasn't that good. When it came time to choose schools to apply to, I choose really local and small schools because I didn't think I had a chance to get into any really good schools. However, I had people around that encouraged me to apply to more prestigious and "far away" schools. So I did and I was mind-blown by the results. I got waitlisted at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Eastman School of Music due to a lack of previous repertoire, and I was accepted to the Bienen School of Music. 2 years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be attending the Bienen School of Music for piano performance in the fall of 2022 but through a lot of hard work, and communities like Josh Wright, Twoset, and Tiffany Poon, I was able to do it. My advice to you if you really want to pursue classical music in college is to ask questions (figure out how things work, why they work, and find ways to fix things yourself), put yourself out there (perform for people even if you don't feel fully prepared, try to find a low-level orchestra near you and see if they will let you perform a small piece with the orchestra like a slow movement of a concerto, etc), and know your reason for wanting to play classical music, even if it is as simple as it gives you joy. My reason for pursuing classical music is I wanted to inspire young musicians, especially minorities that they can get into classical music and succeed at a high level, even if that doesn't involve performing on the big stage. If you know your drive, you will never run out of motivation. The last thing I will say is to make sure you take care of your mental health. If you feel yourself snapping under the pressure it is ok to take a couple days away from the piano and just enjoy life. Spend time with family and friends, walk in nature, and watch other great musicians, either virtually or in-person, because no success in the world is worth risking your mental health for.

[@FranciszekCiuk]

@@isaiahadamsvlogs5309 Thank you so much for taking the time to write all this... It’s really inspiring to see that something like this is possible. I have a few stupid questions like, did you practice scales a lot? Did you tackle big, long projects or lots of smaller ones? The biggest problem for me is the huge gaps in technique I need to fill in a short amount of time

[@isaiahadamsvlogs5309]

@@FranciszekCiuk For technique, start working on it now. I don't what level of repertoire you are playing now, but maybe take 2 or 3 Czerny or J. B. Cramer etudes and get them to full speed and with complete evenness. Also if you plan to audition in 2 years, you need to start working on your audition rep now, especially your Chopin Etude. Look at all the schools you plan to apply to and compile and start working on the repertoire that can cover all the school's requirements; you only need one set of repertoire. I would recommend learning your scales and arpeggios so that you have a good sense of the finger patterns, but you really need to get your etudes down. Those will really help you with technique and finger evenness. The biggest thing is to start working on your auditions rep now. Get it into your hands in maybe a year's time, and then play as many recitals and for as many people as you can before your audition. Maybe audition for a music festival or two just gets a feel for an audition. My question to you know is what repertoire have you played so far because that will sort of determine what you might want to play?

[@sofiae8123]

Thank you, Josh. As a teacher this is one of the most important and basic techniques...and some of the hardest for some students to feel. The idea of attack and release at the same time is hard for some students and I use the word "ricochet" for the older students. I also have found your paid instruction really helpful when I don't have time in an hour lesson to really make sure that things are correct. Thank you!

[@ellenfigueira7017]

What a pleasure to hear your playing, and your allusion to the Taubman method. You described the mechanics beautifully. This method has revolutionized my own playing, and I no longer have pain when practicing for hours.

[@magicalmysterypiano8144]

Oh, I have the same problem playing Mozart's sonata! Tension in fingers is a problem by playing octaves. Thank you Joshfor the useful Tips!

[@TBro2024]

Thanks for this video. I have been playing classical piano now for 10 years, but I still have not figured out how to play without tension and with the proper arm weight/movement. I know what you're saying in this video is spot on, but sadly I have never been able to put it in practice despite years of trying. I'll keep trying--it would be such a break-through if I could sort this out!

[@onemanfran]

Same for me, it's really very frustrating.

[@viggos.n.5864]

Taubman approach is probably the solution

[@eyreox]

Right now I am learning Kreisler/Rachmaninoff's ,,Liebesleid" and there is a passage almost exactly like this one. Thank you a lot!

[@Lukas-gz2vx]

bruh ofc you got the your lie in april pfp

[@eyreox]

@@Lukas-gz2vx hehe

[@Lukas-gz2vx]

@@eyreox lol I remember when i was learning loves sorrow it was extremely hard then everywhere I would go to seek guidance would be your lie in april fans. Although its an ok anime people made me so tired of it. Sorry if that sounded rude previously

[@lucentekids6805]

Thank you. I've been having trouble with arpeggios for this reason!

[@BenSadounJeremie]

I have practiced with gaps as you recommend. And I reduced those more and more. This is absolutely awsome ! This is like I was sorting and folding all my clothes in a piece of luggage. My mind gets clearer and compartimentalized. Thank you so much for your tips. Your videos are gold. Jérémie.

[@duannehaughton4893]

Great video Josh! Thank you. I remember you playing that Liszt etude on your channel. You played it wonderfully!

[@swedeNat]

I struggled so much with clarity and consistently producing a clear sound in my arpeggios and broken chords; now I know why! I really enjoy your pedagogical way of teaching and even purchased some paid courses (the one on Liebestraum no 3 is brilliant!). Thank you!

[@robinpospisil3377]

Very useful tips...for me especially. Thanks. Your work makes sense!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Glad you enjoyed it Robin!

[@minr6851]

You nailed it! I came to watch this because I had a big problem with that bar of k545! I can’t believe you actually mentioned the exact bar. Still I find it hard to know what it really means by using the whole arm weight in real life practice session.

[@Swedishnbkongu]

Best channel on KZbin.

[@MissJJan]

Thank you. Your playing truly sounds amazing!!!☺️

[@RamonaVan]

Hi Josh! Love your videos! Can you please make a video on improving the left hand? Much appreciated

[@Misteribel]

Brilliant and clear, as always! I'd like to add that, though using the arm weight is invaluable, you should not push down the whole arm, as that would increase tension and locks your shoulders. The key is, as you say here, to use the weight, like a if your arm is dangling, but without tension to the upper arm or shoulders (a mistake I often make).

[@mahpianodi]

The moment you played the Harry Potter Theme was the first time I see you play a non classical piece. That was so amazing❤️ Thanks for the great video.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Haha check out my album called “My Favorite Things”. I wrote an entire arrangement of Hedwig’s Theme for that album

[@Vincentqian14]

Brilliant contents!

[@DoDo-dy2fs]

I often heard that the back is also supposed to be involved in playing piano. Does that have anything to do with this?

[@AnnaKhomichkoPianist]

Of course, everything comes from the back that you have to keep straight but relaxed...sitting in a wrong way will not allow you to reach a good technical level and can even cause some pain

[@hsiangjulin6063]

Thank you! These videos are so helpful!

[@pearltheplug]

This was so interesting. Thanks. Please if you could go into more details about posture, arm weight, height of the wrist and height of the fingers, playing with fingers etc... also about if the height of the bench has an influence on it... Thanks Josh.

[@Emma-ob5oj]

Great video thanks Josh

[@joshwrightpiano]

You’re welcome Emma!

[@leonardmartin6048]

Nice video, that could actually help me with the first to pages of the Spanish rhapsody, that I want to start soon!

[@joshwrightpiano]

That is a beautiful piece. Good luck in your studies

[@leonardmartin6048]

@@joshwrightpiano thanks a lot!

[@tomasquartz_1909]

You seem more comprehensive to not so prefesional pianist, thanks Josh

[@bazcuda]

Great videos, thanks Josh. You have a new subscriber. Random question: what tablet do you use? I want to build up a collection of PDFs of my music collection (both bought and free) and wondered which tablet you use which is practical for playing from when at the keyboard both in terms of size and display quality. Also which file format is your tablet displaying? Are they all PDFs? Many thanks in advance! Baz.

[@sanjeevgajraj]

Nice bro...keep it up. 👌

[@MezasRealm]

When you refeer to the "Arm" why pointing/holding/touching forearms ?! You mean from your elbow or your shoulder? (eg. 03:50 min)

[@janeladney]

This really helped me, Thanks Josh! So much easier and relaxed...and a lot more fun to play

[@ChanningWalton]

“It might take some work.”, understatement of the year, I may be some time ...

[@PIANO_LAB]

Very good tips, thanks Josh!

[@yahyamhirsi]

Nice to find you here!

[@yahyamhirsi]

Nice to find you here!

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks for your kindness!

[@PIANO_LAB]

@@yahyamhirsi Thanks!

[@pinocesi8402]

All right! Thanks Josh!

[@dwheel39]

Love your teaching!

[@rum028]

Thank you for taking time and record these videos. I can feel how your passion to help other to get better at piano, and it helps me to get better too. Respect.

[@kelvinhua202]

Whats the piece being played at 9:30 ?

[@marikhutsishvili2243]

Dear Josh, I find your videos very inspiring. Thank you for your work and support. If you ever upload video for schumann variations on theme by beethoven I will be glad. I find it hard to play, nevertheless it is not difficult technically. It seems non-pianistic thing :( Thanks and wish you all the best

[@nazgulers]

Excellent tips, excellent jacket!

[@miguelangelcarrascopacheco8602]

I am new here... Thanks a lot really hepful class

[@BlackZapdos]

Do u have a video where u go into detail about this arm weight concept or do u have any trick/exercise to learn how to feel the weight ? I don't feel like my arms are heavy or any of the other described feelings i've read before so it has been confusing me for such a long time.

[@xandersonepic]

This is very helpful thank you!

[@duckerino5691]

Hi Josh, I have been playing the piano for quite a while now but have been putting it off after I stopped my lessons. I've noticed my piano playing has been getting worse, what do u recommend for warm ups?

[@christopherhosford7805]

Josh, great tips as always and your playing (as always) is superb. I'm trying to do some KZbin as well. .. ccan you share how you set up your audio and video? I see that a mic is at your left, presumably for the spoken word. Do you have another mic at the piano itself, or does the one mic take care of it all? Also, what is your video source ... iPad, computer, camera? Thanks so much! -- Chris

[@bop9701]

Hi Josh, all of your topics are very helpfull and i try to apply in my practice. There is one question that i want to ask you. Some times i think that all the work that I'm doing will always stuck whenever I'm in frond a big interval. Even an octave is Hard for me. Not even think about a 10th. I have small hands. Or perhaps a big piano :) So there are things i can'do. Or i can? What's your opinion about that?

[@Regan562]

thank you for the video, it’s really helped! do you have any tips for this when your hands are in really awkward positions? i’m working on ravel’s jeux d’eau and measure 68 has been giving me a lot of trouble as i’ve been polishing it. i do lots of slow practice always trying to relax into the shapes, but it feels harder to make clean so high up than in the other passages.

[@motif123456]

I have seen how jordan rudees of dreamtheatre plays scales and arpeggios.After knowing about these arm wrist weight stuff,it appears to me how ill trained Mr Jordan Rudees is.Most of the time Mr Rudees's wrists would be much lower than the level oc keyboards...hence his fingers would all be isolated without conveying the arm weights to thd keyboard.

[@themusiccorner7098]

Hi Josh! I absolutely love your videos! I am 14 years old and I have been playing piano since I was 6. But I still feel that I am not really at the right level as my peers who are the same age. I have been doing the Piano Adventures book since I was 7 and am 14 and doing level 3B. I am not really sure what to do at this point- whether I am am in the right level or not. The book doesn’t seem hard. Any advice?

[@captivator13]

Thank U bro Josh, so very helpful :)) Sam 🎵✌🏻

[@BeccaTaylorpiano]

This is very helpful. I’m just curious - thinking about the wrist, should it stay pretty neutral or do you advocate for “hanon” like rotation a lot?

[@leemotosuwa]

Josh, you are amazing. Do you think i can use those tips in any piece? Im studing Beethoven's Appassionata 3rd mov (a too large step to me but i wanted so much) and, when I saw your video I tried to aply your tips in a very slow tempo. I think It's working so well. Do you think I can aply It to this piece? Thank you for the video Os.: Sorry my english

[@caohoangminh1]

just for comparison 0:20 0:58

[@evariste78]

One often hears that it helps practicing a line in staccato. Why is this helping? Als because of it helps with the release?

[@fryderyckchopin484]

What's the name of the last piece he played?

[@raosahebsuryavanshi84]

Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D minor

[@metteholm4833]

The action, you are telling about is "leggiero" - isn´t it? Quite difficult.

[@johndeere7294]

Is there a video by Josh about practicing runs to get them cleaner/lighter/faster ? (Like Chopin Op. 9 No. 1 bar 73)

[@toppepp]

Camera over hands please.

[@Joshua_Hershensohn]

First.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Thanks for your loyalty Joshua!