FAQ  |  recommended resources  |  piano: bare essentials  |  Effective Practice & Motivation

Below are some of the many different aspects involved in learning how to practice effectively.

Environment | Goals  | Musical Form | Rhythm | Fingering |  Posture & Tension | Method | Working for Speed 
Tone | Memory | Motivation

Working for Speed

Working for speed often requires slow practice. Try to keep a steady tempo. Be careful not to increase the speed before you are ready. You should be able to play the piece (or section) comfortably and maintain a steady tempo before trying to increase the speed. Try memorizing passages before increasing the speed.

At a slow tempo, it makes sense to use small counting units such as '1e&a 2e&a' but as you increase the speed it becomes necessary to switch to larger units such as '1 & 2 &' and then just '1 2'. You will find that the more you are able to think in larger units, the easier it will be to play faster. Taking this idea further, try thinking half measures, then try feeling the measure as the unit and then two measures or even four measures. Thinking in large units not only facilitates faster playing, it also helps make the section sound more musical.