3 Questions to Always Ask Before Practicing Piano

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[@billhasty5197]

Great advice. Truer words have never been spoken.

[@valeyard00]

Good advice. And playing songs you really really like is great motivation.

[@samm4980]

Amazingly well put, Steve. This truly puts a lot in perspective for me.
I'm fortunate that I have two fantastic instructors for my lessons. Your lessons and style fit more of what I am better at, more comfortable with, and likely enjoy more than reading notes from a staff. My in-person lessons focus more on sight reading, but also incorporate improv and chords, but she brings in music from all genres and eras. I've also never done the first scale in class (although I have learned major and minor ones on my own), because she always says "I have students who can play perfect scales, but can't play 'Mary had a little lamb' all the way through."
To me, I've always been type of person who wants as much information as possible. I like to read music because it is a challenge for me in comparison to playing by chord charts, and because it helps me "fill in the gaps" when I can't pick up little details from the chord chart or by ear. I love playing with chords, improv, and by ear because it is fun, comes more naturally to me, and really fits more of what I want to do with this (playing the popular/rock music I enjoy, singing along, and maybe one day being able to join in with the praise team at church). For me, I like the fact that I can identify a chord on a page when I see it in traditional notation, and learning scales has helped me learn chords basically as much as the inverse is also true: learning chords has helped me learn scales
When I get frustrated on piano, it is most likely when I'm reading notes from a staff vs. following your approach. If I get frustrated, I either walk away or play something that I am comfortable with to reframe my mindset. If I'm just not having a good day at any of it, I step away before thoughts get too destructive.
Long-winded (like always) from me, but I cannot thank you enough for all the insight you've provided me for years. I've watched this channel for probably a decade and wish I'd gotten into this sooner.

[@DrDAP]

Hi Steve, Thank you for your thought-provoking presentation. The three questions made me focus on my dream of accomplishment at the piano and asking, am I practicing what I need to be successful? Everyday is a blessing and I feel wonderful everyday and all day. It is a privilege to be able to go to this fine instrument and try to make music. Sitting down to study both physically and mindfully is one of my joys of the day.
1. I want to play from lead sheets from the American Song Book of Standards, Cocktail Lounge style. I like melodic songs and when I find one in "today's music" I will add that to my repertoire.
2. I spend most of my practice time learning 2-5-1 progressions and 7th chords. The other almost drill is using inversions in progressions and learning which one should follow the first one, ie starting with the 1st inversion chord, moving to the 2nd inversion of the next chord with the correct fingering. I am trying to move smoothly and efficiently.
3. I have joy and peace in my life so I do not experience "bad days."
I enjoyed your song and you sang it with such emotion which evoked emotion in me as I listened. The different intonations in your voice were well received. Thank you.

[@tedrees8261]

Thanks Steve. Good advice. Currently working on my left hand competence. Get that left hand as good as my right.

[@RussCampbell11]

My journey from piano lessons aged 8 til 16 doing the Michael Aaron books, easy to play Abba, Beatles etc. RSM exams learning scales and classical pieces for Grades 1 to 3 and also the RSM theory exams.

[@ConsoleKits]

I’ve watched you on and off for years. We share a love for Billy Joel. More recently I’ve been watching more and practicing more; aimed at hitting my goal.
First. Thank you.
Since I was 12 (now in my 40s), I’ve wanted to play: Tomorrow is Today, Nocturne, Honestly and Vienna.
I’ve struggled for years to get to the level where I think I could sit down and learn these songs. I guess I felt I needed to “get good” before I could learn what I love.
6 weeks of practicing your style (goal and focused oriented, have fun) made huge improvements!
I can play these songs on Guitar, so I just started learning the songs that way. Your 5 chords video was extremely helpful. It just felt like I was applying guitar knowledge I already had to piano!
I’m happy to report that I’ve reach a goal of learning the Billy Joel songs enough to “fake through it” 😂. My left hand is still simple and without a click my timing is off for sure.
But I’m having so much fun! I feel I’ve “blooped” about 10 times recently.
Dude. You’re awesome. Also, this video about asking yourself these 3 questions. Dang. I feel like it can apply in so many things outside of piano!

[@PianoManSteve]

Thanks so much for the feedback! Keep up the great work! 😎🎹🎶🎤

[@Reptile8740]

This is all super great advice! So glad you mentioned the "plateaus" cause it took me a good 3 years to truly understand and be okay with that progress isnt an upward slope. I thankfully just love to play bass so whether or not I have goals im always playing it just cause its an extension of me at this point, but it took me years to get that feeling. Like you said, acknowledge and try to be self aware in the moments that youre being hard on yourself etc and take a step back and examine that day or just think of all the time you already spent and realize not everyday will be the same and thats okay. This is great advice for all musicians!

[@keschris]

Thanks Steve, helps the focus.

[@user-bn7jx9zg4f]

Great video!! Thanks so much for this content, I greatly appreciate it! You've helped me to become a much better pianist. As someone who plays by ear, ( I can understand most everything on a page of sheet music, but can't translate that into my fingers haha!) your method has worked very well for me. I'm visiting London this summer, and one of the things I most want to do is play a signed piano Elton John donated to St. Pancras train station. Your videos helped me to learn a few of my favorite Elton John songs in order to make that dream a possibility! Thank you, Steve, and keep up the good work!!

[@sweatcentralny7749]

Thank you for making such a heartfelt and helpful video.
I am 63 and started playing 4 months ago. I can play acoustic guitar.
Like you, my main goal is to be able to play pop songs - love Billy Joel and Elton John - as a sing along.
I really enjoy practicing - I play every day.
Any tips for practice programs for that? Any lessons on your site?