I recently starting taking keyboard lessons at the end of January, and I'm having a bit of trouble with it because my teacher tells me that I don't relax my arms and my fingers enough. It is hard for me to relax the way she wants me to, since I type at my job most of the day and am used to holding my shoulders and arms a certain way while I'm on the computer.

It gets extremely frustrating for me because at every lesson my teacher grabs my arm and rotates my wrist, telling me to "relax, relax" which I find hard to do (I really want to tell her to stop doing that because it irks me). She also tells me that I should strike the keyboard in a bit of a circular motion. I'm puzzled about this, and am wondering if this is the way that all piano teachers teach students to play, or if the teacher just does it this way because it is the way that she was taught (she has a masters degree in music, so I trust that she knows what the heck she is doing). I also wonder if striking the keys in a bit of a circular motion would prevent you from getting carpal tunnel syndrome, and if that is another reason why this technique is used.

I would appreciate your comments and feedback, since I am new at this. I know that "practice makes perfect", but I am wondering if this is the universal technique that all piano teachers use. Thanks.

she's teaching you technique, which bad teachers sometimes forget to do.
It takes time to get used to it, but it's worth the trouble. Once you get used to it, it'll be easier for you to play the keyboard, and it'll sound better.

ok...it sounds like u could be on a bad path...if u find the teachers method annoying ,although what she is teaching sounds correct,

it may be worth finding another teacher who does not annoy you, or discussing the mater with present teacher.

u don't want to be discouraged at such an early stage by something like this.

.

[This message was edited Sun Mar 30 14:41:56 PST 2003 by katt]

Phil said:

I agree, as a teacher myself, the teacher-student relationship is very important.

she´s teaching U the tecnique she´s been tought,
& sometimes that block your way ´cause it don´t feel
right.
try 2 sit down by the piano by your self,concentrate
on what it feels like when u play.
what it is that don´t feel right when U practice & just
concentrate on that.
I think that if U just find a way that feels good
the "right" technique 4 U will come automaticly.

it seems that U get frustrated while working with your
teacher & that will get in your way.
it should B fun playing,so maybe your teacher is not the best 4U,cause I know that if U have the right teacher
U´ll B making progress.
good luck!!!
/peace manki

i was always taught to play the way u feel comfortable..every instructor has a different method i guess.so..just play the way u feel comfortable with and u'll be fine

I agree with the responses about the teacher/student relationship. If it isn't working, you need to find another teacher. Forcing someone into a position is not good in my book.

Having said that, the circular motion she is teach is an important aspect of tone, touch and technique that you really need to master.

In regard to stiffness, I would not concentrate on getting rid of this problem, instead I would concentrate on these:

1) work on tone, touch, technique and concentrate on the sound you are producing

2) make sure you work on pieces that you really like and keep playing them even when you have mastered the basics of them

If you do these things, your stiffness will naturally disappear over a year or two as you become more comfortable and confident.

I play all by ear anyway, so I wouldn't be of help with technicalities, but, I can agree that having your own feel to it will help. I only took one lesson when I was younger. I know how to read music, I just don't alot of the time. Trying to read it stifles me when I am jammin. But, if I could go to a technical school of music (if I had the time and money) I would definetly do it. Just develop your own style and don't let anyone else tell you what funky is.

What iz comfortable 4 1 person might not B 4 some 1 else.

U might B taller, shorter, R have longer R shorter fingers.Alwayz play N a position that iz com4table 4 U.

Az long az U play what he/she iz teaching she should not B concerned.

Thanks everybody, for your helpful hints. I appreciate it.

.
[This message was edited Mon Mar 31 5:49:22 PST 2003 by katt]