An Article?

I received a commnet once not too long ago, that I shoud try to write articles about piano playing more. Sounds good. In fact, to an extent, I believe that I have shared some tips about playing piano by ear in my earlier entries. But if I were to write something official about this method, I'm afraid that I do not have enough experience nor expertise to teach on this subject matter. However, no one can deny the fact that I can share the little knowledge that I have, some tips that can make a play more interesting, even if yours truly have not even mastered it yet, some views and opinions and anything related. That's how I come about starting this blog thing.

I have related earlier how I became interested in piano playing as a child, and later in life when I finally had the opportunity to learn to play. Thus, I was looking for a short cut to learn fast. Playing by ear helped me to learn fast, but I can surely say it is not a short-cut. There are techniques to learn and tips to practise in order to be good. It still require disciplines and a great desire to learn. Simple yet perplexing, to an extent.

So, who will actually benefit rom this technique? Everyone! Or rather, anyone who loves to play piano. Be it a total beginner, or even an 8th grader pianist. This method can be an advantage to beginners since it provided a fast learning technique, and as an enrichment to those who already plays beautifully.

As someone whom I can safely say, plays piano fairly well, 'so-so', where one can guess what song she's playing, but not quite sure if its in the right tempo, accompaniments or even chords, and not without the wrong stroke of keys or a beat too fast, I seldom perform to a live audience. Maybe once or twice. Or rather, twice or thrice...haha!

But last weekend, a friend managed to persuade me to play a song before they leave. "A pianist should never turn down a request to perform" she said, or something along that line.

So on the bench I sat, my finger started to glide around the keys to my 'safest' song, 'Love Story'. And as usual, haha...my normal imperfect song.

What can I say? Although my friends applauded and encouraged, I know that somehow, some way, I have to start to learn how to improve. Nope, not another piano class for me, at the moment. Thatn is not my priority. The answer is practise, practise, practise. The challenge is, I am doing it mentally, in my mind, and my heart...lol. In between my blogging, my surfing, fish feeding, cooking, gardening, cats, etc etc etc

And the search for the right move goes on...

P Ramlee Serenade

Its been a while since I last updated my blogs. I didn't realise it until a 'Friend' pointed it out that I have not been 'around' in my Great Minds Think Alike blog. Well, Friend, (whatever your name is), I'm back, at least for this entry.

And for some sentimental reason, I am enclosing here another one of my humble play from the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee, whom ironicaly got his Tan Sri title only after his demise, and not before. Here Jeritan Batin Ku and part of Jangan Tinggal Daku.

As I started on the first key, and throughout the play, my mind wanders through several things that happens in my life. (Edited: A phrase taken out due to personal reasons) I do feel some heavy feelings which I cannot explain why, even to myself.

Ooohh...enough of that! "I am a happy person, and I am grateful with my life!" Alhamdulillah...!

Back to my piano play, I strongly feel that I need to change and improve my style further. Somehow the transfer of feelings was lacking. Maybe I need to play in Emajor instead of A minor. And don't mention the techniques! And rhythms....and tempo...lol! And I dream to play like one of those hotel pianist...with all the strong strums and sweet fill-ins, with suave and precision!

Somehow, my biggest challenge is myself. Passion, oh I am passionate about playing, and motivation?...I am motivated! Haha...complicated person, I am. Well, just don't bother about me. I'll get on with my life....and you with yours! Lets wish other the best!! :)

Tribute to a Legend

Even Now

Fallen Love

Piano Practice

Just an excerpt of a sales e-mail I read today in my inbox. A good reminder for me so I am saving it here. :)

Here's a handy little checklist you can use foryour piano practice:
1. Find time to practice.
2. Practice the same scales.
3. Learn a new piano piece.
4. Get stuck on specific measures and could notmove on.
5. Practice on same piece and try to make itfluent.
6. Figure out correct fingering.
7. Make an effort to count rhythm correctly.
8. etc etc
9. Call it a day, go to bed, start againtomorrow.

If you're like 80% of piano players today, that's what your day is like. Stuck. Frozen. Unable to move forward with your piano playing.If you don't change your practice routine TODAY,you're going to kill your passionslowly (and drive yourself crazy), by doing thesame thing everyone else does.

=====What Was Wrong With This?=====

Music making is not just about practicing. It isabout understanding how music is put together. Doyou know why it is important to understandscales? What about chords, inversions... modulation... etc.

Most of your "practice" time is spent on the same old routine. By the time you're done, you have almost no energy or braincells left. Not to mention the whole practice routine is unintereting and boring.You need to understand how things are puttogether. Why is it important to understand different musical skills and how they are going to affect your piano playing.

Am I ordering? Not just yet! I am still passionate, I will never find it boring nor routine. I am enjoying my new found skill, still exploring my capabilities and find it a challenge to better myself and improve further.

Thanks anyway!!

One Day In Your Life

What do I do without..........................YOU-tube ! LOL!