Friday, November 28, 2008

Ydiana Dreams Again.....

She went into the shop again. Everytime she goes to a mall that have that kind of shop, she cannot resist not to go in. Be it 10 times or 20 times. Regardless where the mall is. Regardless what model is available..... And she couldn't help but press some of the keys. What a pressing matter!

Sighhhh...!


And she plays like this....!


Dream on, Ydiana! Perhaps one day, maybe?

Friday, November 14, 2008

Lucky!

I could've gone another direction
Lucky I chose this way

I might lead a different life
Lucky my path takes me here to this day

I once wanted a to cross to greener pasture
Lucky I'm thankful and grateful with what I have

I never imagine how blissful life is
Lucky I was shown the Right direction

So I wonder, is it Luck, or is it Destiny
But I do know that I am lucky, whatever I am

Friday, October 31, 2008

Long Awaited Promise...

The music for this song is soothing and melodious. Most of Broery's songs are. That's why I like it. Its a beautiful love song about honesty and accepting your lover as they are.

I play this song as a request from my good online friend, DJ. Sorry it took so long. DJ, feel free to dedicate this song to your lovely Nur, and I also want to dedicate this song to my heart throb. Everybody else can also dedicate this song to anyone significant in your life. Free for all. I won't charge, especially when my humble play is still full of wrong keys and chords. :)

If you've never heard this song before, you can click here or just browse my earlier post to listen to the song. Then maybe you can have a better idea, of what I am rambling about, in this post, and on the piano keyboard. ;p

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Hero again...sung by Bridgette

This pretty young lady made a nice comment at my Youtube video on this Hero song. When I posted on youtube, I had no other intention than to post it back in my own blog. That's the only way I know how. I tried to upload direct from my camera and pc video but it seemed to take up forever. And with youtube, I almost forgetten that the whole world can access you.

Anyway, I like how Bridgette play and sing this song along. She's a very talented girl!



Now, dare I hope that one day, 'The Mariah Carey' will be listening to my play online? Who knows? Maybe....? :) And I need to practise, pratise, practise!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

This movie is really hillarious! I mentioned abouit it earlier. I can watch it again and again, I will still laugh so much. Unfortunately the copy that I had was in VCR format (so passe, so obsolete...!) and I don't have a video player anymore. And I doubt I can find the tape too.

Now, as I found this clip on youtube, I still laugh at the excerpts. My next mission is to locate where I can get this movie in VCD or better still in DVD.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Heart

I don't watch too many movies and the ones that I watch are mostly comedies. And most of the time, I won't remember much except whether its a good movie, average or bad. Seldom that I would watch a movie over again and again except these few. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels had me laugh off my seats,Dumb and Dumber and such are also hillarious. Winter Sonata and Autumn in My Heart kept my tissue box busy.

And I love symbolic movies. This Indonesian movie My Heart featured about two years ago with only about 3-5 actors/actresses acting, is suprisingly impactful to me especially the ending which really took me by suprise. Never had I suspected throughout the movie that Rachel will die and amazingly donated her heart to Luna. Well, you'll only know what I mean if you have watched this movie.

In the meantime, these two songs are still my favourites till now.



Friday, September 19, 2008

So the story goes...

I'm not a political blogger, nor am I a politician, or even a writer. I'd really like to share my views on politics, and there are so many things that is disturbing now, and yet I cannot express fluently how I feel or even update on factual incidents. My uncertainties, uneasiness, current nation's instability, the declining financial strength..the lowest KLCI index today etc. My blogger friends, Cikgu Kata Tak Nak can deliver a very cynically comical scenarios, while Shah Cakapaje subtly point his views across in the most creative way. Tehsin Begum can really shout it out, and I can only read and participate the only way I know, and the only way I know how.

So, this is my way... Out of topic..Hahaha!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Into Broery Marantika

Once you heard his song, you wanna hear more. And I remembered one of his best hit performance, Widuri. I just found out that the original singer is Bob Titipoli. Never heard of him before, though. Just saw him on youtube first time today.

Taking a Breather

I need a break! From No Air! Been practising the song, physically, and mentally. Mostly mentally, actually. Hahaha... still not getting any nearer to Mrkeyzzz's. In fact, very very far.

Need a soothing song to kill off the song for a while.

Maybe a Broery Marantika number might help. Help!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

No Air Tutorial

Anyone interested to learn how to play 'No Air', here's a link for you. I see some of my visitors actually wanted to learn how to play this song since a couple of months ago. I haven't got any copyright to post it here, yet, and I will be asking permission from the 'teacher' soon. But after a few days, if this post is no longer here, that means the teacher mrkeyzzz does not approve me posting his work here, hahaha!

This tutorial is especially useful for play by ear pianists. Personally, when trying to learn from this video, I couldn't quite catch up the lesson easily. But its enlightening nevetheless, because you can get ideas on how to play it, and how to play it differently.



And this is how Mrkeyzzz plays the whole song. Amazing isn't it? I wish I could play like that...sigh!




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Sunday, August 24, 2008

No Air Music Notes

My friend once asked me, how do you 'play by ear'? Do you use your ear to hit the keys, and she giggled gleefully.

With my limited knowledge, I answered her that its a skill that you can transfer what music you hear to the piano keys and expressed it from there. I read somewhere that its a mysterious subconscious learning process we all have will have been integrating and working on how to make that tune sound right.

How do we play by ear? We need to pick up the tune. Better if you have the tune played in your head, in other words, familiarise yourself with it. Transfer the tune with your right hand for the melody keys. Then find the chords.

For most of us who played by ear, we only need to know the chords to play a song. Like the song, No Air, that I have included below, Play by Ear pianist can automatically play this song. So, for any fellow Play by Ear pianist, here's for you!

To listen to the song NO AIR.

*********************************************************************
No Air
In F#


Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air

Intro (F# E G#m B)

F#
If I should die before I wake
E
It's 'cause you took my breath away
G#m B
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh



F#
I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave
E
My heart won't move, it's incomplete
G#m B
If there was a way that I can make you understand





F# E
But how do you expect me
G#m
to live alone with just me
B
'Cause my world revolves around you
F#
It's so hard for me to breathe


F# E
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
G#m
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
B
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
F#
It's no air, no air


E
Got me out here in the water so deep
G#m
Tell me how you gonna be without me
B
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
F#
It's no air, no air



(F# E G#m B)
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air



F#
I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew
E
Right off the ground to float to you
G#m B
There's no gravity to hold me down for real


F#
But somehow I'm still alive inside
C#m
You took my breath, but I survived
G#m B
I don't know how, but I don't even care



F E
So how do you expect me
G#m
to live alone with just me
B
'Cause my world revolves around you
F#
It's so hard for me to breathe

Monday, August 18, 2008

Kris Dayanti - Menghitung Hari

She is trying to express herself through music.

She is performing for self actualization.

She tries to apply unconscious competence whild doing numerous conscious incompetence.

She is counting the days...

She is breaking all the rules in the book.......hehehe

And she doesn't care...!

Menghitung Hari by Kris Ydiana....


And to enjoy the real Kris Dayanti...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Hero

As I was practising this song, I remembered this stages of learning from a book called NLP, Neuro Linguistic Programming by Dr Harry Adler.

uncounscious competence
conscious competence
conscious incompetence
unconscious imcompetence

My goal in piano playing is to reach the level of unconscious competence. Looking at the stages, I am probably in between conscious incompetence towards conscious competence. I dare say, however, my right hand playing is definitely at that top level, eversince I know how. If a song is familiar to me, I can pick up the melody with my right hand anytime, well, most of the song, most of the time.

There are times, when I did reach the first level when I play a very familiar song, provided I have a clear mind and less distractions. But reality is, it seldom happen, at the moment.

So when I played this song, at times, I did play with unconscious competence and you may notice when I became conscious incompetence, and most of the time, you'll find me at conscious competence level.

Whatever.....!

Here's the Hero, for all my friends.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Looking Through The Eyes Of Love

Theme from Ice Castles. I always wonder about this movie, because I've never watched it. Somehow I love this song because it sounded magical. So this is the first few songs I chose to play once I learned up the basics.

The song is quite versatile in speed. But so are other most songs..lol. Some people play it fast and lively, there are the slow melodious ones. Within my capacity, I have to play it in middle pace, too slow, someone will fall asleep, faster one takes lots of skill and practice.





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Please, don't let this feeling end
Its everthing I am
Everything I wanna be
I can see what's mine now
Finding out what's true
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

Now I can take the time
I can see my life
As it come up shining now
Reaching out to touch you
I can feel so much
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love


And now...I do believe
That even in my storm will find some light
Knowing you're beside me
I'm alright


Please, don't let this feeling end
It might not come again
And I want to remember
How it feels to touch you
How I feel so right
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

Monday, August 4, 2008

Intro Only

This special song is something else. It has all the beautiful lyrics, melodius melody, soothing music, encouraging words....but the chords on the 2nd chorus (to me) are almost impossible. At one point, I thought I got it. I wrote it down on the sheet. But when I play it again, it still doesn' t sound too right.

"Lord knows..dreams are hard to follow...indeed! C, Bflat minor, Dm, ......got it, lost it again. Ok, if anyone have any input or have played this song before, do let me know, k. Am still trying. So far, no luck looking at song books and online resources.

But...as not to dissapoint a few friends, here are the intro. The rest of the song will come when its ready, ok. :)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Hero for Sis Dalilah

'Hero' by Mariah Carey. I've been trying to practise this song. I can't seem to get the chord right for the part after the chorus. There is a term for it, but I really don't know what it is called. The lyric starts with.....'Lord knows...dreams are hard to follow.. My guess is its played and sung in a different key than the rest of the song, and maybe a note higher. The rest of the songs sounds just right in E.

Guess what I decided to do after several 'yet to be successful' attempts?

Hide and seek?


I want that too...!


Ready to pounce!


This song is to be dedicated to my new friend, Sis Dalilah. She is undergoing chemo treatments for a recurring breast cancer. Since I'm still struggling at it, let's just hear from the original singer instead.


Sis, I know you are a strong lady with a brave heart the minute I set eyes on you. It feels magical to meet you, versus meeting in cyber world.You are an inspiration to many. You'll be alright, and our prayers are always with you for a great recovery, insyaAllah.
And dont forget to take that lemongrass drink, possibly 8 times a day!

Monday, July 21, 2008

And I Love You So

I like this song, I've heard it before quite often, but only last week I learned about Perry Como from Shah Cakapaje. It is quite a popular and evergreen song, I believe. So, here's my attempt at this song.


However, if I were a piano critic, here would be the comments:

1. Reduce mistakes

2. Too simple

3. Right hand should use more chord playing

4. Need finer fill ins

5. Improve on beats

6. Innacurate keys

7. Need better accompaniments

8. Smoothen the whole flow

9. etc

10. etc (You are free to add more, but please be kind...and honest...hahaha...!)


Well, if you can accept what's listed above, then only you should click on play. Otherwise, please ....enter at your own risk. ;)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Ballade Pour Adeline Music Sheet

While going through my traffic counter, I saw that my blog is being googled numerously to find how to play Ballade Pour Adeline. Of course I know they can only find a play by Richard Clayderman.

So, for those who still need the notes, here is it! Have fun!




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Friday, July 11, 2008

I Survived My Second Performance

I slept, I eat, I breathe, I sweat...Magic. I even dreamt about it one night. A song I was not familiar with. And, finally its ready, but still, not without wrong stroke of keys or embarassing mistakes. (You can imagine me wincing, everytime it happens)And a very much simplified version. Oh well... Next song request will be from a list of my 'known' songs, if not give me 365 days to master...hahaha!

Have a listen... but if you want to hear the real thing, you can find Barry Manilow 'live' posted in my earlier entry, Could it Be Magic.


Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Bye Bye

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock...



Especially for people of my past....

Friday, July 4, 2008

Could It Be Magic - Need To Practise Now

I have a request from a friend, Shah Cakapaje to play this very nice song by Barry Manilow, 'Could it be Magic'. Sounds magical indeed. Actually I am not too familiar with this number, but I believe I've heard it before.

So with the wonderful current technology, I googled youtube and will try to learn from some of those pro pianist, and even from Barry Manilow himself. In this video, Manilow must've been very young! First time I see his 'youngish' look! Hahaha...


He also mentioned that he used Chopin's Predule in C Minor for intro of this song. There's an Alex playing in the next video.


So, depending on how fast I learn up, will determine whether the Chopin's Prelude will be in my play or not, about a week from now. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock .... gotta practise now! Cheers!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

First Performance from an Amateur Pianist

I have finally learned how to upload...but it took more than 6 hours to put it directly in my blog. So to cover-up a futile attempt, I have no choice but to 'youtube' it, a process which I never dreamed of doing. Some of my frineds suggested that before, but I always shrugged off the idea.

But today, due to my frustration, I closed one eye and 'youtube' it. It is by no means perfect, in fact, please excuse the mistakes and the wrong strokes of keys.

Oh my gosh..where am I gonna hide my face..but, wait a minute. I did not show my face! So, however bad is my play, nobody can laugh in my face!! Yaaay!

So, here goes..... (am covering my face with my hands now)



Love story, one of the first few songs that I apply and practise on 'play by ear'. Find the melody, then the chords. After listening to Clayderman's style, I applied to some parts, but not all...too advanced. I will master it one day.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Cats - Memory and Intelligence


I love this song. Memory by Cats. I'm learning this from Richard Clayderman's song book. I'll probably will apply this pianist's techniques too.


Talking about cats, I have to say that my Minty is so intelligent. And cats surely have very good memory too.

Eversince Minty miraculously got home, he's been behaving differently, and we only noticed it after a few days. No, he's not acting wild, despite being 6 days away from home. In fact, he's even more affectionate. You call him from one end, and he'll come running from the other end to greet you. Wet Minty after a bath.

Lately he's been spraying around the house! Initially I thought it was Oreo. Poor Oreo. When Minty got home, he still tried to pick a fight, so back in the 4 storey apartmnet he go. Then, even after Oreo is confined, we smell it at various parts of the house, indoor and outdoor. Oh dear, it is Minty's doing. And the maid remarked that he did it here, he did it there. After thinking long and hard, I decided that Minty has to be a strictly outdoor cat. Breaks my heart, but it had to be done.

I did some googling why this change of behaviour, and possible causes and the most obvious one is territorial instinct. But he never did it before. My thought is, most probably on his 6 days 'adventure' he's met with other cats from other homes, and learn from there...hahaha. No, maybe other cats are doing that to deter him from coming near their grounds.

Another possible reason is Honey. A new addition that he feels threatened to. At first they seemed to get along fine, smelling each other, only once in a while Honey will hissed back at him. He insisted on eating Honey's special kitten meal. At one point, he even tried to climb over her, but luckily I saw and screamed at that.

So now we train Minty to stay outdoor. He did try to enter, but for the time being, until he learns, all door will be kept closed. Poor Minty...

However he is a very smart cat. Number one, he managed to get home from nowhere after 6 days! This neighbourhood is new to him, less than 2 months. Being an indoor/outdoor cat must have helped his instinct.

Number two, while he knows doors are closed to him, he'll try his best to come in. He was sucessful a few times only to be led outside again. And the other day when I was gardening, he came and rub himself around me (probably to leave his scent all over me, I am his property..haha) when he heard my maid open the back door, and her ran quickly towards that door trying to get in. We were from the other side of the house, and he can hear that.

Number three, I think now he's finally got it. He understands now that he has to stay outdoor. Maybe not 100% percent yet, but unlike before, he no longer wait for the door to be opened for him to jump in. He will stay put and watch our face or expression whether we'll let him in.

Poor Minty. My heart goes out to him. Its not his fault that he feels the need to spray his territory everywhere, cats being cats. But I think he's adjusted to this new arrangement wonderfully. I love you, Minty. And Honey, and Oreo.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Ballade Pour Adeline


Richard Clayderman, the famous pianist that has been a major influence on my interest in piano. He is a French pianist who has released numerous albums, including arrangements of popular music, and popular piano works of Beethoven, Chopin and Mozart.

His recordings focus mainly on popular music and orchestral arrangements of well-known romantic songs, such as Yesterday, The Sound of Silence and Memory.

Clayderman started studying to play piano at age six, and he was accepted at Conservatoire de Paris in Paris at age 12. He became famous with "Ballade pour Adeline" which is composed by French musical producer Paul de Senneville.

The single became an instant success, selling 22 million copies in 38 countries. Since then, he has recorded over 1000 songs and has become one of the most successful instrumental recording artists in the world, with reported record sales in excess of 70 million units worldwide.



Ballade Pour Adeline...simple yet challenging to master. Been practising this piece, but yet to perfect, especially on the crescendo.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

My Heart

I would say these songs were my strongest motivator to learn piano chords. I can pick up the melody on the right hands easily, but struggled to frustration on the leftie. So I closed one eye and swiped my credit card to take up the class and graduated Level 1 & 2 in 6 months.

From The Begining Until Now


The Song


The Hearthrob
















Autumn in my Heart


The Song



I will post more soon...

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Friday, June 13, 2008

Honeybun Is Here!!

I have double joy between today and yesterday. Maybe more, but these 2 are top of the list, so far.



The vet called yesterday. They finally got a replacement kitten for me. Actually I was the one who instructed them to get this kitten of my choice from a trusted breeder. Since Minty escaped, they offered a replacement for me. I know I cannot take another male, or risk having Oreo chewing it to pieces. He's really protecting his territory now. I should have the videocam ready the next time he chased stray cats out of our compound.

So I got this sweet little bi-color red(as the Cat book term it) furball, actually orange in colour and white, 2 1/2 months old. She's a flat face persian type .... doesn't sound so flattering, but this one is really sweet and cute. And she's named 'Honeybun'.

Honey adapted well to her new home. She's so adorable and playful. Should see how she chased after feet(s) and brakes and slides on the slippery floor. So comical! And in-between playtime, she napped a few times. Once we had to keep her in her 'house' in the kitchen. She meowed so loud in protest, but seconds later, she was dozing off. Just like a real baby, crying before going to sleep. So that's supposed to be a happy ending.

However, the real joy came in this morning. Minty's home!! By true miracle, Minty found his way back 2.5km away seperated by fields, a river and a few housing areas, not to mention busy streets, in 6 days! Cats instincts is so strong, you never know how strong it can be. Until now, I really can't believe that he's really home like nothing had happened. He's still the same Minty whos's so sweet and obedient, comes to you when called and rolls on his back ready to be massaged. And boy..was he hungry. Keeps going back to his dish several times after minutes.

Now... what do I tell the vet. They had just forked out Rm1000 for Honeybun. Any advise, please? Whatever it is, I am keeping Honey.

I take this opportunity to thank all the well-wishers for Minty's return, namely Shah Cakapaje, Shirzad Lifeboat, Mr U.Lee, Jaflam, Amy, and everyone else who prayed for his safe return, and I believe that your positive belief led him back home. Thank you so much...!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Chicago

Songs I listened on my trip...but its not to Chicago.











A scenic spot





Oreo - Comot. 10 days overdue for a bath

Monday, June 9, 2008

No Air! No Air!

Surfing from Mr Lee's, to Amy's to Toughcookie's and she mentioned about this song. Nice!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Somewhere Out There...

From Mommy to Minty...



From Minty to Mommy...

My Story...

I am supposed to write about my trip to a beautiful scenic location, and probably upload some pictures and some of the songs that I listened to along the way. But my heart is somewhere else right now.

Last night I went to a wedding. It was drizzling on the highway. Suddenly right before my eyes, I saw a small lorry about to hit the divider from the opposite direction. I was too shocked to scream, and in seconds, some splattered glass hit my windscreen. The small lorry crashed into the divider right by me as I passed through in the opposite lane. I cannot imagine what will happen if the divider was not there... I am so grateful and thank God to still be here writing on my beloved laptop.

At the wedding, I smiled at everyone. I greet them, as I should. Little did they know that I was crying inside. No, not because of the accident, (nor was the groom my ex-boyfriend..hahaha..) I can still laugh?

My heart was still lingering on yesterday afternoon. After coming back from my trip, Minty was especially 'manja'. I guessed he did missed me. Its also time for his bath. Normally he gets an in-house bath treatment, but this time I decided to do a 'spring-clean' on him since he is now an indoor/outdoor cat. So off to the vet we went. Its a first time to this vet, coz we had just moved into this neighbourhood. After reminding Minty to 'be good' I went off for some other plans.

As I was still around with my chores, the vet called and said that my cat escaped. Am I hearing it right? I demanded that they find Minty. To my dismay, they can't find him anywhere. When I got there, I went round the back alleys of the whole blocks, but Minty was nowhere to be seen. What am I to say? How can they let this happen? This is unheard of!

They want to compensate me with a new cat. That's not the question. Minty has been with me for three years and has been such a darling part of the family. Minty is such a gentle and loving cat.

So at the wedding, I see happy faces, I see delightful smiles and I hear heartfelt laughter. Sometimes I joined in, at other times I looked away. I can't be telling the world that I lost a cat at a joyful event, can't I? Because if I did, I might just risk shedding tears and spoil my make-up (hahaha...again).

And it was raining last night, as if enjoining my sorrow. I don't know if Minty has a shelter or food. I hope someone would feed him or he can find food somewhere. I pray that he is safe, wherever he is, and with miracle, find his way home, 2.5km away...

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Minty's Message


From Minty to Shah...

Sorry that you said goodbye before we even met...

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Getaran Jiwa

Getaran Jiwa, one of my regular and favorite 'performance' on piano. And fancy this 'mat saleh', Mr Raymond Crooke amazingly sings this song with real feelings. Bravo, Mr Crooke!



And the original, Tan Sri P.Ramlee. Enjoy...

Friday, May 23, 2008

Haydn's Sonata in C Minor

My friend Daphne mentioned that this piece is her favourite. Since I never heard it before, I am posting it here so that we can all enjoy it. And amazingly this little genius play it beautifully. I can't stop staring at her fingers on they keys, so fast and swift and accurate too.

Hey Daph, do you play like this?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

I Have Another New Passion(s)

Lately I am guilty of not practising enough. Why?

1. I think I am spending a little bit more time blogging. I made some new nice friends online, writing comments and feedback and update my blogs.

2. Since my garden is ready with the grass, now I am motivated to plant some trees. I always dreamed of having a 'herbal garden' where I will plant all my cooking needs like lemongrass, tumeric, curry leaves, lime, chillies etc. etc. Whenever I need to use them, I don't need to dig my refrigerator to find a skinny twig of almost dried lemograss from last week, or ran out of chillies and need to drive to supermarket just to buy that. The only thing I can't plant now is rice coz my backyard is not big enough for a padi field that can last me a week's supply.

3. My cats, Oreo and Minty, are starting to demand for more attention, now that I am converting them from a confined cats to totally free house cats. My story and pictures on them in my Great Minds blog.

But, all the same, I still love piano playing. It still give me much pleasure that I treasure, even though I'm not 'that good' yet. Need to practise on new sets of nostalgic songs like Eternal Flame, St Elmo Fires, Cavatina Deer Hunter and maybe..... Chopin's Nocturne in C Sharp minor.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Hannah plays Chopin Nocturne #20 in C Sharp Minor

I was at my friend Shirzad Lifeboat's blog on Hitler and Chopin Nocturne #20 in C Sharp Minor and I look it up to hear the piece and found this cute little girl Hannah playing the song.

Monday, May 12, 2008

I Want To Play Like This..!

Imagine....

I may be able to play this song, but this perfect...? Takes lots of time to learn and practice. Somehow, I will get there, soon....

In the meantime, enjoy this piece by 'Honouredman' from YouTube.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Hand Switching

When listening to songs, I sometimes notice that they (the pianists) play the melody using the right hand and the chord the left hand.

I tried to play it that way. Not too successful. In fact, disastrous...hahaha.

So I tried again using the basic. One hand at a time. Left hand on the melody. Quite a high success rate, but very slow and of course some mistakes here and there. It doesn't come as naturally as my right hand.

I'll try again tomorrow and if it works, try the chords on the right hand. Should be easier.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

The Feel...

As I was practising my favorite songs this morning, I realised that there is one element that need to be present when playing the piano. This is crucial especially when you play by ear.

The feel of the song. Whenever you play, you must have the song in your mind, feel the music, the rhythm and the melody. And you transfer all that to the keys when you play the song. Sometimes I even sing in my heart when I play. (Can't sing it out loud. It'll distract my own playing..hahaha)

That actually helps me a lot in my rhythm of the song, beacuse I am yet to master the consistent tempo and beat of the songs. It is my weakness in playing piano at the moment. However playing the song in your mind and simultaneously playing the keys keeps my songs in the right tune.

But that doesn't mean I should ignore practising the beat. I must, I must, I must...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Fun Easy Sound

I have a fun tip for you! Try playing the F# G# A# then C D E from the 2nd octave on the left and continuosly a few octaves up until maybe the 2nd last on the right. Got it? The feel and the effect... cool right. Then play it down using the same keys. Try doing it faster. Sound like some dramatic effect? Teach this to the kis. They'll love it! Have fun!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Love the Internet!!

I just love today's technology when you can actually learn lotsa new things from the internet. I just learn a few more tricks on piano playing.. am dying to try it now! I will update again soon.