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...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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!! :)
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!! :)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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!!
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!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
My Heart Will Go On.....
Monday, April 27, 2009
One Step Closer....
A step closer
To my dreams
I did it today
Another step closer
My song writing
My lifelong passion
Move me a step closer
A lyrics 2 years old
And a 20 minutes young
Why is it a step closer?
I finally print it out
And pass it off
Is it really a step closer?
God knows..!
But I am happier!
I did it! Finally I plucked my courage and print out 2 of my song lyrics, in BM to a composer. It hasn't reach him yet, as of now, on the way. But I asked his mom, is it good? She said, Very good, I almost cried! Wow...! Actually I wanted to cry when I proof-read it for the last time before the printing. Its a song that truly described me.
The other one, the 20 minutes old song, is about a never ending relationship. Just one of those moods that has nothing to do with me now, but I figured that's how one feels in anticipation.
One more step closer.....to one of my dreams!
To my dreams
I did it today
Another step closer
My song writing
My lifelong passion
Move me a step closer
A lyrics 2 years old
And a 20 minutes young
Why is it a step closer?
I finally print it out
And pass it off
Is it really a step closer?
God knows..!
But I am happier!
I did it! Finally I plucked my courage and print out 2 of my song lyrics, in BM to a composer. It hasn't reach him yet, as of now, on the way. But I asked his mom, is it good? She said, Very good, I almost cried! Wow...! Actually I wanted to cry when I proof-read it for the last time before the printing. Its a song that truly described me.
The other one, the 20 minutes old song, is about a never ending relationship. Just one of those moods that has nothing to do with me now, but I figured that's how one feels in anticipation.
One more step closer.....to one of my dreams!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
No Promises Undone
Seems like only yesterday
Your brightest smile
Your friendly touch
It wasnt too long before
The loving glances
The meaningful exchanges
And it wasn't too far away
From long lasting friendship
From a wonderful journey...together
But there's no promises undone
No promises were sealed
No promises were made
But then, tell me why
This feeling lingers on
Like this sudden emptiness
Like a song without a key
Like a rhyme without its words....
Still, there's no promises undone....
Your brightest smile
Your friendly touch
It wasnt too long before
The loving glances
The meaningful exchanges
And it wasn't too far away
From long lasting friendship
From a wonderful journey...together
But there's no promises undone
No promises were sealed
No promises were made
But then, tell me why
This feeling lingers on
Like this sudden emptiness
Like a song without a key
Like a rhyme without its words....
Still, there's no promises undone....
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Menghitung Hari Music Notes
As I was rummaging through some old notes that I have, trying to recall the songs that I practised on, I found this piece of music notes. Then it occurred to me, when I played this song earlier, someone once had requested for this song note. Shaz, I think. I had to dissapoint him because I didn't know I have this notes. My music teacher must have given it to me when she taught me this song, but I chucked it away and play my own style, and totally forgot that I have it.
I also noticed that I have been googled numerously from this song, which indicates that this song is serached by many. So, in my giving away mood....haha.... I am publicising this notes for the benefits of all. Hope it touches some of you!
I also noticed that I have been googled numerously from this song, which indicates that this song is serached by many. So, in my giving away mood....haha.... I am publicising this notes for the benefits of all. Hope it touches some of you!
So what I did just now, I tried playing this song using the notes above. It sounded beautiful! But of course, as it was arranged by my music teacher, Stephanie. Now, why didn't I just play this way all these while? Maybe its easier for me to play my own styles as I don't have to read the notes.
Now, I wonder, if I should give Stephanie a call and continue to Level 3?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Ice Castles For Tom
As I browsed through my youtube videos, I saw this comment from a viewer, Tom, I believe, is enquiring where he can get the music sheet for Themes From Ice Castles that I played many moons ago. And I happen to have it in my file, abstracted online somewhere, somewhat, sometime.
I play this song differently from this music sheet, though, as I do my own arrangements. Not because I'm so good, :p, but because I read the sheet too slowly. Its faster to apply my own styles. I used this sheet to refer to the chords. My version here or browse my archive under Favourite Piece.
So Tom, do have fun!
I play this song differently from this music sheet, though, as I do my own arrangements. Not because I'm so good, :p, but because I read the sheet too slowly. Its faster to apply my own styles. I used this sheet to refer to the chords. My version here or browse my archive under Favourite Piece.
So Tom, do have fun!
Edited March 29th, 2009
Hee hee...I just discovered the name is not Tom as in tombraiderluisdaniel. Tom here is 'tomb raider' and most probably called Luis Daniel or vice versa. Sorry Luis!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bila Waktu Telah Berakhir
In this wonderful of internet, you are connected to the world, far and wide. Near or far! I am quite amused when I recently received a message in my youtube inbox for a song request entitled 'Boleh Tolong Saya?'. Then she mentined a song I've never heard before, entitled above by Opick. Upon checking the song, not bad! Infact it is a very good reminder song of our hereafter.
For musteelme, please give me sometime to memorize the melody and find the chord, ok. Then I need time to find the right accompaniment and to practise. He he, rasa macam selebriti je, dapat song request....haha! Perasan..dan syok sendiri ;p Lol!
Bila Waktu Telah Berakhir lyrics
by Opick
Bagaimana kau merasa bangga
Akan dunia yg sementara
Bagaimanakah bila semua hilang
Dan pergi meninggalkan dirimu
Bagaimanakah bila saatnya
Waktu terhenti tak kau sadari
Masihkah ada jalan bagimu
Untuk kembali mengulangkan masa lalu
Dunia dipenuhi dengan hiasan
Semua dan segala yang ada akan kembali padaNya
Bila waktu tlah memanggil,
Teman sejati hanyalah amal
Bila waktu telah terhenti
Teman sejati tingallah sepi
For musteelme, please give me sometime to memorize the melody and find the chord, ok. Then I need time to find the right accompaniment and to practise. He he, rasa macam selebriti je, dapat song request....haha! Perasan..dan syok sendiri ;p Lol!
Bila Waktu Telah Berakhir lyrics
by Opick
Bagaimana kau merasa bangga
Akan dunia yg sementara
Bagaimanakah bila semua hilang
Dan pergi meninggalkan dirimu
Bagaimanakah bila saatnya
Waktu terhenti tak kau sadari
Masihkah ada jalan bagimu
Untuk kembali mengulangkan masa lalu
Dunia dipenuhi dengan hiasan
Semua dan segala yang ada akan kembali padaNya
Bila waktu tlah memanggil,
Teman sejati hanyalah amal
Bila waktu telah terhenti
Teman sejati tingallah sepi
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Paint Me In Love...
Song writing has been one of my life long interest. Somehow, until today I have not properly write any significant song. Well ok, I've written a song or two, quite a number with the melodies. In fact, in my last entry was a song I wrote impromptu after staring at the blogger page and couldn't come up with the topic I wanted to write. Instead, I produced a song lyric. haha... The tune is still in my head.
Previously, I could solely blame it on my music illiteracy, but now that I can play a decent tune on a piano, my excuse is I am too lazy to write the notes on a music sheet. So, its really is my fault. Maybe the desire is not stong enough.I will definitely write a proper song complete with lyrics and melodies plus music sheet one day. Except that I cannot tell how far is that one day gonna take...haha!
I envy my online friend Dave Zeman who's written very nice songs, and I'd like to share one of his workings here today.You can hear Dave sing, if you e-mail to me at ydiana9@gmail.com, until I learn how to upload the link he gave me to blogger. Its a very beautiful song, but if you say he got beautiful voice, he knows that you're lying...hahaha! But to me, not a bad voice except needs a little more practice. However the song and lyrics is certainly nice. He dedicated this song to his lovely wife, entitled, Paint Me in Love. Hmm....when is my hearthrob going to write me a song....? Lol!
Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream,
Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw,
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above
If I could draw
The fine lines of age
There’d be folds of love,
And beauty on a page
Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream
Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above
If I could draw
Sensual curves of shade
Pleading deep dark eyes
and dimples concave
by Dave Schipper © Rose Riversongs 2005
Previously, I could solely blame it on my music illiteracy, but now that I can play a decent tune on a piano, my excuse is I am too lazy to write the notes on a music sheet. So, its really is my fault. Maybe the desire is not stong enough.I will definitely write a proper song complete with lyrics and melodies plus music sheet one day. Except that I cannot tell how far is that one day gonna take...haha!
I envy my online friend Dave Zeman who's written very nice songs, and I'd like to share one of his workings here today.You can hear Dave sing, if you e-mail to me at ydiana9@gmail.com, until I learn how to upload the link he gave me to blogger. Its a very beautiful song, but if you say he got beautiful voice, he knows that you're lying...hahaha! But to me, not a bad voice except needs a little more practice. However the song and lyrics is certainly nice. He dedicated this song to his lovely wife, entitled, Paint Me in Love. Hmm....when is my hearthrob going to write me a song....? Lol!
Paint Me In Love
If I could draw
a face dear and warm
With eyes of passion
Smooth lines would form
Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream,
Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw,
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above
If I could draw
The fine lines of age
There’d be folds of love,
And beauty on a page
Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream
Someone barely seen
Lead me to draw
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above
If I could draw
Sensual curves of shade
Pleading deep dark eyes
and dimples concave
by Dave Schipper © Rose Riversongs 2005
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sailing Away
And he sails away......
I knew the day would come
Can feel the wind is coming
I knew that change will take its course
Somehow I won't admit it
So hard I tried to ignore it
Thinking it will just go away
I knew the day would come
The sadness in your eyes
Is telling words you didn't say
Still you were forced to do it
You were the one deciding
I know you wanted to stay
I knew the time is up
Wish it can stay forever
Didnt know it come too soon this way
So here I stand my grounds
Carry on with what I started
My heart will always be around
Whle he sails away......
I knew the day would come
Can feel the wind is coming
I knew that change will take its course
Somehow I won't admit it
So hard I tried to ignore it
Thinking it will just go away
I knew the day would come
The sadness in your eyes
Is telling words you didn't say
Still you were forced to do it
You were the one deciding
I know you wanted to stay
I knew the time is up
Wish it can stay forever
Didnt know it come too soon this way
So here I stand my grounds
Carry on with what I started
My heart will always be around
Whle he sails away......
Friday, February 13, 2009
How to Find the Keys
When I was still struggling to play with just one hand, while the other hand impatiently wish it knew which key to hit, I wish I had stumbled across a Youtube like this. Germaine Griggs sent me this link in the e-mail this morning. I'll let him know that I am sharing this lesson with all my cyber friends!
Of course, there are several ways to find the keys. What I currently star with, is the first verse of the songs.
Another way is, when you play the melody, observe what keys are hit the most. That tells you what are the chord to play.
Enjoy..!
Of course, there are several ways to find the keys. What I currently star with, is the first verse of the songs.
Another way is, when you play the melody, observe what keys are hit the most. That tells you what are the chord to play.
Enjoy..!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Inspirational Search
Ydiana wants to write a song. A new song. Catchy and lively, and not that sad love songs. She composed a few before, but the music is stuck in her old PDA, in a crashed computer hard disc, and in a compact disc somewhere, supposedly to be with a famous singer/songwriter.
Yes, there were some efforts initialized. But alas, it still stuck in the head. Sometimes remembered, at another time, forgotten. Something must be done!
So, while the others opted for a swim, she decided to sit under the shade and get some inspirations going. (And also to avoid getting tanned from the hot afternoon sun..haha!)
Yes, there were some efforts initialized. But alas, it still stuck in the head. Sometimes remembered, at another time, forgotten. Something must be done!
So, while the others opted for a swim, she decided to sit under the shade and get some inspirations going. (And also to avoid getting tanned from the hot afternoon sun..haha!)
Yes, it was nice and breezy. A little too sunny, but at least its not rainy. And she can feel it, she can see it coming. And she reached inside her bag to get a piece of paper. But...instead she found a magzine. Lanscaping. Another point of interest. A mild passion. Oh dear, there goes all the great ideas!
And she saw this frangipani tree. Frangipani? Why is it suddenly always lingering everywhere? In the magazine, in some landscaped garden, in front of her neighbour's house, in Chahya's blog... hehe.., in another lady's blog... Its everywhere!! And now, it's right in front of here eyes...!
Oh well, the inspiration for song writing suddenly turned to landscape planning, which she chucked a few days ago inside the landscape magazine which she found stuck in her bag when she was looking for a piece of paper to write a song. Oh well .... life goes on!
That was yesterday afternoon, on a public holiday. So early this morning she made her way to the nurseries, looking for this Frangipani tree. She has decided where to place the tree. 1, maybe 2 or 3 frangipani trees at different cornes. So far, not too satisfied with the available selection. Need to look more. Wait till the other nurseries open after the season's over.
And the desire to write a song continues... and to be continued!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Latest Project
After taking a short break from my piano practices, being occupied during school holidays, travelling, socialising, entertaining, gardening, hospitalising....? its now time to gear up my still blunt piano skill...hahaha!
My latest project, Dibius Cinta by Yusry KRU and Melly Goeslaw. I don't care much about the movie but this song is really catchy and I caught myself humming this tune over and over again. Thus, I might as well transfer it to the keys. :)
Project is partially completed, at stage of finding the melody and the chords. Now is the fine tuning part, which can be quite tricky and challenging. But what is a reward without a challenge, right? The project is still ongoing...
DIBIUS CINTA
G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D7
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama
G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu
G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama
G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu
G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
E Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya X2
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibus cinta
Take Your Piano Playing To The Next Level
Complete Piano Courses For Piano Players Of All Levels
My latest project, Dibius Cinta by Yusry KRU and Melly Goeslaw. I don't care much about the movie but this song is really catchy and I caught myself humming this tune over and over again. Thus, I might as well transfer it to the keys. :)
Project is partially completed, at stage of finding the melody and the chords. Now is the fine tuning part, which can be quite tricky and challenging. But what is a reward without a challenge, right? The project is still ongoing...
DIBIUS CINTA
G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D7
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama
G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu
G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama
G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu
G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
E Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya X2
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibus cinta
Take Your Piano Playing To The Next Level
Complete Piano Courses For Piano Players Of All Levels
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