Activities designed to help develop a skill.
11
votes
4answers
696 views
What is a string skipping exercise?
What is a string skipping exercise? I've heard about this exercise a lot, including on this website. What is it? What skills does it develop? Can you give an example?
20
votes
3answers
4k views
How can I train my ear for music?
I have noticed that some people are better at hearing music, e.g. they are better in distinguishing the notes or noticing mistakes when someone is play.
Is it possible to train oneself to hear music ...
18
votes
8answers
741 views
Is there a way to develop “Perfect Pitch”?
I was wondering if there is/are any aural exercise('s), analogous to how playing scales can develop your muscle memory, that can help to develop "Perfect Pitch"?
10
votes
4answers
1k views
Are Hanon exercises mindless unmusical repetiton or a great way to develop finger strength and dexterity?
There are a lot of different opinions about Charles-Louis Hanon's "The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises". Some say it is unmusical and can even lead to wrist damage, while others think they are the ...
8
votes
4answers
470 views
How can I improve my note accuracy and intonation?
Over time my pitch has improved simply through singing more, but I still have some problems with being a bit off sometimes (or way off on very high or very low notes). It helps if I focus on a ...
9
votes
4answers
305 views
Free exercise books
I've asked a question here: What is a string skipping exercise?.
A follow up question: Are there some good free exercise books available on-line for the post-beginner stage? A link to a good ...
11
votes
4answers
236 views
How to relax my wrists?
I began learning the piano recently. When I begin playing, my hands form nice 70-80 degree curves with the wrists relaxed. I can maintain this for trivial pieces with no significant hand motion. But ...
7
votes
5answers
561 views
How can I strengthen my fretting hand away from my guitar?
I don't get as much time with my guitar as I'd like, and I'd like to be "in shape" for the time of day when I can play. Are there exercises I can do while I don't have my guitar that can help improve ...
