Piano practise techniques for building speed and accuracy

As pianists, we all strive to improve our speed and accuracy when playing complex passages.

However, it can be challenging to achieve this without proper practice techniques.

In this article, we will explore simple yet effective piano practice techniques for building speed and accuracy.

Warm-up exercises

Before diving into your main practice session, it’s crucial to warm up your fingers and hands.

Simple exercises like scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises can help loosen up your muscles and prepare you for more intense practice.

Spend at least 10-15 minutes on these warm-ups to prevent injury and enhance your overall dexterity.

Slow practise

One of the most effective methods to build speed is to practise slowly.

This may sound counterintuitive, but playing a piece at a slower tempo allows you to focus on accuracy and technique.

Start by playing each note precisely, ensuring that your fingering is correct and your hands are relaxed.

Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the piece.

Use a metronome

Metronome is your best friend!

It is an essential tool for improving both speed and accuracy in your playing.

Begin by practising your piece at a slow tempo, setting the metronome to a speed where you can play comfortably and accurately.

Gradually increase the tempo in small increments as you gain confidence.

This method ensures rhythmic consistency and builds speed on a solid foundation of accuracy.

Follow these steps to use a metronome effectively:

1. Select a short section:

• • Choose approximately 2-4 measures to start with, focusing on the part where you have the most difficulty. If there are multiple challenging areas, pick one for now and address the others later.

2. Determine the note Value for metronome clicks:

• • Identify the most common note value in your chosen section. For example, if the measure consists mostly of eighth notes, set your metronome to click for each eighth note, regardless of the time signature.

3. Set an initial tempo:

• • Choose a slow tempo that allows you to play without fumbling the notes or missing any clicks. The goal is to play your selection comfortably and accurately.

4. Play through the section:

• • With the metronome set to the initial tempo, play through your chosen section, ensuring you hit every note accurately and in sync with the metronome clicks.

5. Increase the tempo gradually:

• • If you can play the section accurately at the initial tempo, increase the tempo slightly by about 5-10 BPM. Do not increase the tempo until you can play the section correctly at the current speed.

6. Repeat:

• • Continue this process, gradually increasing the tempo in small increments. Ensure each new tempo is mastered before moving to a faster speed.

7. Expand the practise section:

• • Once you’ve achieved your desired tempo for the initial section, add the surrounding measures. Start playing from the measure before your selected section and stop at the measure after it.

8. Practise without the metronome:

• After mastering the section with the metronome, stop the clicks and try playing the short selection on your own. This helps internalize the rhythm and tempo.

For more tips on improving your technique with a metronome, especially for online learning, read our article here: Improving Your Technique Online with a Metronome

Focus on hand independence

Many piano pieces require your hands to perform different tasks simultaneously.

To build speed and accuracy, practise each hand separately. Spend time working on the right hand alone, then switch to the left hand.

Once you are comfortable with each hand individually, gradually bring them together, paying attention to how they interact and maintaining evenness in your playing.

Finger strengthening exercises

Strong fingers are essential for playing quickly and accurately. Incorporate finger strengthening exercises into your practise routine, such as trills, finger tapping, and finger stretches.

These exercises help build the muscle memory and strength needed for faster playing.

Practise in sections

Breaking down a piece into smaller sections can make the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming.

Focus on a few measures or a specific phrase at a time, practising it slowly and accurately.

Once you have mastered a section, move on to the next. This method allows you to concentrate on difficult passages and ensures that you are thoroughly learning each part of the piece.

Incorporate technical studies

Technical studies like Czerny or Liszt exercises are designed to improve your technical skills and build speed.

These studies often focus on specific aspects of piano playing, such as scales, arpeggios, or repeated notes. Incorporate these studies into your practice routine to target and improve your weaknesses.

Maintain relaxation

Tension in your hands, wrists, and arms can hinder your ability to play quickly and accurately.

Focus on maintaining a relaxed posture while playing, keeping your shoulders down and your hands loose. Take frequent breaks to shake out your hands and stretch your arms.

Practising relaxation techniques can help prevent injury and improve your overall playing.

Record and evaluate

Recording your practice sessions can provide valuable insights into your progress.

Listen to the recordings to identify areas where you may be struggling with speed or accuracy.

This self-evaluation can help you pinpoint specific sections that need more attention and allow you to track your improvement over time.

Consistent practise

Consistency is key to building speed and accuracy.

Set aside regular practice time each day, even if it’s just for a short period. Consistent practice helps reinforce muscle memory and ensures steady progress.

Remember that building speed and accuracy is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication.

Conclusion

Building speed and accuracy requires consistent practice and dedication. By incorporating these techniques into your daily practice routine, you can improve your overall skills and master even the most challenging pieces.

Remember to always focus on accuracy before speed, as developing good technique is essential for long-term progress.

With patience, persistence, and dedication, you can achieve significant improvements in your piano playing skills.

Happy practising!