Thursday, January 13, 2011

The correct fingering


For those of you who have been reading my blog regularly, and/or know me personally, should know that I started taking piano lessons about three months ago. I realized that I haven't talked about it much since I started, so I thought I would take a few minutes now to update you all.

I have really been enjoying the classes for many reasons. Learning how to play the piano has always been one of my dreams and goals for life, but, until very recently, I have been unable to do so for a variety of reasons.

Another perk is that I get to play actual songs, not just the remedial stuff with titles like "Opening day", played primarily with one hand, and never with both hands together. I mean, I play those too, but my teacher has given me songs to learn that I could actually play in front of people with some sense of accomplishment. For example, for the past couple of weeks, I have been working on Bach's Praeludium 1.{Which is beautiful, by the way. See clip below} I am convinced that it is the perfect song. It's relatively simple, but you look really impressive while you're playing it, because it SOUNDS hard. Also, Bach wrote this song for his students to be used as a finger exercise. And, if you know me, I just LOVE things with more than one use, especially if one or more of those uses is really cool! Here is that song now. I am not playing this :)


When I first heard this song, I instantly imagined I was in a forest inhabited by fairies and other magical creatures, or possibly in wonderland searching for the white rabbit{you may notice that many things remind me of Alice in Wonderland. It's sort of an obsession that none of my friends really understand.}

While we are on the subject of songs that can be played by a new piano student whilst retaining her dignity, my homework this wee was to memorize the above song so that I can just sit down and play it for friends, family, or anyone who happens to be passing by that I want to impress and play it, and I'll look really cool!{That's actually the entire reason I was given for memorizing it! My teacher rocks!}

Now that I have mastered Bach, I was given a new song at my last lesson. It's called Prelude in E minor{great names, I know....}



Isn't it so wonderfully haunting?! As I sat there, listening to Ben{my teacher} playing it for me, I nearly cried. Honestly. I'm really looking forward to spending hours in front of the piano plunking out the notes until I finally get it right.

~Erin

1 comment:

  1. My sister plays the piano, and I love hearing her play my favorite Broadway songs... Phantom of the Opera, Les Miz... =)

    I've taken lessons in the past but have never gotten far through it, so I wish you happy luck! You must post a video of you playing someday~ =)

    -Anna

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