Tips on learning a song on piano

[Of Or Pertaining To Axiom]

I've started playing piano about 3 months ago and I've made considerable progress.

But I want to really challenge myself and attempt to play this song.

http://server.agarrado.net/animemusic/terraria-day.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJOOUXNQVYS467B6Q&Expires=1328322051&Signature=Qf/9jNk8rgYPhQAHzTW9MrXu9OI=

the left hand is very fast but not too difficult as it is the same thing throughout most of it.

But I've never really learned songs that were all over the keyboard

what are any tips you guys have for learning a song that is all over the keyboard

or just learning a song in general

also any tips to not losing your concentration when doing two very different things on both hands

its like patting your head and rubbing your tummy but 12x harder >.<

[Of Or Pertaining To Axiom]

bump..

[Offizier Wolfgang]

Yotsuba_n_Kishimo

I've started playing piano about 3 months ago and I've made considerable progress.

But I want to really challenge myself and attempt to play this song.

http://server.agarrado.net/animemusic/terraria-day.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJOOUXNQVYS467B6Q&Expires=1328322051&Signature=Qf/9jNk8rgYPhQAHzTW9MrXu9OI=

the left hand is very fast but not too difficult as it is the same thing throughout most of it.

But I've never really learned songs that were all over the keyboard

what are any tips you guys have for learning a song that is all over the keyboard

or just learning a song in general

also any tips to not losing your concentration when doing two very different things on both hands

its like patting your head and rubbing your tummy but 12x harder >.<

I'm unable to hear that song through that link. Learn the melody, then learn the bass. Once you get that down, play both at the same time. Things make become weary for you, and that''s normal. But don't lose your motivation in trying to learn this song. We look at other pianists, or musicians, and we ask ourselves why we can't be like them. The thing, however, is that they've taken a lot of time and effort into learning the song they're able to play. Just do the same.

[Avalsidal]

Keep in mind the basic practice techniques you know. If you know how to practice, you can learn nearly any song. Practice measure by measure, take it slow and focus on getting the correct rhythms, gradually build speed, annotate your music, etc.

You say the left hand is repetitive, so learn the left hand first and get it solid. Make sure you work the right hand during every practice session and try combining the measures you worked at the end of your session at a slow tempo. It's tempting to focus on only one hand for a long time and then switch to the other hand, but I have always found that to be a hindrance to getting them combined.

As for the "all over the keyboard" difficulty, look for any large leaps that trouble you and drill them over and over in a continuous loop for a few minutes every time you practice. The goal is to able to play those individual leaps fluidly and quickly, then build them back into the context of the piece.

I know I have mentioned this a couple of times already, but do practice slowly. I don't know a musician alive who doesn't have to fight the temptation to practice a new piece at breakneck speed. It's much more fun than taking the turtle route, but it won't do you any good at all if you're playing everything wrong.

[punktius]

NEVER tell yourself you can't do it. Always keep in mind that you will eventually be able to play it.

What I do when left and right hands are doing off beat or weird and different things, I learn to play them seperately. Practice left hand by itself. Then practice right hand by itself.

And another tip in general, I play the part I can't seem to get VERY slowly. Once you get it down at a slow tempo, start speeding it up.

If you have any questions, I'll answer them! I'd love to help smile