A Little Flower

I have started learning a new piece called A Little Flower by Cornelius Gurlitt. Over the next few weeks/months (there really is no telling) I will be documenting my progress in understanding and performing this piece.

D Major Scale

In the interest of turning over a new music leaf, I started by practicing the D Major scale. My teacher said that it would improve my finger strength and form when playing. I am usually willy-nilly when it comes to practicing my scales because scales are boring. However, I am trying to do better because as Baryshnikov said, “Fundamentals are the building blocks of fun.”

Scale practice!

Right Hand Alone

When I first learn a piece, I start by practicing with my right hand separately. Usually the right hand plays the melody so it is a quick way for me to get some handle of what is happening in the piece. Additionally, the right hand is usually easier for me to play because I have more control over my right hand (I am right handed) and I can read the notation on the treble clef more automatically than I can the bass clef.

Here is my right hand playing the first page with the pedal!

Left Hand Alone

After I play the right hand part for a while I begrudgingly start learning the left hand. The left hand is usually more difficult for me in the beginning because I don’t know off the top of my head what the notes are. This is definitely an area for growth.

Here is my left hand playing the first page with the pedal!

Hands Together!

After my brain gets a handle on what my hands are supposed to be doing, I play with my hands (and feet) together. I used to put this off for as long as possible because piano is hard. However, now I have started to make it a habit to not punk out when parts of the piece are difficult. These parts get easier when you practice them. Who knew?

Here are my hands and right foot playing the first page! Together! With awkward pauses!