Carol Hung Piano Journey

Recently, I sent my students to the SPG piano festival in which only Registered Piano Teachers can apply for their students. All of my students who played at the festival got either first, second or third in their classes. I’m pleased with their accomplishment. However, what attitude should teachers, parents and students use when facing a competitive piano festival?

As a piano teacher, I always make sure my students are well prepared. Memorize the pieces correctly and be expressive. Enjoy the moment when you’re making your lovely music. Share your enthusiasm in music as if you wanted to tell a story or express an emotion through playing.

 As a parent, be supportive by providing a good environment for practicing. Be positive no matter what happened during the performance. Don’t focus too much on the marks or ranking or the trophy. Focus on the whole experience rather than the marks. Praise your child(ren) after performing as children often have to bravely step out of their comfort zone to do it. 

 As a student, treat it like a precious moment to share your music to someone you don’t know. Persuade the audience that the piece that you picked is the best in the world. For students, it’s a good opportunity to experience the difference in playing out of your familar settings (either at home or at lesson). It’s an opportunity to learn how to control their nervousness before and during the performance, learn how to cover up their mistake(s) if there’s any. It’s also a great opportunity to listen to other players at the same level. Students also get comments from the adjudicator. So as a whole, students always gain something from this experience regardless of the marks.

When we pick up a brand new music, most of us just care about getting the notes right followed by getting the rhythm right. Isn’t music just about getting the notes and rhythm right? Of course not! Some of my students wonder why I still want them to work on a piece which they can play correctly in terms of notes and rhythm. It’s because I’m teaching student playing piano not typing piano. 

Typing piano is more straight forward. Just “Type” the notes out on the right beat. That’s all! How does it sound when you “Type” piano? It sounds like typing with no expressions. Nowadays, we don’t need a teacher to teach us type. It’s the same for piano, everyone can master “TYPing” piano without an instructor.

Whereas PLAYing piano is about setting the atmosphere, conveying mood or feelings to the audience. But what exactly do you need to do? First, you need a knowledgable and experienced piano teacher. The teacher will help you with the correct touch, dynamics (loud and soft), phrasing and colours of the piece. Pay attention to all the markings on the sheet. They are as important as the notes and rhythm. Look at the title of the music. If it’s a Nocturn, it should be soft and quiet. If it’s a Waltz, it’s a 3 beats dance (Strong-weak-weak). Know all the italian words on the music. They are the hints. Listen to the sound you make. Play to the bottom of the keys to produce a rich and warm tone. Avoid hammering down from above which produces a harsh sound or play half way down the keys which produces a whispering sound. A qualified piano teacher can help you with all of the aspects.

Every one knows family has a big influence on kids. It’s the same for piano study. If a family takes it seriously, the student will also have a stronger will to learn piano. A “Ho Hum” family will produce a “Ho Hum” student.  Students, no matter what age, needs encouragement and support from the family.  For younger students, one of the parents needs to sit beside the child when practicing at home.  This will avoid having the feeling of lonelyness when practicing. A 4 year old can’t read the comments I left after lesson and can’t remember much from the lesson. It is the adult’s responsibility to do the reinforcement at home.  If you just leave it to the child, not much acheivement will be seen. Learning piano is a team work between the student, the family and the teacher.