Too many people, figure skating is one of those ‘fluff’ sports in the winter Olympics where the skaters are not considered as ‘tough’ athletes, unlike say hockey players or skiers. But one of the most inspirational moments during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is been the story around Canadian figure skater Joanne Rochette.
Like many athletes, Joanne has her family staying in Vancouver in the Olympic families accommodations which are separate from where the athletes stay. A few days just before Joanne’s first competition at the games, her mother died suddenly of a heart attack. Under these tragic circumstances, it would have been understandable and even expected for Joanne to remove herself from competition.
However, she chose to continue on with the competition plans despite the sudden loss.
She has shown a courage that most people don’t have. She is teaching us that if one is on a mission, you stay on that mission no matter what. So who says figure skaters are not tough?
1. If you’re learning a piece that you find complex, learn each hand’s part separately. Learn piano from one hand to the other for a much easier learning curve. Once you’ve mastered playing each hand separately, it will seem like you are playing without even thinking. This will make it much easier when you combine both hands to coordinate them both because you won’t be trying to think about two separate processes at once time.
2. Change your practice routine every three to six weeks. While it is important to have a consistently balanced practice routine, that doesn’t mean you have to practice the same stuff in the same way forever. Learn a different style or piece now and then. You may think if you like one style of piano piece better than others the best way to learn piano is to concentrate on that style. It is true that you should spend the most time on the style you like the best, but learning as many styles as possible will actually increase your versatility within the style you like best. You may even find yourself mixing in some things to create a whole new style of music that is your own as you learn piano.
I am sure you can think of other tips. Want to share with others? Comment and let me know what your piano tips of any sort are. This can be fun!
The way it works is very unique.. when you click on the link for Lesson 1 in your email, it will trigger Lesson 2 to be delivered, and when you click on the Link for Lesson 2, then 3 will be delivered. Technology can be very convenient… however, sometimes technology fails us.. if for some reason, you don’t receive the next lesson, (there will be 5 of them), then you can do a couple things:
1. You can wait up to 24 hours for the next lesson to arrive, or..
2. You can email us and request us to resend the email.
I hope to be doing something like this when I am in my 90’s. This is a 90 year old couple, obviously loving to entertain… what joy they bring to each other, to those around them, and for themselves.
I couldn’t help but shed a tear of joy through the endless smile I had throughout the day after I viewed this view:
1. Aim for balance. Take a cue from figure skater Mirai Nagasu, 16, who finds time for school, homework, friends and Japanese classes…plus her intense skating schedule. Goodbye, lame TV shows.
2. Ditch excuses. Limb loss, wheelchairs and brain injury don’t stop Olympians from high achievements in competition. Don’t let the anything stop you from your goals!
3. Stay dedicated. Some world-class athletes travel hundreds of miles for every practice. Makes the few-seconds to walk to the piano seem not-so bad, huh?
4. Have fun. U.S. athlete Noelle Pikus-Pace tapes funny messages to her sled before races. Find ways to make pracitcing piano a fun practice for you!
5. Share those skills. We love that hockey player Angela Ruggiero runs camps for girls. Take a second to teach someone a new skill that you just learned!
6. Stay organized. Olympic athletes have a lot to do! On top of preparing and competing, they also have press events and have to make time for their friends and family. Being organized and creating lists is a good idea for every busy bee!
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Learning how to play the piano is a joy...we hope you enjoy learning how to play your favorite songs.
Remember to play piano daily and smile!
