Hello, pianists and beginners!

In my latest free online session, we focused on one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of playing the piano—'starting above the key' and maintaining proper hand positioning. These foundational techniques are essential for creating strong, controlled, and fluid playing.

If you missed the session, don’t worry! I offer these live guides regularly, and you’re always welcome to join us. For now, let me walk you through the key points we covered.

Click on the image below!

Starting Above the Key – Precision and Control from Day One

One of the first things we focused on was the importance of starting with your fingers positioned above the keys, rather than resting directly on them. This technique is more than just a stylistic choice—it helps develop control in your hands and fingers. It ensures that each note is played with intention, rather than by simply pressing down on the keys without much thought.

This approach not only prepares you for a more expressive sound but also helps prevent the common habit of flattening your fingers, which can lead to tension and imprecise playing.

Hand Shape – Building a Strong Foundation

Equally important is the shape of your hand. Curved fingers allow for greater precision and agility, something we explored in detail during the session. Keeping your fingers naturally rounded provides strength and stability while you play. This strong hand shape will serve you well as you progress to more challenging pieces, giving you the ability to articulate notes cleanly and accurately.

The Role of the Wrist – Fluid Movement for Effortless Transitions

Another key technique we worked on was the role of the wrist. Maintaining a relaxed and flexible wrist allows for smooth transitions between notes, helping you move seamlessly from one key to the next. It’s especially important when you’re lifting off the keys—something I demonstrated during the session. This skill will become increasingly relevant as you move into more advanced music, where fluidity is crucial.

Laying the Groundwork for Advanced Music

These foundational techniques—thumb placement, hand shape, and lifting from the keys—might seem simple at first, but they are absolutely vital for long-term progress. By mastering them now, you’ll set yourself up for success as you move into more advanced pieces. These small adjustments in your technique will make difficult passages feel natural and allow you to approach more complex music with confidence.

Benefits of My Piano Course

If you’re ready to take your piano journey to the next level, my comprehensive piano course is designed to build on these fundamental techniques. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to the piano after a break, the course provides a structured pathway to help you improve your playing. From scales and exercises to more complex compositions, each lesson is carefully crafted to build your skills step by step.

With my experience as a composer, performer, and teacher, I’ve designed this course to not only strengthen your technique but also help you develop a deeper connection to the music you play.

Join My Next Live Session

If you enjoyed this recap or want to learn more, I host these free guides regularly as part of my commitment to supporting beginner pianists. Sign up to my mailing list to stay informed about upcoming sessions and more tips on how to improve your playing. Each session is a great opportunity to dive deeper into the fundamentals and get hands-on experience with concepts that will carry you through your entire piano journey.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next session!

Best regards,

Marcel

P.S. Don’t forget to join my *Adult Piano Beginners FaceBook Group* for additional support and community interaction. It’s a fantastic resource for learners of all levels, and you’ll be part of a growing group of dedicated pianists.