Piano: Tension Frustration Options

[Martin.Walters]

Prokofiev`s Harp Prelude in grade 8, ~ I was introduced to the piece on these forums when it showed a 7 year old playing it! ~ I thought it sounded a really nice piece of music and thought I'd try to learn it.

Although the piece its self is fairly easy to sight read, I cant endure the right hand broken octaves for more than a page without getting tension in my wrists and arms.

What can I do to resolve this problem?

Soon as I feel tension I stop playing as I know im doing something wrong.

When it comes to choosing grade 8 pieces I will probably choose Chopins nocturne, however If I can over come this tension problem I would probably choose this prelude!

[Dulcet]

Prokofiev`s Harp Prelude in grade 8, ~ I was introduced to the piece on these forums when it showed a 7 year old playing it! ~ I thought it sounded a really nice piece of music and thought I'd try to learn it.

Although the piece its self is fairly easy to sight read, I cant endure the right hand broken octaves for more than a page without getting tension in my wrists and arms.

What can I do to resolve this problem?

Soon as I feel tension I stop playing as I know im doing something wrong.

When it comes to choosing grade 8 pieces I will probably choose Chopins nocturne, however If I can over come this tension problem I would probably choose this prelude!

Alexander technique.

[michael N]

Not that I know anything of Piano technique. You could try playing them at a very, very slow tempo. Use a metronome and over days or weeks gradually increase the tempo. Specifically focus on any tension felt in the hand. Stop at the tempo where you feel that tension is creeping in. Practice at that particular tempo until it becomes more natural.
Sometimes the tension can start in a different part of the body and spread, for example it isn't unusual for musicians to tense a seemingly unrelated part of the body when playing a difficult passage. It could be Back, leg or even facial muscles. Eliminating that type of dysfunctional tension (through 'body mapping') can help. Having said that, it isn't easy for the individual musician to pinpoint the particular problem - especially considering the number of things one has to concentrate on when playing a musical instrument. That's when a trained 3 rd party can be invaluable, Alexander teacher or another Pianist who is very familiar with the common tension problems associated when playing that particular instrument.

[VH2]

Prokofiev`s Harp Prelude in grade 8, ~ I was introduced to the piece on these forums when it showed a 7 year old playing it! ~ I thought it sounded a really nice piece of music and thought I'd try to learn it.

Was it not originally a piano piece (one of his 10 little pieces) later adapted for harp?

Although the piece its self is fairly easy to sight read, I cant endure the right hand broken octaves for more than a page without getting tension in my wrists and arms.

What can I do to resolve this problem?

Get your teacher to show you the correct technique. That, amongst other things, is what a teacher is for.

[Martin.Walters]

Thanks guys, I have found my teacher doesnt always have the answers, I have however, phoned another teacher 100s of miles away, and he has also said Alexander technique along with practising very slowly so I can retrain the muscles.

Now I cant really afford to go for lessons in the alexander technique.

A very respected teacher and performer in my eyes, now in his 80s and still plays very high standards.
I`ll start another thread on teachers I think (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[violinstar]

Hi

I?ve just joined this forum and thought you might be interested in the book Burgmuller,Czerny and Hanon 32 Piano Studies selected for technique which I used. Start slowly then slowly speed up.

Are you warming up before hand? Sounds silly but I was recommended a simple full body massage once a week/fortnight will help relax the muscles. Surprising what muscles affect your hand without knowing!

The Alexander Technique is not for everyone. I tried it (it was part of my course in Uni) but it actually did more damage than good. Ended up with damaged muscles!

Maybe your teacher didn?t recommend using the technique as there is a lot of advice against using! I certainly don?t use it anymore!!