Hi

My grade 8 student is struggling with some of the L.H chords/stretches in the Autumn Crocus by Mayerl. Does anyone have any suitable techniques or suggestions I can teach her to help her overcome this?

Many thanks

Arpeggiate the chords you can't reach?

maybe try asking your student to make sure when her left hand is arpeggiating, the wrist is moving side ways..from left to right. Also try asking her to put more weight on her fingers digging into the keys. Not playing all the way into the keyboard should also help your student reach all the notes in the chord. I have a small hand too and I've played this piece before.

That's the reason I'm not playing it, but spreading the chord is acceptable. It's done all the time on the recording on the ABRSM's Grade 8 CD.

Thanks everyone, having this chat room has really enabled me to feel supported as a private teacher. Almost like the staff room at school!

Scotti