I'm having trouble playing piano (soft) with one hand and forte with the other, (bringing out the melody with the right hand and trying to make the left hand accompaniment softer). I can just about do staccato one hand and legato the other at the same time, but either end up with both hands piano or both hands forte. Got any tips? cheers

Hey, I stuggled with this at first but now can do it whenever.

It did take me a while, but what i used to do was play the right hand note loudly and then just after I have pressed the right hand note play the left hand note but quietly. The two are not played at the same time, but then try to bring them together so one hand is louder than the other.
You also need to shift your body weight from one side to the other

I hope you understand that . There are probably far better methods, but that is how i remember learning

Ben

Try "ghosting " - playing the f hand normally and touching the keys of the other hand's part without actually sounding them.

I also did that but didn't know how to type it down - this worked really well for me aswell !

I had the same problem at the very begining.

The previous methods are helpful , but just in case they don't work for you , just try playing the piece V.E.R.Y. S.L.O.W.L.Y , then try to articulate... Do this several times and things will be better.


Remember : VERY SLOWLY.

One thing my teacher suggested when I was having a similar problem (I forget exactly which piece or anything though) was to play scales with one hand f the other p, or staccato and legato, or whatever. Then you get to concentrate on the technique and mechanics of doing it rather than having to worry about the notes, and you get practice at feeling what it's like. Stick with simple scales. Gives your brain less to worry about while you're practising the technique.

Don't forget to use your ears! While you're playing, hear it in head as it should sound. This sounds a bit simplistic, but you might just find that if you really really listen hard, your fingers will do what's in your head. And literally lean towards the melody that you want to bring out, and bring it from your body rather than just your fingers.

I completely agree with the 'Ghosting'. Really worked for me well.

Ghosting is what I have my students do as well, I call it "silent RH or silent LH" though

Works a treat