Dan's Practice Diary

Hello All!  This is my first post to Tonebase, and I hope to be able to take part in the community concert.  Like many others, I've been returning to classical piano during the pandemic.  I am an intermediate player and would like to discover new, interesting pieces to play during this event.  Suggestions are always welcome! 馃檪 

 

My current practice routine was adjusted recently after watching Dominic's recent practicing video.  Currently, it is:

 

Warm-Up:

  • Parallel scales: major, harmonic and melodic minors in unison, 3rds, 10ths, and 6ths,
  • Russian scales in major, harmonic and melodic minors.
  • Russian arpeggios in their 11 variants as learned about on Tonebase.
  • Slow practice through Chopin Etudes Op 10, 1 & 2.  These are way over my skill level, so they are not likely to be performable anytime soon.

Repertoire:

  • Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 23 no. 4 in D, around 75% memorized.  This is my "stretch" piece and is very challenging for me, but I think it is beautiful.
  • Chopin Waltz Op. 64 no. 2 in C#m: memorized.
  • Chopin Nocturne Op. 72 no. 1 in Em: Memorization work, around 50%.
  • Debussy Clair De Lune: still working on mechanics.
  • Schubert Impromptu Op 90. no. 3 in Gb: also mechanical work, but getting there.

I also enjoy reharmonizing and arranging pop songs into interesting piano solos.  If it's permitted, I hope to share two of these at the concert:

  • Adele "Someone Like You"
  • Billie Eilish "No Time To Die"

Thanks!

 

Dan

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    • Gail Starr
    • Retired MBA
    • Gail_Starr
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Can鈥檛 wait to hear you!

    Reply Like 1
    • Thanks, Gail!

      Reply Like
    • Monika Tusnady
    • The Retired French Teacher
    • Monikainfrance
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi, I admire you for choosing such great repertoire. Can you explain what Russian scales are? 

    Reply Like 1
    • Monika Tusnady - Thanks!

       

      For Russian-style scales: start with hands at a low register an octave apart.  Play the scale upward in parallel motion for two octaves, contrary motion outward for two octaves, contrary motion inward for two octaves, then parallel motion downward for two octaves.  You should end up where you started.  

       

      This pattern also works great for practicing arpeggios, often with 11 variants.  For example, in C:

       

      A. Three major triads containing C:

      - C major, Ab major, F major

       

      B. Three minor triads containing C:

      - C minor, A minor, F minor

       

      C. Four dominant seventh chords containing C:

      - C7, Ab7, F7, D7

       

      D. One fully diminished seventh chord containing C:

      - C潞7

       

      Here's one of the tonebase videos about them:

      https://app.tonebase.co/piano/live/player/russian-style-scales

       

      Hope this is useful!

      Reply Like
      • Monika Tusnady
      • The Retired French Teacher
      • Monikainfrance
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Yes, thank you!!!

      Reply Like
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    • Crash Course on Controlling your Dynamics!
    • Intensive Workshop: Compose your own Piano Piece!
    • TWI: What makes Schubert GREAT with Ben Laude
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    • Improve your Chopin Mazurkas with Jarred Dunn!
    • Narrative Musicianship w/ Konstantin Soukhovetski
    • Improvising a simple ABA Piece with Jeremy Siskind
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