this may be what Jodi is suggesting... (I'm having a comprehension issue today, apparently), but for me it become sort of motor memory.

I'd suggest starting with just the 2-3 clump (as in, 3 notes). Just play them really slowly, flipping left and right hands, then speed up. Then add the next clump (6 notes), then the next (9 notes). It became just sort of a syncopation type rhythm for me. But start slowly, and don't try to play the full measure right off the bat.

quote:

Originally posted by jodi:
What is imslp?

And thanks to you, I practiced piano for almost an hour today. First time in a long while I’ve gone that long. Mostly Chopin, and some Mendelssohn. And a Liszt transcription of a Schumann piece that is very close to being impossible, but I just play the parts I can, because it’s so pretty.

I have such a struggle with Schumann as well, even the "easy" stuff. I'm not sure why, it just plays so uncomfortably for me. But a total bummer because I love most of his piano work.

I also love Ravel but I understand the issue there--his freaking hands are HUGE! And his big chords are so beautiful I don't want to roll them or skip some of those bass note voices.

Nina, member of the tiny hand club (getting worse with age as well )

Ok I officially started practicing this (Consolation No 3) .... it’s gonna be hard!

Nina, I hear you re pieces written by people with large hands!

Have you ever read anything by those folks who advocate for pianos with smaller keyboards? I’d love to try one some day.

Hey, Nina...you’re right about Schumann. He’s just plain awkward...for me too!