Stuck on a difficult section of a new piece? Here are some tried and true tricks to help you master that difficult passage.
- Analyze your fingering. Is there an alternate fingering that would give you an advantage? (don’t be afraid to pencil up your score with fingering numbers!)
- Play each hand separately, perfecting just the right hand alone and then the left hand alone.
- When you have mastered each hand individually play them together SLOWLY, increasing speed gradually as you build up the muscle memory for that specific measure or line.
- Focus on that measure or passage ONLY – don’t start from the beginning of the piece when you hit a spot that is difficult to master.
- Finally, remember that your attitude plays a huge role. Be determined to master that section and don’t give up!