Successful pianist??

Question:

Successful pianist??

What do you believe are the best qualities for a successful pianist?? What should an aspiring pianist do in order to be a success (besides practicing...)?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Musicality. Sure, technique is incredibly important, but, overall, without musicality, well, then what you're playing just isn't music. Musicality requires attention not only to detail but also to panorama. A successful pianist must be able to hone in on and bring out slight nuances but also convey the overall message of the phrase or movement or piece itself. Musicality invokes the idea of style. A successful pianist recognizes the difference between varying stylistic idiosyncracies and is able to interpret a piece of music to fit with its accepted style but also to give it its own unique touch. Furthermore, musicality includes the notion of sensitivity. Music is an art, and piano especially is an extremely versatile instrument that can convey myriad messages. Feel the flow of the piece, and be sensitive to what you impart on the keys as well as what it gives back to you. Eventually with experience you will be able to use a combination of sight, hearing, and touch to interact in full harmony with the instrument. Overall, a successful pianist is able to make the instrument and the music his own.

I can't help but stress the importance of practicing, for the adage that practice makes perfect really holds true. My one suggestion regarding this, though, is to practice the "right way", for, trust me, there is a "wrong way". First, try not to practice when you're stressed or overwhelmed with other problems; you just won't be able to concentrate. Furthermore, if you REALLY don't feel like practicing, don't. Move on to something else, and come back to the piano when you're ready. Next, when you sit down to play, practice solidly. Don't rush through songs at breakneck speed with memorization when you rehearse, because when it comes time to perform in front of an audience, chances are adrenaline will cause you to rush even more and perhaps forget a few notes or even an entire section. Take it from me, the best way to practice songs (even the ones that are already in your repertory) is slowly (but stylistically!) with music. This helps to ingrain the notes in your hands, and it helps you to identify any places where you have trouble better than if you had played it over quickly without much attention. Later, if you need to work on bringing a piece up to tempo, do so in small chunks. If you are rushed for time, work on a section or two a day, and really practice them well till you know them. Trust me, this is much less stressful and much better of preparation than trying to tackle the entire song in one sitting. Among other things, mark in important fingerings in the piece so that you can play the parts confidently; pay attention to key signature and try to recognize the theory (chords) behind the piece because this will help you if you have trouble memorizing; and don't overdo the pedal!

Most importantly, enjoy the experience. Anybody can make music at any level; it just takes sensitivity. Give the piano your utmost attention and efforts and it will give back to you. Best of luck with your studies, and I hope you enjoy it.