October Studio

I listened to a couple of podcasts about how to blog earlier this evening. I heard 'niche' pronounced two ways. I have my niche. Developing My Piano Style. It's not about instructing others. It's a holistic approach my life and times. I love to play. For over 60 years I have mostly just played for the fun of it and have done little in the way of any kind of science toward getting better at it.

There has been a lot of talk about 10,000 hours. What it takes to be good at something. Of course that has a lot to do with how you practise.

Piano Proficiency Estimates

Goal Level	Estimated Hours (Total)	Estimated Years (1 hr/day)	Common Definition / Repertoire
Basic Proficiency / Decent	1,000 to 2,500 hours	3 to 7 years	Solid foundation, can read music, and play a variety of intermediate pieces.
Advanced	5,000+ hours	14+ years	Extensive repertoire; able to tackle complex classical, jazz, or concert pieces.
Mastery / Expert	10,000+ hours	27+ years	Professional, world-class skill level (the "10,000 Hour Rule" concept).

Starting a blog about it is like calling my own bluff. I want to play better. If my playing improves, great! If it doesn't, then keep playing and practising. I love my piano and I know that there is so much more to playing it well.

A year ago I had trouble sitting on my piano bench. I felt like my back was a cooked spaghetti strand. It came on suddenly. I was on a remote IT contract and sitting in a chair for a greater part of my work day. Work got busy and my back went out. I went to a physiotherapist. A good one. At first he recommended getting x-rays. He was concerned that my back muscules had atrophied. He commented that I was not a spring chicken as he watched me attempting side planks. He gave me homework. Simple exercises on a mat. I did the work and my back came back. I continue to do these exercises almost every day. It has made a world of difference. For the first time in years, I can sit and play for over an hour.

I've been practising a single song from Book 4 of the Royal Conservatory. I am interested in the finger positions that are written with the score. I would like that I am able to sight read the song and play it properly. That hasn't happened yet.

The flow of my own songs may improve as my dexterity develops from practising this way.

Here is a Jackson Brown song that I like to play...