Poseur to Composer

My hands were sore this morning due to piano practice, and even more so after tonight's practice. I'm not worried though. As my hands get stronger the pain and soreness should subside.

I am worried about my arms though. Even after wearing my elbow braces, they ache and burn. My tendinitis is aggravated and I don't want it to get so bad it will be too difficult to focus and too painful to practice. I need to learn how to sight-read and play piano with the least amount of actual playing as possible.

Sounds ridiculous in a way, like wanting something at the store but being unwilling to pay the fair price. However, that's not the case. I want to be healthy enough to practice at all. Managing my symptoms is key.

The first adaptive strategy that comes to mind is mental practice (or inner piano as I call it). Find the right mentalization technique, then blend that in with physical practice. Fundamentals of Piano Practice mentioned mental practice, but I didn't get to that part yet.

It's next on my todo list.

Tonight I practiced the first two bars of Bach's Prelude No.1 in C major for about 45 minutes. My right hand and right elbow throb. I wonder how my arm will feel tomorrow.

As I play the keys again and again, I begin to feel connected to the song and the songwriter. What is he trying to say in this melancholy melody? This is the man who walked 250 miles just to see some dude play the organ. Yet I know so little about Bach or his music, or about Classical music in general. I barely understand the title of the song. Prelude No.1? Did Bach write other preludes? And my understanding of playing in major or minor chords is fuzzy at best.

I'll find out the answers to all these questions and get back to you.

A prelude, according to Google, is an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important. Prelude No.1 is my introduction to a better understanding of music.

Today I played notes from sheet music. Excruciatingly slow mind you, but I'm reading notes and playing them. If I told you it was from the first bar of Bach's Prelude No.1 you might be impressed, but don't be. It's a simple piece and I play it like a baby rides a tricycle, unsteady and halting, with no momentum whatsoever.

The book I'm learning Prelude from is How to Play the Piano. I've mentioned it several times before and will continue doing so until I can play the piece in its entirety.

This morning I partially skimmed Fundamentals of Piano Practice by Chuan Chang (you can download the book here). Helpful advice gleaned from it includes:

• When practicing one segment, always include the beginning of the following segment
• Start by practicing the most difficult sections first
• Non-musical playing is an absolute no-no at all times

The last tip is surprising. Does non-musical playing include practicing scales? My finger coordination has improved dramatically in the short time doing them. Perhaps I should focus solely on playing Prelude?

It's getting late and it's time to call it a day. Since starting this project, I've been sleeping at least one hour less a night.

Time to ride the rainbow to dreamland!