Tips from Garrick Ohlsson

BartK

The rep is very advanced but the tips are excellent even if you're intermediate. I especially liked the last one, which is true no matter what's your level.

lilypad

I like the last one also. I'm usually working on around 5 pieces, so practice time dedicated to just technique tends to fall through the cracks.

I got curious recently about what technical practice & challenges I might be getting from the pieces I'm working on or recently worked. As an example:

Fast Tempo - Burgmuller Limpid Stream
Finger/Hand Independence - Beethoven Ecossaise
Jumps - Manhattan 1928 - Nancy Faber (Piano Adventures)
Large Chords - Beyond the Sea
Rhythm - Beyond the Sea

Based on the area I feel most challenged in the pieces, I could choose future pieces to target those skills.

Adagiette

Very interesting video, thanks for posting! I especially liked the section on relaxation while playing big chords, because that "hanging on" to the keys is an issue for me, and I get awfully tensed up. Going to watch that again and try to incorporate some of it into my practice. 🙂

keystring

Ooh, I only had time to listen for the first two tips because I should be practising. 😃 But I'm coming back. I liked what I saw and heard so far!

pseudonym58

Garrick used to come up to Massachusetts to play at a music camp (where I met my wife in 1974). I remember this friendly relaxed guy in a plaid lumberjack shirt playing with the orchestra, who seem to have a good rapport with everyone.

BartK

pseudonym58

You're so lucky to have met him in person. He does seem like the kind of guy who gets along well with everyone.

thepianoplayer416

Not playing advance repertoire at his level yet. Hands relaxation would be helpful at any level. Learning to move the hands & fingers efficiently would take us much further.