Lola, thanks, I always am grateful when talented people share their daily routines, habits, philosophies, so that I may learn to emulate! btw, as a suggestion from an objective observer who sees a naturally strong, talented player -- try strength development, both in the context of piano (ie, Hanon) and in general - I bet you have a lot more in you, excited to see where it could lead! :) For others reading, posture is of paramount importance -- check out Abbie Whiteside's Playing Chopin book
I was wondering if you lift your fingers purposely for exercise during warmup, or is that normal technique. I find best results at chromatics doing them at trill speed, but I have to keep my fingers close to the keys. I also use what I call conjunction points eg. for chromatic thirds. C,C#,D conjoin E,F,F# and G,G#,A conjoin B,C,C#. Josh Wright (another concert pianist) mentioned a similar idea when doing scales. It's kind of like key meeting points to make sure that both hands are synched.
@izzyjamm4 assuming you know a little bit of music, arpeggios contain the 1,3,5th notes in a scale.
For example, an arpeggio in c major contains c e and g basically, a chord played as a succession of notes is the better definition (as seen on the web). so instead of playing that c major chord as a chord you'd play each of those notes in the chord individually.
hi, im doing the russian scales, ive just never been able to do arpeggios very well, especially fast arpeggios. can you help describe how to get acquainted with arpeggio fingering and what kind you would recommend for warm up?
I have heard the 10.000 hours of practice theory, but is just playing still fun for you,?, I have known some phd faculty people that after they retire from teaching, they never want to play again,, ps,,,you make us lazy people want to practice or get off the pot,,lol
emmm. Well You play this in all tonalities? not... Why Why only in C scale ¬¬. Much people believe That practice all Hanon Excercises you can be Virtuous pianist. Really not. I practice the hanon excercises in all 12 tonalties this is: 60 x 12: 720 excercises Diary. I always said: "If you practice more of your limits you'll be a grand person" Whatever, the word: PERFECTION, PERFECT. Dont exist. nothing its perfect
@lolaastanova why do you play the scales and arpeggios as 3rds instead of octaves? Is there a technical reason, or does it just make it more interesting?
@gn4rgoyle at one point i heard that this is how Russian music schools teach their students to play scales
from looking at it superficially, it seems that these scales help a student exercise both parallel and contrary motion...starting with 3rds in parallel motion probably leads to more consonance (they sound better) when you start to go into contrary motion
This is not that impressive at all. I could do this in my sleep WITH my hands tied behind my back. I'm totally playing, that was just...wow. You're fingers were moving faster than my eyes could follow lol. This motivates me like crazy, you are crazy gifted!
Hello. Hey I'm Mexican pianist, I have 16 years. I'm intermediate level, I play things on the level of the Campanella by Liszt. some studies of Chopin. OP10 No 5 op 10 no 12 chopin minute waltz, etc. And I would love to know if you can make videos of a technique that is widely used for playing fast octaves Liszt, for example in the Campanella at the end there are a number of octaves to be played quickly My hand position must have to do it very quickly. I hope your answer THANKS.
Wow. I love this, and is an eye opener. I love the fact that even for these you play very musically. The agility, speed, clarity are amazing but also the power and yet lightness is a lesson to all that this is possible. How do you make it 15 minutes? do you change touch? Volume?inflection? at your blistering pace that warm-up would take all of 3 minutes? Would love to know what else you do with the warmups. Octaves, double notes don't feature?
Great video. I love the fact also that you do play all your scales musically. How does it take 15 minutes? do you vary your touch? wow, the speed, clarity, agility and lightness with volume, I'm trying to achieve myself, but boy, you take it to another level, your level is tricky.
Looking at your fingers on the chromatic scale part, are you doing the 1313123 fingering, or that other one where you utilize your fourth finger? I was told that the latter increases speed.
Well, I don't have a question, just found out about your channel and twitter account, but it's great that you yake the time to answer questions of people. That's really taking dvantage of social media and bringing music closer to people. Take my fat of for that. Greetings from Holland,
@johnyhoj Ha-ha-ha...yes, butchering a steer would be a real stretch for me...for many reasons. But I'm sure you could learn to play scales a lot sooner than a million years.
Question 1) I notice, when you are playing scales and/or arppegios at your tempo (fast -lol), how should I curl my fingers? Or should I? Especially, the 5th finger... Ive notice pianist like Keith Jarrett. When he plays, his 5th finger is curled up. No matter how much I practice trying to hold my fingers in those positions, they end up pointing straight out. What could I do to improve this (if it needs to be improved)...? Thank you so much!! PS - I LOVE your sense of fashion! You're the best!
@jaythanbishop Thanks for the complements. As for your question, I'm not sure that curling any finger one way or another should be a concern or a goal. Everybody must find their own natural way around the keyboard. If you are struggling with one finger than the issue is, probably, broader, and you may need to go back to some basic hand positioning exercises.
@jaythanbishop Never curl your fingers like a rainbow... It's a bad habit and it does nothing for your speed or delicate playing at fast tempos. When you curl your fingers you lose speed and consistent accurate motion. TEST 1: Curl your fingers like a rainbow and wiggle them up and down quickly. NOW: leave them un-curled, slightly arched being closer to being straightened and wiggle your fingers. THE DIFFERENCE in speed will be noticed instantly. Keep your hands straight when you play ;)
Greetings Lola, First of all..., thank you so much for your generosity and your time in sharing with us your methods of warm-up and other information. This have been so helpful to as I've tried to get this somewhat basic information from other musicians here locally and it's been like pulling teeth. You are so very talented, gifted, skilled and anointed. I certainly appreciate your skills. I do have several questions but I will ask them over a few posts. I'll ask the first in the next post. Thx
THANK U SO MUCH AND WO i just learned music thy so now i know relative minors, the cycle of fifths this motivated me to repractice piano and play more pieces once again and wow i should rlly do ure exercises i feel like theyll make an impact on my slow paced fingers <3!!!!
lola hello I studied for a while hannon virtuoso pianist but as I just can not "jump start" my fingers still feel weak even worse "clumsy" and I decided to study the applicant in each key hannon all my strength is that valid? or wrong?
@CrustyDoom bulging forearms are actually a sign of ineffective piano technique, where the pianist presses into the piano rather than using body weight to sink into the key - so her lack of huge forearms is actually testament to her healthy playing style.
@codekiln Eccentric contractions while going through the piano keying will build strength, endurance and dexterity far beyond any other exercise. I am the inventor of ergonomic exercise and bracing devices for the fingers, hands wrist and forearm. Exercise during playing the piano does not build strength endurance. I have been creating my songs so I can enjoy the piano. My dexterity at age 68 is as good as most 35 year olds.
@LORDNARCISSUS, they are long!!! the only way to play with such manicure is to play with flat fingers, but it's hard to imagine how it's possible in the tempos Lola plays :O
Is there a book you could recommend that contains these scale and arpeggio exercises with the appropriate fingerings? I usually just play scales in unison across 2 or 3 octaves. You however, change direction between hands and land on intervals. Thanks Lola. You're amazing.
@MagicSkryabin Out of curiosity, why would an upright be any more difficult? Do you find the key action to be that much different than a grand? Pardon my ignorance.
Hello, actually, I'm wrong, there are some grand piano with much harder key action than my piano. But when i was at piano shop I tried some incredible piano (Bosendorger 290 Imperial, Steingraeber & Sohn E-272, you know those pianos which cost 140 000 euros..) and it was such more comfortable than my piano. The control of the weight, the speed, the touch. (You may say its normal for expensive piano like those)
So with those pianos, i could reach a better velocity than mine.
@LORDNARCISSUS I would just like to add that weigh exercise is what killed Schumann's hands. Also, though heavy keys can be very helpful, never strain, never cause pain, never let your tendons feel tight or hot, don't let your hand crack, pop, etc. Always use the absolute easiest fingering that is the most efficient (this is tricky cause the right fingering feels wrong to undeveloped hands. Think mechanics of the hand, not ease of pattern to the intellect), And never push your physical limits.
i made a youtube account simply to let you know....... there isnt a fish in the sea that has more beautiful scales than you... your music is easy on my ears.... and you are easy on my eyes. BRAVO!!!!
o_o this makes me NOT wanna go play the piano, because in the back of my mind will be this awesomeness compared to my only three years of training T^T
A minute or so before the end of this video, the dominance of your left hand (which you mention) begins to show with its increased volume. I got into your channel with a selection whose facetious title was "This is sick" and you riff on a Rihanne number. I've just got to say you've got something going for you. If I had a practice instrument, I would be trying to keep up with the grade-school girls who play on youtube.
I admire your talent a lot! I'm 16 and I want to have my technique "relaxed", or, how can I explain, I want to play 100% relaxed as so as 100% equality. Could you give me some advices? I love this kind of warming!! I'm gonna put into my sheet paper for me to do it, if you don't mind, but is awesome!
Such natural, flowing rhythm, clear articulation and consistent controlled power from those beautiful hands. Thanks for posting this video and these answers.
This is one of the highest and best uses of YouTube.
@baiba6 Correction - a beginner pianist may damage a part in their BRAIN, as it is the brain that tells the tendons what to do. Neurological injuries are common in pianists who practice too much without a warmup. The injury is not always permanent. No disrespect to Lola, she is brilliant.
This is NOT a warm-up routine, its a scale practicing routine. Warming up is completely different. Warming up is about your whole body, and increasing circulation to your arm muscles with arm swings/star jumps and that sort of thing.
@AvidHobbyist Warm-ups are emphatically not a subjective thing, anymore than antibiotics curing bacterial infections being a subjective thing. The body doesn't work in a subjective way. Just playing a few scales/etudes/bach etc may get your fingers comfortable with the feel of the keyboard, but they will NOT prepare your muscles or tendons for the workout that you're about to put them through. I wonder if there are any qualified musculoskeletal doctors here who can agree with me?
3:15 This is such a great idea for me to do with Chopin's Polonaise in Ab Maj. for the scale part. WOW! Thank you so much for the idea. In fact, this can be done as a means to practice many difficult scales and arpeggios in your pieces. Hmmm...I'm going to use this also for Chopin's Revolutionary Etude. Is that wise? Not sure, but I'm certainly going to try it. I wonder if this would work on any difficult passages you may be strugging with, or would it simply waste time?
My honest advice to anyone is to NEVER compare yourself to anyone. The moment you compare yourself, you just lost half your motivation. Always enjoy playing piano on your own pace and you should get better and better not by watching others, but by practicing in a pace that fits your style. She has a different style of play. There is always someone who is better out there then what you see here. Everyone has an idol even she does. There is no such thing as 1 person best piano player in the world.
@buffyguy10 Right on! Much better to compare yourself to the music. Don't settle for less than what you want to hear! This is the standard that Bach adhered to- he pushed himself to be greater than he was. One of his truly great qualities that set the standard for the wonderful music we have today. Trust your ear, trust your heart. You will be amazed at your own playing, one day. Talented, egotistical musicians that 'peg' players almost always hit a wall, and once they do, they stop growing.
Thank you....the guy below..PlasticPlaystation..u are obviously not getting the point buddy...u should get back to your playstation games cuz u are a kid who does not even know the difference between constructive criticism and an actual advice..
dont quit people..lol she has been playing since she was 6...everyone has a talent that only you poses. She can play piano but cant sing...u cant play piano you could probably sing...You can be a professional soccer player, Lola couldnt kick a ball maybe she would fall on her butt...u get the point?
How long have you been playing for and what do you use to practice? I've been playing for almost 10 years and haven't acquired anywhere near the skills you have. You're quite the inspiration!
What I do is practice it with my eyes closed. don't look at all, even if it takes all day to get through it. As slow as you have to to get all the notes right. Then gradually speed it up. Maybe one metronome marking a day on a digital metronome. So start at what ever tempo you need to get through with no mistakes and then move up one notch. It' s tedious but it works. And no, it isn't an easy piece to play up to tempo. Listen to Horowitz play it.
Do you always practice on a steinway piano? Last week I played one at a store and I felt like all of sudden I was wearing a tuxedo! The keyboard action was very different from my Yamaha and it had much wider range and very sensitive. I wish I could afford one like yours :( However, thanks for your tips. They are very helpful.
Hi I have seen many people record on piano here on YouTube but you really are the real deal. I am so pleased that you are sharing your work here. I wonder which city or country you are in and where you trained..if you do not mind sharing that. I myself have my master degree from the us and Toronto also. You are inspiring thank you.
Hey miss, lu ur playing, i guess i have skill, but i might not have still enough, anyway we shall meet later on in time. I'm following from close your video.
A question : when did u finish ur piano curriculum ?
wow I'm learning these right now , thanks ! reminds me a bit of the Hanon exercises , each hand like its own instrument , completely independent :) , do you ever improvise music ? or any original pieces ?
This is gonna be one dumb question. Does the size of your hands matter in how good you can get? My hands are exactly one octave from thumb to pinky. I've always wished I could span 14 notes..
Lola, I have a question as well. Have you ever suffered from stage fright to the point in which it completely changes your playing and technical approach to music? If so, do you have any good advice on how to conquer this problem and keep a nice relaxed approach while performing? Thank you soo much for your time! It truly means SO much to all of us!
@chutdigadut I don't think I've ever suffered from "stage fright", but some days I'm less comfortable on stage than others. On those days I simply tell myself that I will play better if I'm relaxed. I know it's easier said than done, but that's what I try to do.
Question - is it ok to start playing so fast right away? My definition of a warmup is a bit more relaxed, starting slow at first. Am I doing it wrong? :)
Hi Lola, Don you think is a good idea to practice Hanon, or others technical methods, every day? Or You work technic directly in yours pieces? Thank you, have a nice day!
Lola, thanks, I always am grateful when talented people share their daily routines, habits, philosophies, so that I may learn to emulate! btw, as a suggestion from an objective observer who sees a naturally strong, talented player -- try strength development, both in the context of piano (ie, Hanon) and in general - I bet you have a lot more in you, excited to see where it could lead! :) For others reading, posture is of paramount importance -- check out Abbie Whiteside's Playing Chopin book
kdl0 1 week ago
obviously NOT from the Russian school.
Gracesboyfriend 1 week ago
I was wondering if you lift your fingers purposely for exercise during warmup, or is that normal technique. I find best results at chromatics doing them at trill speed, but I have to keep my fingers close to the keys. I also use what I call conjunction points eg. for chromatic thirds. C,C#,D conjoin E,F,F# and G,G#,A conjoin B,C,C#. Josh Wright (another concert pianist) mentioned a similar idea when doing scales. It's kind of like key meeting points to make sure that both hands are synched.
robertslistening 1 week ago in playlist more piano!!
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maurezze 1 week ago
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maurezze 1 week ago
cool
91ThePianist 2 weeks ago
my fast tempo is like hers at 4:45
treegirl96 2 weeks ago
Her fast tempo could be her normal tempo, jeez.
But interesting to see how you warm up, as I usually just do a couple of Hanon exercises. Thanks for the video.
Einfrein 3 weeks ago
"normal tempo"???. So would "fast tempo" rip through time and space or something?? and only god would know what Prestissimo would do! :S
XxgeekmisterxX 1 month ago
Steinway D... Lucky :)
Tbanks007 1 month ago
What is the difference between Hanon and the scales? I don't often practice the scales. Are scales more helpful.?....
ckc357 1 month ago
you need to practice!
PrickStanda 1 month ago
Is it better to practice in thirds cause I've noticed you always do thirds.
qwertyasdyaln 1 month ago
Can you please tell us how to play complicated polyrhythms, cross-rhythms, such as 5 or 6?
I can do 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 by counting beats and playing RH, LH at the right moment,
beats: 1 2 3 4 5 6
RH: 1 0 0 1 0 0
LH: 1 0 1 0 1 0
but when dealing with polyrhythms of higher numbers such as 5 to 6, this method becomes too complicated.
chopinandliszt 1 month ago
First of all, thanks for your videos! I have really enjoyed them this evening.
Second of all, I would like to ask you if you can recommend any books to improve technique, I am kind of lost.
Kind regards!
FelipeTrujilloBilbao 1 month ago
Can you please also show us how you play dominant seventh chords in a similar style that you played your arpeggios in this video?
pictophobia93 1 month ago
You play scales from C with you 3th finger, I never saw that! But it has logic.
predoje 2 months ago
con Lola ricomincerei a studiare da capo:)
doppioago1 2 months ago
Your playing is AMAZING, You are AMAZING. It's a pleasure to hear u playing piano, even scales and arpeggios! Thanks for share :)
wilmergamboa 2 months ago
when did you start playing piano?
RadioCity96 2 months ago
WOW! i FIND IT AMAZING HOW ACCURATE YOU ARE PLAYING SCALES AND ARPEEGGIOS AT THAT SPEED..
happy2bhere2day 3 months ago
Thanks Lola for answering questions on Youtube. Its nice to know how to do some basic warming exercises Thank You!!!
MyPreciousVideos1 3 months ago
The hottest woman alive! Sheeeeesh!
flauge1234 3 months ago
I think I fell in love with you ...
isccha89 3 months ago
Normal Tempo??? Good heaven!!!!! I wonder whats her fast tempo is..
pramodmeee 4 months ago 4
I'm pretty new to the piano; could anyone tell me what an arpeggio is?
izzyjamm4 4 months ago
@izzyjamm4 assuming you know a little bit of music, arpeggios contain the 1,3,5th notes in a scale.
For example, an arpeggio in c major contains c e and g basically, a chord played as a succession of notes is the better definition (as seen on the web). so instead of playing that c major chord as a chord you'd play each of those notes in the chord individually.
EraserMonster 4 months ago
@EraserMonster Thank you.
izzyjamm4 3 months ago
Man, I don't warm up at all :D
Pavle245 4 months ago
i love how your hands look as if they're galloping across the keys. lol.
ChemicalKimono 4 months ago
hi, im doing the russian scales, ive just never been able to do arpeggios very well, especially fast arpeggios. can you help describe how to get acquainted with arpeggio fingering and what kind you would recommend for warm up?
nickv1011 5 months ago
after watch ur video....it really inspire me. many thanks LOLA
synviscs 5 months ago
Amazing!! :D
Dante121892 5 months ago
Meanwhile, back on Earth...
billcottles 6 months ago
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billcottles 6 months ago
um all be responsible for around 10,000 views!
soneyful 6 months ago
I have heard the 10.000 hours of practice theory, but is just playing still fun for you,?, I have known some phd faculty people that after they retire from teaching, they never want to play again,, ps,,,you make us lazy people want to practice or get off the pot,,lol
JazzKeyboardist1 6 months ago
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robertslistening 6 months ago
emmm. Well You play this in all tonalities? not... Why Why only in C scale ¬¬. Much people believe That practice all Hanon Excercises you can be Virtuous pianist. Really not. I practice the hanon excercises in all 12 tonalties this is: 60 x 12: 720 excercises Diary. I always said: "If you practice more of your limits you'll be a grand person" Whatever, the word: PERFECTION, PERFECT. Dont exist. nothing its perfect
C0L050 7 months ago
@lolaastanova why do you play the scales and arpeggios as 3rds instead of octaves? Is there a technical reason, or does it just make it more interesting?
gn4rgoyle 7 months ago
@gn4rgoyle at one point i heard that this is how Russian music schools teach their students to play scales
from looking at it superficially, it seems that these scales help a student exercise both parallel and contrary motion...starting with 3rds in parallel motion probably leads to more consonance (they sound better) when you start to go into contrary motion
4hm3dimr4n 7 months ago
@gn4rgoyle I also forgot to say that the arpeggios are not in 3rds...they are played as root, 3rd and 5th and all the inversions as usual
4hm3dimr4n 7 months ago
You need to marry me you super talented super gorgeous girl! ;)
sjoseph0128 7 months ago
You're so beautiful =) I wish I found someone like on my path
felipemanohiphop 7 months ago
so this is the NORMAL tempo? lol,,,wtf am i doing here anyway? haha,,i am begginer ,sorry that was a neurotic laugh
papcyrill 7 months ago 12
what arpeggios are those?
MrNoookie 7 months ago
This is not that impressive at all. I could do this in my sleep WITH my hands tied behind my back. I'm totally playing, that was just...wow. You're fingers were moving faster than my eyes could follow lol. This motivates me like crazy, you are crazy gifted!
KingPupusa 7 months ago
Y U No have carpo-tunnel
PersistentOne1 7 months ago
you are a true inspiration!-well done!
martian76smiley 8 months ago
you are speeding up a little when descending
BlazeKenny 8 months ago
Hi Lola! Can you share the Chopin op.10 n° 1 Etude slowly? I'd Like to learn with your precise movements!! ; ) You are AMAZING!
rafaelpianoba 8 months ago
Hello. Hey I'm Mexican pianist, I have 16 years. I'm intermediate level, I play things on the level of the Campanella by Liszt. some studies of Chopin. OP10 No 5 op 10 no 12 chopin minute waltz, etc. And I would love to know if you can make videos of a technique that is widely used for playing fast octaves Liszt, for example in the Campanella at the end there are a number of octaves to be played quickly My hand position must have to do it very quickly. I hope your answer THANKS.
jiririji 8 months ago
me sale mejor a mi la escala cromatica a 7 octavas
jiririji 8 months ago
Wow. I love this, and is an eye opener. I love the fact that even for these you play very musically. The agility, speed, clarity are amazing but also the power and yet lightness is a lesson to all that this is possible. How do you make it 15 minutes? do you change touch? Volume?inflection? at your blistering pace that warm-up would take all of 3 minutes? Would love to know what else you do with the warmups. Octaves, double notes don't feature?
kiggywiggy 8 months ago
Great video. I love the fact also that you do play all your scales musically. How does it take 15 minutes? do you vary your touch? wow, the speed, clarity, agility and lightness with volume, I'm trying to achieve myself, but boy, you take it to another level, your level is tricky.
kiggywiggy 8 months ago
I wanna date you
blaxors 8 months ago
I quit...
MichaelCGatesMusic 8 months ago
I think that only me use this scales for training yeah you and me lola play to the same velocity give me 5 :)
C0L050 8 months ago
Looking at your fingers on the chromatic scale part, are you doing the 1313123 fingering, or that other one where you utilize your fourth finger? I was told that the latter increases speed.
EraserMonster 9 months ago
I jam to this chromatic scale exercise...
EraserMonster 9 months ago
Well, I don't have a question, just found out about your channel and twitter account, but it's great that you yake the time to answer questions of people. That's really taking dvantage of social media and bringing music closer to people. Take my fat of for that. Greetings from Holland,
Koen
casakoen 9 months ago
@johnyhoj Ha-ha-ha...yes, butchering a steer would be a real stretch for me...for many reasons. But I'm sure you could learn to play scales a lot sooner than a million years.
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
Question 1) I notice, when you are playing scales and/or arppegios at your tempo (fast -lol), how should I curl my fingers? Or should I? Especially, the 5th finger... Ive notice pianist like Keith Jarrett. When he plays, his 5th finger is curled up. No matter how much I practice trying to hold my fingers in those positions, they end up pointing straight out. What could I do to improve this (if it needs to be improved)...? Thank you so much!! PS - I LOVE your sense of fashion! You're the best!
jaythanbishop 9 months ago
@jaythanbishop Thanks for the complements. As for your question, I'm not sure that curling any finger one way or another should be a concern or a goal. Everybody must find their own natural way around the keyboard. If you are struggling with one finger than the issue is, probably, broader, and you may need to go back to some basic hand positioning exercises.
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
@jaythanbishop Never curl your fingers like a rainbow... It's a bad habit and it does nothing for your speed or delicate playing at fast tempos. When you curl your fingers you lose speed and consistent accurate motion. TEST 1: Curl your fingers like a rainbow and wiggle them up and down quickly. NOW: leave them un-curled, slightly arched being closer to being straightened and wiggle your fingers. THE DIFFERENCE in speed will be noticed instantly. Keep your hands straight when you play ;)
DICACIO1 5 months ago
Greetings Lola, First of all..., thank you so much for your generosity and your time in sharing with us your methods of warm-up and other information. This have been so helpful to as I've tried to get this somewhat basic information from other musicians here locally and it's been like pulling teeth. You are so very talented, gifted, skilled and anointed. I certainly appreciate your skills. I do have several questions but I will ask them over a few posts. I'll ask the first in the next post. Thx
jaythanbishop 9 months ago
great stuff - i love !
gemballi 10 months ago
Wow, killer technique!!
ChrisOfTheInternets 10 months ago
THANK U SO MUCH AND WO i just learned music thy so now i know relative minors, the cycle of fifths this motivated me to repractice piano and play more pieces once again and wow i should rlly do ure exercises i feel like theyll make an impact on my slow paced fingers <3!!!!
jennx18 10 months ago
Great scale exercice, I'll use it for my students. Thanks Lola, you play wonderfull!.
alexmantua 10 months ago
Hello, I have a question, why you start scales on mediant??
baobaoxuehuai 10 months ago
LOLA, HOW ARE YOUR HANDS AND FINGERS DOING?
charlton3695 10 months ago
lola hello I studied for a while hannon virtuoso pianist but as I just can not "jump start" my fingers still feel weak even worse "clumsy" and I decided to study the applicant in each key hannon all my strength is that valid? or wrong?
mgcc99 10 months ago
Do you use the normal fingering for the chromatic scales here?
codekiln 10 months ago
@codekiln Yes, I use normal fingering for scales.
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
im surprised she doesnt have massive bulging popeye forearms.
CrustyDoom 11 months ago
@CrustyDoom bulging forearms are actually a sign of ineffective piano technique, where the pianist presses into the piano rather than using body weight to sink into the key - so her lack of huge forearms is actually testament to her healthy playing style.
codekiln 10 months ago
@codekiln Eccentric contractions while going through the piano keying will build strength, endurance and dexterity far beyond any other exercise. I am the inventor of ergonomic exercise and bracing devices for the fingers, hands wrist and forearm. Exercise during playing the piano does not build strength endurance. I have been creating my songs so I can enjoy the piano. My dexterity at age 68 is as good as most 35 year olds.
charlton3695 10 months ago
@codekiln ha. my forearms kill after 10 minutes of fast arpeggios. so i have shit technique probly.
CrustyDoom 10 months ago
all I can think of is how I cant even move my fingers as fast as she does, much less with coordination and accuracy.
With all due respect (and compliments)
I bet she could whoop someones ass with her fingers.
aman345 11 months ago
imagine her giving light shows.
MikeyEspy 11 months ago
Oh, my God! To do it with the nails - that is amazing!!!
LiliyaUgay 11 months ago
@LiliyaUgay what nails?
LORDNARCISSUS 11 months ago
@LORDNARCISSUS, they are long!!! the only way to play with such manicure is to play with flat fingers, but it's hard to imagine how it's possible in the tempos Lola plays :O
LiliyaUgay 11 months ago
@LiliyaUgay Actually, I do not wear manicure. My nails have to be a certain length and I can't have anything on them.
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
Skip to 3:15 for godlike warm up routine.
lambammm 11 months ago
please give me your piano.
secretagent3xQ 11 months ago 2
i wished i was a pianist.. lol its soo cool!
jam3zthach 11 months ago
Fascinating....a concert pianist who's really in touch with her fans....and very helpful too.
I think I'm now a fan....after I watch a few more of her videos. :)
ayokay123 1 year ago 2
@ayokay123
But I don't know how it technically works. I just felt a big difference although my up right piano is a very nice piano, i'm very happy with it !
(Bravo again Lola)
MagicSkryabin 1 year ago
haha, i dont have patients for warm-ups either
panda1846 1 year ago
Is there a book you could recommend that contains these scale and arpeggio exercises with the appropriate fingerings? I usually just play scales in unison across 2 or 3 octaves. You however, change direction between hands and land on intervals. Thanks Lola. You're amazing.
Xylophunk 1 year ago
@Xylophunk There must have been some book of exercises that I used when I got started, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was called.
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
She has a very strong technique, Bravo !!
Thanks for tips aswell !
But this velocity is impossible to reach on my up-right piano. If only i had money...
MagicSkryabin 1 year ago
@MagicSkryabin Out of curiosity, why would an upright be any more difficult? Do you find the key action to be that much different than a grand? Pardon my ignorance.
ayokay123 1 year ago
@ayokay123
Hello, actually, I'm wrong, there are some grand piano with much harder key action than my piano. But when i was at piano shop I tried some incredible piano (Bosendorger 290 Imperial, Steingraeber & Sohn E-272, you know those pianos which cost 140 000 euros..) and it was such more comfortable than my piano. The control of the weight, the speed, the touch. (You may say its normal for expensive piano like those)
So with those pianos, i could reach a better velocity than mine.
MagicSkryabin 1 year ago
@MagicSkryabin actually some pianists use weights to expedite muscle development. they are muscles that are build with resistance also.
ur doing urself a favor by using heavy keys... I do that too :)
LORDNARCISSUS 11 months ago
@LORDNARCISSUS I would just like to add that weigh exercise is what killed Schumann's hands. Also, though heavy keys can be very helpful, never strain, never cause pain, never let your tendons feel tight or hot, don't let your hand crack, pop, etc. Always use the absolute easiest fingering that is the most efficient (this is tricky cause the right fingering feels wrong to undeveloped hands. Think mechanics of the hand, not ease of pattern to the intellect), And never push your physical limits.
ronbobathon 11 months ago
"And finally, some arpeggios." I close my mouth and think, ah.. a cool-down... Five seconds later my jaw bruises my collarbone.
iHarmonicDissonance 1 year ago 8
It's just like going to the music school and see porn at the same time... I keed xD
pianistesteban 1 year ago 2
i made a youtube account simply to let you know....... there isnt a fish in the sea that has more beautiful scales than you... your music is easy on my ears.... and you are easy on my eyes. BRAVO!!!!
tickletheivory1221 1 year ago
@tickletheivory1221 Oh, a whole YouTube account for me? I'm very touched! Thank you!
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
Lola, I don't want to make you self-conscious but I love watching your hands on this video!
49kasey 1 year ago
o_o this makes me NOT wanna go play the piano, because in the back of my mind will be this awesomeness compared to my only three years of training T^T
00RukiaKuchiki00 1 year ago
i have never been so discouraged in my life
shadowsmaster194 1 year ago 50
@shadowsmaster194
lol my stomach just dropped.
She did'nt even play anything and Im wordless.But the comment by buffyguy is right
lopytube 1 year ago
Lola... do you ever bother with Hanon or would you recommend perfecting the scales and arpeggios alone...
pinkfloyddwc 1 year ago
so beautiful so exotic and so humble, ohhhhh i'm in love again
mozfonky 1 year ago
A minute or so before the end of this video, the dominance of your left hand (which you mention) begins to show with its increased volume. I got into your channel with a selection whose facetious title was "This is sick" and you riff on a Rihanne number. I've just got to say you've got something going for you. If I had a practice instrument, I would be trying to keep up with the grade-school girls who play on youtube.
hereinweymouth 1 year ago
Hello Lola! (:
I admire your talent a lot! I'm 16 and I want to have my technique "relaxed", or, how can I explain, I want to play 100% relaxed as so as 100% equality. Could you give me some advices? I love this kind of warming!! I'm gonna put into my sheet paper for me to do it, if you don't mind, but is awesome!
Cheers,
Pedro
pedroborges78 1 year ago
Amazing! I'm doing this now with difficult passages in my pieces and this works! What an improvement. Of course, I'm not up to her speed. lol
THANK YOU for this video! What a terrific idea, Lola.
lllllllllllllll88 1 year ago
it would be awesome if you learned Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 thats the song that inspired me to play!
bkvalumeal 1 year ago
I just discovered your videos, and I'm already sure this one is going to help me a lot. Thanks for sharing your talent. :)
Also, you're gorgeous.
elysium735 1 year ago
I need to practice that counter motion scale exercise again
superjam18 1 year ago
when did you start and who taught you? did you like your teacher or did you hated him? or her
cketiti1 1 year ago
your a minor scale was actually a melodic minor. just sayin' haha! But I love to listen to you perform it's amazing!
CrazyPianoPassion 1 year ago
what you played was not an arpeggio, but a broken chord.
canimob 1 year ago
@canimob LOL thanks for the laugh! Not an arpeggio, but a broken chord: HA!
radudeATL 1 year ago
wow...
ReturnOfTheStienway 1 year ago
I can' t even watch her fingers go that fast yet along imagine playing that fast. WOW!
DottiesDoodles 1 year ago
Hi Lola,
What is your procedure for memorizing a piece of music. Is that a seperate thing or is it a result of HOW you practice?
Thanks.
Boldstrummer 1 year ago
Hola Lola,
I've just listened to several of your performances on Youtube.
You have very good fingers and possess a refined, rarely heard musicality.
What gets my extra attention, is that your musical ideas in Chopin are nearly IDENTICAL to mine!
Strange, isn't it... ?
Where do you actually live and work ?
Kindest regards,
Geert Dehoux, pianist.
Belgium.
geertdehoux 1 year ago
@geertdehoux Thanks Geert. I guess great minds think alike? ;)
LolaAstanova 9 months ago
@LolaAstanova
Well, I don't know...
I remember my friend Arcadi Volodos' big frustration about finding ONE good performance by another pianist!!
Luckely I don't have that problem. :-)
Wishing you all the best,
Cordially,
Geert.
geertdehoux 9 months ago
Lola, Even your scales sound musical...
Such natural, flowing rhythm, clear articulation and consistent controlled power from those beautiful hands. Thanks for posting this video and these answers.
This is one of the highest and best uses of YouTube.
OldSchoolSkill 1 year ago
These scales are fantastic for advanced pianists, thanks. But BEGINNERS beware - DON'T try them this fast. You will damage your tendons.
ALWAYS BEGIN SLOWLY and build your speed up very slowly over weeks or months, according to your expertise.
Thanks for posting this, I have been longing for a concert pianist such as yourself to post something like this.
baiba6 1 year ago
@baiba6 Correction - a beginner pianist may damage a part in their BRAIN, as it is the brain that tells the tendons what to do. Neurological injuries are common in pianists who practice too much without a warmup. The injury is not always permanent. No disrespect to Lola, she is brilliant.
baiba6 1 year ago
Also...MARRY MEE!!! haha!
freekninjinc 1 year ago
Okay..NOW I wanna see You screw up!lol!!
freekninjinc 1 year ago
This is NOT a warm-up routine, its a scale practicing routine. Warming up is completely different. Warming up is about your whole body, and increasing circulation to your arm muscles with arm swings/star jumps and that sort of thing.
debrucey 1 year ago
@debrucey warm-ups are subjective things - i find that practicing scales like this is even better than warming up to say an etude
AvidHobbyist 1 year ago
@AvidHobbyist Warm-ups are emphatically not a subjective thing, anymore than antibiotics curing bacterial infections being a subjective thing. The body doesn't work in a subjective way. Just playing a few scales/etudes/bach etc may get your fingers comfortable with the feel of the keyboard, but they will NOT prepare your muscles or tendons for the workout that you're about to put them through. I wonder if there are any qualified musculoskeletal doctors here who can agree with me?
debrucey 1 year ago
@debrucey that analogy is terrible. lola astonova is a much greater pianist than you and any warm up that works for her will work for me.
AvidHobbyist 1 year ago
@AvidHobbyist Woah, personal much. I didn't criticise her pianism, I criticised her definition of warm-up. Lighten up.
debrucey 1 year ago
dutch accent?
trevorzac 1 year ago
@trevorzac I thought Eastern European maybe Russian but living in USA?
baiba6 1 year ago
3:15 This is such a great idea for me to do with Chopin's Polonaise in Ab Maj. for the scale part. WOW! Thank you so much for the idea. In fact, this can be done as a means to practice many difficult scales and arpeggios in your pieces. Hmmm...I'm going to use this also for Chopin's Revolutionary Etude. Is that wise? Not sure, but I'm certainly going to try it. I wonder if this would work on any difficult passages you may be strugging with, or would it simply waste time?
lllllllllllllll88 1 year ago
My honest advice to anyone is to NEVER compare yourself to anyone. The moment you compare yourself, you just lost half your motivation. Always enjoy playing piano on your own pace and you should get better and better not by watching others, but by practicing in a pace that fits your style. She has a different style of play. There is always someone who is better out there then what you see here. Everyone has an idol even she does. There is no such thing as 1 person best piano player in the world.
buffyguy10 1 year ago 25
@buffyguy10 Right on! Much better to compare yourself to the music. Don't settle for less than what you want to hear! This is the standard that Bach adhered to- he pushed himself to be greater than he was. One of his truly great qualities that set the standard for the wonderful music we have today. Trust your ear, trust your heart. You will be amazed at your own playing, one day. Talented, egotistical musicians that 'peg' players almost always hit a wall, and once they do, they stop growing.
ronbobathon 11 months ago
@buffyguy10 you just made my day!
Supersupernatify 10 months ago
@Supersupernatify
Thank you....the guy below..PlasticPlaystation..u are obviously not getting the point buddy...u should get back to your playstation games cuz u are a kid who does not even know the difference between constructive criticism and an actual advice..
buffyguy10 10 months ago
Comment removed
Supersupernatify 10 months ago
@buffyguy10 Loooooser... Great advice Mr. Nobody.
plasticPlaystation 10 months ago
dont quit people..lol she has been playing since she was 6...everyone has a talent that only you poses. She can play piano but cant sing...u cant play piano you could probably sing...You can be a professional soccer player, Lola couldnt kick a ball maybe she would fall on her butt...u get the point?
buffyguy10 1 year ago
fuck, I should just quit now!! i'll never get to the speed and accuracy you display!
blindphil 1 year ago
Thanks!!!
Natenoooo16 1 year ago
How long have you been playing for and what do you use to practice? I've been playing for almost 10 years and haven't acquired anywhere near the skills you have. You're quite the inspiration!
ThePianoManJ 1 year ago
Hi Lola,
I always have a problem playing this Rondo. It is supposedly quite an easy piece to play.
William Kempff - Sonata No.8 in C minor, op.13 Pathetique - III. Rondo. Allegro
Any ideas?
swanningaround 1 year ago
@swanningaround
What I do is practice it with my eyes closed. don't look at all, even if it takes all day to get through it. As slow as you have to to get all the notes right. Then gradually speed it up. Maybe one metronome marking a day on a digital metronome. So start at what ever tempo you need to get through with no mistakes and then move up one notch. It' s tedious but it works. And no, it isn't an easy piece to play up to tempo. Listen to Horowitz play it.
wonderdunder 11 months ago
Lola, you are just brilliant!! I love to listen to you! bless you
rbwdash8 1 year ago
Do you always practice on a steinway piano? Last week I played one at a store and I felt like all of sudden I was wearing a tuxedo! The keyboard action was very different from my Yamaha and it had much wider range and very sensitive. I wish I could afford one like yours :( However, thanks for your tips. They are very helpful.
bayareapianist 1 year ago
WHOA! no way could i play something like that.
niaroxable 1 year ago
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CRISELEMENTO 1 year ago
You are a beautiful woman with a beautiful talent and a beautiful piano ;)
natazuke 1 year ago 2
who taught u how to play piano u play beatifuly!
BubbleloveWorld 1 year ago
Hi I have seen many people record on piano here on YouTube but you really are the real deal. I am so pleased that you are sharing your work here. I wonder which city or country you are in and where you trained..if you do not mind sharing that. I myself have my master degree from the us and Toronto also. You are inspiring thank you.
mona14mona 1 year ago
Hey miss, lu ur playing, i guess i have skill, but i might not have still enough, anyway we shall meet later on in time. I'm following from close your video.
A question : when did u finish ur piano curriculum ?
hailkayy 1 year ago
wow I'm learning these right now , thanks ! reminds me a bit of the Hanon exercises , each hand like its own instrument , completely independent :) , do you ever improvise music ? or any original pieces ?
RandyNaraine 1 year ago
I love You Dear Lola !!!!!
annamagdalena2 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about warm up. I am working on it.
rcbigflyer 1 year ago
Do you know what your speed is on the metronome when you play in your normal tempo?
jtrentsmith 1 year ago
i loved it! your truely UH-MA-ZING!
rizza817 1 year ago
This is gonna be one dumb question. Does the size of your hands matter in how good you can get? My hands are exactly one octave from thumb to pinky. I've always wished I could span 14 notes..
pflau1 1 year ago
@Moddance19 Dividing the piece in sections. Work on one section at at time. Start with the most difficult/least favorite ones.
LolaAstanova 1 year ago
Your amazing!!! :)
jtrentsmith 1 year ago
lola why are u so fine and beatiful? lol u play excelente
godschild1991ful 1 year ago
That's the same way I play my scales! With the contrary motion technique. Neat!
Celticwomanfanpiano 1 year ago
Hi Lola: I called my wife over to hear your magic. If you are selling the manuscript of those scales and arpeggios I am buying.
Aloha,
Alton
lostnfoundation 1 year ago
this is just insane i cant get my 2 hands to work together this....would be imposible
jordan90035 1 year ago
WOW Thank You soo much for showing your warm ups. This is is something I will treasure forever
qruiters 1 year ago
lola hello I have a question:
because you look very young how long to spend on piano virtuosity to get to like you've done thanks
mgcc99 1 year ago
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIANISTS?!? please answer!
SergeyRachmaninoff 1 year ago
Jesus her warm up is BRUTAL
Heero545 1 year ago
Lola, I have a question as well. Have you ever suffered from stage fright to the point in which it completely changes your playing and technical approach to music? If so, do you have any good advice on how to conquer this problem and keep a nice relaxed approach while performing? Thank you soo much for your time! It truly means SO much to all of us!
chutdigadut 1 year ago
@chutdigadut I don't think I've ever suffered from "stage fright", but some days I'm less comfortable on stage than others. On those days I simply tell myself that I will play better if I'm relaxed. I know it's easier said than done, but that's what I try to do.
LolaAstanova 1 year ago
Question - is it ok to start playing so fast right away? My definition of a warmup is a bit more relaxed, starting slow at first. Am I doing it wrong? :)
teodortenchev 1 year ago
@teodortenchev You are not doing it wrong. Playing scales in slow tempo is completely fine. In fact, playing anything in slow tempo is a good idea.
LolaAstanova 1 year ago
Hi Lola, Don you think is a good idea to practice Hanon, or others technical methods, every day? Or You work technic directly in yours pieces? Thank you, have a nice day!
gitzolinick 1 year ago