In the latest episode of the Piano Ninja Tricks podcast, your host, Lisa Spector, reveals a game-changing technique to make your piano playing easier and more efficient. This episode, part of the Technique Thursday series, dives into the art of minimizing movement by strategic thumb placement on the keys. Lisa demonstrates how this simple adjustment can significantly enhance your speed and overall performance, using examples of the actaves from Chopin's C minor Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1 and more. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced pianist, this Ninja trick is a must-learn for unlocking your piano mastery for any music that has black and white keys, which, of course, is almost all music. Tune in, apply, and make your piano playing easier and more efficient with this enlightening episode.Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

In this poignant Thanksgiving episode, join me on an intimate journey through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that defined my piano odyssey. From the unexpected fall that shattered my right hand and soul to the relentless battles with CRPS, the story unfolds with resilience as the central theme. Discover the surprising gifts that emerged from adversity, giving birth to the transformative Piano Ninja Tricks. It's a tale of gratitude, strength, and the melody that arose from the symphony of challenges.Then I share a piece I call "The Marriage of My Hands".Starting with the Godwosky arrangement for left hand only of Chopin's Aeolian Harp Etude leading into the original Chopin Etude for two hands. Full video lesson tutorial on the Etude is available for half price til end of day on Black Friday, Nov. 24. And several other gems still available at 50 to 65% off. https://lisaspector.com/blackfriday/Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

In this Mindset Monday, get ready for a dose of piano pep talk. Today's topic revolves around a question that often echoes in the minds of musicians: Can you truly enhance your musicality when you're away from your instrument?Learn why stepping away from the piano doesn't mean stepping back from improvement. Discover how life experiences—whether in nature, at an opera, or in the rhythm of Zumba—can become the unexpected keys to unlocking new realms of musical creativity.Before delving into this symphony of wisdom, Lisa offers a friendly reminder that today marks the finale of the Black and White Friday Special. https://lisaspector.com/blackfriday/Don't miss the opportunity to explore discounted programs, including Lisa's signature course, Piano Ninja Tricks, where the path to becoming an independent learning pianist is paved with the Piano Ninja Tricks delivered in the right order for you to improve fast as a pianist and play with joy and ease before you can say "Prestissimo". Tune in and rediscover how the symphony of life outside the practice room can harmonize with your musical journey. So, ready your mindset, and let's transform how you perceive improvement as a musician, even when you're not at your beloved piano.BLACK (& white) FRIDAY DISCOUNTS END MONDAY, NOV.  20 AT MIDNIGHT PACIFIC. https://lisaspector.com/blackfriday/Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

I get asked all the time, "Lisa, how much should I move my wrists when playing piano?"My answer is always...  It all depends! Some music requires your wrist to be completely still, while some requires a lot of movement to support the phrasing and overall musical line. Listen and find out when and where to use wrist motion. Tune in, level up your wrist game, and become a true Piano Ninja! 🎹✨ Plus, don't miss out on exclusive Black & White Friday discounts  up to 65% off on transformative piano programs through Monday, Nov. 13th.https://lisaspector.com/blackfriday/Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

I can't overemphasize the importance of doing one thing at a time while you're practicing. Whether it's a suggestion your teacher made or a Piano Ninja Trick you're learning here, you'll accelerate your progress when you learn one skill until it becomes a habit and you don't need to think about it anymore before you add the next thing. If you're applying my Piano Ninja Tricks to your practicing, you'll have much longer lasting and faster success when you learn one at a time. Want to know the best order to learn them in for the fastest success? The Piano Ninja Tricks Course is discounted $200 this week, for our Black (and White) Friday specials. Many other programs are discounted 50%. For pianists and also online programs for classical music lovers who don't necessarily play an instrument. Black & White Friday discounts vanish Saturday night, 11/18. ⬇️https://lisaspector.com/blackfriday/Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

Discover why there's no such thing as a wrong note, only getting to a wrong note, and learn the most efficient way to accurate, consistent correct notes. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips to enhance your piano skills and make your playing more consistent and expressive.When you play a note or chord that the composer didn't write, you don't need to correct the note or chord. You need to correct getting to the note or chord. Listen to find out the best place to start when you want consistent correct notes. Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

Welcome to Mindset Monday on the Piano Ninja Tricks podcast, where we dive into the transformative journey from mindless to mindful practicing. How do you cultivate mindful practicing habits that can elevate your piano playing? Discover the importance of intention, focus, and the power of deep listening. Uncover how mindful practicing can turn your sessions into purposeful, joyous experiences at the piano. It's all about creating mindful habits for lasting musical success. Tune in for this episode that's all about intention.Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

Today, we're diving deep into a question that has the potential to transform your piano practice: "How can I make this easier?" It's a query I encourage all my students and Piano Ninja Tricksters Club members to keep in mind. It's a simple yet powerful concept. Whenever you're at the piano, always ask yourself this question because, without fail, there's a way to make it easier.I'll share an anecdote from my high school days when I attended a music festival and received a profound lesson from a mentor, Anne Marsh. At the time, I considered Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto as a monumental challenge, far beyond my capabilities. Yet, Anne Marsh's guidance left me speechless. He said, "Lisa, did you know that you could sit down right now and play Rachmaninoff 3?"It may sound unbelievable, but the key is tempo. By slowing it down to a manageable pace, even the most daunting pieces become attainable. I learned that there are numerous methods to simplify music, and today, I'll introduce three fundamental ones applicable to almost any piano piece.The first approach is to slow it down. In essence, take your music at a much more comfortable tempo. This can help you manage complex or challenging passages with greater ease. But slowing down is just the beginning.The second trick involves breaking the piece into smaller, repetitive sections. By focusing on these bite-sized segments, you can refine your performance and tackle complex passages with precision.The third trick  is to practice hands separately. It's a crucial step, especially for pieces with intricate hand coordination. Separating the hands allows you to master each part individually before combining them. I'll demonstrate these tricks using Chopin's C minor Nocturne, a piece I'm currently relearning. In this episode, I'll slow it down, break it into sections, and practice hands separately, illustrating the practical application of these strategies.Through this process, I aim to make the music more approachable and improve my performance. So, if you're looking to simplify your piano journey, keep these three techniques in mind.As I work on this Nocturne and rediscover its nuances, I hope that this demonstration inspires you to apply these tricks to your own repertoire. Remember, there's always a way to make any section of music easier, no matter how challenging it may seem.I encourage you to take out a sticky note and write down this powerful question, "How can I make this easier?" Place it on your piano as a reminder. By doing so, you'll cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and find joy in the process of mastering the piano.I'm eager to hear how you apply these techniques to your music, so keep listening to the podcast for instructions on how to share your experiences with me.My desire is to make playing the piano an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, that's what I do in the Piano Ninja Tricksters Club. The Piano Ninja Tricksters Club is welcoming new members through Friday,, 11/3. Are you an adult pianist, intermediate to advanced level, who wants to double your proficiency in half the time with little known tricks I learned after breaking my riMusic opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

I'm sharing a story close to my heart about my ongoing battle with the Tempo Police. You know, those invisible critics that sometimes haunt us as we play, telling us we're too fast or too slow. They can be real joy-killers!But guess what? I've learned to take charge of my tempo and kick those Tempo Police to the curb. I've found that the most beautiful music happens when I allow myself to play at the tempo that feels just right for me. No more conforming to external judgments or rigid metronome rules.I'll take you on a journey through my own struggles with tempo, and I'll share the liberating secrets I've discovered along the way. We'll explore why it's essential to set your own tempo, be it fast, slow, or somewhere in between. I'll reveal how this change in mindset has not only improved my playing but also enriched my musical experience.So, if you've ever felt pressured to conform to someone else's tempo or beat yourself up for not playing at the "right" speed, this episode is for you. Let's break free from the Tempo Police together and rediscover the joy of playing music on our own terms.Tune in and let's embrace the freedom to express ourselves through our unique tempi. It's a musical journey worth taking!Can't wait to share this transformative experience with you.Happy listening and happy playing!THE TEMPO POLICE ON INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw-p3Otxqyv/https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpNpv1tMBA0/The Piano Ninja Tricksters Club is welcoming new members through Friday,, 11/3. Are you an adult pianist, intermediate to advanced level, who wants to double your proficiency in half the time with little known tricks I learned after breaking my right hand and being told I'd never play piano again. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to practice more to improve! You need to learn how to practice smart. Piano Ninja Tricks helps you do that so you can focus on what's really important, making music with joy and ease. More info and enroll here. Music opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital

Technic ThursdayQUICK REFLEX MOTIONWhat's that? It's a Piano Ninja Trick I use so frequently that the members of the Piano Ninja Tricksters Club call it QRM. It's a technique that lets you measure your way to precise piano key by leaping using minimal space.  It's like having a musical ruler at your fingertips, and it can take your piano playing to a whole new level of accuracy. The slower you play, the faster you can move in a direct line to your new position. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this technique and discover how you can enhance your piano performance with precision and grace. Tune in now to become a true piano ninja! 🎵🎹PIANO NINJA FINGERING MASTERCLASS Sunday, Oct 29 Noon PT / 3 ET 9 CETPiano Ninja Fingering Masterclass on Sunday, October 29th. 🎉 🥳 🕛 12 Pacific / 3 Eastern / 9 Central European Time Skip to all the ​Masterclass details here.==>>​Join for FREE This Masterclass Is for You If...🎹 You don't typically write down fingering🎹 You don't know if you should change fingers on repeated notes🎹 You struggle with playing consistent, soft chords🎹 You don't know how to work around big chords with a small hand🎹 Your hands get fatigued when practicing🎹 You question what legato fingering works the best 🎹 You want your fingering to feel effortless🎹 You don't think choosing fingering is fun 🤦‍♀️Contrary to popular belief, fingering can be easy AND fun! And the best part? It's FREE! ORUpgrade to VIP​ for $20 and enjoy these exclusive benefits:📚 PDFs of my personal fingerings 🎥 Lifetime access to the MasterclassRegister hereMusic opening and closing played by Lisa SpectorOpening: End of Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"Closing: Beginning of Chopin Etude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minorInstagram IG Broadcast Channel YouTubeBest Free Piano Ninja Fingering TricksPiano Ninja Tricksters ClubWebsitePodcast Art by Cindy Wyckoff at Design It Digital