Learning an instrument can be daunting and sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Bad practice habits can be hard to undo.  But fret not, with ROLI we’ve got you covered. There are some awesome ROLI features that will help supercharge your practice sessions, at any stage of your music-learning journey

Did you know there are significant benefits to practicing the piano regularly?  It can help you build focus and discipline, as well as enhance your creativity and leave you feeling inspired. Practicing music is also proven to reduce stress and improve concentration. You may even find that those around you appreciate your piano playing, especially once you’re able to play pieces that they know and love. Schedule regular practice for a few minutes a day and you’ll be well on your way to playing fluently!

1. Pause and play - learn at your own pace

Learning to play the piano can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor, especially for beginners. The Pause and Play feature in each ROLI Learn app lesson acts as your patient virtual instructor, waiting for you to catch up when needed. This feature is particularly beneficial during the early stages of learning when you're getting acquainted with new notes, chords, and melodies.

With the Pause and Play button, you have the freedom to take as much time as you need to understand a musical phrase or a specific section of a song. You can stop the playback at any point, allowing you to study the notes, observe the finger placements, and comprehend the underlying music theory. This immersive learning experience fosters a deep connection with the instrument and the music you're playing, ultimately leading to a more profound appreciation for the art of piano playing.

💡 Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist, is known for his electrifying performances and technical prowess. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of practicing slowly and mindfully. By taking the time to pause and deeply understand the music, Lang Lang connects emotionally with the pieces he performs.

2. Change the speed - gradual progression to mastery

One of the biggest challenges for novice pianists is keeping up with the tempo of a piece, especially when encountering complex compositions. The ROLI Learn app address this hurdle by allowing you to adjust the playback speed. Slowing down the tempo enables you to break down intricate passages into smaller, more manageable segments.

As you practice at a reduced speed, your fingers become familiar with the patterns and movements required for each section. This gradual progression builds muscle memory and strengthens the neural connections between your brain and fingers. As your confidence and proficiency grow, you can gradually increase the tempo, moving closer to the original speed of the piece. The ability to adjust the speed facilitates efficient and effective learning, ensuring that you develop a solid foundation before tackling more challenging pieces.

💡 Yuja Wang, a brilliant Chinese pianist, is acclaimed for her virtuosic performances and exceptional technique. She advocates for the use of slow practice to achieve precision and clarity in her playing. Wang's methodical approach involves gradually increasing the tempo as she gains confidence in mastering the intricacies of a piece. Her dedication to practicing at various speeds has earned her a reputation as one of the most dazzling and technically proficient pianists of her generation.

3. Loop a section - practice with precision

Learning to play the piano often involves mastering a myriad of notes and intricate sequences. Looping a section with your Piano M allows you to focus on specific areas that prove challenging. Whether it's a tricky transition between chords, a fast-paced arpeggio, or a complex melody, isolating these passages through looping helps you concentrate your efforts where they are needed most.

The looping feature also enhances your sense of progress as you witness your own improvement over time. As you repeatedly practice the section, you'll notice a marked difference in your ability to execute it accurately and confidently. This targeted approach to practice maximizes efficiency, ensuring that you make significant strides in mastering the entire piece, one segment at a time.

💡 Vladimir Horowitz, a legendary Ukrainian-American pianist, was renowned for his meticulous and focused practice routines. He would often isolate difficult passages and tirelessly repeat them until he achieved the desired level of accuracy and control. By looping challenging sections and refining them to perfection, Horowitz showcased his unparalleled precision and left an indelible mark on the world of classical piano.

Watch the video below for how to loop effectively:

4. Add finger numbers - enhancing technique and fluidity

Proper finger placement is a fundamental aspect of piano technique. Without using the correct fingers for each note, playing can feel awkward, and fluidity can be compromised. ROLI Learn has the ability to display finger numbers directly on the keys on-screen can significantly aid in developing correct finger habits from the start.

As you practice with the correct fingerings, your fingers learn to move effortlessly across the keys, resulting in smoother transitions between notes and chords. This fluidity is essential when playing more complex pieces, as it allows you to maintain a consistent rhythm and produce a more expressive performance. Additionally, using the right fingers lays the groundwork for tackling more challenging pieces in the future, as your hands become more versatile and agile on the keyboard.

💡 Martha Argerich, an Argentine classical pianist, is celebrated for her exceptional finger technique and musical expressiveness. Argerich emphasizes the importance of fingerings as a means to unlock the full potential of a musical passage. By meticulously using finger numbers, she achieves effortless agility and fluidity across the keyboard, allowing her to convey a wide range of emotions in her interpretations.

5. Add a metronome - mastering rhythm and timing

Rhythm and timing are the backbone of any musical performance, and learning to play with a steady tempo is vital for pianists. The metronome feature in the ROLI Learn app serves as your reliable rhythm companion, helping you develop a strong internal sense of timing and precision.

Practicing with a metronome teaches you to play in sync with a consistent beat, whether you're working on simple exercises, scales, or advanced compositions. It encourages discipline and accuracy in your playing, helping you avoid common timing mistakes like rushing or slowing down unintentionally. Gradually, your ability to internalize rhythm will improve, and you'll be able to maintain a steady tempo without the aid of the metronome.

💡 Sergei Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer and pianist, was known for his extraordinary sense of rhythm and impeccable timing. During his practice sessions, Rachmaninoff often used a metronome to ensure the precise execution of complex passages. This disciplined approach to rhythm contributed to the powerful and commanding performances for which he became famous.

ROLI Learn features provide an immersive, efficient, and personalized approach to learning the piano. By utilizing pause and play, speed, loop, using a metronome and adding finger numbers aspiring pianists can tailor their practice sessions to suit their individual needs and goals. The result is accelerated progress, increased confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of piano music.

Embrace these innovative tools, and embark on a rewarding musical journey with the Piano M at your fingertips.