The Benifits of Silent Play
In my post mental practise, I wrote about immagineing and thinking the music in your head. This can be handy when you aren’t well, like in the case in my blog entry at the time. I had the flu and couldn’t get out of bed long enough to practice, but I could do mental work instead. This post is an extension of this.
The Silent Piano Concept
Playing a digital piano with out the sound turned on, using a cardboard piano, or playing with out pressing the keys can drastically improve your memory. I know, because I do it all the time. When I first started doing this, I found myself making mistakes, because I didn’t have the sound to guide me. Playing in this way forces you to think before playing each note, and you become aware of where your fingers are going, the patterns you are using and muscle memory. It can take a while to see results, just like in mental practice; but it is worth the investment.
How to start using the Silent Piano Technique
I suggest starting this with pieces you already know; that way it will be easier to see the benifits of this technique. Take a small section, and play it with out depressing the keys, or with the sound of your keyboard off. Notice how it feels, the notes you are playing and keep at it until you can play it automatically. Repeat this with other sections and other pieces.
Have you used this technique? If so, share the benifits you have noticed.