The Fastest Method to Learn Piano Pieces

Summary

In this video, Jazer, a pianist, introduces the Deep Sections Method—a practice technique that allows pianists to master pieces in days instead of weeks or months. By breaking music into small sections (as short as one bar) and practicing each section 7 times until it's perfect, pianists can develop finger accuracy and muscle memory without worrying about rhythm or using the pedal. Jazer emphasizes slow, focused practice over fast but inaccurate playing. The method helps build confidence, and the process becomes engaging, almost like a game, making it possible to learn even complex pieces quickly and efficiently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Break down your music into small sections to practice more efficiently.
• 😀 Each section should be repeated 7 times until it's 100% correct, no mistakes allowed.
• 😀 Focus on accuracy, not rhythm, during the initial learning phase.
• 😀 Avoid using the pedal during this process to concentrate on finger coordination.
• 😀 Don't rush—take your time to pause and think through each section before playing.
• 😀 The Deep Sections Method helps to learn pieces in days, not weeks or months.
• 😀 Repeating sections multiple times helps build muscle memory and reinforces learning.
• 😀 Small sections (as short as 1 bar) help to focus on the details, building confidence with each repetition.
• 😀 Try treating each note like a 'coin' in a game to make practice more engaging and enjoyable.
• 😀 Practicing sections thoroughly before moving on leads to a deeper understanding of the piece.
• 😀 The method may feel boring at first, but it’s highly effective for mastering a piece quickly and securely.

Q & A

What is the Deep Sections Method?

The Deep Sections Method is a practice technique where you break a piece of music into small, manageable sections—often as short as a single bar—and repeat each section seven times without any errors. The goal is to achieve perfect accuracy before moving to the next section.

Why should I break the piece into small sections instead of playing it through from start to finish?

Playing through a piece from start to finish offers a low return on investment because you're not focusing on mastering individual sections. By breaking the piece into smaller parts, you ensure that each section is perfectly learned before moving on, which accelerates your overall learning process.

What does '110% perfect' mean in the Deep Sections Method?

'110% perfect' means that you must play the section flawlessly, without any errors. Even the smallest mistake requires you to restart the repetition. The idea is to focus on absolute accuracy to build strong muscle memory.

Why is the number 7 used in the Deep Sections Method?

The number 7 is chosen because it provides a good balance—enough repetitions to establish muscle memory and confidence, but not so many that it becomes monotonous or unproductive. Seven repetitions are enough to solidify a section while keeping practice engaging.

Why should I avoid using the pedal during the Deep Sections Method?

The pedal should be avoided because it adds another layer of coordination that can distract you from focusing on the accuracy of the notes. Without the pedal, you can concentrate fully on the hand movements and the proper fingering for each note.

Does rhythm matter when practicing with the Deep Sections Method?

No, rhythm doesn't matter at this stage. The primary focus is on getting the notes correct. If you need extra time to find the right position for your fingers, it's okay to pause and take your time. Speed and rhythm can be addressed later, once the notes are fully secure.

How should I handle mistakes during practice using this method?

If you make a mistake during any of the seven repetitions, you should restart the repetition from the beginning. The goal is to ensure that each repetition is absolutely perfect before moving on to the next one.

What is the benefit of repeating each section seven times?

Repeating each section seven times helps to reinforce the correct fingerings and note positions in your muscle memory. It makes sure that the section is thoroughly learned and secure before progressing to the next part, ultimately speeding up the learning process.

How does the Deep Sections Method help with memorizing pieces?

The method helps with memorization by reinforcing each section repeatedly. As you practice, you form both muscle memory and mental associations with the notes, which makes it easier to recall the music later without needing the sheet music.

Is this method suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, the Deep Sections Method can be used by pianists of all skill levels. Beginners will find it useful for focusing on basic techniques, while more advanced players can use it to refine challenging sections of their pieces and improve overall precision.