May 2026 Newsletter - Three ideas that may change the way you practice piano

Hi everyone,

Over the past month, I’ve released several YouTube videos that all circle around a deeper question:

How do we become more informed learners?

It doesn’t happen through force or endless repetition.
It happens through better awareness.

Here are a few ideas from this month’s videos that I think are worth reflecting on:

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1. Tension is often caused by compensation

In my conversation with pianist and teacher Fred Karpoff, we discussed one of the most misunderstood aspects of piano playing: tension and injury.

One important idea that came up is that tension is often not caused by playing “too much,” but by compensation and misalignment. When the body is organized inefficiently, smaller muscles begin overworking to compensate.

We also discussed the idea of the “quiet hand” — not rigid or frozen, but calm, organized, and free from unnecessary motion.

If technique has ever felt mysterious or frustrating to you, I think these conversations may help clarify some things.

→ Quiet Hand and Alignment with Fred Karpoff
→ Three Causes of Injuries at the Piano

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2. The metronome should not replace your inner pulse

I also released a video called:
“Most Pianists Use the Metronome Too Soon.”

The metronome is a useful tool. But many students begin using it before they have developed an internal sense of pulse and flow.

Rhythm is not simply mathematical accuracy.

Good rhythm is connected to:

• gravity

• breath

• walking

• heartbeat

• physical gesture

• musical direction

A metronome can refine rhythm, but it cannot create rhythm for you.

Sometimes the first step is to step away from the metronome and learn to feel pulse more naturally in the body and in the music itself.

→ Most Pianists Use the Metronome Too Soon (Do This First)

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3. Quiet progress is still progress

Just a year and a half into becoming an online course creator, it’s been deeply encouraging to hear reports of musical breakthroughs and growing clarity from students all over the world.

These breakthroughs rarely happen dramatically.

They happen because someone keeps returning thoughtfully to the piano over time.

A little understanding accumulates.
A little listening deepens.
The hands become more organized.
Music starts making more sense.

So if you’ve been discouraged lately or feel like progress is slow, let this simply be a reminder:

keep going.

Thoughtful practice in small amounts matters more than you think.

Warmly,

Kristina