How to play Chopin's Military Polonaise - Video by Robert Estrin on Virtual Sheet Music

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How to play Chopin's Military Polonaise

Helpful tips on how to approach the Military Polonaise

Released on February 12, 2013

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Comments/Questions/Requests:

christopher Slevin * VSM MEMBER * on May 2, 2013 @2:34 pm PST

Many thanks Robert.

christopher Slevin * VSM MEMBER * on May 1, 2013 @1:19 pm PST

I have no formal training and want to ask you about arm positioning. In Zez Confrey's Dizzy Fingers on the descending arpeggio, my right elbow swings out in order to hit the F sharp with my fourth finger. Is this correct or should I try to keep my arm in the normal position?

Robert - host, on May 1, 2013 @6:31 pm PST

Christopher- You should avoid any jerky motion. If you reach with your fingers, you should be able to accomplish the arpeggio with a fluid motion. Try practicing slowly and very connected until smooth. Then increase the speed little by little. (The metronome is an indispensable tool for that.)

Dolph on April 28, 2013 @10:04 am PST

Does Virtual sheet music have Show Tunes (Broadway Music)
Thank you for your Chopin tips. I find the my recent exposure to the Ocean doable, thanks to you.

Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on April 29, 2013 @3:58 pm PST

Hi Dolph and thank you for your comment. Glad you enjoyed Robert's video on the Military Polonaise.

About your question, we are currently offering Broadway Music just from the digital Hal Leonard repertoire:

http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/downloads/Indici/Genre/Broadway/

If you have any specific title you would like us to publish "our own way", please let me know! Any suggestions/requests are always very welcome.

Thank you again!

All the best,

DRG NURSILVYANTI on February 13, 2013 @10:48 pm PST

This is all I need. I love it very much. Thank you.

Rose Boltz on February 13, 2013 @3:57 pm PST

Very nice but this piece is beyond my skill level. I enjoy listening to it and maybe in a few years I will be able to play like that.

KP * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @1:58 pm PST

The video was a great help. I am 62 and on my own with the piano and took lessons 40 years ago. My wrist is a little stiff from hand and wrist surgery, so the techniques shown will make things easier. I have always loved this piece and keep going back to it.

Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on February 14, 2013 @3:56 pm PST

So glad to hear that KP. I am sure Robert will have more tips to help you with that. Robert is watching this page and I am sure he will contribute with his thoughts soon. Thanks!

Robert Estrin - host, on February 21, 2013 @3:01 pm PST

So glad there is information in the video that is helping your hands. It is important to be prepared in practice to avoid unnecessary stress on your hands. Be sure your hands are warm before practicing. You can run them under warm water or use a heating pad or other source of heat before playing the piano. Try to start your piano practice session slowly at first to allow your hands to acclimate to playing. Please look forward to additional tips in upcoming videos!

elaine on February 13, 2013 @1:39 pm PST

I found the video extremely helpful. I found the exercises fantastic, very practical.thanks heaps. from New Zealand

Margie * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @11:21 am PST

Great demo! I broke my right wrist a couple of years ago, and though it healed well, I lost more of my technique than I expected. My hand is no longer shaped quite like it was. (I'm 83 years old, which doesn't help any!) I was an advanced pianist before and can no longer play my old repertoire. You've encouraged me to get back to the piano and try again. How about some tips on dealing with the Ravel Sonatine 1st and 3rd movements at speed?

Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on February 14, 2013 @3:55 pm PST

Dear Margie, I am so glad to know your story! I am sure Robert will tackle the Ravel's Sonatine you have suggested in the near future. On our side, we just need to publish it on VSM!

Barb * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @9:18 am PST

Thanks for your clear explanation on how to improve the wrist movement.

Christine O'Connell on February 13, 2013 @8:39 am PST

Very helpful exercise, thank you! Tips for Chopin's Ocean Etude would be great.

Ross * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @7:50 am PST

Thank you for this excellent demonstration, specially the slow speed part of the instructions. I am not a young player and I particularly find this video very helpful in isolating the movements of the wrist from the arm thus allowing me to optimize muscle movements without getting overly exhausted!

Leslie * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @7:42 am PST

Thank you very much, Robert for the technical reminders for strengthening the wrists and using the weight distribution of the arms correctly! Great video and I plan to watch more!
An die Musik : ) !!!

George Ghirlando, Ph.D * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @7:35 am PST

This is why you do don't study piano from a flute or non-piano specialist. Love his presentation skills. Great.

Carol * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @7:12 am PST

Really enjoying these helpful lesson. Looking for more! Thank you.

Hester * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @6:07 am PST

Watching you play is beautiful. PLEASE could you help me find sheet music for Ravel's Pavanne for a Dead Princess. I need easy sheet music to help me learn to play this piece. Now I am off to practice wrist movement on my piano. Thank you very much

Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on February 13, 2013 @6:28 am PST

Thank you Hester for your comment. You can find that piece listed within our Maurice Ravel's repertoire:

http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/downloads/Ravel/DownloadRavel.html

Despite it is offered by Hal Leonard only for now. We will work on our own high quality edition as soon as possible, Thank you again!

Matt on February 13, 2013 @5:44 am PST

Great video. Keep them coming. The idea of using the wrist more is helpful. At times, I may get sloppy and forget about my 'touch' and this will help.

Jean-Marc on February 13, 2013 @5:23 am PST

Any tips on how to play Chopin Winter Wind Etude or any similar pieces please?

Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on February 14, 2013 @3:41 pm PST

Thank you Jean-Marc for your request, I am sure Robert will consider to make a video on that. Stay tuned!

Cheryl Kranz * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @5:22 am PST

Excellent wrist/arm-shoulder information. Very useful.

Betty on February 13, 2013 @4:26 am PST

Thanks, that was fun!

Kit * VSM MEMBER * on February 13, 2013 @3:45 am PST

Awesome tip! Thank you.

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ROBERT ESTRIN REFERENCES
Sheet Music Downloads F.Chopin: Polonaises Op.26, Op.40 (collection 3) More piano sheet music...
Special Contents Interview with Robert Estrin December 5th, 2010
More Videos How to Approach a Score - Part II May 22nd, 2013 How to Play Loud on the Piano May 22nd, 2013 How to Approach a Score - Part I May 15th, 2013 How to Play Softly on the Piano May 15th, 2013 Sight Reading - Part 2 May 8th, 2013 How to Play Repeated Notes on the Piano May 8th, 2013 How to approach the Moonlight Sonata with small hands April 30th, 2013 Sight Reading - Part 1 April 30th, 2013 How to approach the Ocean Etude Op. 25 No. 12 by Chopin April 3rd, 2013 How to use the pedal in Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata February 22nd, 2013 How to play Moonlight and Pathetique Sonatas January 24th, 2013 Approaching Advanced Silent Night December 13th, 2012