>> [MUSIC] Shifting the thumb under and over
is another important aspect in piano technique.
As we become more aware of our bodies,
let us understand that extra movements
may want to come in place
but they are completely unnecessary.
Let me demonstrate a two-octave, C major scale.
I'll do this with my right hand only.
[MUSIC]
There's a tendency
to want to bring our elbow
out but that is completely unnecessary.
Notice what happens if I do this with my elbow out.
[MUSIC]
Why is that not beneficial?
If we ever want to play faster,
the elbow moving in and out
constantly will get on the way of
being able to play very fluid lines at a fast pace.
So as you try a C major scale for two octaves,
instead, be aware that your arm can carry you through.
So this is a moment to incorporate torso movement.
So now we're going to lean over our seat bone to
the side and back to the place where we started.
I'm going to demonstrate this with
both hands at 75 bpm with the metronome.
Also, remember to breathe.
I'll play the C major scale at two notes per beat.
[MUSIC]
Even more important
is when we're playing an arpeggio.
Let me demonstrate that when we did it for one octave.
[MUSIC] As we play a two-octave arpeggio,
now we're shifting our thumb to the second octave.
Here's another important moment to be paying
attention to the elbow. Avoid this.
[MUSIC]
Instead, there's going to be a slight hop
between the G and the C. You don't
have to jump to go from
one octave to the other but slide your head,
allow your arm to
let you travel from one note to the other.
[MUSIC] Thumb goes under
and I'm moving to the side.
[MUSIC] Let me demonstrate that with the left hand.
[MUSIC] I'm moving my torso
to the side, thumb goes under.
I'll do the same now with both hands at 75 bpm.
Don't forget to breathe. [MUSIC]