Post any questions you have concerning piano, and answer any you can.

Here`s a question (to those who consider themselves competent painists). How much time do you spend practicing each the piano each day?

As a middle-schooler, but an avid piano student, I like to practice 1-1&1/2 hours a day. Sometimes I divide it up into chunks so it`s 2 hours a day (but not often, extra GT schoolwork, wrestling and rugby takes time too, not to mention friends)

I play at night when im back from work, around 7-10 and sometimes more.

Here`s Another question:
How often do you compete in a piano (or any music) competition. I`ve only had one piano competition, and cnosequently I did not win it.

lets see, if I`m working up to a competition or performance I push two or three hours a day. Otherwise, about an hour - oh, except the days when I hit that sweet spot (you know what I mean) and then it could be hours and hours... and late for work and stuff. I have a competition, audition, or significant performance once or twice a year. But I perform a few times a week... seeing as it is my job.

How do you deal with the stress and/or nervousness of performing all of the time, or is that even a problem. I find that when I sit down at the piano to perform even for small recitals, my foots starts shaking a bit (especially when petalling), and my palms are sweating. Of course I am by no means a professional, and being still in my teens, my performances aren`t very frequent.

I have had 2 performances, but they were mandatory for my program and I was easily the best one there (One really good kid forgot to show up, he was going to play the 3rd movement from the Tempest sonata). All but the good kid (and I`m really only a little bit behind him) and one other girl were playing extrememly easy songs. So I don`t know if this counts as a performance or not, as it was mandatory and not competitive.

Actually, I`m only sixteen as well. I honestly can`t give you a formula for not being nervous when you play in front of people, but I can give you tips. Firstly, you need to know your pieces and your piano. Strange pianos can wreak havoc on your playing ability. So try to get in and plunk a little on the piano before you perform. Next, think about it a little. One performance is such a tiny little chunk of time in the scope of things. Sure, you`ll remember it, and others will too (though not nearly as well as you!), but its not THAT big a deal. One more thing you hafta do though is practice performing. I mean that. When I was little (and even now) my Dad would make me play a piece or two anytime we had company. I hated it, and I used to get wicked nervous, but I don`t anymore and I think that had alot to do with it.
I guess you just hafta be confident in yourself and your playing ability. So go on, perform. put your heart in it.

I have a question.
Is it just me, or does the Samick WSU-131MD upright have REALLY good action?