Embracing Octaves in Music

Don't shy away from octaves. They're fabulous because they give a lot more oomph and grandeur to music.

What is an Octave?

• An octave is eight notes (Oct, meaning eight).
• The most important fingers to use when playing octaves are:
  • The thumb
  • Often the fifth or fourth finger

The Importance of Grip

Sometimes, you might feel like you want to grip the octave.

• Key Points:
  • Difficulty arises when playing white notes and black notes.
  • Observe the flexibility of the thumb, there are a few joints that can be really useful.
  • It's the thumb that guides you up and down an octave.

To achieve a real resonance sound, always aim to feel that you're gripping the chord or octave.

Practicing with Focus

A good way to practice octaves is to focus on:

• The thumb
• The fifth finger

For example, at the beginning, we can consider:

• The steps of whether they're next door or if there's a bit of a jump.
• With the fifth finger, keep in mind that the little jump between the B and the G is slightly bigger than the step before it.

The Benefits of the Piano

The great thing about the piano is that it is set, there's an equal distance between all these notes.

• Unlike string instruments, where the shifts will never be the same, the piano provides consistency.
• This consistency only applies when playing on a modern piano or a modern Clavanova.
• Even on a keyboard, the keys are all equal to each other, so practicing blindly is highly recommended.

Practicing with Eyes Closed

At the beginning, you could try practicing with your eyes closed or putting the lid down to feel where your hand or finger is positioned.

• In bar two, when you encounter that little jump, you might even use your fourth finger on the A to help guide your little finger down to the G.

Flexibility in Octave Playing

Another aspect of octave playing is the flexibility of the wrist.

• In bar three, we have four quavers. Rather than playing with tension, aim for a more relaxed approach.
• Maintain flexibility to avoid building up tension in your arm, as this could lead to stress toward the end of the piece.

Remember, lightness and free movement are key to effective octave playing!