Salto de mano izquierda

Left Hand Exercise

Let's look at this next example, which is for the left hand.

Snaps and Counts

We'll start with the snaps, and then we'll add the pitches after four.

• Count out loud:
  One and two and three and four.
  And one and two and three and four.
  And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
  And 1 and 2 and 3 and four.
  And 1 and 2 and three and four.

Melody Review

Now we'll have a look at the melody once again. You're going to want to pay really close attention to the finger numbers as they'll help you stretch to those higher notes.

• Start with your one finger on middle C in anticipation of moving your five finger all the way down the octave to the lower C by the end of the bar after a count of four:

  • One and two and three and four.
  • And one and two and three and four.
  • And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
  • And 1 and 2 and 3 and four.
  • And 1 and 2 and three and four.

Hand Positioning

You can use those rests at the end of the first and second bar to move your hand to the new hand position once again.

• Practice Tip: You can really slow down those counts to help you master this, before then going on a bit faster.