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Practice

Hanon and Piano Fitness: Choosing Exercises and Planning Practice

Choose exercises for a specific skill and connect the work to real music. Speed and repetition counts are not the only signs of useful practice.

Name the skill you want to improve

Rather than aiming vaguely to get better, choose a goal such as continuous reading, hand-position changes or a steady pulse. Find a page that addresses that task. A book title alone cannot tell you which exercise you need.

Compare previews rather than assuming editions match

Hanon and Piano Fitness are different titles in our store. Compare their previews for patterns, level and instructions. Do not assume they contain the same exercises as another edition you have seen. Website sample contents show only identified examples.

Use a short, focused practice block

One possible 15-minute plan: three minutes reading and counting, five on a slow short passage, five applying the pattern to a song, and two noting the next task. Adjust it to your needs and prioritise steadiness and tone before speed.

Know when to change the approach

If repetition does not resolve a mistake, shorten the passage and review fingering or rhythm with a teacher. Stop if playing hurts and seek appropriate guidance. Exercises should not become a contest to force the hands faster.

A common question

Must I play Hanon fast before learning songs?

No. Work on suitable music while using exercises to support specific skills.

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