The Technique of Arpeggios

Arpeggios look deceptively simple, but in reality are not that easy to execute accurately due to the intervals involved (unlike scales which are made up of steps). From experience I have found out that the following hand-eye coordination usually helps students execute better arpeggios:

• Always keep your eyes one-step ahead of your fingers

Example:

C major arpeggio ~ when your finger is pressing the C key, your eyes are already on the next key E. In this way, your brain will prepare your fingers in advance where to move. This is akin to walking ~ we always look ahead to where we will be going instead of at our legs.

• When doing hands together,

Ascending ~ focus on your Left Hand, and glance at your Right Hand only when you need to turn (example, in the case of C major, when your thumb needs to stretch to the C in the 2nd octave).

Descending ~ focus only on your Left Hand.

Rationale ~ the Left Hand is generally weaker than the Right Hand, and therefore needs all the attention it can get. The Right Hand has a stronger motor ability and hence should be able to move by itself just by following what the Left Hand is doing,