Chopin Etudes just got a little bit easier (ft. Marina Lomazov)

0:00 Mt. Everest of Piano Playing
0:31 #1 Grouping (Op. 10 No. 8)
2:36 #2 Plucking (Op. 10 No. 4)
5:08 #3 Hold and pluck (Op. 10 No. 1)
7:54 #4 Rhythms (Op. 25 No. 2)
10:59 #5 Working backwards ("Black key")
13:48 #6 Repeat attacks (Op. 10 No. 2)
17:23 #7 Slow practice ("Thirds")
22:25 Eat your vegetables

Chopin’s 24 Études feature a seemingly endless variety of technical challenges, yet – as Marina Lomazov demonstrates in this lesson – the same handful of practice techniques can be applied effectively to all of them.

Lomazov breaks down seven strategies that are guaranteed to increase your facility and command of demanding, virtuosic passagework.

Free PDF: Tips from Master Pianists — Scales & Arpeggios
Ever wished you could learn how to play scales from Chopin or Rachmaninoff? Now you can.
In this free PDF, we explore scales and arpeggios – the backbone of a pianist's technical training – from the perspectives of master pianists including Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Chopin, and Brahms.

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[UUpianoman]

It's possible that a lot of you are young and thinking of degrees and competitions and the like, but know this.... the study of piano and music will give you years of enjoyment in your old age. You will always need ways to find joy in your life, and the piano gives back, no matter your ability level.

[KaisarAnvar]

I remember giving a recital about 10+ years ago. Professor Lomazov, was in the audience, with her husband. After the recital, it was such a humble honor, and pleasure to greet her and her husband, sat with them for dinner, and discuss about music, ideas, life, as well as many other topics. She was SUCH a humble person, and absolutely kind. I will remember her as always.

All of us: great I know what I have to do

In the practice room: rushing all the time 😂😂

[Daniel_Ilyich]

I feel equipped to conquer the Chopin Competition in 2026. Now all I need is a piano and it's off to the races.

[kliberalsing]

Strategy #7 seems legit. Also, one might add, try to find your inner child when practicing. That wonderful state of mind where everything is a game and everything is possible. It is healthy to re-connect with that inner child and endless curiosity. (Scientists would probably agree.)

[Aerospace_Education]

I was an Eastman Music Community School student back in my RIT days. I was a beginner back then, but got access to the practice rooms. It was such a thrill hearing all the incredible musicians playing at Eastman. Such a gem for the Rochester community. Thank you Marina for being a part of that and for these lessons.

[amirevaniandstudents]

Strategy no.1 0:32
Strategy no.2 2:38
Strategy no.3 5:10
Strategy no.4 7:55
Strategy no.5 11:00
Strategy no.6 13:49
Strategy no.7 17:25

[yusefandersen]

Ancient wisdom in a youthful vessel... What a gift to musicians you are! Heartfelt thanks.

[ronigbzjr]

As a past piano teacher, #1 was fairly basic, I laughed at #2 because it's true! Students always be raising their hands to the sky with their staccato. Then #3-#6 were all very creative and reminded me of things, some of which I have taught my students, yet forgotten to do myself, and I loved the variety idea and the extent of it, very powerful.
Then #7 BLEW MY MIND. Holy guacamole. I've been doing it wrong all my life. And instructing my students wrong! This single thing just changed my whole view and understanding of piano technique. I'm sold, the woman is a genius. Can't wait to try this on Op. 25 No. 6!

[IamKonstantin]

took her course on tonebase... love her. she is such an amazing teacher and knows how to greatly simplify complex pieces ! thank you marina!

[Clown]

I didn't think I'd get through the whole video at once, but it was so magnetic to listen to these tips, that I just sat there in awe. Thanks tonebase!

[radudeATL]

I saw her live years ago at the Brevard Music Center. She played the Prokofiev First Concerto. It was dazzling. It inspired me to learn that piece.

[paulmayerpiano]

The way her hand and wrist move at 2:14 (op 10 no 8) is SO RUSSIAN! Open, relaxed, good tone, and smooth transition to the thumb and the next group. Just like turning pages in a book. I wish more North American teachers taught this properly from day one. Would be a lot fewer wasted tears for sure.
EDIT: this is the same basic movement in Op 10 No 1 as well, imo

[corgisrule]

One of the best pieces of advice a teacher ever gave me was, “When you start memorizing a piece, start at the end. That way, at least if you messed something up in the middle, you’ll finish strong and leave a better impression” 😂

[stevenweaver]

Marina is just wonderful to watch. I could listen to her for hours.

[Baileya]

Geez… if I only had this wonderful teacher when I started studying piano seriously… her suggestions are absolute genius . Will try them on the coda of the G minor ballade which I have been battling with for years.

[mumps]

Ms. Lomazov -- had I not been rightly rejected by Eastman/Rebecca Penneys as a graduate piano student 40 years ago because my lack of solid fundamentals, I would lament the fact that you weren't teaching back then! What a wonderful, down-to-earth person you seem...lessons with you I know would have been a joy, yet tough and productive. Thank you for this video.

[simondanielssonmusic]

I love this channel. I'm not really that good at playing piano, but I'm a classical guitarist.
A lot of the practice strategies and perspectives on repertoire interpretation that are showed
in this channel can be applied to classical guitar, as well as many other musical instruments.
Thanks for being such a valuable online resource for musicians worldwide!

[iampracticingpiano]

Ms. Lomazov is engaging, inspiring, and beautiful. These ideas are a treasure trove--thank you!

[johnschlesinger]

Interestingly, Shura Cherkassky said he practised pianissimo, at half speed, and that anyone who heard him would think he couldn't play the piano. He worked for four hours a day, by the clock. If he missed some time on a day, he would make it up the next day.