Should Beginners use Hannon Exercises?

[karendj]

I purchased the book about a year ago and I don't use it. Now that I'm playing for a church I recognize the weakness of my fingers especially the left hand. Should I use this book as a warm up to practice or just focus on the GAZILLLION songs I'm learning right now, old choir songs, new choir songs, devotional songs, hymns, etc...... I guess the question is what is the best use of my time?

[betnich]

Warm up with one or two Hanon exercises. Once you learn them, try them faster, and in different keys.
When tired, take a break, rest the hands.
Then attack the rest with attitude and diligence.
As you progress, you should be able to do more songs and exercises without tiring. Your forearms will develop.
Hanon exercises increase dexterity and endurance...

[Fenix]

So how do you do the hanon exercises in other keys? Its possible on the "white" keys like C, D, G, but how abou the "black" keys like Eb and Ab? Wouldn't it be awkward?

[betnich]

So how do you do the hanon exercises in other keys? Its possible on the "shite" keys like C, D, G, but how abou the "black" keys like Eb and Ab? Wouldn't it be awkward?

Just follow the notes of the major keys - this is where knowing one's scales come in handy -

C= C D E F G A B C

Db= Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C Db

etc...

[T-Block]

So how do you do the hanon exercises in other keys? Its possible on the "white" keys like C, D, G, but how abou the "black" keys like Eb and Ab? Wouldn't it be awkward?

You play them the same way u do on the white keys. It's gonna feel ackward for your fingers at first, but it gets easier the more you do it. Trust me Fenix, once you've tried some of these exercises in other keys, u won't believe how much strength and dexterity ur fingers gain.

[musallio]

You play them the same way u do on the white keys. It's gonna feel ackward for your fingers at first, but it gets easier the more you do it. Trust me Fenix, once you've tried some of these exercises in other keys, u won't believe how much strength and dexterity ur fingers gain.

That is what's long-outstanding on my list!
At the moment my fingers feel like logs!!

[kingvidbina]

Yeah. I agree with these cats. I started on my Hanons a while ago and it really improved my accuracy (time-wise), precision (as in not missing the keys or hitting slightly besides them) and strength. One thing though... after transposing to Db I fought with the exercises for hours before I finally got them right. But now I can work on my speed... the awkward feeling just disappears after a while... just a matter of getting used to