Bellows Question

[KevinBradfield]

Whelp, I got my Elise in the mail last week, and have been able to devote about a half hour a day to learning it. It sure is fun! I had no idea my left hand was that inept, that will take a lot of work, but it is coming along. The Elise tutor has me operating my bellows in and out every 2 measures of 4/4 time music. Is this critical? I find myself going 2 and sometimes 3 bars, and every now and then I end up switching direction mid-measure of music. Is it critical to maintain that 2 measure interval? Would anyone care to share their thoughts on the matter?

[Don Taylor]

IIRC the Elise tutor later recommends changing bellows directions with phrase changes - which is a lot easier and more natural.

 

I guess that Wim is trying to get you around the problem that when you are just beginning you play so slowly that you run out of air while you are hunting for buttons. I am not sure his solution is much help as it just gives you one more thing to think about.

 

I suggest that you do not get too hung up on exactly following his bellows changes until you can find your way around the keyboard.

[Geoff Wooff]

I agree with Don,

 

try not to take on all the learning jobs at the beginning. Get your head around the keyboard , one hand at a time if it gets you there quicker. Then try playing both hands together, same notes an octave apart is good (and simple) practice for coordination. At some point a natural feel for the air useage and need to change direction of bellows will make itself apparent.

 

Execising a new bellows is also helpfull to 'play it in' and make it more supple ,so using it all whilst you practice can do this.

 

Good luck with your music!

Edited August 2, 2016 by Geoff Wooff