Hikanotes Music Academy

07/06/2026

"Nobody is bigger than growth."

​True progress begins the moment we realize there is always a higher level to reach, a new skill to master, and a better version of ourselves to build. Every phase of life demands a upgraded mindset. Look back only to see how far you’ve come, but keep your eyes firmly fixed on the horizon ahead. Never give up on your journey, because the process of growing is where the magic happens.

05/06/2026

Quick question.
Must one play every scale or chord correctly at all times?

Is there room to improvise?

04/06/2026

Which Key is the easiest or more convenient on the keyboard.

Drop your answers on the comments...

04/06/2026

Are you confused when you hear : Maj 7th, min 7th, Aug, etc
Don't worry we'll simplify the grammar for you

03/06/2026

Rhythm & Independence (Left Hand vs. Right Hand)

The #1 Intermediate Hurdle: Hand Independence! I call it separation

Every beginner struggles with making their left and right hands do different things at the same time. It feels like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach!

Practice the right-hand melody until you can do it without looking.
Practice the left-hand bass notes until they feel automatic.
Put them together at HALF speed.

Comment "video" in comment section and I'll send you a practice video for step by step rehearsal.

02/06/2026

🚀 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Playing fast before control
❌ Ignoring timing
❌ Tension in hands
❌ Skipping slow practice
❌ Practicing mistakes repeatedly

01/06/2026

Success is not luck,

It's everydays effort.

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

🎹 Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)

1. ❌ Playing Too Fast Too Early
Problem: Beginners rush into speed before control, leading to sloppy playing.
Result:
Missed notes
Uneven timing
Frustration
Fix:
👉 Always practice slowly first
Use a metronome (50–60 BPM) and aim for perfection before speed.

2. ❌ Ignoring Finger Numbers
Problem:
Not using correct fi*****ng or randomly choosing fingers.
Result:
Hard transitions
Breaks in flow
Inability to play faster later
Fix:
👉 Learn standard finger patterns:
Thumb = 1
Index = 2
Middle = 3
Ring = 4
Pinky = 5
Stick to structured fi*****ng for scales and chords.

3. ❌ Looking at Keys Too Much
Problem:
Constantly staring at the keyboard.
Result:
Slow playing
No muscle memory
Hard to play confidently
Fix:
👉 Practice “feel-based playing”
Start slowly
Gradually reduce looking at keys
Train muscle memory

4. ❌ Weak Timing (No Rhythm Control)
Problem:
Playing notes without steady beat.
Result:
Music sounds messy
Cannot play with others
Fix:
👉 Use a metronome or clap rhythm first
Always count:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4

5. ❌ Ignoring Hand Position
Problem:
Flat fingers or tense hands.
Result:
Slow progress
Finger pain
Poor control
Fix:
👉 Proper posture:
Curved fingers
Relaxed wrist
Light touch on keys

6. ❌ Learning Songs Without Understanding Theory
Problem:
Memorizing notes without knowing chords or scales.
Result:
Forget songs easily
Cannot improvise or play by ear
Fix:
👉 Learn basic theory:
Scales
Chords
Common progressions

7. ❌ Not Practicing Slowly Enough
Problem:
Practicing only at performance speed.
Result:
Mistakes become permanent habits
Fix:
👉 Slow practice rule:
If you cannot play it slowly perfectly, you cannot play it fast.

8. ❌ Skipping Finger Exercises
Problem:
Ignoring scales and arpeggios.
Result:
Weak fingers
Poor coordination
Fix:
👉 Daily 10–15 minutes:
Scales (C, G, D)
Arpeggios (C–E–G–C)

9. ❌ Both Hands Together Too Early
Problem:
Trying complex two-hand playing immediately.
Result:
Confusion
Timing issues
Frustration
Fix:
👉 Learn separately first:
Right hand alone
Left hand alone
Then combine slowly

10. ❌ No Consistent Practice Routine
Problem:
Practicing randomly, no structure.
Result:
Slow progress
Forgetting concepts
Fix:
👉 Follow a simple routine:
Scales
Chords
Song practice
Ear training

11. ❌ Ignoring Ear Training
Problem:
Only reading or copying notes.
Result:
Cannot play by ear
Limited creativity
Fix:
👉 Train ears daily:
Match simple melodies
Identify chord sounds

12. ❌ Tension While Playing
Problem:
Stiff arms and fingers.
Result:
Slow speed
Fatigue
Poor control
Fix:
👉 Stay relaxed:
Drop shoulders
Loose wrists
Light finger pressure

🎯 Summary Mindset Shift
Beginners fail not because of talent, but because of:
❌ Speed without control
❌ No structure
❌ Ignoring fundamentals

Successful players focus on:
✔ Slow practice
✔ Accuracy first
✔ Consistency
✔ Understanding music, not memorizing it