Here is how I practice passages with large leaps. Below is an excerpt from Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz #1:
I will practice as follows:
- practice right hand alone, slowly, and only the thumb. This means:
- I monitor my hand has no up-down movement, but has only horizontal movement
- I will place my thumb on the first A without playing - just touching the surface. Then when ready, I play this A staccato and jump horizontally to the A an octave above, placing the thumb rapidly onto this next key but without playing. When my finger is on this 2nd A, I pause…. when ready I play this A staccato and jump horizontally to the A# an octave below. Repeat this process for the passage. Gradually increase tempo
- To stress myself further, I will add an extra octave:
- when I feel ready, I will add back the top note, but with still the added octave:
- I will also practice this way:
- and this:
- I will add left hand gradually only when I am comfortable playing right hand alone
