Prior to start practising we should create a comfortable atmosphere in the practising room.

First, we should to have a warm and comforting temperature inside the room. It should be neither too hot nor too cold. This might sound a trivial a subject but, make no mistake; the right temperature will ensure longer and less exhausting practising routine. You do not really need to be sweating or even having cold fingers when you are practising.

In order to ensure that our body’s temperature is appropriate, try to wear clothes so that you do not sweat or lose body temperature too quickly. Sports shops offer a wide range of suitable clothing for exercising. (Yes, piano practising is a form of physical exercise). Often, people will argue that this or the other great pianist did not have to wear the most aerodynamic outfits when they were practising, yet, they still managed to become masters of their art. That could be absolutely true, and you could argue that by wearing armor every time you practice this makes your sound more solid. That is fine, it may well work. Who can be the ultimate judge of that? However, as a rule of thumb, sensible preparation (and that includes choice of garments) will take us faster to our goal of mastering the piano.

Personally, I try not to wear synthetic or artificial fabrics when practising, since those make my job harder. Wool, on the other hand, always does the job, so I prefer it. So, think temperature and clothing before practicing.

In addition, have a glass of water or a juice next to your piano so you won’t have to go to the kitchen in the middle of Schumann’s symphonic studies. This will boost your energy thus extending your practising time. However, try to avoid spaghetti Bolognese with extra cheese or any other fatty but tasteful indulgencies next to your piano. You don’t want to collapse in the final page of Rachmaninov’s second piano sonata.