I’m sharing a rare video of Art Tatum actually playing — worth watching simply to absorb what his hands and posture are doing. What always strikes me is how absurdly relaxed he looks. Almost to the point where you catch yourself thinking: “Is he even playing the piano?” And that’s the real lesson. ✨ Good technique looks different on every body We all have different hands, proportions, old habits, little tensions we carry. But one principle always holds: Good technique uses the least energy necessary to get the musical result you want. Tatum is a perfect demonstration — effortless, economical, no wasted motion. 🧩 How to use this in your own practice When you watch the video, notice: - How loose his shoulders are - How quietly the hands return to the keys - How nothing is gripping or bracing unnecessarily Then, when you’re practising: Treat relaxation as a musical element — something you deliberately build in. If that means slowing down a difficult section because you find yourself consciously releasing your left shoulder every time you hit the bass notes… that’s exactly what you should do. You slow the music down until relaxation is part of the version you can play. Only then do you bring the tempo back up. 🎧 Watch the video, take your time, and let Tatum’s ease rub off on you. What do you notice about his playing?

I just thought some of you would enjoy this clip. If you know the Marx Brothers you will remember that Chico was a great pianist. But you might be too young to know them. https://youtu.be/Zz1xUbJprCw?si=CzMWLphccOL02Be-