Tips for Pianists no. 11: Practise with eyes shut!

I find playing with my eyes closed can be a great way of practising. Firstly it can help to really focus you on listening to the music and thinking in greater detail about the interpretation. Secondly it is a great way of seeing if you have a piece memorised fully. Thirdly it helps to make a piece really secure. If your hands can find the notes and negotiate difficult leaps with your eyes shut then you shouldn't have too many problems with your eyes open!