Happy New Year. I took time last night to put together a clear, no-nonsense guide for you. These are the same recurring technical problems I see in nearly every student who comes to me — whether in online lessons, group classes, or one-to-one sessions. When players struggle to make their songs sound smooth and controlled, the cause is almost always one of these specific issues. Any deeper or more advanced problems can be traced back to them. This guide explains exactly what may be happening in your left and right hands, and provides direct recommendations for correcting it. I’ve also included a simple practice tracker you can print at home, so you can stay consistent and disciplined as you work through these fundamentals. Once these core mechanics are corrected, real progress follows.