The Parent's Guide to Piano

A Comprehensive Guide to Music Education

Piano Technique

"I can't imagine practicing any other way, other than musically. You can't divorce or separate the technical demands from the musical demands. As a matter of fact, if you do, you are never going to master either."
---Abbey Simon







Relaxation

The essence of good piano technique relates directly to the physical state you are in while at the piano. You must be poised, relaxed and grounded. Your spine must be flexible but strong. Your fingers are simply extensions of the upper arm where the true power is generated.

Basics in posture

• Sit on the front half of the bench
• Let your arms and shoulders hang and move freely
• Curve your fingers as if holding a ball lightly
• Let your weight sink into the bench
• Sit far enough from the piano that your elbows can cross in front of your body

Tension

Many students, especially those who are determined to please their teacher and/or parents will self-generate a great deal of unwanted tension. Tension manifests itself in the wrists, the elbows, the neck, back and jaw. The longer the student practices with tension the harder it is to get rid of.

Being aware of tension is the most important step. I recommend looking at our resources page for books relating directly to these issues.



The Ear as the Guide

If the student is aware of the result they are trying to achieve, most often their technique will sort itself out with the proper guidance. Since it is impossible to replace the experience and knowledge of the piano teacher regarding technical issues, ask the teacher how you can reinforce good technique at home. Review and read information about piano technique especially those relating to psychological issues of tension.



"Such magic occurs when we let boundaries between us dissolve and give ourselves over to the passion of making music"
---Madeline Brusser



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