Contemporary Piano Technique Coordinating Breath Movement and Sound | Develop Expressive and Virtuosic Playing for Jazz Classical and Modern Styles | Berklee Guide with Online Video

by Stephany Tiernan

(Berklee Guide). This book with online video teaches expressive, virtuosic, and healthy piano technique for contemporary and classical styles. Through integrated written directions and video examples, you will see exactly how to move your fingers, wrists, arms, feet, body and breath to achieve maximum expressive effect and technical facility. Developed by Berklee Piano Dept. Chair emerita Stephany Tiernan as a continuation of the groundbreaking work of Mme. Margaret Chaloff, this approach to piano technique has been used by thousands of pianists worldwide. The video demonstrates each technique in isolation, and in the context of playing repertoire in jazz, rock, new age, Latin and classical styles. Video is accessed online for download or streaming using the unique code in each book.

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[minhhai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claimed to be of Madame Chaloff's school, this piano technique book teaches foundational finger and wrist techniques for comtemporary piano playing (e.g. Jazz). The book is accompanied by, and must be used together with, a DVD having demonstrations. The first 2/3 of the book describes finger and arm movements, while the last 1/3 application to exemplary etudes in various styles.

One distinctive feature of Tiernan's technique is the dominant use of the "flicking" attack at the second finger joint. Although opposite to mainstream classical piano technique, this method results in lighter and faster finger strokes and assists finger independence. She also advocates "quiet hand" playing having little hand rotation.

Another important feature, and the one I like best, is coordinating breath with playing. Most of the time, we amateurs forget this crucial factor. I tried that and immediately felt the difference. This strategy also facilitates phrasing and "singing" music.

Shortcomings: Her "tossing" wrist technique is a bit confusing to me. Many parts of the text (especially how to practice) are repetitive.

Overall, foundational and effective piano techniques for intermediate players who are interested in playing comtemporary music such as Jazz or New Age. For those who target Beethoven or Chopin, look somewhere else, e.g. S. Fink's "Mastering Piano Technique".