Notes from the Pianist's Bench

by Boris Berman

Boris Berman, an internationally known Russian-trained concert pianist and highly respected teacher, here draws on his vast experience to explore issues of piano technique and music interpretation. Combining explanations and advice with anecdotes about his students, colleagues, and former teachers, he also provides many insights into the psychological aspects of musical performance and the teaching of music.Berman thoroughly examines such practical matters in piano playing as sound and touch, technique, pedaling, and articulation. He gives tips on choosing editions, selecting the best fingering, memorizing, and making the most efficient use of practice time. He gives equal emphasis to issues of interpretation, discussing ways to decipher the inner content of a piece of music. And he offers suggestions about how to prepare emotionally for a performance, how to confront stage anxiety, and how to adapt teaching approaches to the individual students. Informative and entertaining, this book will be welcomed by piano students, teachers, and anyone else interested in the art of piano playing.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2000

Reviews

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was assigned reading for school but I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book. Really great advice on teaching private piano students here as well as advice on how to be a good performer. A great quote that summarizes this book is, “Do not doubt your talent-respect it, value it....Love the art in yourself.” This will be one that I will continually come back to when I need inspiration for performing and teaching.

[Mini Mags [Margaret] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berman is an articulate and careful writer. He employs practical musical examples while addressing a wide range of pianistic matters. With much thought, he explains essential issues in an understandable and refreshingly stimulating way. For example, in speaking of pedaling (chapter five) he states, “The difficulty [of pedaling] lies in a subtle collaboration between fingers and foot, controlled by the ear” (111). Berman stands out to me as one who has equaled his caliber of writing with his expertise on the subject. Even when I don’t agree with what he has said, I sincerely enjoy the manner in which he has said it ☺

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable insights into piano study

Mr. Berman’s book provides a level of piano teaching that, until recently, was simply not available to most all piano students, and certainly not to amateurs. The accompanying videos and sound clips are most helpful, and he provides a solid framework for thinking about the study of piano. From a devoted amateur pianist, many thanks to Professor Berman for sharing his lifetime of studying piano performance and repertoire.

[Jean Lobrot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for a class, pretty solid

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey through an experience of a lifetime

Professor Boris Berman leaves no suspicion to his energetic devotion and dedication to music in this book. Though sometimes contradicting and elaborating far beyond a quick read, this book or guide contains moments of truth and discovery only a long time in the same business with never failing enthusiasm would produce. One could have wished for simpler explanations but that is covered up in the author, rather being an almighty educator, takes the role of a pupil and takes on strategic solutions of any problems he encounters whether it is to learn or to teach. Easily relatable if you're an advanced musician otherwise, enjoy the quirky and lively jokes far from the usual "played it Bachs way" or "there is no higher revelation than..." one hears albeit too often.

[Daniell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of great, interesting tips and insights about public performing.