Piano Technique Demystified: Insights into Problem Solving

by Neil Stannard

VIDEO DEMONSTRATIONS, RE-IMAGINED AND RE-RECORDED WITH NEW INFORMATION, NOW AVAILABLE SEPARATELY ON DVD. Praise fort PIANO TECHNIQUE DEMYSTIFIED: "This book is a delightful collection of helpful insights. A terrific aspect is its inclusion of online video demonstrations. Many of the fingerings, note-grouping concepts, rotational ideas and so on make the passages in the examples easier to play than when approached with more traditional ideas." American Music Teacher, Feb./Mar., 2015*** INCLUDES LINKS TO VIDEO DEMONSTRATIONS, NEW AND EXPANDED CHAPTERS, MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON FINGERING CONCEPTS. ***If you've ever felt at a loss as to how to achieve the excellence you would like at the piano, then take a look at this book. In this volume you will find the distillation of a life in music, a "how to" for the musician seeking joy in music-making. Here are insights into learning to play using the natural design of the body. Dispel old wives' tales and myths left over from the 18th century harpsichordists. Learn to make accurate leaps, to play fast without feeling hurried. What is practicing and how and why should we memorize music? And how can we put anxiety to good use? What is a good hand position and really, how slowly should I practice? Non-pianists will find ample information on the learning process and many aspects of performing. The author took part in the first Taubman Institute at Rensselaerville, NY, and though not a representative of the institute, he has participated in many, studying privately in New York for many years with Edna Golandsky. ***Comments from readers: "I've read and re-read your book since receiving it months ago as a gift from a pianist friend. Your advice and instruction have moved from the merely intellectual to the gut level of understanding. And, like that proverbial road not taken, it has made all the difference. Practicing and playing are a joy now that my fingers and forearms are cohabiting and working peacefully together. The keyboard no longer feels like an adversary, but my friend in music-making. I particularly appreciated the psychological insights you offer for performance anxiety, nerves and other demons that afflict most of us. 'The committee' made me laugh and gave me hope: most helpful to externalize all those internalized voices with one, annoying group of malcontents. Thanks for that and all the other intuitive observations about playing. You've been a great help already." ...Michael in New York City ***"After closing the last page [of your book], I was compelled to learn more about the genius who put this information together, in MY language. I want to thank you for doing me such unbelievable service with this book...Your book has turned the tides for me today, and I am so very grateful. In fact, I will be using it as a Christmas gift for all my pianist friends. I have no doubts that they too will find your book to be inspiring and helpful."...Chase in Tampa, Florida ***"Thanks for a Great book." ...Eric in Rochester, NY *** "I have your book, which I like very much, and I find these videos very helpful in clarifying the material . I've watched the "On Fingering ..." video many times, and I would love to see more. Thanks again." ... Bruce

Genres: Music

136 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2013

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended! The author is an extremely accomplished musician, and though there are of course different schools of thought on developing piano technique, Mr. Stannard's approach makes a lot of sense to me; it's determined by the natural anatomy and mechanics of the arm/wrist/hand/fingers. Despite being an adult beginner, I found this book to be surprisingly accessible, so don't assume it's esoteric or advanced material (even though some will only be relevant to advanced players). He's personable and often cheeky.

The quick summary: physical pain should not be part of playing the piano. Work with the body according to its design. Hanon and Czerny are misguided and antiquated, for the most part. Most time spent on exercises would be better spent practicing actual music you want to play.

Most of the "iDemos" online are poor quality (literally handheld phone video with the left hand while playing piano with the right hand), but essential and enlightening nevertheless.

[Mavy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely well written with clarity and great examples for the beginner as well as the more accomplished pianist however the online iDemos are very dodgy! Really not great which is a shame.

[Ralf · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Piano Technique Demystified" contains a wealth of useful advice on piano playing. It's geared towards classical pianists, but most of its lessons are applicable to any genre. Topics covered include easy and healthy hand/forearm choreography, interpretation, and psychology. Unfortunately, this information is presented somewhat haphazardly in a loose collection of disconnected essays rather than in a coherent logical sequence. Many of the chapters are also padded out with awkward jokes and snarky comments that detract from the actual content. I suppose it shows that this volume was self-published without editorial supervision. Despite these faults, I still have to give it a high rating because applying its teachings has significantly improved my piano playing. And that's, after all, the most important thing.