A deeper understanding of technique principles revolutionized my piano teaching many years ago, and I’m so grateful for the many resources that are available now to assist pianists and teachers in incorporating healthy technique habits into their playing and teaching. This is always a starting point for me, both with brand new beginner students and with transfer students at all levels, because I believe that healthy piano technique is one of the most important determiners of success as a pianist.
I recently came across (on the tonebase website) a free 10-minute video by Penelope Roskell where she outlines The Pillars of Piano Technique: General Principles for a Healthy Technique. In the video, she discusses her 6 principles, along with some practical practice suggestions and what mindset to adopt when you approach lessons.
I was not familiar with Ms. Roskell prior to this video, but I appreciated her simple, clear explanations. I’ve boiled my own technique principles down to three primary ones: gravity, strength, and conduction, and I’m always on the lookout for additional ways of understanding and presenting these important concepts to my students. I just ordered her book (The Complete Pianist: from healthy technique to natural artistry) from my library, so I’m curious to check it out and learn as much as I can!
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Regina Ziliani says
Thank you for sharing this important resource!