Mikes Music Room – Music Articles

Introduction – Part 2

In part 1 of this two part article, we discussed that the correct use of the hands when playing the piano keyboard can produce a beautiful sound.

But before any accurate observations can be made of what the hand is doing, it is necessary that the eye should know what to look for, as it can see only that which it brings the power of seeing.

Introduction – Part 1

The aim of these series of articles will be to help the student of the piano to arrive at a clear perception of how to acquire that which is necessary in piano playing, namely, a good tone-production. It will be necessary for the student to observe, fully and precisely, as much of the mechanism of the instrument as possible.

It is only when observation is followed by careful experiment and accurate reasoning that a scientific knowledge of piano-touch can be attained, and no piano student, however musically gifted they may be, can, in these days of “higher development,” afford to depend solely on the aesthetic side of his nature for the cultivation of his technique.

If the technical study of the piano is approached in a spirit of calm inquiry, there is no reason why a study of the piano should not brace the mental system of the student, and do him as much good as would a careful study of grammar or geometry. And although this technical study is not sufficient of itself to make him an artist, still the benefit derived from it will be always at hand to help him to unravel many difficulties which otherwise would cause him much disappoint