Beginning piano technique: Back to basics"He's just trying it out, so he doesn't need an expert teacher. We'll just go to the most inexpensive teacher we can find until we know he likes it." How many times have we bristled at this kind of statement? We know that the first experience with any new endeavor is the most important, the most lasting. Beg...

We all agree that the best solution to problems is to prevent them before they even begin. However, even with our best intentions, problems sometimes arise.​Collapsed knuckle bridge​Teacher places hands on the student's hands, molding, shaping, and modeling.Start beginning students with a cluster.Descriptive language: "feel the cave," "What could f...

​from the series: Let's Get Physical: Technique Scott McBride Smith, EditorWho was it that said, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach; those who can't teach, teach gym"? Not a piano teacher, obviously! And probably not a gym teacher, either. It's not necessary to be a world famous concert pianist to be a fine teacher, but it is essential...

from the series: ​Let's Get Physical: TechniqueI met an old friend while writing my article for this issue of Keyboard Companion. It was great to renew communication after so many years apart - to hear his ideas and be reminded of his wisdom and his warmth. My friend? Robert Schumann. No, I'm not psychic. But I did feel close, again, to the co...