THE WAY OF PIANO • MIND • BODY • SOUL
Written by ANDREW EALES
When considering the great pianists who inspire me the most, I often wonder what qualities make their playing stand out as a unique and important legacy, and usually answers come quickly. But equally, I find that those I teach often convey their distinct personality through their playing.
How can we develop our own individual, personal voice at the piano, speaking on behalf of composers, but with our own unique dialect?
Finding and Forging a Pathway
One of the more corrosive consequences of our obsession with grade exams, masterclasses and competitions is that, too often, we are judged according to other people’s ideas about music, and not allowed to develop and present our own.
We are told that our playing is right or wrong, stylish or inappropriate, good or bad. Objective evaluations of piano performances have their place, of course, and we do well to develop an interest in whether an interpretative approach is historically informed or otherwise.
But the many compelling interpretations offered by great pianists surely undermine the false (and dare I say, pompous) premise that only one way of playing a piece is acceptable. The truth is that the most iconic pianists are often also the most idiosyncratic.
Fundamental to performing, we must each therefore discover how to communicate our own musical ideas with commitment, intelligence, humanity. and personal expression.
We are all individuals
Developing your unique voice is a rewarding journey that involves a combination of self-exploration, musical study, and creative discovery.
With this in mind, have you ever wondered exactly what it is that makes you a unique person? Why not try to compile a list of your personal attributes which others would likely identify, as well as the more hidden qualities that you know to be true of your inner life and motivations.
See if you can think of four “personal best” qualities:
Now consider how these qualities contribute to your piano playing.
Again make a list, linked to the previous one, and reflect on how your individual personality and qualities could contribute in making your playing unique:
From recognition to development…
Having recognised your personal strengths, here are some strategies to help you cultivate your distinctive voice at the piano:
Repertoire that Resonates:
Explore a wide range of music from different genres, delving into classical, jazz, contemporary, and traditional music from around the world for inspiration to enrich your playing. Your developing personal taste should inform your continuing repertoire choices.
Cultivate Understanding:
Dive into the backstory of the music you play. Understanding the intentions and emotional language of composers will empower you to interpret and convey their music authentically, while responding from the heart.
Develop Creativity:
Embrace the art of improvisation to develop your gift for spontaneous musical expression. This can also enhance your ability to infuse your interpretations of other music with a more personal flair.
Form a Connection:
Cultivate an emotional connection to the music you play. Infuse your piano playing with your life experiences, allowing your personality to shine. Tell your story, whether playing your original compositions or other people’s.
Express Individuality:
We all have much to learn from listening recordings and finding inspiration in the interpretations of others, but don’t let this get in the way of expressing your own musical ideas.
Remember, the journey to becoming a unique pianist is a personal and ongoing one. Embrace your individuality, and let your passion and creativity guide you towards a truly distinctive musical voice.
As the great composer Robert Schumann wrote, in his famous Advice to Young Musicians,
“If your music comes from your heart and soul, and if you feel it inside yourself, it will affect others in the same way.”
For more ideas to help you develop your piano playing, you may be interested in my book: How to Practise Music.
PIANODAO includes 700+ FREE articles.
Please DONATE HERE to support the site.
For FREE email notifications SUBSCRIBE HERE.
