Healthy Piano Technique

THE WAY OF PIANO • MIND • BODY • SOUL
Written by ANDREW EALES

To become a three-dimensional pianist we need to focus on developing our musical body: that is, our physical engagement at the piano, from how we sit, to how we move beyond a five-note range, and from how we incorporate pedalling, to how we breathe while playing.

A healthy piano technique empowers us to fully realise our musical intentions and communicate our creativity, all without sustaining injury. Pianodao includes a growing series of articles addressing these important topics and much more…

START HERE • AVOID INJURY
A good foundation in piano technique is one which facilitates freedom of movement and healthy playing:

Preventing Injury in Pianists

In this in-depth article, I consider the link between piano technique and injury, discuss other important risk factors, and suggest a pathway that freely leads to a more healthy piano playing approach.

Dangerous Piano Practice

Although practice is not inherently dangerous, it can certainly pose challenges and potential risks to any player, both mental and physical. Here’s some suggestions for evading the dangers of piano practice…

Technique, or Dogma?

However enthusiastic we are for the system or school of piano playing that has most helped us, let’s be clear that there are others…

Avoiding injury: a fresh outlook

The question of why some pianists suffer injuries that are seemingly related to their piano playing is one which has occupied the minds and research of pianists, pedagogues and medics for decades. But some of the answers are obvious, and have little to do with playing techniques…

Simple fixes for easing piano pain

Due to discomfort associated with ganglions on her wrists, Bernice doubted she would be able to continue playing, but with just a few adjustments, she was able to resume practice and find joy at the piano again. Here’s how…

TECHNIQUE & PRECISION
Digging deeper into the elements of a good piano technique, these articles explain the nuts and bolts of developing effective, efficient fingering technique:

Why Bother with Scales?

An in-depth look at the learning benefits, the importance of fingering, cumulative learning, and a more creative approach:

Learning to Play with Precision

We can play so much better if we are willing to make the effort required to develop precision.

The importance of five-note hand positions

Let’s remind ourselves that teaching beginners to play in a stable five-note position has several important technical and musical benefits, and isn’t simply the construct of a book-based approach.

Beyond five-note hand positions

Having established a stable five-note hand position in the early stages of piano playing, we must next consider the three most basic ways that we move beyond the five-note position at elementary level…

HEALTHY BREATHING
Piano playing is absorbing, and sometimes players neglect healthy breathing while playing. Discover how to remedy this, reconnect with the breath, and develop a better musical flow:

Breathing at the Piano

Are you sure that you breathe when playing the piano? It might seem like an odd question – of course we continue to breathe while playing! But to what extent are we aware of our breath, and how it affects our technique, musicality and comfort at the piano?

More Breathing at the Piano

In this article, I will build on the foundation of the exercises and ideas previously shared in the article Breathing at the Piano.

Breathing with Bach

In this lesson, we address the importance of the breath in alleviating shoulder tension, using three dance movements from the Partita as example repertoire.

András Schiff & Natural Breathing

Encouraged by comments by András Schiff, this article considers the links between natural breathing and Qigong practice, as well as offering a simple breathing exercise that anyone can try…

QIGONG FOR PIANISTS
Qigong practice offers a range of simple stretching and breathing exercises which support pianists’ needs. This complementary approach can be used alongside any other to help pianists develop healthy technique:

Play with greater freedom of movement, fluency, and control
Play with heightened focus and creativity
Overcome longstanding physical problems
Overcome the anxiety that blights performance

Qigong and Piano Playing

Qigong practice can lead to improved physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being. And it can also have a surprising impact on your piano playing…

Exercises & Resources

These easy stretching and breathing exercises, which draw from classic Qigong forms, support healthy piano technique, as well as offering significant general health benefits.

ESSENTIAL READING:
The following books are highly recommended for additional reading:

The Complete Pianist

Penelope Roskell’s ‘The Complete Pianist’ is a monumental achievement, with 560 large format pages, 250 newly-devised exercises and more than 300 supporting online videos. I can well believe that it’s the most comprehensive, and essential book ever written on piano playing!

Mark Tanner’s ‘The Mindful Pianist’

Mark Tanner has distilled his considerable professional experience and intelligent reflection into The Mindful Pianist. Cramming such a panoply of advice, practical suggestion and thought-provoking insight into its slender frame, the book is a richly rewarding read.