Unbeknownst to many, the student’s technical abilities at the keyboard are limitless, not dependent on strength or on innate talent, an idea too often exaggerated in the media.
My approach to teaching technique starts with the premise that the extent of each student’s abilities exists as a consequence of their motivation and the quality of their instruction.
For students at the beginning of their musical journey, foundational movements are ingrained, often subtly, in the form of warm-ups away from the piano. The first concept taught is that playing the piano involves the whole body, not just the fingers. Playing the piano, and playing it well, happens when many learned movements are combined and layered to fit the needs of a piece of music.
My own goal as a piano educator is to create an environment where students can enjoy music, express themselves, and have fun. Each student is different and has unique goals. Therefore the intensity of technical education is designed to fit each individual’s needs. All students regardless of age receive education in the fundamentals, which when established properly can be built on at any time in their life.