Brilliant Piano Finger Technique
Tags: finger techniques, piano playing, piano techniques
When listening to some of the great pianists of all time like Horowitz and Rachmaninoff, sometimes the fast finger passages sound almost jewel-like in the shimmering clarity of the notes. One of the secrets to developing this kind of technique is practicing slowly with raised fingers. You see, it is not just the placement of the attacks of the notes that creates this pristine evenness, it is the precise release of notes that gives the even spacing that creates the trademark sound that is so beautiful.
Try putting your fingers on a table and lifting each finger separately. You will notice how difficult it is lifting up individual fingers, particularly the 4th finger. By practicing slowly with raised fingers, you will develop the strength of the release of notes which will enable you to get that glistening stream of even notes in your fast passage work that is so compelling.
8 Comments to Brilliant Piano Finger Technique
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Thanks Robert.
I really enjoy your informative videos. I’ll look forward to seeing you again at one of your recitals.
Your piano friend
Doyle Fowler
Have you considered “Taubman Technic”? Your method is great but often times leads to injury for many pianists.
Thank you for your concern about possibly injuring myself practicing. Fortunately I have never suffered any physical problems playing or practicing the piano nor have any of my students over the decades. I have never heard of Taubman Technic. Of course, the Alexander Technique is well known for relaxed performing of music. I’m not sure which technique video you are responding to, but if it is the idea of practicing slowly with raised fingers, this is actually akin to dancers and athletes doing slow stretches before working out strenuously and actually decreases the likelihood of injury.
You have gotten better than I remember you 30 years ago. Great explanation also!!!
The videos about technique and pedals are great. I would like to recommend them to my little students. It will inspire them! And thank you for mentioning Horowitz and Rachmaninoff.
Dear Robert: Great videos you make in your site, I learn a lot about pianos, wich I really love, easy to understend to novice like me, I like the Bluthner brand, I just want to say thanks to you because you care to teach thecnical tips of piano making and brands, I love German Pianos, old ones, Thanks again and please keep the good work because you make a lot of people happy, shame you don’t have a store in Monterrey Mexico, you could sell dozen of restaured German pianos. best regards from Mexico. Luis
Hi Robert,
What a wonderful video you shared with us! Thanks for your insight. Will hit the scales with this in mind. I also love your pianos. I love the Baldwin artist grand you have on display. Wish I was closer and could stop by. Cheers! Carlos.
[...] In Response to Brilliant Piano Technique My piano teacher today told me that lifting those middle 3 fingers up and out of the way causes enormous tension all the way through your arms, and that while playing octaves, you need to rest your middle three fingers on the keys in a relaxing position, directly contradicting your video. Please help me! [...]