Despite the dazzling artistry of acclaimed performers, too much of piano playing and teaching is undermined by half-truths and nonsense. We largely teach as we were taught, finding tradition easier than change, rendering pianism a discipline without discipline. Among the consequences are an epidemic of playing-related injuries and artistic frustration. The antidote is critical thinking and a close reading of the rapidly evolving body of relevant scientific knowledge, drawn from disciplines such as biomechanics and neuroscience.This book is unique in its comprehensive focus on the science of both body and mind. Written by a pianist for pianists, it is a call to action for performers, teachers, students, healthcare professionals, allied researchers, music departments, and accrediting bodies. At long last, the piano world has the information needed to establish a unified theory of technique and to embrace neuro-pedagogies that can transform all we do.
Recenzijas
'In this unparalleled research on piano playing, Steve Roberson approaches piano technique through both the physical (the body) and the mental (psychology, the mind, emotions, and motivation). He also revisits the controversy of hard work versus innate ability. These topics are based on massive amounts of research, an application of the scientific method of study to piano playing, years of thought and analysis, and an extensive list of references. Readers will be challenged to examine their thinking on the subject matter by reading and studying this comprehensive book.'E. L. LancasterUniversity Professor, Author, and Editor
Steve Roberson, PhD, was Professor of Piano and Associate Dean at Butler University in Indianapolis, USA, overseeing undergraduate and graduate programs in piano pedagogy while maintaining an award-winning private studio. He was President of the Indiana Music Teachers Association and received that organization's Teacher of the Year award in 1995. He also served on the boards of the American Pianists Association, for whom he hosted sixteen television broadcasts; the American Liszt Society; the American Music Teacher, twice earning Article of the Year awards from that publication; and Keyboard Companion, where he was the founding Technique Editor. Roberson is a widely published author with articles in professional journals in the US, Europe, and Australia. He has lectured extensively on both sides of the Atlantic. His biography of his mentor, Lili Kraus: Hungarian Pianist, Texas Teacher, and Personality Extraordinaire, was published by TCU Press in 2000.
