More Resources for Rote Teaching
Since my last post on rote teaching, which focussed on Piano Safari, I've purchased several new books of rote pieces. I'm always on the lookout for resources which enable me to teach more effectively and I find that rote pieces are excellent for helping students to focus on their technique while playing enjoyable pieces. I'll be talking about this in much more detail at our workshops in October. For now I'd just like to introduce some of these new books. Katherine Fisher and
Replacing Pain, Injury and Limitations with Speed, Ease and Virtuosity
Dorothy Taubman discovered that there are certain movements that are incoordinate and also likely to cause injury. Eradicating these from a pianist’s technique is important, not just to avoid injury, but because these movements can impede speed, ease and, ultimately, virtuosity. Tell-tale signs of issues or injury include the following: Pain Weakness Lack of control Numbness Tingling Nerve entrapment (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) Dystonia (the unexplained closing of the hand
Teaching Good Technique, Right Now
There are four main reasons why a good technique is important: A good technique is effortless and allows the student to progress quickly A good technique frees up the student to concentrate on other aspects of learning music (reading, playing, interpretation, etc) Students with good techniques are most likely to succeed, to continue with their music lessons and to grow up with a love of music (and their piano teachers!) We have a responsibility to not cause injury to our stud
