Discovering Color behind the Keys: The Essence of the Russian School of Piano-Playing

This book is a unique and exclusive guide for both piano teaching and piano learning. It includes essential basic concepts of the Russian Piano School, a pedagogy that is rarely found in English piano literature. The book gives an overview of the most important goals a teacher should set while developing a young musician. Besides examining a variety of means used for musical expression, it explores in detail how to approach each element of piano technique: from preliminary physical exercises away from the piano, to separate work on each finger, to mastery of articulation and motor skills. Helpful photo-illustrations and carefully-crafted technical instructions complement the exercises. In addition to detailed exploration of methods and practical techniques for acquiring musical and technical skills, the book provides a highly original and carefully selected variety of piano repertoire in all genres and styles. The broad selection includes pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, Weber, Kullak, Maykapar, Sviridov, Lokshin and others. The musical scores are either carefully edited or verified as original composers’ notes. The repertoire covers the first few years of a child’s music education and will serve as a great help to both music teachers and students. Colorful art and supplementary historical overviews make this musical journey exciting and educational. Piano teachers and their students will find the book extremely helpful for everyday use and in preparation for exams, performances and competitions.