This article about 5 reasons to teach proper piano technique was written by Inês Costa. Inês is a classical pianist and teacher with a Bachelor of Music (Hons) from the Royal College of Music, a Master of Performance and an Artist Diploma from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Master’s Degrees in Music Teaching from the University of Minho and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance. As a Roskell Method teacher, her holistic approach emphasises musicianship and healthy piano playing. To learn more about Inês, visit inescostapiano.com.
Many students sit at the piano and play through their repertoire without a single wrong note, but their performances often sound stiff and uneven, lacking expression, character and a beautiful sound. It feels like something is missing, and the lacking ingredient very often turns out to be technique.
If you’ve sometimes wondered if teaching and focussing on piano-playing technique is worth the effort, remember that proper technique provides a solid foundation in healthy piano playing, helping students understand how to use their bodies to produce beautiful sounds.
Playing the piano is indeed much more than merely playing the right notes at the right time. How one plays is as significant as what one plays.
Let’s consider 5 reasons piano teachers should teach proper piano technique.
Reason No. 1: A Path to Artistry
Technique and sound quality are intrinsically related.
Without solid technique, piano playing can sound mechanical and unappealing. Students might also struggle with fluency and speed, which often leaves little room for musical and creative exploration at the piano.
Pieces take much longer to learn. They lose motivation. Tension builds up, which can lead to pain or even injury. And the cycle continues…
By contrast, good technique should feel effortless, as if the piano becomes an extension of the player’s body.
With it, students gradually begin to listen more attentively, develop greater independence as learners, explore their own musical identities creatively and bring their artistic voice to life through expressive sounds and natural phrasing.
Teachers can then explore colours and voicing; the realm of creative possibilities they can offer their students becomes endless.
Reason No. 2: Sooner is better than later
As teachers, we know full well that building good habits is much easier than fixing bad ones.
In the early stages, teaching technique can feel like teaching someone how to ride a bike. Once learnt, they start cycling without even thinking about it.
Technique works in a similar way. As it happens, the fundamental movements involved in piano playing are somewhat common across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, so building healthy habits early is of the utmost importance.
Having said this, it should come as no surprise to teachers that students often perceive note accuracy as their main goal instead.
Reason No. 3: Puts Mistakes in the Right Perspective
Playing the right notes is certainly not a bad thing. Indeed, it’s a great achievement!
However, this can quickly overwhelm students who are still developing their musicianship skills and technique. By placing their focus on the result rather than on the learning process, the enjoyment that inherently comes from music-making isn’t achieved.
Additionally, trying to play the right notes with inappropriate technique can also exacerbate any imbalances or tension in the playing.
Lessons, performances and exams are all stepping stones for the learning pianist, and mistakes are certainly part of the process. It’s crucial that teachers actively encourage students to freely explore the piano with a good technique, making sure that mistakes are put into perspective. A wrong note can be a great starting point for aural training or improvisation after all!
Therefore, rather than aiming for technical perfection from the start, teachers should encourage students to gradually become aware of what healthy technique feels like.
Reason No. 4: Injury Prevention
This focus on technique protects students from potential injuries along the way (particularly students with small hands), and facilitates later enhancements of their movements to interpret and perform more advanced repertoire.
Whilst some students might need step-by-step guidance, others might simply require assistance with specific techniques.
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Reason No. 5: For the Love of Music
A strong technical foundation paves the way to bringing the notes to life through beautiful and expressive piano playing. This gives students the freedom they need to enjoy the music they play, and develop their own relationship with the instrument.
With the ability to express themselves through music, students are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in music-making. Students hear the difference, feel the ease, connect with the piano and, hopefully, develop a lasting love of music.
Starting Strategies for Teaching Technique
Even though teaching technique can seem like a daunting task, keep things simple by addressing issues like these.
- Watch out for any potential tension or imbalances
- Encourage students to actively listen to their playing
- Reinforce the importance of healthy and regular practice methods, including taking regular breaks
- Ensure that students understand not just what to practise, but most importantly, how to practise
- Allow students to develop at their own pace, providing variety rather than aiming for perfection
Pro tip: Find more helpful advice on teaching technique on the Colourful Keys Hub Page devoted to teaching technique.
Leverage Repertoire
Technique should always be taught (and learnt) musically.
There’s nothing to say that technique can only be taught through technical exercises and studies that don’t necessarily satisfy the students musical intellect. It’s likely that this single-minded approach would decrease their motivation levels, as well as potentially lead to injury.
With such a wide range of fantastic piano repertoire out there, why not explore it and tailor choices to each individual student? Utilise the repertoire to explore all the different techniques involved in the piece, one step at a time.
Useful Resources
When it comes to teaching piano technique, there’s no shortage of material out there. Here are 2 of my favourites.
Penelope Roskell
As a Roskell Method teacher, I’m partial to Penelope’s vast knowledge and experience in teaching technique. You can purchase her books or take a course through her online academy at www.roskellacademy.com.
Psst! Vibrant Music Teaching members get 20% off the regular price of the course.
Entrada Piano
If you feel like you need a little brushing up of your own technique before you can effectively help your advancing students, a subscription to Entrada with Fred Karpoff might be just what you need. With videos and masterclasses included in the membership, you can easily expand your knowledge base and skill level.
Bonus: Vibrant Music Teaching members get 10% off an annual membership.
How do you feel about teaching proper piano technique?
Tell us about how and/or why you teach technique in the comments.