U. Wisconsin lecture on The Craft of Piano Playing: interview with Alan Fraser and Jess Johnson

A lecture given by Alan Fraser for the Optimal Peformance & Biomechanics Graduate Seminar in piano technique at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in April 2020. Due to corona virus restrictions, the entire event took place online: a round table discussion with Alan giving his latest insights into his classic work on piano technique, answering questions, and coaching a few specific problems in technique such as the Chopin C major etude, Op. 10 #1.

Topics covered include:

Background to his approach: 0:10
The hand as a mini-body 8:20
The difference between falling and standing - grasping: 19:00
Other body modalities and piano technique: 26:00
weight technique: 31:00
weight technique lessons with Carola Grindea: 35:05
link it to the basic sound: 45:50
knowledge-based vs. "intuitive" playing: 1:02:40
finger equality: 1:07:25
Chopin C major etude Op. 10 #1: 1:12:50
applying these ideas with children: 1:26:05
how long does it take to create a foundation? 1:34:15
redistribution between the hands: 1:37:30
hypermobility: 1:54:48

[culturehorse]

Thanks for superb convocation. Everyone should take stimulus checks, invest in piano (music) lessons!
Stay well “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”
~ Tagore