Each of the following lecture topics, presented by Jacqueline Herbein, are 1-2 hours in length – perfect for most monthly meetings of teacher organizations. The knowledge communicated in these short, topical overviews give teachers a better idea of what is possible pianistically, for themselves and their students, and may foster curiosity for further independent study and development.
Using the Body’s Wisdom to Unlock Piano Technique
Pianists move for a living and the movements they make are infinitely more refined than the movements of everyday life. The journey to unlock technique through body awareness begins away from the keyboard. This informative, interactive lecture guides participants through whole body kinesthetic awareness exercises. The movements generate sensation; the nervous system perceives the sensation and makes use of the information. Participants begin to understand how to coordinate new movement at the keyboard.
Anatomy 101: Special Considerations for the Pianist
Any observations about the correct functioning of the anatomy must be related to the characteristics of the piano itself – in other words, the body must adapt to the instrument. The way we adapt is to move, and to understand movement we need to have an elementary knowledge of the muscle groups we constantly use. This informative lecture, complete with detailed handouts for all participants, examines the entire “playing mechanism”, beginning with the back and chest, through the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
Developing Technique and Musicality
The correct reading of music includes identifying not only the notes to be played but also the corresponding movement that will offer the technical solution. This lecture/demonstration covers five basic keyboard movement categories, the physical considerations for each movement and includes a handout with the movements applied to basic teaching literature.
It's Not Just About the Fingers
Many technique books and exercises on the market today present a finger-oriented approach to playing the piano. In the name of strengthening, stretching or developing independence of fingers, the rest of the body is virtually ignored. This interactive lecture examines a variety of potentially injurious exercises, presenting expanded movement options to develop positive pianistic solutions. Teachers are invited to bring their favorite technique books for discussion.
Octaves Plain and Simple
Students are fascinated and impressed by octaves. With the excitement and immense sweep of sound that can be created, octave passages are indeed spectacular in the hands of many virtuosos. They can, however, be the source of frustration and misery for many pianists and students. This lecture will begin to lay the groundwork for a solid understanding of octave technique and how to teach it.
Contact herbein@p2pianist.com for schedule availability and fees.
Studying piano with Jackie has opened up a whole new
approach in how to
study piano literature. She has enabled me to use my whole body to
develop a rich sound. Her attention to detail in difficult passages, and
to make me
think physically at the piano, has helped me tremendously. I am able to
take this knowledge to my students, who continue to amaze me with how
easily they can grasp the difficult technical passages that I was always
so frustrated with as a pre-Jackie piano student! She has infused me with
a renewed
passion for learning and teaching, and this to me will always be the
greatest gift I have learned from her.
Jane O'Mara, NCTM 1st VP, PMTA-WC
...dynamic, informative, a must session for all who teach and perform at the piano...this knowledge is needed by all.
Kenneth Burky, Professor of Piano, Duquesne University
...the young pianists gained insight into using their bodies in ways that were comfortable and efficient in difficult passages. Encouraging them to think about how they do things physically at the piano has sparked new interest and a greater awareness of the possibilities for advancement.
Katherine Monsour Barley, Director, The Pittsburgh Music Academy