The Differences Between Russian and Western Piano Methods
The Ukrainian author of the piano method book for young beginners, "Tales of a Musical Journey" Irina Gorin, explains that the so-called "Russian Method" is not actually something that originated in Russia, but rather a piano playing technique that has been preserved and refined in Russia, which was passed down from Beethoven. We will explore the significant differences between the Russian Piano School and the approaches used in Western countries during the early stages of piano instruction.
According to Irina Gorin's research, in the mid-20th century, the fixed five-finger position was introduced by Robert Pace during international pedagogy seminars, garnering a significant number of followers. It quickly spread worldwide, except in Russia and several Eastern European countries, and became the standard teaching method during the early stages of piano learning, particularly in Western countries, including the United States. Unfortunately, this method, which involves fixing the five fingers in the middle section of the keyboard, has led to various drawbacks and negative effects.
The main drawbacks of the fixed five-finger position include:
1. Tension in the wrists and forearms.
2. Restricted and unnatural movements of the arms, hands, and fingers.
3. Lack of fluid motion, leading to muscle tension, which can result in injuries and monotonous and mechanical playing.
4. Reliance on finger numbers to play pieces, leading to a delay in recognizing musical notes.
5. Limitations in repertoire and musical expression.
These are some of the negative effects that can arise from the use of the fixed five-finger position in piano playing.
The fixed five-finger position where the wrist unnaturally bends. Picture by Irina Gorin
The fixed five-finger position method may provide a sense of achievement quickly for young children as long as they can recognize finger numbers, prioritizing convenience and ease. However, it reflects the modern fast-food society, where everything is pursued to be fast and easy. Creating a work of art requires time and effort. Just like the process of crafting a work of art, learning to play the piano and developing true musicality takes time, patience, and dedication. It involves delving into the depths of music, exploring different techniques, and honing expressive skills. By embracing the journey and investing the necessary time and effort, students can develop a profound understanding and connection with the music they create, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling artistic experience.
In the Russian Piano School, considering the piano as a percussion instrument, the importance of wrist positioning and flexibility when playing the piano is emphasized. Students are taught to maintain strong fingertips, use the weight of their arms to produce a sound, and play with relaxation, following an ergonomic approach that aligns with the natural mechanics of the human body.
Initially, students are taught to play with one finger or the third finger to help them feel the weight of their arms when lowering the key. In the art of piano playing, the Russian Piano School provides a thorough analysis of how to effectively use the arms, hands, and fingers to produce beautiful sound and expressive performances. This allows for a systematic and theoretical approach to teaching.
For example, although the piano is a percussion instrument and physically impossible to connect sounds like string instruments or human singing voices, when teaching legato technique, instructors aim to create an illusion of connected sound. They teach students how to use their arms, wrists, hands, and fingers, as well as how to shape and listen to the sound, to create this illusion. Through the principles and techniques taught in the Russian Piano School, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of how to produce beautiful sound, achieve technical mastery, and expressively interpret music on the piano.
When playing the piano, any tension in the muscles, even in one area, prevents the production of a rich and beautiful sound. It also becomes an obstacle when playing fast and complex passages. In the photo on the left below, we can see the traditional fixed five-finger position, where the wrist is unnaturally bent, causing tension in the wrist and forearm and restricting the free movement of the arm, hand, and fingers. This leads to a static and mechanical performance as it becomes difficult to produce a beautiful and resonant sound.
On the other hand, in the photo on the right, the hand is placed on the keyboard following the natural alignment of the body. This allows for complete relaxation of the muscles in the entire arm, hand, and fingers. While there will naturally be muscle contraction (muscles actively engaged) when pressing the keys, students are taught the technique of quickly and naturally releasing tension by utilizing the movement of the flexible wrist. - The ability to contract muscles and release muscle contraction swiftly and naturally is one of the most crucial techniques for pianists.
By mastering this technique, pianists can freely move across the keyboard from the high register to the low register, produce various tones, and play any passage smoothly and expressively. It enables them to navigate the entire range of the piano, unleash different tonal qualities, and bring out the desired expression in their performances.
In the Russian Piano School, considering the piano as a percussion instrument, the importance of wrist positioning and flexibility when playing the piano is emphasized. Students are taught to maintain strong fingertips, use the weight of their arms to produce a sound, and play with relaxation, following an ergonomic approach that aligns with the natural mechanics of the human body.
Initially, students are taught to play with one finger or the third finger to help them feel the weight of their arms when lowering the key. In the art of piano playing, the Russian Piano School provides a thorough analysis of how to effectively use the arms, hands, and fingers to produce beautiful sound and expressive performances. This allows for a systematic and theoretical approach to teaching.
For example, although the piano is a percussion instrument and physically impossible to connect sounds like string instruments or human singing voices, when teaching legato technique, instructors aim to create an illusion of connected sound. They teach students how to use their arms, wrists, hands, and fingers, as well as how to shape and listen to the sound, to create this illusion. Through the principles and techniques taught in the Russian Piano School, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of how to produce beautiful sound, achieve technical mastery, and expressively interpret music on the piano.
When playing the piano, any tension in the muscles, even in one area, prevents the production of a rich and beautiful sound. It also becomes an obstacle when playing fast and complex passages. In the photo on the left below, we can see the traditional fixed five-finger position, where the wrist is unnaturally bent, causing tension in the wrist and forearm and restricting the free movement of the arm, hand, and fingers. This leads to a static and mechanical performance as it becomes difficult to produce a beautiful and resonant sound.
On the other hand, in the photo on the right, the hand is placed on the keyboard following the natural alignment of the body. This allows for complete relaxation of the muscles in the entire arm, hand, and fingers. While there will naturally be muscle contraction (muscles actively engaged) when pressing the keys, students are taught the technique of quickly and naturally releasing tension by utilizing the movement of the flexible wrist. - The ability to contract muscles and release muscle contraction swiftly and naturally is one of the most crucial techniques for pianists.
By mastering this technique, pianists can freely move across the keyboard from the high register to the low register, produce various tones, and play any passage smoothly and expressively. It enables them to navigate the entire range of the piano, unleash different tonal qualities, and bring out the desired expression in their performances.
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From the Irina Gorin "Hand Book for Piano Teachers"