Piano Technique Warm-Ups

 I would like to take you through my daily warm-ups. This list of books are designed to build and maintain complete control and dexterity in the fingers, provide adequate stretching to maintain good joints and posture, and engage the critical mind, to avoid monotony and boredom. These preparations before daily practice will enhance all aspects of your piano playing ability.

1. Piano Yoga - This course was developed by concert pianist GeNIA and gives an insight into how Yoga can influence the pianist. The book describes a variety of stretches to loosen up joints etc. It explains that the three joints in each finger can be moved independently, and becoming conscious of this is very useful.

2. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist - This book contains 60 exercises designed to improve finger dexterity, but I find the first 20 each day keeps the hands supple and strong.

3. Scales and Arpeggios - Explore new ways of playing scales and Arpeggios by mixing up staccato and legato, using the circle of fifths, and playing different keys with different hands simultaneously. This can be extended to include 7ths, pentatonics, and Modes.

For more information, or if you have any questions on the above, please get in touch.