Product Description

The art of piano playing is not, as many believe, merely a result of one's innate 'musical gift': the only way to improve upon your talent is to practise, and to practise the right way. If you already know the basics, and wish to bring your playing up to a better standard - either for exams, performance, or for personal pleasure - then "Improve Your Piano Playing" will help you do so. Dr John Meffen shows you how you can dramatically improve your technique. You can eradicate recurring mistakes, and master the art of workable fingering, expressive touch, phrasing, tone production and pedaling. The process of learning a new piece is made simple and accurate with Dr Meffen's tried and tested techniques. Also included is an invaluable chapter on the inner workings of the piano which will help you chose the right piano for your needs and ability.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27267 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Dr John Meffen MA ARCM LTCL FTCL Cert Ed lives in Darlington, County Durham. John has devoted his life to the study, teaching and performance of music. A Principal Lecturer for many years, he conducted research into keyboard temperaments throughout history and had his work published internationally. John is now the adjudicator member of the British Federation of Festivals, and the Music Secretary of the Darlington Music Festival. He is also the associate conductor of the Darlington Orchestra.

Customer Reviews

Good, practical advice from an experienced teacher
I found new, usable information in this book, despite having studied the piano with several renowned teachers, over nearly three decades. The author integrates just enough up-to-date information on how our nervous systems process and learn new pieces and how best to learn complex passages. He includes several apposite quotations from leading pianists and teachers, without overloading the text with show-off passages. There are no fireworks in this book!

Starting with the basics of piano action Dr Meffen explains how we can use its features to our advantage. There is a good section on practice methods with the pithy comment: "Amateurs practice until they can get it right; professionals practice until they cannot get it wrong.".

The advice on fingering, tone control, phrasing and learning a new piece is common sense for some, but I think that the majority of readers will find something novel here to benefit their pianism. I am just on my third read through now!

The only disappointment for me was the lack of any mention of sight-reading, but this is a short, focussed book, rather than a long, comprehensive text.

In summary, look elsewhere if you want a gushing, idiosyncratic luvvy text; this is down-to-earth stuff that will simply translate into better playing...

Impove Your Piano Playing - Dr Meffen
This is by far the most interesting and illuminating book I have read on this subject.The approach is from a new angle (i.e. how the brain works when learning), but in a clear and understandable way, devoid of technical jargon .

I would recommend this book to anyone intending to or in the process of learning (the piano or any musical instrument). It would also be of interest to teachers.

All applause for Dr. Meffen!
Dr. Meffen's book on piano playing is one of the best I have ever read. He goes straight to the heart of learning how to play piano music which is brain work. Music teachers out there, please take note of Dr. Meffen's advice! A pity all piano teachers do not use his method which is sound, commonsense, practical advice. How many teachers waste valuable time by not using this method? Most teachers say ''go home and practice'' however, the how and the why are always left out. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in their musical improvement. Thank you Dr. Meffen for your advice and honesty!