Introduction

    A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers is a unique volume built on the selected areas of interest and expertise of ten different authors, each of whom wrote individually on the aspect(s) of piano pedagogy about which they are most knowledgeable. The result: a collection of chapters diverse in personality and philosophy that together form a significant offering in the field of piano pedagogy, more a compendium of thoughts dealing with the playing of the piano most easily, efficiently and without physical injury, than a 'this is the only way' approach. Concise and accessible, readers can glean something concrete and usable, some practical, 'down-to-earth' advice, from each chapter.

    This includes interpretations of and insights into some of the twentieth-century's foremost piano pedagogy texts, including The Physiological Mechanics of Piano Technique by Otto Ortmann, Arnold Schultz' The Riddle of the Pianist's Finger, and The Visible and Invisible in Pianoforte Technique by Tobias Matthay. Out-of-print and, at times, a challenge to approach, it is hoped that the descriptions contained will aid those pianists who are not able to study these works for themselves and support them in their search for understanding of the biomechanics of movement at the keyboard.

    Wellness methodologies, medical problems of and treatment for pianists, and overall musicianship are also featured prominently. Five sections-The Mechanical, The Technical, The Musical, The Healthful (Mind and Body) and The Pedagogical-organize the material and easily lead the reader through a process of discovery. While there is a natural sequence to the chapters, it is not necessary to read them in the order in which they are presented. Some chapters refer the reader to others for a more in-depth discussion of a certain topic, and these are footnoted for easy reference. A description of each chapter is also included in the contents, making it possible to move around the book as personal interest dictates.