Customer Reviews

Music At Your Fingertips: Advice For The Artist And Amateur On Playing The Piano (Music Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was recommended this book when I was studying Piano Pedagogy in the 80's. I read it, but did not own a book. However, many of its recommendations became second nature to me, such was its value. I am now recommending, perhaps better said: requiring, my piano students, to purchase a copy and read it. It is a "must-read" kind of book.

As a youth, I idolized this wonderful pianist, whose father was relentless in his daughter's pursuit at keyboard perfection. In her youth she took advice from Sergei Rachmaninoff who described her as one of America's most gifted young pianists. The book actually gives some of his insights as to technique and musicality in piano playing. I would rate this as one of the finest such books out there- particularly for pianists of all ages and abilities!!!

It is a wonderful and helpful book for musicians, especially for pianists. She gave us many precious and practical experiences and knowledge of being an artist. I think it is one of the best tool book for musicians.

Pros

Ruth Slenczynska was a child prodigy and life long concert pianist who is still performing even now in her 80s as I write this.

The above weights her advise nicely for the aspiring musician who may wonder how she did it and accordingly, how the reader can follow in her footsteps.

Of particular value is the information on preparing for concerts starting from when you decide you are going to play; the choice of pieces; and their organization.

One thing that sets this book apart is the short section on how to play four against three, but see below. This is nice since to my knowledge there are not too many places where this kind of information can be found. One exception is Piano Technique.

Cons

I thought Ms Slenczynska's list in her repertoire section was a bit too weighted towards obscure choices. Although, she explains why she did this, as a beginner had I seen this list and tried these pieces, I would likely have become discouraged with some of these selections. I say this because this book is reading for piano students as well as teachers.

The section on how to play four against three is followed by a short score that does not match the example. You have to go to the following score to understand how to apply the example. While this is not a major detractor, it does bear mentioning.

Based on the above points, I do recommend reading the book written by this delightful lady. See Youtube to hear her speak and listen to her perform. Beginning students need the guidance of a teacher in choosing selections based on their qualifications, experience, and likely their age. My background is several years worth of mostly intermediate to some advanced playing many years ago. Now I'm getting back once again into playing classical music.