Performing-based and pedagogical principles of the activity in professional piano schools

Abstract

The article describes the activities that leading European and Ukrainian piano schools provide. The focus is on the basic methodological principles that underpin teaching in such institutions. Some peculiarities related to the ways how regional piano schools were organized in Ukraine are analyzed. The significant influence of the Viennese school on the development of pianism is stated. The peculiarities that characterize M. Clementi’s practices, who represented the London school as well as teaching practice of the representatives of the French piano school are described. The emphasis is placed on the methodological achievements of pianists in piano schools according to epochs. The importance of piano techniques and its impact on training a professional pianist is studied. The classification of piano techniques according to three types has been clarified. They are as follows: classical techniques, which are characterized by small finger technique, with an active finger stroke, maximum accuracy of finger movement from the «bone» and free hand on the wrist; romantic techniques, which involve the development of sensations in finger pads, using the weight of the whole hand – its complete release, «legato» connected and melodious finger; expressionist techniques, in which the technique of the shoulder girdle is important, combining the techniques of the first two types with the addition of pianist’s own techniques, where there is a noticeable support at the bottom of the key with a slightly fixed hand. There are two types of piano techniques that are small and large. Textured layouts are typical of small techniques: scales, positional groups, decorations (melismata), warbles, repetitions, all kinds of arpeggios, various figurations, and double thirds. Large techniques include chords, octaves (including broken ones) and other double notes (quintuplets, sextuplets), tremolo, and leaps (skips). The main directions in the Ukrainian piano school development are outlined. They are: democratic principles and their observance; comprehensive development of personality; application of a creative approach to the personal development of students; combination of achievements of national and world artistic culture; the use of national musical heritage; influence of different arts on the personality development; manifestation of students’ creative potential in learning, development of musical perception and mastering of historical and theoretical knowledge; promotion of national and world artistic culture.

Keywords

• piano school
• piano teacher
• piano technique
• pianist
• performer
• specialist.