That's my uncle Jim!!!! Thank you infinitely for the constant music throughout the family and the natural knack for playing music passed down to me in my genes from your sister ❤
My Russian violin coach had me sit down at the piano one day and demonstrate my approach to the piano. Needless to say, her response was memorable. To this day, now years later, I struggle to unlearn tension. Graceful, fluid movements on the piano, as well as the violin, make the music so much sweeter.
Merci beaucoup for this. I'm a retired Chiropractor that took up the piano 2 months ago. I had to alter my techniques because of a major orthopedic problem in my shoulder. Because of that I specialized in shoulder problems, and by extension for upper extremity. I will be filming a video for my exercises that I give to stabilize and strengthen the low back and abdominals, which take 30 seconds to a minute per day. And then I have some exercises and self-treatment for the shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands. Thanks for this video, I will apply it in my journey to learning the piano.
Love at the end when Dr. McKeever sits there for a moment and then gets up to turn off the camera. Priceless! LOL! Thank you so much for this. I will now allow my students to lift fingers high and stake the keys. I have not taught that "Lifting High" stuff because as Dr. McKeever noted, no pianist plays like that. The idea is to "depress" the key. However, I now understand that all that "lifting" I did through Hannon and Czerny studies strengthened my fingers so that they an handle the force as it radiates from the shoulder into the keys. What I had noticed about my teaching is that my students seemed not to be able to keep the fingers curved so as to send all the force to the finger tip (don't know if I explained that well). Many seem to allow the "last knuckle" to cave in thus allowing some of the force to wasted on the knuckle instead of being applied to the key. Anyway, enough of me and my problems in teaching, this video was great and I look forward to watching and learning more. Geo Cooper (Fisk BM '82) Founder/Director Ella Sheppard School Of Music
Contrary to some others in the comment section, I enjoyed the introduction with the short anecdotes. There are others videos which are more to the point but on the other hand they lack depth. Both are needed and wanted by me amongst others. Thanks for the video.
I have some serious classical music training in piano. I can tell that this gentleman is a master from whom anyone can learn with confidence; this is, knowing that one is learning the best of the best.
@@mktsp2 someone prominent within that field? That's why it's best for 99% of the people in the world to STFU when it comes to their opinions.....at least that's my opinion.
Exactly. The moment of execution is the moment of "tension". It makes me think of how Kyriena Siloti taught to drop in the single finger exercises...so applicable to the rest of equipment also. (International competition winner from Ohio)
I enjoyed this lesson! I have not thought of what is happening physically when I play in a long time! I sat at the piano checking out what I do along with the video. Thanks!
I studied classical piano at the conservatory many years ago, but always kept having problems with playing fast and especially trills and ornaments; I felt that tension in my muscles was the cause of these problems. I stopped playing completely the day I graduated because of this and didn't play for the next 30+ years. Recently I came across an article online, describing the Russian method of piano playing and the importance of weight transfer between the keys. I gave this a try and was amazed what this did with my playing. Within a couple of days, I was able to play fast and secure while keeping the weight transfer in tact. Using this technique, I am now studying my own compositions which I never was able to get up to speed, but now have no problem with it. This gave me so much confidence in this method that I bought the book mentioned in this video, and from what I can see, it's the 3rd edition (released in 2017). I am looking forward to studying the book in combinations with these videos; thanks so much for bringing this together!
Because he‘s just promoting the book. There is certainly no way that all the seemingly well trained concert pianists in this comment section never heard about this and/or couldn’t figure out a way to bypass or correct their issues. I‘d say that this whole comment section is not quite genuine with what they‘re saying. Applying this technique and almost “suddenly“ improving by miles? No, I don‘t think that is possible. But please take what I say with a grain of salt, as I am not trained by a renown pianist or conservatory professor.
to everyone: the future videos mentioned have NOT been made yet; sorry for the confusion. The new book will be out by this summer; Hal Leonard will be distributing it...I'll update everyone here about the exact date when we can get it on Amazon.
This video brought back a lot of memories of lessons with my first piano teacher, who also studied at CCM with Olga Conus. My teacher had many stories that Madame Conus told of her time with the celebrated Russian pianists mentioned by Dr. Keever. As a child, I also played the exercises from Fundamentals of Piano Technique. There is a lot to be said for the concept of minimizing tension and economy of force, as Dr. Keever explains. However, I am not a believer in finger exercises that "build" strength or muscle. As another commenter pointed out, there are no muscles in the fingers. Our bodies already have all the brute strength we need to play. It's a matter of coordination and effectively using what we have. An excellent resource for understanding this is Gyorgy Sandor's book On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression.
Sorry to be 4 years late, this message is probably never going to be read by you, but I do believe that we have fingers in our hands, which may or may not get developed during exercises. But I think you could make a point in saying that these muscles don't get stronger per se. They may in fact just get more adjusted to the motions of proper piano playing through exercise, due to practiced muscle memory in the muscles of the hand.
THANK YOU so much sir, for this lesson. This is what I've always wanted to learn. How to play relaxed and with the correct motions. Really makes a lot of sense. I live in Sweden but I hope I can get a copy of your book. ❤
Thank you Dr James McKeever for sharing with me the Russian Method; I will practice this and exercise with this. Keep doing what you are doing; because if I'm learning very well with you; many students you teach will learn as well; and hopefully, they and I will surpass you. But even so we will never stop learning from you. Thank you again.
Dear James, thank you for your video and work very much. I think these are the most important principles, without it education is absolutely useless! I am studying at Moscow conservatory now with a great teacher, but I had to change a lot of places and teachers before to find out all these basicall things, waste a lot of time and had to change all habits completely.
This book is doing great things for me! If I were to teach piano, I know, what method I would use! Thank you! I have now "installed" Mme Conus by my side during practise. Natural relaxation, strength and free, supple wrist comes if you read and execute attentively❤
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project. Susan
Good exposition of the basic movements used in the Russian style of playing. Although in the earlier Russian method ( late 19th Century) there was a concept of a strong arch in the hand, famously demonstrated by Vladimir Horowitz. Unfortunately, no one teaches this position any more. Not even in the Russian Federation.
this is just wonderful. dr McKeever, you have given in a few minutes a treasure of information that will spare me years of wasted practice, and it's important for me because my time is not abundant.I wish I had... etc... Also the information about the Conuses is very unique and valuable. thank you!
Studying with Dr. McKeever and the Conus' Russian method completely changed the sound drawn out of my piano. The audiences notice...and appreciate. So great to see this!
Hi MaryEllen, thanks for being a witness to the Power of the Conus' Russian method. Jim and I both have taught countless students the method and not to brag, BUT OUR STUDENTS IMPROVE SO MUCH, in the ease at which they plan, the ability to be expressive with the music...I know of about 25 living students who studied with Madame Olga Conus, like Jim and me AND IMAGINE 25 X 100 = 2500 piano students across the world going on to teach 100 students - 25,000 piano students who know this method...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. McKeever, I have played piano for 15 years and have struggled with arm weight/tension problems, which have resulted in pain within the wrists and forearms as I have played pieces which have fast tempos and complex multi-note cords that are being played simultaneously. Thank you for posting this, I have started to develop dynamics and speed that I didn't think were possible. I still struggle often with complex cords, and eagerly await for the next videos on this Russian Technique. In the meantime, I am looking for the book, and experimenting on my own with the concepts discussed here. Thank you so much, please continue to upload.
Here is a link to the book "Fundamentals of Piano Technique" - we are hard at work revising the latest edition and hope to have it in print by summer of 2016: www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Piano-Technique-Olga-Conus/dp/0874876605
+Susan McKeever - a review on Amazon to the person who felt the Conuses knew nothing about technique and the only book to study was Sandor's book: "It seems strange to read an attack upon the very fundamentals of piano technique used by the great Russian teacher Heinrich Neuhaus. His two most famous students, Emil Gilels and Sviatosllav Richter used the Conus technique. I have heard both of them in person and marveled at their ease at the keyboard, the limpid yet grand tone they produced without effort and the seamless phrasing due to playing with weight and relaxation that Madame Conus taught. I have heard Sandor play and thought it wooden and stiff. The proof is in the playing". John Toedtman
+Susan McKeever another review of the book above: "When I was a young college student, Mme. Conus gave me extra lessons to help correct technical problems using the exercises. She was very careful to assign and adjust exercises based on the student's capabilities. I required my piano students to buy James McKeever's edition of the Conus exercises when it was in print. I found the extension, distribution of weight, wrist development, double notes and five-finger exercises the most useful, particularly for students with small hands. The late Professor Walter Robert recommended using the Conus exercises when he was on the Indiana University School of Music faculty." Masson Robertson
+Susan McKeever / Madonna Lechner's review: "the reader should not be misled by the unassuming nature of Fundamentals of Piano Technique. It is an historical treasure that deserves to be back in print. The method it presents was employed at the Moscow Conservatory of Music with which the author and her husband were associated prior to the Soviet revolution. Among the Conuses' close colleagues and companions were Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff and Medtner. The book presents an orderly, systematic approach to the keyboard by which a pianist may become technically proficient and thereby play with ease and freedom. It teaches the student to play the piano with as little tension as possible, conserving energy. Since this is easier said than done, the book meticulously guides the pianist in gradually learning how to relax small and large muscles while performing complex repertoire. The underlying principle is to associate distinctive physical gestures with desired musical impulses. Particular emphasis is placed on playing deeply into the keys, pulling the tone out of the piano. The exercises in the book are to be employed in conjunction with the performance of repertoire. When the pianist encounters a difficult passage in a piece, he or she may refer to the Conus book in identifying an exercise designed to overcome the technical obstacle. The method lives up to its promise. Prior to my experience with it, I suffered from significant wrist pain after extensive practicing, requiring medication and braces. This caused me to suspend study. Pain is no longer an issue for me since I began applying the Conus exercises.
Dear Dr. James Mckeever: Your piano lesson has already made a big difference in my playing. I instantly noticed the a huge imporvemnt when I used your suggestions. My playing felt much more relaxed and it sounded much better too. At least 50% improvement or more, almost instantly! i have already ordered your Russian Technique book. Thank you! I have a few questions for you, if you dont mind. How do you use the technique that you taught when you are playing stride piano style? Stride Piano is when the left hand is constantly completely lifting off the keys and the arm has to move a substantial distance up and down the keyboard from base notes (often eights) to chords. - Usually twice per measure and your fingers must land on an exact (and often) complex group of chord notes every time? in addition, stride music usually has to be played at a fast tempo. The problems that I experience are that my forearm has to constantly swing back and forth in the air off the keys so I lose touch with where I am on the keyboard unless I watch my hand. It is very difficult to lose ones place when going from sheet music to keyboard. The constant repetitive moment is also tiring and my fingers never seem to get to rest on the keys so they cant hold up your arm. . I end up coming down from a substantiation height with my hand already shaped like a claw in order hit all the notes in the chord and I end up striking the keys in a way that sounds harsh. There does not seem to be a way to push the keys slowly or quickly in to add the proper flavor. I that playing stride piano is exhausting and it causes me to feel a lot of tension in my hands. It often causes me to get a cramp in my left hand. So far I have not figured out how to use your technique for the left hand in stride piano style. Examples of this Stride Piano music style might be found in the song Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller or Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin. Also, is there a way to use your technique to help to play left hand 10ths when you can barely reach a ninth? I find it to be especially hard to play 10ths in a fast tempo music. It sounds messy and it is also very uncomfortable. I am often sloppily striking unwanted nearby notes in addition to the note that I am going for. Thank you in advance if you answer my question or make a RUclips video on the subject.
This is wonderful, thank you. I struggle with arm weight and tension. Every once in a while, everything clicks together (when I do "drops" via gravity) and everything feels incredible, like I can do what I want. I'm hoping that this method helps. Regardless, it's a great video.
Finally a book that can thoroughly explain rotation and relaxation method to playing piano! I used to have a Keyboard Magazine that explained the techniques you briefly touched on. It was an article by a famous Russian woman concert pianist. I wouldn't be surprised if she is the same person you have mentioned. Regardless, I look forward to more video posts and I'm going to purchase both books!
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project. Susan
WE ALL NEED SOLID FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS. OFF TO A GOOD START. KEEP US ON THE STRAIGHT PATH,TO PROPER PLAYING. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW BOOK,WITH EXPANDED MATERIAL. CAESAR
We have a lot of piano studies. Every country has a method to teach piano. It’s based on the physical condition of individual students. Russian method. It’s only drop in the bucket. I am representative of Russian school of music. But it’s not for everyone. Is much more involved. I like the video. But to learn from with anything very difficult almost impossible. Thank you for it.
I watched your first video Dr. McKeever and wanted to thank you for your fundamental analysis and explanation of the Russian technique. My early piano instruction did not include a lot of this type of detailed pianism.
+Steven Haff - I am Dr. McKeever's wife, also a student of several teachers from the Russian school. This is just the very start of what I think will be videos to help pianists play with ease, comfort, and musicality...
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project. Susan
Sir, I want to thank you for feely sharing this with those of us that are interested. I personally found this relevant because I am a great enthusiast of Scriabin and the Russian composers for that matter, as you have mentioned in this discourse. I know see how I can better sing the tone playing Scriabin's Prelude, Opus16 no.4 . Thank you!
Michael Buschmann - thank you, Michael - I am happy that you can apply some improvement to the Scriabin tone after viewing this video. I am Susan McKeever, James McKeever's wife and I also studied with Madame Olga Conus.
Dr. McKeever retiring from 35 years at UW-Parkside May 12, 2017 (BUT HE AND I WILL BOTH be doing more RUclips videos, Webinars, and will offer Skype Coaching on the Conus Exercise Book exercises at a reasonable cost)...here is the tribute to my husband: Dr. James, I McKeever on Sunday, April 30, 2017 - before the performance of Brahms German Requiem (during which my husband, whom I call Jim, played the pipe organ part): ruclips.net/video/-g9ACGe12w4/видео.html
I’m so thankful for this video. I’m in my 30+ and want to learn playing piano by myself. I got the FPT book, but not sure if I understand the techniques right. This video confirmed my understanding and I don’t have to keep wondering if I did it right or or. Thank you so much for make this video ❤️❤️❤️❤️. And by the way, I’m UC Alumni too🥰
the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. the next best is today. you are never too old! you should be proud of yourself, health and wealth to you and yours
This makes me want to take lessons, or at least sit and learn on my own, as an adult again! What a wonderful, engaging teacher, you are Mr. McKeever! I gave up lessons as a left-handed child when I was unable to distinguish the bass from the treble clef, playing the bass clef with my right hand and the treble with the right! Instead of the stressful experience it was for me as a child, this sounds to me like an exercise in joy and relaxation. I have long been wanting to take up the piano again simply for the joy of playing, since I do read music, but living with a chronic pain condition (especially pain in my shoulders, arms, wrists and hands) has made this a daunting idea. By your description, this may actually now be a possibility. My daughter, who is a pianist, also had wrist pain in her teen years when she was taking lessons. She doesn't play so much any more, but I am sure she would also find this helpful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video!
+Bonnie Klaassen - hello - this is Susan McKeever - I am the wife of James McKeever, and I also studied with Madame Olga Conus...maybe my husband and I can eventually start teaching some piano lessons via Skype...It is not ideal to teach from a remote location, but maybe through more videos and the new book coming out, it could help someone like your daughter...
just found this - book is out of print - Jim and I are revising the book to be reprinted within a year BUT occasionally you can find on Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/Fundamentals-of-Piano-Technique-by-Leon-Conus-Book-Two-/290803872744?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b542f3e8
This is just a trial run, John C Carpenter, Pianist - thank you for your feedback - I'm already thinking up some ideas to make this more engaging...My husband also wants to hire a professional videographer to do some special effects.
This guy knows his shit! I was gonna skip the begining but then I thought why not listen. I think its a good idea to pay attention to the people he mentions and what they endeavour.
When I adjudicate youth piano competitions, I observe that some performers fall in love with the graceful movement at the expense of expressive and structurally sound playing. This is especially notable with those who study with Russian pedagogues.
Susan McKeever is the DVD still going to be bundled on release? I'm curious since I just preordered the book, I'm looking forward to it and hope it doesn't upset my teacher! haha.
Great! I've just discovered today this interesting video and it's the same day that the book comes out! I made an order at Amazon.ca. I can't wait to receive it!
course beginning this Friday at UW-Parkside in Kenosha, WI: Seminar in Piano Performance Practice and Literature PIANO TECHNIQUE and the RUSSIAN METHOD Unfortunately, most of us didn’t get the best technical training when we were young. Bad habits become ingrained, and conscience effort and the knowledge of proper mechanics are needed to correct problems and become better teachers and pianists. The course will include hands-on practice of exercises, and we will learn to recognize and analyze technical problems, and apply solutions for ourselves and our students. We will take a brief look at the development of piano technique over the last two centuries, the history of the Russian Method, and how the principles apply today. Private lessons are also available. My third edition of the Conus Fundamentals of Piano Technique will be published shortly. For an introduction to my background and the principles of the Russian Method, please look at my RUclips video ruclips.net/video/vKXUswFm9b4/видео.html. It now has over 23,000 views. My wife, Susan McKeever, also studied with Madame Conus, and will be assisting with the class. She is a Nationally Certified member of MTNA. We perform together as the McKeever Duo: ruclips.net/user/forte7562 FRIDAYS 10:00 - 11:40 A.M. FEBRUARY 5 - MAY 6 2 ACADEMIC CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: PROFESSOR JAMES MCKEEVER UW-Parkside, Communication Arts Building (The Rita), FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CONTACT: me, Susan McKeever here on this comment section
One thing I'm confused by: in another lecture from Bennet Lerner (see ruclips.net/video/66RexiP7R-o/видео.html), he says he had some lessons from Sascha Gorodnitzki, who was taught by Josef Lhevinne (husband of Rosina Lhevinne). He was taught to practice with very high fingers, to the point of pain. This seems contrary to the suggestions here in this video, where fingers are very close to the keyboard.
the book is the "heart" of the whole series...Dr. McKeever and I (his wife) have spent 3 years editing it and now you can buy it here: a.co/dfEJbrm THE PICTURES AND INSTRUCTIONS in the book will teach you everything you need to know and Jim and I will be offering SKYPE coaching for us to check anyone's posture, hand position as you play the exercises...everyone needs to try the exercises in the book - that means much more than watching a video - we want to watch you guys play some of the exercises and analyze what you are doing right and/or how you might improve. Susan McKeever, student of Madame Olga Conus at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, along with her husband Dr. James McKeever (student of Olga Conus for 6 years at CCM)
On Mother's day, Dr. James McKeever had a major stroke. After 1 month in the hospital for rehab, he came home June 16. He was left handed and it is his left hand that started out paralyzed...now he can stand on his left leg, walk holding onto our kitchen counter; we will have 6 months to a year for more rehab...He does a lot of electrical stimulation for his upper arms, hands, and lower body...
I am sorry to hear this. Hoping he is continuing on the road to recovery. I studied with Dr. McKeever in Murray back in 77-81. I enjoyed this video and it brought back many memories of the techniques he taught me. I knew so little at the time, but in spite of that, he patiently worked with me and taught me so much. I fondly remember being in your home on a few occasions. Hoping to see more videos from you!
You automatically apply side motion to hands when you relax and you need to play a passage clean that deserves you extend your wrist. It is not worthwhile to buy books and books for this, just see Paul Barton or other classical piano tutorials on line, that is enough, or what this professor is teaching , very valid.
Namasthe Sir, Thanking you. Where can I buy these books in India? A suggestion for any agency or publisher in India is appreciated. With kind regards and prayers Dr.Raghavan from India. Namasthe. 10nth. July 2020
I've made my video of exercises to stabilize and strengthen the low back. 30 seconds a day, but it's best to do them every day. Don't complain, it's only 30 seconds. Bonus would be techniques for the shoulders and hands. Oh My Aching Bach
This was very good and informative but in reality playing with low moving fingers ( trilly fingers I call it) can only be really be perfected by playing scales as fast as you can.
Fundamentals of Piano Technique Commentary on the background and contents on the old and new editions. The original books were published in 1953. Book two consists of Leon Conus’s original exercises. Book one is by Olga Conus, and consists of preparatory exercises and easier versions of many of Leon Conus’s exercises. Book one had 29 pages and book two 41 pages (the last page of exercises). For my second edition, in 1983, I started with the 1st and 2nd books as originally published. Summy-Birchard would only publish one 64 page book, a combination of the original books 1 and 2. I kept them separate as part one and part two of the second edition. I had to drop a number of exercises and make room for my new introduction, with photos and descriptions of the wrist motions (the introduction in the third edition is nearly identical). The new edition has reorganized the exercises to integrate them into one unified whole. The first section of the new edition contains the Preparatory Exercises that Madame added in the original book one, plus some of the simplified exercises from the subsequent sections of book one (remember, Madame’s book one was intended for less advanced students and those with smaller hands). This is followed by all the sections in book two. Occasionally the exercises within a section are reordered to better reflect the order of difficulty from easier to harder. I have several copies of the original book two. I looked at one of them, and to my great surprise, I found that it was nine pages shorter (only 32 pages) than the book two that I studied from! Apparently, Summy-Birchard wanted to shorten the book to reduce costs. I found that most of the exercises that I eliminated in my second edition due to space limitations were the same ones removed from the shortened version of book two! Most of those exercises, not in the second edition, are back in the new edition. I assume that the publisher asked Madame to shorten the book. My guess is that it was revised in the early 70’s. In the Third Edition, I added a couple of other things. On page 67 is the chromatic scale fingering Madame taught, and on page 84 a simple first octave exercise. A few “et cetera” have been eliminated by writing out an entire exercise where possible. The new edition is 28 pages longer the second edition! I dropped one of the four patterns from the exercise at the bottom of page 79. The missing pattern is “major thirds, half step.” The exercise becomes simpler and less confusing. I missed something in my second edition! Page 33 at the bottom is the “Two Step” pattern for this exercise. When working on the second edition, I had book one in front of me at the time, which didn’t include that pattern because of the size of the stretch. It’s important, and is back in the third edition. Through the new edition I included some of Madame’s patterns, rhythmic variations, and transpositions that she devised for the original book one. James McKeever
the book is the "heart" of the whole series...Dr. McKeever and I (his wife) have spent 3 years editing it and now you can buy it here: a.co/dfEJbrm THE PICTURES AND INSTRUCTIONS in the book will teach you everything you need to know and Jim and I will be offering SKYPE coaching for us to check anyone's posture, hand position as you play the exercises...everyone needs to try the exercises in the book - that means much more than watching a video - we want to watch you guys play some of the exercises and analyze what you are doing right and/or how you might improve. Susan McKeever, student of Madame Olga Conus at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
Overcoming the physical tension is one of problems. How about emotional part? I remember Hofman in his book was talking about conserving emotional energy during studies. I always get carried away by music.
That's my uncle Jim!!!! Thank you infinitely for the constant music throughout the family and the natural knack for playing music passed down to me in my genes from your sister ❤
My Russian violin coach had me sit down at the piano one day and demonstrate my approach to the piano. Needless to say, her response was memorable. To this day, now years later, I struggle to unlearn tension. Graceful, fluid movements on the piano, as well as the violin, make the music so much sweeter.
True.
I love how he expresses the need for relaxation so much and not to hold tension
4:03 is when he actually starts talking about the method. You're welcome.
Corn Fed (
Corn Fed y
Corn Fed e
Thanks
Not all heroes wear capes
Merci beaucoup for this. I'm a retired Chiropractor that took up the piano 2 months ago. I had to alter my techniques because of a major orthopedic problem in my shoulder. Because of that I specialized in shoulder problems, and by extension for upper extremity. I will be filming a video for my exercises that I give to stabilize and strengthen the low back and abdominals, which take 30 seconds to a minute per day. And then I have some exercises and self-treatment for the shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands.
Thanks for this video, I will apply it in my journey to learning the piano.
Thank you a lot Dr for explaining the basics so clearly, this is very important for any pianist student indeed. 🙏
Important basic points covered.Thank you.
Thank you , i just learned more in 10 minutes than in 50 videos I’ve watched. Wow.
Love at the end when Dr. McKeever sits there for a moment and then gets up to turn off the camera. Priceless! LOL! Thank you so much for this. I will now allow my students to lift fingers high and stake the keys. I have not taught that "Lifting High" stuff because as Dr. McKeever noted, no pianist plays like that. The idea is to "depress" the key. However, I now understand that all that "lifting" I did through Hannon and Czerny studies strengthened my fingers so that they an handle the force as it radiates from the shoulder into the keys. What I had noticed about my teaching is that my students seemed not to be able to keep the fingers curved so as to send all the force to the finger tip (don't know if I explained that well). Many seem to allow the "last knuckle" to cave in thus allowing some of the force to wasted on the knuckle instead of being applied to the key. Anyway, enough of me and my problems in teaching, this video was great and I look forward to watching and learning more.
Geo Cooper (Fisk BM '82)
Founder/Director
Ella Sheppard School Of Music
Great video with so much useful information. Waiting for my book to arrive :) thank you.
There are no muscles in your fingers aside from those that give you goosebumps. The muscles that control your fingers are in your palm and forearm.
I know!
Lumbrical muscles
I had no idea bro I appreciate this! I'm gonna read up on this (not a pianist mainly but a string player)
He apologized for this
I think he meant finger reflexes
Thank you, Mr McKeever. You've been very helpful.
Skip to 5:45 for explanation
Thank you so much!!! Really appreciate it :)
Parkinson w
U saved our 4 min times.
thanks
thaks
Contrary to some others in the comment section, I enjoyed the introduction with the short anecdotes. There are others videos which are more to the point but on the other hand they lack depth. Both are needed and wanted by me amongst others. Thanks for the video.
Great video, Thanks!
Very useful and enlightening information delivered in just 15 min. Looking forward to learn more about the DVD and technique book.
thank you very much, Amy...the book is almost ready to go to print
I have some serious classical music training in piano. I can tell that this gentleman is a master from whom anyone can learn with confidence; this is, knowing that one is learning the best of the best.
But who can tell us that your opinion means anything?
@@JustMe-999a And who can tell us that the opinion of the one who tells us that Ricardo's opinion means something, means anything?
@@mktsp2 someone prominent within that field? That's why it's best for 99% of the people in the world to STFU when it comes to their opinions.....at least that's my opinion.
Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Those principles are in the German school too, since they dated from Beethoven’s (much before Goldenweiser...).
Exactly. The moment of execution is the moment of "tension". It makes me think of how Kyriena Siloti taught to drop in the single finger exercises...so applicable to the rest of equipment also. (International competition winner from Ohio)
I enjoyed this lesson! I have not thought of what is happening physically when I play in a long time! I sat at the piano checking out what I do along with the video. Thanks!
Steve Feiler - great - I'm glad it helped. More and better videos to come as the Conus Book we are working on will be printed fairly soon.
I studied classical piano at the conservatory many years ago, but always kept having problems with playing fast and especially trills and ornaments; I felt that tension in my muscles was the cause of these problems. I stopped playing completely the day I graduated because of this and didn't play for the next 30+ years.
Recently I came across an article online, describing the Russian method of piano playing and the importance of weight transfer between the keys. I gave this a try and was amazed what this did with my playing. Within a couple of days, I was able to play fast and secure while keeping the weight transfer in tact. Using this technique, I am now studying my own compositions which I never was able to get up to speed, but now have no problem with it.
This gave me so much confidence in this method that I bought the book mentioned in this video, and from what I can see, it's the 3rd edition (released in 2017). I am looking forward to studying the book in combinations with these videos; thanks so much for bringing this together!
Where did you get the book?
@@helenayang5423 i bought it here in a bookshop where I live. They ordered it for me.
How did you manage to graduate from conservatory without anyone telling you about this method
Because he‘s just promoting the book. There is certainly no way that all the seemingly well trained concert pianists in this comment section never heard about this and/or couldn’t figure out a way to bypass or correct their issues. I‘d say that this whole comment section is not quite genuine with what they‘re saying. Applying this technique and almost “suddenly“ improving by miles? No, I don‘t think that is possible. But please take what I say with a grain of salt, as I am not trained by a renown pianist or conservatory professor.
Addendum: I am not saying that the book is of no use. I just believe that the improvement presented here is, to some degree, exaggerated.
I learned in this way too. Nice video guide. Russian piano technique is awesome.
glad you liked it.
to everyone: the future videos mentioned have NOT been made yet; sorry for the confusion. The new book will be out by this summer; Hal Leonard will be distributing it...I'll update everyone here about the exact date when we can get it on Amazon.
did the book come out yet?
The book is GOLD! Clearly to recommend!
This video brought back a lot of memories of lessons with my first piano teacher, who also studied at CCM with Olga Conus. My teacher had many stories that Madame Conus told of her time with the celebrated Russian pianists mentioned by Dr. Keever. As a child, I also played the exercises from Fundamentals of Piano Technique. There is a lot to be said for the concept of minimizing tension and economy of force, as Dr. Keever explains. However, I am not a believer in finger exercises that "build" strength or muscle. As another commenter pointed out, there are no muscles in the fingers. Our bodies already have all the brute strength we need to play. It's a matter of coordination and effectively using what we have. An excellent resource for understanding this is Gyorgy Sandor's book On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression.
Sorry to be 4 years late, this message is probably never going to be read by you, but I do believe that we have fingers in our hands, which may or may not get developed during exercises. But I think you could make a point in saying that these muscles don't get stronger per se. They may in fact just get more adjusted to the motions of proper piano playing through exercise, due to practiced muscle memory in the muscles of the hand.
Really nice and clear explained, Loved watching it!
THANK YOU so much sir, for this lesson. This is what I've always wanted to learn. How to play relaxed and with the correct motions. Really makes a lot of sense. I live in Sweden but I hope I can get a copy of your book. ❤
www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Piano-Technique-Russian-McKeever/dp/1495073017/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3A9SQZTOVYD6O&keywords=conus mckeever&qid=1681574990&sprefix=%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1
@@SusanMcKeever are video version for the pieces available for self learning?
No, Dr Mckeever can only use one hand since his stroke making it impossible for him to film anymore.
this is PURE gold, Thank you so much!
+Sofi Siar thank you - the new book was picked up by Hal Leonard, so I will let everyone know when it is ready.
Thank you Dr James McKeever for sharing with me the Russian Method; I will practice this and exercise with this. Keep doing what you are doing; because if I'm learning very well with you; many students you teach will learn as well; and hopefully, they and I will surpass you. But even so we will never stop learning from you. Thank you again.
+Jesse Enriquez - you are very welcome. Thank you for your kind comments.
Dear James, thank you for your video and work very much. I think these are the most important principles, without it education is absolutely useless! I am studying at Moscow conservatory now with a great teacher, but I had to change a lot of places and teachers before to find out all these basicall things, waste a lot of time and had to change all habits completely.
Very interesting and clear tips that will help explain these methods in teaching. Thank you for sharing!
+Erik Brabants - you are welcome...New edition of the book should be out in a few months. More and better videos to come.
Thank you! I subscribed to the link on Amazon for whenever it will become available.
Fantastic video,can't wait to see the others!!!Big hug!
Miguel Arcanjo - thank you - the new book will be out in a few months and more videos of an even higher quality.
This book is doing great things for me! If I were to teach piano, I know, what method I would use! Thank you! I have now "installed" Mme Conus by my side during practise. Natural relaxation, strength and free, supple wrist comes if you read and execute attentively❤
Every practise session starts: "Conus says.......".
Great lesson! Thank you!
great tips, thank you for your time.
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project.
Susan
Thanks for posting. It's refreshing to see that there are pianists that still get it
Good exposition of the basic movements used in the Russian style of playing. Although in the earlier Russian method ( late 19th Century) there was a concept of a strong arch in the hand, famously demonstrated by Vladimir Horowitz. Unfortunately, no one teaches this position any more. Not even in the Russian Federation.
thank you very much!!
Very interesting content, thanks for the upload!
this is just wonderful. dr McKeever, you have given in a few minutes a treasure of information that will spare me years of wasted practice, and it's important for me because my time is not abundant.I wish I had... etc... Also the information about the Conuses is very unique and valuable. thank you!
+Eli Guy - you are welcome.
Studying with Dr. McKeever and the Conus' Russian method completely changed the sound drawn out of my piano. The audiences notice...and appreciate. So great to see this!
Hi MaryEllen, thanks for being a witness to the Power of the Conus' Russian method. Jim and I both have taught countless students the method and not to brag, BUT OUR STUDENTS IMPROVE SO MUCH, in the ease at which they plan, the ability to be expressive with the music...I know of about 25 living students who studied with Madame Olga Conus, like Jim and me AND IMAGINE 25 X 100 = 2500 piano students across the world going on to teach 100 students - 25,000 piano students who know this method...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. McKeever,
I have played piano for 15 years and have struggled with arm weight/tension problems, which have resulted in pain within the wrists and forearms as I have played pieces which have fast tempos and complex multi-note cords that are being played simultaneously. Thank you for posting this, I have started to develop dynamics and speed that I didn't think were possible. I still struggle often with complex cords, and eagerly await for the next videos on this Russian Technique. In the meantime, I am looking for the book, and experimenting on my own with the concepts discussed here. Thank you so much, please continue to upload.
Here is a link to the book "Fundamentals of Piano Technique" - we are hard at work revising the latest edition and hope to have it in print by summer of 2016: www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Piano-Technique-Olga-Conus/dp/0874876605
+Susan McKeever - a review on Amazon to the person who felt the Conuses knew nothing about technique and the only book to study was Sandor's book: "It seems strange to read an attack upon the very fundamentals of piano technique used by the great Russian teacher Heinrich Neuhaus. His two most famous students, Emil Gilels and Sviatosllav Richter used the Conus technique. I have heard both of them in person and marveled at their ease at the keyboard, the limpid yet grand tone they produced without effort and the seamless phrasing due to playing with weight and relaxation that Madame Conus taught. I have heard Sandor play and thought it wooden and stiff. The proof is in the playing". John Toedtman
+Susan McKeever another review of the book above: "When I was a young college student, Mme. Conus gave me extra lessons to help correct technical problems using the exercises. She was very careful to assign and adjust exercises based on the student's capabilities. I required my piano students to buy James McKeever's edition of the Conus exercises when it was in print. I found the extension, distribution of weight, wrist development, double notes and five-finger exercises the most useful, particularly for students with small hands. The late Professor Walter Robert recommended using the Conus exercises when he was on the Indiana University School of Music faculty." Masson Robertson
+Susan McKeever / Madonna Lechner's review: "the reader should not be misled by the unassuming nature of Fundamentals of Piano Technique. It is an historical treasure that deserves to be back in print. The method it presents was employed at the Moscow Conservatory of Music with which the author and her husband were associated prior to the Soviet revolution. Among the Conuses' close colleagues and companions were Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff and Medtner. The book presents an orderly, systematic approach to the keyboard by which a pianist may become technically proficient and thereby play with ease and freedom. It teaches the student to play the piano with as little tension as possible, conserving energy. Since this is easier said than done, the book meticulously guides the pianist in gradually learning how to relax small and large muscles while performing complex repertoire. The underlying principle is to associate distinctive physical gestures with desired musical impulses. Particular emphasis is placed on playing deeply into the keys, pulling the tone out of the piano. The exercises in the book are to be employed in conjunction with the performance of repertoire. When the pianist encounters a difficult passage in a piece, he or she may refer to the Conus book in identifying an exercise designed to overcome the technical obstacle. The method lives up to its promise. Prior to my experience with it, I suffered from significant wrist pain after extensive practicing, requiring medication and braces. This caused me to suspend study. Pain is no longer an issue for me since I began applying the Conus exercises.
+Susan McKeever When will it be available again?
it is available NOW on Amazon.com
This video was extremely informative for me, Thank you so much!
Dear Dr. James Mckeever: Your piano lesson has already made a big difference in my playing. I instantly noticed the a huge imporvemnt when I used your suggestions. My playing felt much more relaxed and it sounded much better too. At least 50% improvement or more, almost instantly! i have already ordered your Russian Technique book. Thank you!
I have a few questions for you, if you dont mind.
How do you use the technique that you taught when you are playing stride piano style? Stride Piano is when the left hand is constantly completely lifting off the keys and the arm has to move a substantial distance up and down the keyboard from base notes (often eights) to chords. - Usually twice per measure and your fingers must land on an exact (and often) complex group of chord notes every time? in addition, stride music usually has to be played at a fast tempo.
The problems that I experience are that my forearm has to constantly swing back and forth in the air off the keys so I lose touch with where I am on the keyboard unless I watch my hand. It is very difficult to lose ones place when going from sheet music to keyboard. The constant repetitive moment is also tiring and my fingers never seem to get to rest on the keys so they cant hold up your arm. . I end up coming down from a substantiation height with my hand already shaped like a claw in order hit all the notes in the chord and I end up striking the keys in a way that sounds harsh.
There does not seem to be a way to push the keys slowly or quickly in to add the proper flavor.
I that playing stride piano is exhausting and it causes me to feel a lot of tension in my hands. It often causes me to get a cramp in my left hand.
So far I have not figured out how to use your technique for the left hand in stride piano style.
Examples of this Stride Piano music style might be found in the song Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller or Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin.
Also, is there a way to use your technique to help to play left hand 10ths when you can barely reach a ninth? I find it to be especially hard to play 10ths in a fast tempo music. It sounds messy and it is also very uncomfortable. I am often sloppily striking unwanted nearby notes in addition to the note that I am going for.
Thank you in advance if you answer my question or make a RUclips video on the subject.
This is wonderful, thank you. I struggle with arm weight and tension. Every once in a while, everything clicks together (when I do "drops" via gravity) and everything feels incredible, like I can do what I want. I'm hoping that this method helps. Regardless, it's a great video.
Sha Ranney - thank you for your kind remarks.
thanks a lot. its good to see what I know and did not know !!!
Finally a book that can thoroughly explain rotation and relaxation method to playing piano! I used to have a Keyboard Magazine that explained the techniques you briefly touched on. It was an article by a famous Russian woman concert pianist. I wouldn't be surprised if she is the same person you have mentioned. Regardless, I look forward to more video posts and I'm going to purchase both books!
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project.
Susan
WE ALL NEED SOLID FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS. OFF TO A GOOD START. KEEP US ON THE STRAIGHT PATH,TO PROPER PLAYING. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW BOOK,WITH EXPANDED MATERIAL. CAESAR
We have a lot of piano studies. Every country has a method to teach piano. It’s based on the physical condition of individual students. Russian method. It’s only drop in the bucket. I am representative of Russian school of music. But it’s not for everyone. Is much more involved. I like the video. But to learn from with anything very difficult almost impossible. Thank you for it.
I watched your first video Dr. McKeever and wanted to thank you for your fundamental analysis and explanation of the Russian technique. My early piano instruction did not include a lot of this type of detailed pianism.
+Steven Haff - I am Dr. McKeever's wife, also a student of several teachers from the Russian school. This is just the very start of what I think will be videos to help pianists play with ease, comfort, and musicality...
Rotation also occurs in the coda section in the 3rd mov’t finale of Beethoven’s Piano concerto No. 3 in c minor and also the Choral fantasy Opus 80.
I really appreciated this video. It solidified my understanding of methods taught by my piano teacher, Dr. Choi.
Wonderful voice to listen too, very pleasing person to listen to and interesting topic. this is my second time watching.
thank you
Excellent.
congrats!!! keep working!!! musical bless from San Felipe, Chile!!!
One very positive thing happened recently in our life: Hal Leonard has decided to publish the Conus “Fundamentals of Technique” for us and are paying us a substantial amount of money we paid our editor for digitizing 88 pages of tiny musical notes, and then we will get a royalty on each book sold…We would have had to self-publish it ourselves, if HL had not come through…I think they value the book or they would not be involved…As many of you know, Hal Leonard is the largest publishing company for printed music in the world...Eventually, they want a video to be bundled with it…It’s handy that they are in Milwaukee, so that we can work with them…Jim and I are very excited about this…It has been a big and long project.
Susan
I love the uncut ending lol
Actually he really starts talking about technique at about 5:10
I like it a lot. However it has been a time that you didn't distribute new videos. Keep up the good work!
+wang wang - we are working hard to get the book published VERY SOON, more videos will come later, hopefully the fall of 2016
Sir, I want to thank you for feely sharing this with those of us that are interested. I personally found this relevant because I am a great enthusiast of Scriabin and the Russian composers for that matter, as you have mentioned in this discourse. I know see how I can better sing the tone playing Scriabin's Prelude, Opus16 no.4 . Thank you!
Michael Buschmann - thank you, Michael - I am happy that you can apply some improvement to the Scriabin tone after viewing this video. I am Susan McKeever, James McKeever's wife and I also studied with Madame Olga Conus.
Dr. McKeever retiring from 35 years at UW-Parkside May 12, 2017 (BUT HE AND I WILL BOTH be doing more RUclips videos, Webinars, and will offer Skype Coaching on the Conus Exercise Book exercises at a reasonable cost)...here is the tribute to my husband: Dr. James, I McKeever on Sunday, April 30, 2017 - before the performance of Brahms German Requiem (during which my husband, whom I call Jim, played the pipe organ part): ruclips.net/video/-g9ACGe12w4/видео.html
Wonderful!👏👏👏👏👏👏
Great! Thank you!
I’m so thankful for this video. I’m in my 30+ and want to learn playing piano by myself. I got the FPT book, but not sure if I understand the techniques right. This video confirmed my understanding and I don’t have to keep wondering if I did it right or or. Thank you so much for make this video ❤️❤️❤️❤️. And by the way, I’m UC Alumni too🥰
the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. the next best is today. you are never too old! you should be proud of yourself, health and wealth to you and yours
Mason & Hamlin BB 7-foot. Good presentation. I must have had some Russian teachers... or may they did.
This makes me want to take lessons, or at least sit and learn on my own, as an adult again! What a wonderful, engaging teacher, you are Mr. McKeever! I gave up lessons as a left-handed child when I was unable to distinguish the bass from the treble clef, playing the bass clef with my right hand and the treble with the right! Instead of the stressful experience it was for me as a child, this sounds to me like an exercise in joy and relaxation. I have long been wanting to take up the piano again simply for the joy of playing, since I do read music, but living with a chronic pain condition (especially pain in my shoulders, arms, wrists and hands) has made this a daunting idea. By your description, this may actually now be a possibility. My daughter, who is a pianist, also had wrist pain in her teen years when she was taking lessons. She doesn't play so much any more, but I am sure she would also find this helpful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video!
+Bonnie Klaassen - hello - this is Susan McKeever - I am the wife of James McKeever, and I also studied with Madame Olga Conus...maybe my husband and I can eventually start teaching some piano lessons via Skype...It is not ideal to teach from a remote location, but maybe through more videos and the new book coming out, it could help someone like your daughter...
just found this - book is out of print - Jim and I are revising the book to be reprinted within a year BUT occasionally you can find on Ebay:
www.ebay.com/itm/Fundamentals-of-Piano-Technique-by-Leon-Conus-Book-Two-/290803872744?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b542f3e8
This is just a trial run, John C Carpenter, Pianist - thank you for your feedback - I'm already thinking up some ideas to make this more engaging...My husband also wants to hire a professional videographer to do some special effects.
Thanks a lot Sir .
This guy knows his shit! I was gonna skip the begining but then I thought why not listen. I think its a good idea to pay attention to the people he mentions and what they endeavour.
thank you Nemanay
When I adjudicate youth piano competitions, I observe that some performers fall in love with the graceful movement at the expense of expressive and structurally sound playing. This is especially notable with those who study with Russian pedagogues.
I love Rachmaninoff .He is one of my favorite pianists!
Awesome !!!!
Thank you
finally - the book comes out December 20th - a.co/aKhbKOQ
Susan McKeever is the DVD still going to be bundled on release? I'm curious since I just preordered the book, I'm looking forward to it and hope it doesn't upset my teacher! haha.
NO DVD yet - just the book...
Great! I've just discovered today this interesting video and it's the same day that the book comes out! I made an order at Amazon.ca. I can't wait to receive it!
in the US, it is shipping now as of Jan. 1, 2017...this book is the heart & soul of the Conus Russian Method
Susan McKeever
Hidden Gem
course beginning this Friday at UW-Parkside in Kenosha, WI:
Seminar in Piano Performance Practice and Literature
PIANO TECHNIQUE and the RUSSIAN METHOD
Unfortunately, most of us didn’t get the best technical training when we were young. Bad habits become ingrained, and conscience effort and the knowledge of proper mechanics are needed to correct problems and become better teachers and pianists. The course will include hands-on practice of exercises, and we will learn to recognize and analyze technical problems, and apply solutions for ourselves and our students. We will take a brief look at the development of piano technique over the last two centuries, the history of the Russian Method, and how the principles apply today. Private lessons are also available.
My third edition of the Conus Fundamentals of Piano Technique will be published shortly. For an introduction to my background and the principles of the Russian Method, please look at my RUclips video ruclips.net/video/vKXUswFm9b4/видео.html. It now has over 23,000 views. My wife, Susan McKeever, also studied with Madame
Conus, and will be assisting with the class. She is a Nationally Certified member of MTNA. We perform together as the McKeever Duo: ruclips.net/user/forte7562
FRIDAYS
10:00 - 11:40 A.M.
FEBRUARY 5 - MAY 6
2 ACADEMIC CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: PROFESSOR JAMES MCKEEVER
UW-Parkside, Communication Arts Building (The Rita),
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CONTACT: me, Susan McKeever here on this comment section
2 thumbs up. Thank you :)
One thing I'm confused by: in another lecture from Bennet Lerner (see ruclips.net/video/66RexiP7R-o/видео.html), he says he had some lessons from Sascha Gorodnitzki, who was taught by Josef Lhevinne (husband of Rosina Lhevinne). He was taught to practice with very high fingers, to the point of pain. This seems contrary to the suggestions here in this video, where fingers are very close to the keyboard.
Actually Madame Conus taught some of the exercises with high fingers. But we didn't perform like that.
i'm not sure about some of this. i prefer a simpler approach which i think is less likely to cause harm - that is to play from the elbow and to focus.
Agreed, and unknowingly, there is often a lot of tension in shoulders, arms, hands. But are there more lessons by now?
There is no DVD with the book as of January 2017...
I leave a comment for when the DVD is on sale...
the book is the "heart" of the whole series...Dr. McKeever and I (his wife) have spent 3 years editing it and now you can buy it here: a.co/dfEJbrm
THE PICTURES AND INSTRUCTIONS in the book will teach you everything you need to know and Jim and I will be offering SKYPE coaching for us to check anyone's posture, hand position as you play the exercises...everyone needs to try the exercises in the book - that means much more than watching a video - we want to watch you guys play some of the exercises and analyze what you are doing right and/or how you might improve. Susan McKeever, student of Madame Olga Conus at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, along with her husband Dr. James McKeever (student of Olga Conus for 6 years at CCM)
Susan McKeever Thank you, have an awesome new year :)
happy new year to you also
On Mother's day, Dr. James McKeever had a major stroke. After 1 month in the hospital for rehab, he came home June 16. He was left handed and it is his left hand that started out paralyzed...now he can stand on his left leg, walk holding onto our kitchen counter; we will have 6 months to a year for more rehab...He does a lot of electrical stimulation for his upper arms, hands, and lower body...
Sorry to hear. I hope he's doing better.
I am sorry to hear this. Hoping he is continuing on the road to recovery. I studied with Dr. McKeever in Murray back in 77-81. I enjoyed this video and it brought back many memories of the techniques he taught me. I knew so little at the time, but in spite of that, he patiently worked with me and taught me so much. I fondly remember being in your home on a few occasions. Hoping to see more videos from you!
You automatically apply side motion to hands when you relax and you need to play a passage clean that deserves you extend your wrist. It is not worthwhile to buy books and books for this, just see Paul Barton or other classical piano tutorials on line, that is enough, or what this professor is teaching , very valid.
this guy knows what he's talking about
Namasthe Sir,
Thanking you.
Where can I buy these books in India?
A suggestion for any agency or publisher in India is appreciated.
With kind regards and prayers
Dr.Raghavan from India.
Namasthe.
10nth. July 2020
Amazon India: www.amazon.in/Fundamentals-Piano-Technique-Russian-McKeever-ebook/dp/B06XNKKW1G
I've made my video of exercises to stabilize and strengthen the low back. 30 seconds a day, but it's best to do them every day. Don't complain, it's only 30 seconds.
Bonus would be techniques for the shoulders and hands.
Oh My Aching Bach
这就是高抬指的正确理解，练习技法而非演奏技法
This was very good and informative but in reality playing with low moving fingers ( trilly fingers I call it) can only be really be perfected by playing scales as fast as you can.
Fundamentals of Piano Technique
Commentary on the background and contents on the old and new editions.
The original books were published in 1953. Book two consists of Leon Conus’s original exercises. Book one is by Olga Conus, and consists of preparatory exercises and easier versions of many of Leon Conus’s exercises. Book one had 29 pages and book two 41 pages (the last page of exercises).
For my second edition, in 1983, I started with the 1st and 2nd books as originally published. Summy-Birchard would only publish one 64 page book, a combination of the original books 1 and 2. I kept them separate as part one and part two of the second edition. I had to drop a number of exercises and make room for my new introduction, with photos and descriptions of the wrist motions (the introduction in the third edition is nearly identical).
The new edition has reorganized the exercises to integrate them into one unified whole. The first section of the new edition contains the Preparatory Exercises that Madame added in the original book one, plus some of the simplified exercises from the subsequent sections of book one (remember, Madame’s book one was intended for less advanced students and those with smaller hands). This is followed by all the sections in book two. Occasionally the exercises within a section are reordered to better reflect the order of difficulty from easier to harder.
I have several copies of the original book two. I looked at one of them, and to my great surprise, I found that it was nine pages shorter (only 32 pages) than the book two that I studied from! Apparently, Summy-Birchard wanted to shorten the book to reduce costs. I found that most of the exercises that I eliminated in my second edition due to space limitations were the same ones removed from the shortened version of book two! Most of those exercises, not in the second edition, are back in the new edition. I assume that the publisher asked Madame to shorten the book. My guess is that it was revised in the early 70’s.
In the Third Edition, I added a couple of other things. On page 67 is the chromatic scale fingering Madame taught, and on page 84 a simple first octave exercise. A few “et cetera” have been eliminated by writing out an entire exercise where possible. The new edition is 28 pages longer the second edition!
I dropped one of the four patterns from the exercise at the bottom of page 79. The missing pattern is “major thirds, half step.” The exercise becomes simpler and less confusing.
I missed something in my second edition! Page 33 at the bottom is the “Two Step” pattern for this exercise. When working on the second edition, I had book one in front of me at the time, which didn’t include that pattern because of the size of the stretch. It’s important, and is back in the third edition.
Through the new edition I included some of Madame’s patterns, rhythmic variations, and transpositions that she devised for the original book one.
James McKeever
the book is the "heart" of the whole series...Dr. McKeever and I (his wife) have spent 3 years editing it and now you can buy it here: a.co/dfEJbrm
THE PICTURES AND INSTRUCTIONS in the book will teach you everything you need to know and Jim and I will be offering SKYPE coaching for us to check anyone's posture, hand position as you play the exercises...everyone needs to try the exercises in the book - that means much more than watching a video - we want to watch you guys play some of the exercises and analyze what you are doing right and/or how you might improve. Susan McKeever, student of Madame Olga Conus at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
Great video! Earned a sub
And also the book is out of print...
+wang wang BUT the new edition of the book will be available soon - the summer of 2016, with the help of Hal Leonard Pub. Company.
great video ..... Mckeever is my mother maiden name. not to many mckeevers around US I wonder if we are related in a small way
skip to 5:50 to avoid the opening talk.
Sure way to develop focal dystonia in the thumb and the fifth finger
My question is, can I learn to use this method by reading a book? You said they'll be online lessons at a reasonable cost. How do I access them?
Dr Mckeever gives lessons via Skype anywhere in the world. CONTACT HIM AT mckeever@uwp.edu
Overcoming the physical tension is one of problems. How about emotional part? I remember Hofman in his book was talking about conserving emotional energy during studies. I always get carried away by music.
I have always found that emotion is largely subjugated automatically during study. Perhaps it is a good thing to have a certain amount.
Lol
Very good. But glad Thelonepus Monk never saw this. He had classical training, I believe. Robert Burnett.