Notes from the Pianist's Bench - Tapa blanda

"The book is neither too elementary nor too advanced for any pianist, piano teacher or piano lover. It is informative, inspiring, and entertaining." Claude Frank "What makes Mr. Berman's book so persuasive and enlightening is his understanding that there is no one 'method' of teaching music - each relationship with a student is a process of discovery for teacher and student both." Emanuel Ax "A very instructive, imaginative, and stimulating book." Radu Lupu "Readers who want to become better pianists will welcome Berman's master class. Highly recommended." Library Journal "Pianists will value Berman's stimulating and personal thoughts and will appreciate the opportunity to learn from this contemporary artist." Choice

Boris Berman, an internationally known Russian-trained concert pianist and highly respected teacher, here draws on his vast experience to explore issues of piano technique and music interpretation. Combining explanations and advice with anecdotes about his students, colleagues, and former teachers, he also provides many insights into the psychological aspects of musical performance and the teaching of music. Berman thoroughly examines such practical matters in piano playing as sound and touch, technique, pedaling, and articulation. He gives tips on choosing editions, selecting the best fingering, memorizing, and making the most efficient use of practice time. He gives equal emphasis to issues of interpretation, discussing ways to decipher the inner content of a piece of music. And he offers suggestions about how to prepare emotionally for a performance, how to confront stage anxiety, and how to adapt teaching approaches to the individual students. Informative and entertaining, this book will be welcomed by piano students, teachers, and anyone else interested in the art of piano playing.