Expert Advice
Advice for pianists from well-known performers and teachers.
Jiayan Sun on why Beethoven shouldn’t sound like a metronome
The Smith College pianist on rubato, opera in Mozart and the pleading quality of repeated notes.
Expert AdviceYi-heng Yang on playing a prelude like an improvisation
The Juilliard pianist and fortepianist on spontaneity, soft color and committing to a character.
Expert AdviceRan Dank on why water has no angles
The Eastman piano professor on Ravel, careful listening in loud passages and slow practice.
Expert AdviceGerardo Teissonnière on finishing every phrase to the last note
The Cleveland Institute of Music teacher on elegance, beautiful sound at speed and virtuosity that serves the music.
Expert AdviceInesa Sinkevych on singing while you practice
The Manhattan School of Music pianist on rubato, contemplation and not repeating yourself.
Expert AdviceAlan Woo on why silence can be the most dramatic moment
The University of Georgia pianist on silences, crescendos, direction and playing con brio.
Expert AdviceMichelle Cann on telling a story in every section
The Curtis piano chair on imagery, contrast, pedal and deciding what the listener should hear.
Expert AdviceOlga Kern on why pianists have two brains
The Cliburn gold medalist on hands, fingertips, the pedal and why every note matters.
Expert AdviceRobert Blocker on why you shouldn’t race to the finish
The former Yale School of Music dean on choosing a tempo you can control and leaving room for silence.