Pianists are the product of pedagogical traditions that tend to have a ‘one–size–fits–all’ approach to the piano. While rules are valuable to the degree that they advance skills, paradoxically, they can also impede progress. Pianists often unknowingly accept inherited assumptions and habits passed down from teacher to teacher, without questioning whether they are suitable for their own particular needs, challenges, and repertoire. In so doing, they cannot as easily reach a state of creative awareness that encourages the development of new musical problem-solving skills.

In contrast, when Alexander Technique becomes the ‘central processing unit’, new approaches to old problems can be freely explored. Inherited traditions can be evaluated rather than automatically accepted. Difficult repertoire can be mastered through active awareness and analysis rather than practising on ‘auto pilot’ and assuming muscular memory will eventually solve difficult passages.

This workshop will be conducted as a master class as we explore our assumptions and habits when learning repertoire. Bring your music (no memorization required) and work collaboratively with Heather to discover what specific habits and assumptions interfere with your freedom and joy at the piano.