Discoveries in Teaching Methods at Nanqiao Lyu's Piano Studio: Part Three

In the continuing exploration of Nanqiao Lyu's innovative teaching methods, a crucial aspect of piano performance comes to the forefront: the mastery of dynamic changes and contrasts. As highlighted in previous reports, American students often prioritize the enjoyment and diversity of their repertoire. However, to truly captivate audiences, it is essential for pianists to convey significant variations in volume and intensity in their playing. Lyu's experience has shown that fostering this skill can greatly enhance a student's musical expression and engagement.

To help students grasp the physical sensations associated with dynamic changes, Lyu introduces a unique exercise that simulates the act of controlling volume on the piano. The exercise begins with the student standing facing a wall, positioned at a distance equal to the length of their forearm. The student then assumes a proper piano hand position, ensuring that only the fingertips make contact with the wall. This setup is crucial, as it isolates the feeling of finger strength and engagement.

From this position, students perform a modified push-up, adjusting their distance from the wall to experience the contrasting sensations of soft and loud playing. At a greater distance, the body remains upright, and the fingertips bear only the weight of the hands and forearms, mimicking the physicality of producing softer sounds. Conversely, as students move closer to the wall, they lean in, transferring the weight of their upper body and back through their fingertips, emulating the sensation of playing with greater intensity.

This exercise effectively cultivates an awareness of how body weight influences sound production. The farther the student is from the wall, the less weight is transmitted, reinforcing the experience of playing softly. In contrast, the closer proximity allows for the full weight of the body to engage the fingers, fostering a strong, dynamic sound. By encouraging this awareness, students can begin to understand the importance of body coordination and finger support in achieving dynamic contrasts.

Lyu recommends that students practice this exercise daily, performing ten repetitions slowly to build both finger strength and the ability to smoothly transfer weight through the body during playing. Many students struggle to produce clear dynamic contrasts, often due to insufficient finger support, an inability to utilize upper body weight effectively, or stiffness in their wrists and arms. This wall exercise reduces tension and rigidity, allowing for a more relaxed and fluid experience.

Through this innovative approach, Lyu is equipping her students with the tools they need to elevate their performances. By developing a deep understanding of how physical sensations correlate with musical expression, students can infuse their playing with a personal touch that resonates with audiences.

As we look ahead to the next installment, Lyu's ongoing commitment to exploring new methodologies promises to further enrich her students' learning experiences. With each discovery, she continues to pave the way for a new generation of expressive and technically skilled pianists, ready to engage and inspire through the power of music.