“I sit low at the piano, as I get better results in this way; though it is somewhat more difficult to obtain them.  I confess it is easier to sit high and bear down on the hands.  Yes, I thoroughly approve of ’weight touch,’ and it is the touch I generally use.  Sometimes it is a certain pressure on the key after it is played, using arm weight.

“Ah, you are right.  The young teacher or player, in listening to the artist, and noticing he does not lift his fingers to any extent, and that he always plays with weight, hastily concludes these are the principles with which he must begin to study or teach the piano.  It is a mistake to begin in that way.  Very exact finger movements must be learned in the beginning.  As I said before, technic is such an individual matter, that after the first period of foundational training, one who has the desire to become an artist, must work out things for himself.  There should be no straight-laced methods.  Only a few general rules can be laid down, such as will fit most cases.  The player who would rise to any distinction must work out his own salvation.

“In regard to memorizing piano music, it may be said this can be accomplished in three ways:  namely, with the eye, with the ear, and with the hand.  For example:  I take the piece and read it through with the eye, just as I would read a book.  I get familiar with the notes in this way, and see how they look in print.  I learn to know them so well that I have a mental photograph of them, and if necessary could recall any special measure or phrase so exactly that I could write it.  All this time my mental ear has been hearing those notes, and is familiar with them.  Then the third stage arrives; I must put all this on the keyboard, my fingers must have their training; impressions must pass from the mind to the fingers; then all is complete.”

III

ERNESTO CONSOLO

MAKING THE PIANO A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

In a long conversation with Ernesto Consolo, the eminent pianist and instructor, many points of vital importance to the player and teacher were touched upon.  Among other things Mr. Consolo said: 

“It is absolutely necessary that the piano teacher should take his profession very seriously.  In my opinion there is most excellent instruction to be secured right here in America, with such teachers as are willing to take their work seriously.  The time is not far away, I think, when America will enjoy a very prominent position in the matter of musical instruction, and perhaps lead the world in musical advantages.  The time is not here just yet, but it is surely coming.  You are still young in this country, though you are wonderfully progressive.