Penelope Roskell is a renowned performer, educator, author and piano injury specialist. In her new book, The Complete Pianist: from healthy technique to natural artistry, to be published by Edition Peters on 20 February 2020, Roskell shares her lifetime’s experience of teaching, performing and original research into healthy piano playing.
The book encompasses all aspects of playing, from a whole-body approach, through every aspect of piano technique to informed interpretation. Roskell also covers the way pianists think about music, from their mental preparation, to how to practise effectively and develop motivation for building confidence in performing.
Each new aspect of playing is addressed through a series of practical exercises which proceed, step-by-step, from the basics towards more advanced applications.
The new resource combines technology with the traditional book format, with Roskell demonstrating all the musical and technical points herself in over 300 accompanying videos.
Claire Cordeaux, Director, British Association for Performing Arts Medicine, said:
‘Professional pianists are highly likely to have some kind of playing-related injury during their career. Penelope’s book is ground-breaking in that it covers healthy technique, exploring and constructively questioning the pianist’s mechanical development in great detail to help prevent injury as well as develop in artistic skill. This is such a welcome addition to performance education which needs to include an understanding of healthy practice to enable performers to sustain their career.’
Havilland Willshire, Director of Music Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, said:
‘The Complete Pianist is terrific. It is for everybody; informative and accessible. It addresses the myths that have for so long surrounded the piano and how to play it. I feel I want to begin again!’
Further information
- The Complete Pianist: from healthy technique to natural artistry by Penelope Roskell. EP 73024/ISMN 979-0-57701-531-6
- Publication date: 20 February 2020
- Publisher’s website
Header photo: Penelope Roskell © John Batten
