by Madeline Bruser | Feb 7, 2026 | Technique
When you think about your desire to make music, what kinds of images come to mind? I see an underground source – a spring, a powerful current, or sometimes a volcano, its energy moving relentlessly to the surface, pouring out, and radiating everywhere, 360 degrees.... by Madeline Bruser | Sep 19, 2023 | Technique
This one-minute video segment of Chopin shows how the fingers, hand, and arm can move in a variety of ways. What types of movement do you notice? Here are a few things I see, along with some pertinent questions: My fingers mostly stay very close to the keys. Why?... by Madeline Bruser | Sep 17, 2023 | Technique
Piano technique is complex. And yet, when you understand certain basic principles of how the body works, a lot of things become simple and straightforward. Read these inspiring stories from pianists I’ve worked with: Jeremy broke through to real music making... by Madeline Bruser | Sep 14, 2023 | Technique
I recently heard about a well-known piano teacher who waited years before presenting his approach to piano technique at a major music educators’ convention. And even then, he was riddled with anxiety about the backlash he might receive from those who disagreed with... by Madeline Bruser | Dec 9, 2022 | Technique
A young pianist once told me an unusual story about how he had practiced for his jury exam at music school. The exam was scheduled for 9 o’clock in the morning. So the day before, wanting to be as ready as possible, he decided to practice all night. To keep himself... by Madeline Bruser | Dec 23, 2019 | Technique
This story describes a seemingly small but actually crucial breakthrough that can make the difference between feeling insecure at the piano and playing with ease and confidence. I hope it encourages you to delight in the details on your journey toward overcoming...