As a casual piano student thirty years ago, I stumbled on a School of Velocity collection at a rummage sale. Curious as to who would have the gumption to come up with such a great title (wouldn't it be a fabbo name for a band?), I paid up, took the tattered book home, tried out the first exercise...and INSTANTLY felt a difference. I'm so serious about this bold statement that I'll say it again: I INSTANTLY felt a difference--in my speed, dexterity, expression, the whole nine yards.
"Oh, sure", you scoff. "Like some ancient piano composer/teacher's little tunes are gonna improve MY bumpus fingers!" Yes, my friend, they will. Why? First and foremost, because they're great tunes. The melodies drag you in and make practicing fun. When was the last time you had fun playing Hanon?
These pieces fly all over the keyboard, and as you get better, you'll speed up too. They're big and epic, so let's face it--you'll feel much cooler than you probably are! And the technique--you'll learn to roll your hands, cross over easily, finger like a pro. They're challenging, too--I've not yet finished the book. If you're a serious, intermediate-level piano student, do yourself a favor and buy Czerny's classic "School of Velocity" collection. You won't regret it.
Get more detail about School of Velocity, Op. 299 (Complete): Piano Technique (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics).
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