To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring William Westney, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Westney is internationally known as a prizewinning performer (Geneva Competition), innovative master teacher (subject of a New York Times article) and bestselling author (The Perfect Wrong Note). His newest publication is Eros at the Piano: The Life-Energy of Classical Music. His wellness philosophy emerges from five decades of active concertizing and injury-free teaching, and is based on ideas absorbed from an honored European tradition. Discover more about his teaching and activities in the resources below:
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Does Piano Study Help Children in Other Aspects of School Study?
In this influential Keyboard Companion article from 1994, Westney argues that piano study does help children in other aspects of school study, but with caveats. Written in response to Robert A. Duke’s final report from the National Piano Foundation Research Project, Westney remarks that piano lessons can inspire natural curiosity in the learning process that can be transferred to other subjects. Read his full response here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/does-piano-study-help-children-in-other-aspects-of-school-study/
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Luxuriant Piano Playing: A Wellness Principle
Central to Westney’s teaching and performing philosophy is that piano playing must feel good to the performer in order to develop effortless technique and comfort on the stage. In this article, Westney describes his experiences with this idea and its relation to octave passages before providing guidance for teachers eager to replicate the idea with their students. Learn from Westney here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/luxuriant-piano-playing-a-wellness-principle-2/
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Breakthroughs: The Sweetest Moments in Teaching
In this interview of William Westney, he shares the philosophies and stories behind his revolutionary ideas as a teacher and performer. Westney discusses his “un-Master Class” project and its role in creating breakthroughs for students eager to learn and grow as musicians. Discover more about his approach to learning here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/breakthroughs-the-sweetest-moments-in-teaching/
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: I played it perfectly at home – why not here?
Elvina Pearce, Phyllis Lehrer, and William Westney reflect on the challenge students face when their expectations of replicating their home practice achievements in a lesson don’t go according to plan. Westney’s advice is to reconsider the principles of correct practicing while also encouraging teachers to believe and empathize with their students. Learn more about his approach here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-winter-1996-vol-7-no-4/
Want to learn more about Westney? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Westney on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
MORE ON WILLIAM WESTNEY
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Drifting Towards Interpretation by Ruth Price and Bruce Berr
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Does Piano Study Help Children in Other Aspects of School Study? By Madaleine Crouch, Robert A. Duke, and William Westney
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Luxuriant Piano Playing: A Wellness Principle by William Westney
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Breakthroughs: The Sweetest Moments in Teaching by Pete Jutras and William Westney
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Does piano study help children in other aspects of school study? By Madaleine Crouch, Robert A. Duke, and William Westney
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE: I played it perfectly at home – why not here? By Elvina Pearce, William Westney, Phyllis Lehrer, and Gail Berenson
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