Hanon-Schaum, Book Two: Piano Book

Schaum's adaptation makes these legendary exercises genuinely playable for intermediate students rather than frustratingly difficult. By replacing sixteenth notes with eighth notes and spacing the hands two octaves apart, the technical focus sharpens without overwhelming younger pianists who benefit most from Hanon's systematic approach. This version respects the original's pedagogical genius while honoring where students actually are in their development.

Hanon exercises feel methodical and purposeful rather than musical. Each pattern builds independence and evenness through repetition, creating a satisfying sense of precision and control as fingers strengthen. The work is honest and direct; there's nowhere to hide technical weakness, which is exactly what makes it valuable.

This book serves intermediate piano students who need systematic technique building without the discouragement that the original Hanon often creates. Private studio teachers use it as a trusted supplement to method books when students show uneven finger strength, coordination challenges between hands, or gaps in dexterity.

• Prioritize even rhythmic precision over speed; Hanon exercises reveal uneven finger strength immediately, so consistent tempo exposes exactly what needs work.
• Practice hands separately before combining them, even though they're written in octaves. This builds confidence and lets you isolate technical trouble spots.
• Use a metronome starting at a comfortable tempo and increase gradually; these exercises are measurement tools for technique, not race pieces.
• Pay attention to Schaum's performance suggestions in the preface; he highlights fingering choices and hand position details that prevent tension and injury.

Incorporate these exercises into regular practice routines rather than recital programs. Students working through Book Two benefit from spending 10-15 minutes daily on selected exercises that address their particular technical needs, using this book as a diagnostic and training tool alongside their repertoire study.

• Independent finger motion and strength
• Even rhythmic precision across all fingers
• Finger dexterity and agility in scalar and broken chord patterns
• Consistent hand position and tension-free technique
• Coordination between hands in octave passages