An invaluable compendium of pre-college technique for students of late elementary through early advanced levels. The four volumes are designed to benefit any student in the mastery of crucial elements of technique, to learn to play well both technically and musically, and to think and listen from the twin standpoints of facility and tone production. Teaching Musical Fingers -- A Handbook for Teachers, stresses points to consider in teaching the exercises, as well as musical and technical attitudes to foster and develop.
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Frances Clark stands as one of the most influential piano pedagogues of the twentieth century. Her systematic approach to technique building and her insistence on connecting physical facility with genuine musicality shaped generations of piano students and teachers alike.
Why we love this
Book 2 respects students' intelligence while building real technical foundation. Clark's framework treats exercises as musical objects in themselves, not mere mechanical drills, so students internalize the connection between how technique serves expression rather than viewing technique and music as separate domains.
What to expect
Methodical and purposeful. These exercises feel like genuine preparation for real music rather than busy work, with clear progressions that build confidence and capability in manageable steps.
Who it's for
Late elementary through early advanced piano students who need structured technique development that doesn't sacrifice musicality. Teachers seeking a comprehensive, pedagogically intelligent resource for addressing specific technical gaps and building foundational skills across multiple years of study.
How to get the most out of it
Work from the accompanying Teacher's Handbook to understand Clark's pedagogical intent behind each exercise; her notes clarify which technical and musical attitudes each group targets.
Anchor tone production from the outset by encouraging students to listen actively as they play, attending to evenness and clarity across all registers rather than rushing through patterns.
Build exercises into weekly practice structure as essential maintenance work alongside repertoire, cycling through different technical areas rather than completing all exercises consecutively.
How to use it
Integrate Book 2 as the cornerstone of your studio's technical training during the late elementary and intermediate years. Assign specific exercises from relevant sections alongside repertoire to address particular technical needs, using the Teacher's Handbook to align your teaching priorities with Clark's pedagogical framework.
Skills your students will build
Hand position and posture stability across shifting finger patterns
Evenness and clarity in scale passages and arpeggio figures
Rhythmic precision through articulated exercise sequences
Tonal awareness and listening for consistent sound quality across registers
Finger independence and controlled velocity in repeated note passages
Legato and staccato articulation with physical efficiency
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