On Piano Teaching and Performing: Piano Book

This book reads like having a master teacher in the room with you. Waterman's observations on technique, musicianship, and the realities of performance cut through theory to address what actually matters when you're teaching or playing. The updated edition's new chapter on competitions and inclusion of Schumann's maxims make it feel contemporary without losing the timeless wisdom that made the original essential.

Clear-eyed and grounded. Waterman strips away pretense and focuses on what works. The tone is encouraging without being soft; she expects serious engagement from readers and rewards it with practical, memorable advice.

Piano teachers seeking to deepen their pedagogy and performers wanting to understand the principles behind their own technique. This also speaks to any musician interested in the intersection of technical mastery and musical artistry, regardless of your primary instrument.

• Return to the fundamentals sections repeatedly. Waterman's clarity on posture, hand position, and touch often reframes problems you thought were interpretive.
• Use her competition insights to prepare students for adjudication environments, not just to win, but to perform under pressure with conviction.
• Apply Schumann's maxims as conversation starters with your students. They're provocative enough to spark real thinking about what they're doing at the keyboard.

Keep this on your desk or shelf as a reference that evolves with your teaching. The pedagogical chapters anchor your studio's approach; the competition section prepares students for specific performance contexts; Schumann's rules become part of your studio culture.

• Conscious awareness of posture, hand position, and arm weight distribution
• Technical problem-solving through first principles rather than surface fixes
• Mental preparation for competitive and performance environments
• Integration of musical interpretation with secure technique
• Self-reflection on practice habits and musical growth