Pathways to Artistry: Technique, Book 2: A Method for Comprehensive Technical and Musical Development: Piano

Rollin understands the exact transition point between beginner and intermediate piano study, and she writes music that makes technique feel purposeful rather than mechanical. Book 2 deepens the artistic foundation laid in Book 1 while introducing the physical demands students need to encounter at this stage. The pieces are substantial enough to hold a young pianist's musical interest but remain within reach of their hands and minds.

This book strikes a careful balance between craft and artistry. Passages that demand finger dexterity sit alongside moments that ask for expressive control and shaping, inviting students to discover that technique and music-making are inseparable. The writing has warmth without sentimentality, challenge without frustration.

Late elementary and early intermediate pianists who have completed Pathways to Artistry: Technique, Book 1 and are ready to deepen both their technical command and musical understanding. This book serves students preparing for their first substantive recital performances or those working toward festival participation at the intermediate level.

• Shape each phrase with intention rather than allowing technical passages to flatten into mere finger work. The artistic development Rollin emphasizes requires students to hear the musical architecture even while building facility.
• Balance the study material with performance pieces throughout the book. Some selections are designed primarily for technique building; others are written for recital, so pair them thoughtfully within a practice week.
• Listen closely to how Rollin uses style variety (from baroque to contemporary forms) to expose different technical demands. Let each style inform how your student approaches posture, touch, and voicing.

Integrate Book 2 into the second or third year of private piano study as the primary technical and musical curriculum. Draw performance pieces from the collection for student recitals throughout the year, using remaining selections as focused technical studies between repertoire projects. Teachers using a traditional method book can also use this as a supplementary technique and musicianship resource.

• Hand independence and coordination across varied technical patterns
• Stylistic awareness (baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary forms)
• Phrase shaping and expressive control at the late elementary level
• Facility with scales and arpeggios in multiple keys
• Reading and interpreting dynamic and articulation markings with musical intent
• Building physical stamina and proper posture for extended practice sessions