Mastering Piano — A Concert Pianist's Workbook on the Art, History & Practice of the Piano

From Cristofori's 1710 invention to the practice methods I use on stage today — the history, the artistry, and the concrete tools behind true pianistic interpretation. 

This isn't a method full of empty promises. It's the workbook I wrote to share what I've truly learned as a concert pianist and teacher — the methods passed down by my own teachers and enriched by years of studying the great pianists and harpsichordists.

Inside, you'll travel from the very invention of the piano to the inner art of interpretation: how to listen, how to shape sound, how to read a composer's text, how to build technique, and how to walk on stage with confidence.

Whether you're a student, a teacher, a professional pianist, or simply a piano lover, this workbook is meant to be a faithful companion on your path toward pianistic excellence and artistic authenticity.

What's inside

Part I — The History & Evolution of the Piano

- The origins of the piano: Cristofori, the escapement, and the birth of the "piano e forte"

- From the Viennese school to Érard, Pleyel, Broadwood and Steinway — how the instrument became what it is

- The history of piano interpretation: Mozart, Clementi, Beethoven, Liszt and the birth of modern pianism

Part II — The Art of Piano Playing (my personal methods as a concert pianist & teacher)

- Posture — finding a stable, free, tension-less position at the keyboard

- Listening — developing the harmonic, melodic and timbral ear; inner listening away from the piano

- Form — balancing emotion and structure to reveal a work's artistic image

- Sound — the true flesh of music: shaping tone with the natural anatomy of the hand

- Musical Text — the rigorous study of the score as the foundation of faithful interpretation

- Repertoire — why finishing one piece beats abandoning a dozen

- Piano Technique— active fingers, progressive exercises, fast-tempo work

- The Left Hand — dedicated work for the often-neglected hand

- The Pedal — "the soul of the piano"

- Tempo — choosing a tempo you truly control

- Self-Control — monitoring every movement and sound as you play

- Performance on Stage — preparing your mind and body for the concert

Format

High-quality PDF  ·25 pages· Instant download after purchase

Who is it for?

✅ Students who want to understand ‘why’, not just ‘what’s to practice

✅ Teachers looking for a clear, structured reference

✅ Pianists who want to refine interpretation, sound and stage confidence

✅ Music lovers fascinated by the piano's history and art

FAQ

Is it a PDF or a printed book?

A high-quality 25-page PDF, downloadable instantly. Read it on screen or print it.

What level do I need?

From motivated beginner to advanced — the principles of listening, sound and interpretation apply at every level.

Is it sheet music?

No — it's a workbook on the art, history and methods of piano playing.

English edition. French version available.