Technique Resources
Acquiring the physical skills to manipulate an instrument gives an artist the freedom to express his or her interpretation of the music more effectively. Having good piano technique means building fluency, independence of fingers, stamina, and control, all with the intention of serving the music.
It is helpful to isolate certain technical elements and approach these separately, often as warm-ups at the beginning of a practice session. Scales, arpeggios, and other fingerwork exercises requiring speed are coupled with finger independence work for control. I always encourage students to remember that these are in service to the music, and therefore that exercises should be played with attention to tone and phrasing.
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Technique Sheets
Scales, Arpeggios, and Cadences, 2 Octaves
Arpeggios in Root Position, First and Second Inversions
Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic and Melodic Forms
Major Pentascales (starting white keys)
Technique by Key
Each sheet contains:
–> Scale in Parallel Motion (natural, harmonic, and melodic forms for minors)
–> Scale in Contrary Motion
–> Scale in 3rds
–> Scale in 6ths
–> Tonic Triad and Inversions (blocked)
–> Broken Chord 3-note pattern
–> Broken Chord 4-note pattern
–> Arpeggio in Root Position, 1st Inversion and 2nd Inversion
–> Dominant Seventh Arpeggio
–> Cadence I-IV-I-V7-I (i-iv-i-V7-i)
Major Keys (Sharps)
C Major
G Major
D Major
A Major
E Major
B Major (enharmonic of C-Flat Major)
F-sharp Major
Major Keys (Flats)
F Major
B-Flat Major
E-Flat Major
A-Flat Major
D-Flat Major (enharmonic of C-Sharp Major)
G-Flat Major
Minor Keys (Sharps)
A Minor (relative to C Major)
E Minor (relative to G Major)
B Minor (relative to D Major)
F-Sharp Minor (relative to A Major)
C-Sharp Minor (relative to E Major)
G-Sharp Minor (relative to B Major)
Minor Keys (Flats)
D Minor (relative to F Major)
G Minor (relative to B-Flat Major)
C Minor (relative to E-Flat Major)
F Minor (relative to A-Flat Major)
B-Flat Minor (relative to D-Flat Major)
E-Flat Minor (relative to G-Flat Major)
Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
ABRSM offers graded exams throughout the world to over 630,000 students in 93 countries each year. They state, “We offer pathways and resources for learners and teachers that help build musical skills, provide goals and encourage progress.” The piano syllabus provides an excellent framework for building technique. Whether or not students decide to formally sit the exam, following the sequential levels below is motivating for students and provides a sense of completion from year to year.
ABRSM has updated the Piano Technique Requirements starting with the 2021-2022 syllabus. For current requirements, CLICK HERE
Technique Videos
For these technique clips, please DO copy my fingers exactly! Every hand is a little different, but remember the basics of letting the arm lead the fingers, curve, have a feeling of lifting the fingers high while staying close to the keys, and always LISTEN for a clear and even tone that is pleasant and musical.
Tutorials (includes commentary)
C Major: Right Hand Separate Tutorial
C Major: Left Hand Separate Tutorial
C Major: How to Put Hands Together (parallel motion) Tutorial
F Major: Hands Separate Tutorial
F Major: How to Put Hands Together (parallel motion) Tutorial
Major Scales: CGDAE (C Major Type Fingering Group)
Minor Scales: cgdae (C Major Type Fingering Group)
Demonstrations
C-Sharp Minor Scale
E-Flat Minor Scale
F-Sharp Minor Scale
G-Sharp Minor Scale
B-Flat Minor Scale
D-Flat Major Scale
E-Flat Major Scale
F-Sharp Major Scale
A-Flat Major Scale
B-Flat Major Scale
3 Note Broken Chord Pattern
4 Note Broken Chord Pattern
Arpeggio White/White/White Pattern
Arpeggio White/Black/White (Major) Pattern
Arpeggio Black/White/Black Pattern