Repost: Chopin 5 requirements for Piano Students

The great Polish composer Chopin was not only a genius pianist but also an outstanding educator. Although his ambition was not in teaching, over his more than 20 years of teaching, he nurtured famous pianists such as Karol Mikuli, Thomas Tellefsen, Carl, and Joseph Filtsch. What unique teaching methods did Chopin have as a teacher, and what unique educational methods are worth learning from?

1. Technique: Chopin believed that spending a significant amount of time on finger exercises was worthwhile. While extensive technical training can feel tedious and drain one's practicing energy, Chopin placed great importance on students' finger extension abilities. He believed that only when fingers are expanded can various techniques such as playing arpeggios be seamlessly executed.
   

2. Practice Time: Chopin believed that students should not practice for more than three hours at a time. Repetitive practice is necessary, but the premise of practicing is "focused attention." Practicing is not just about finger exercises; it also involves the integration of visual, auditory, and spiritual elements. After three hours, it becomes difficult for one's attention to remain focused, making it unsuitable for practicing.
   

3. Reflection: Chopin believed that the majority of time spent learning the piano should not be dedicated to practicing but rather to reflecting on various aspects of music. It is crucial to think about how to play the piano well during spare time.
   

4. Repertoire: Chopin's teaching repertoire was extremely broad. He used different pieces to train students' various abilities. For example, he used Bach's works to develop students' abilities to distinguish between different voices and sounds.
   

5. Attitude Towards Learning: Chopin's most important requirement for students was a love for music. Students must approach music with seriousness and dedication. He required students to learn music theory and regularly attend concerts to listen to music and operas.

Repost and translate to English from Fan-Chiang Yi's Facebook