Taubman Technique in Europe?

[pianoplayer002]

I want to try the Taubman approach. Are there any teachers in Europe who are able to properly teach the method? How many lessons do you usually need to be able to apply the method on your own (and be able to play things you used to struggle with with freedom and suppleness)?

[shabbatshalom]

I can't help you, but after having Taubman influenced teachers, I only warn you that Taubman might not be that helpful. I've found that its really a "school of wasted motion" and that if you just slow down and practice lightly, you'll find freedom and suppleness much more easily.

[cometear]

I can answer this since I study only the Taubman Approach and no other methods. Elizabeth Swarthout, one of the Golandsky/Taubman faculty members, teaches in Granada, Spain. Here is her bio and contact information: https://www.golandskyinstitute.org/teachers/bio/elizabeth_swarthout. Every summer, the Golandsky Institute also has a summer symposium at Princeton University in New Jersey. I would say that if going to Spain is a huge sacrifice, you should take a trip to Princeton because it would be a much better investment. You would probably have enough knowledge on the approach to have a basic idea on how to use it. If this is too out of reach, I believe some faculty members give skype lessons.

There is not really a certain number of lessons you should have but in the beginning it's hard for a lot of pianists. I started the approach without any other experience on the piano, so I did not have to make a change. If you are extremely dedicated and are not experiencing injury than you could possibly rebuild your technique within months. It can be complicated but it really is a wonder on how it works.

I can't help you, but after having Taubman influenced teachers, I only warn you that Taubman might not be that helpful. I've found that its really a "school of wasted motion" and that if you just slow down and practice lightly, you'll find freedom and suppleness much more easily.

I am sorry to hear that you feel that way about the approach. I think the reason why you feel that way is because you teachers were Taubman "influenced" not certified. A mighty big difference. It is most definitely not a school of wasted motion. If you dedicate yourself, it will become the greatest change you've ever made.

[arungargstl]

I have to completely agree with cometear. Taubman works when done properly. I went to the Golandsky Institue with a very solid technique and no pain or injury. However, the approach forced me to think of what parts (EXACTLY) of my natural technique caused the sensation of being tension free. After studying (not very intensively either) with the top teachers at the Institute, I find that I can solve technical problems much faster, and with more efficiency. Furthermore, Taubman stresses the importance of developing a singing tone. Their approach can give even a mediocre pianist the ability to make a percussive instrument seem lyrical.

For international students, it is often easiest and cheapest to go with the Skype route. Obviously, this is only useful AFTER having been taught the basic approach in person. The first step to this approach is FEELING the physical difference between having tension, and being unrestricted by one's body. Thus the Princeton gathering in the summer is great! And its good fun with lots of socializing and partying haha!

Feel free to message me if you have any questions, or if you want to be put directly in touch with any of the Taubman teachers on the Golandsky Institute board.