In this three-day workshop, we will learn practical strategies for playing the piano with greater ease and efficiency. Using principles of the Alexander Technique, we will consider keyboard playing as a coordinated activity of the whole body. As we begin to look at the specific musculoskeletal patterns required for playing the piano (or organ), we will also draw upon the masterful insights of the Lister-Sink Method.
This workshop is intended for pianists and organists of all abilities who wish to play with greater fluency, and without discomfort. All participants will receive individual hands-on instruction in the Alexander Technique.
Workshop Fee: $375
Workshop Schedule:
Friday, March 6th: 6:00pm-8:00pm Welcome and Introduction
Saturday, March 7th: 10:00am-1:00pm Exploring principles of whole-body coordination through the Alexander Technique
2:00pm-5:00pm Introduction to the Lister-Sink Method & the kinesthetic sensations needed for refined piano playing
Sunday, March 8th: 10:00am-1:00pm Applying the Alexander Technique and Lister-Sink Method to piano playing
2:00pm-3:30pm Wrap-up & Conclusions
About the faculty:
Tim Pyper studied the Alexander Technique at the Balance Arts Center with Ann Rodiger, qualifying as an AmSAT-certified instructor in 2018. He also holds the Certificate in Injury-Preventive Keyboard Technique from Salem College, following extensive piano studies with Barbara Lister-Sink. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music (BM, MM) and Cornell University (DMA), he has won first-prize in numerous national and international organ competitions, including the RCCO National Competition and the Arthur Poister Memorial Competition.
Tim maintains private teaching practices in New York City and in Albany. He is particularly interested in helping musicians unlock their virtuosity using the Alexander Technique as well as the Lister-Sink Method of keyboard pedagogy. He has given workshops for the Royal Canadian College of Organists, the American Guild of Organists and at Freedom to Make Music conferences. Active as an organist, pianist and choral conductor, Tim is Director of Music at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan. From 2010 to 2015 he was Director of Music at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in Calgary.