On Improving Piano Technique : Experiences reducing tension and discomfort applied to the Etudes Op. 10 by Frédéric Chopin

The purpose of this thesis is to document what the author has experienced and learned in his search for answers to the question “how do I play piano without discomfort or pain?”. In this thesis, the question is specifically investigated through the author’s experiences trying to retrain a playing technique riddled with severe tension into one with enough comfort and ease to enable him to play the Etudes Op. 10 by Frédéric Chopin according to his musical wishes. First, an exploration of the existing piano technique literature to find information on what constitutes a “healthy” technique was conducted. Next, an extensive period of experimentation with the various ideas encountered followed, where a variety of issues with the author´s technique were identified, many setbacks were encountered, and some insights were gained. Finally, these ideas were applied on the author´s study of the Etudes until a take of the author playing through the set was recorded. The thesis ends with documenting the conclusions the author has made regarding piano technique based on this process, and finally with some reflections over the experience as a whole.Frédéric Chopin - Etudes, Op. 10Leo Gavel, piano