Originally published in the USSR in 1951, the method aims to introduce students to the Russian piano tradition, emphasizing musicality alongside technical development. While Book 1 Part 1 typically covers a student’s first year, is designed to cover the second year of study .
"The Russian School of Piano Playing (Book 1, Part 2)" is widely available for purchase both new and used through numerous retailers. Here are a few sources to get you started.
Pieces in this section break away from fixed hand positions. The repertoire requires frequent extensions, finger crossings, shifts, and the introduction of basic scale and arpeggio patterns. This expands the student's spatial awareness of the entire keyboard. 4. Cultivating Musical Imagery
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: Success is built through meticulous attention to sound quality, slow practice, and finger independence. Curriculum Structure BEGINNING PIANO METHODS OF RUSSIAN TRADITION
Preparatory exercises that lay the groundwork for major and minor scales. Diverse Repertoire
For decades, piano pedagogy has been dominated by a handful of legendary methods. Among them, The Russian School of Piano Playing (often abbreviated as RSPP) stands as a titan. Developed during the Soviet era, this method is renowned for producing virtuosos with unshakeable technique, profound musicality, and a signature “singing” tone. Originally published in the USSR in 1951, the
When using the PDF version of Book 1 Part 2, pianists should consider the following technical aspects:
The essence of Part 2 is the conquest of the thumb. The "pass under." The great deception of the piano is that it looks linear, but to play it fluently is to move laterally while appearing static. The exercises here are ruthless in their simplicity. Penta-chords give way to scales. The PDF displays the familiar choreography of the thumb tucking under the hand, a movement that feels unnatural to the child but is the bedrock of virtuosity.
While Part 1 might have introduced C and G majors one octave, Part 2 expands to D, A, and F majors. Crucially, the fingering patterns are taught with rhythmic variations (e.g., dotted rhythms) to develop evenness. Here are a few sources to get you started
The , edited by Alexander Nikolaev , is a foundational pillar of Soviet-era music education that remains a global standard for developing early intermediate pianists. Published by Boosey & Hawkes in the West, this volume typically covers a student's second year of study, bridging the gap between elementary mechanics and refined artistry. Core Philosophy: Sound and Strategy
While the traditional folk tunes inside are in the public domain, the specific arrangements, pedagogy, translations, and editorial notes compiled by Nikolaev are often still protected by copyright depending on your country's laws. Proactively look for legal purchase options to support music education publishing. Tips for Practicing with a Digital Copy