Bravura Technique Limited

(in association with The Blüthner Piano Centre, London)

International Concert Pianist

presents his revolutionary fast-track

to brilliant technique:

“15-Minute Pioneer
Finger Workouts”
for every pianist and keyboard player
Elementary ~ Intermediate ~ Virtuoso

“Enhanced muscle power in a musician can only benefit the cr

creative process..”
- a Foreword by Physiotherapist Carolyn Walford MCSP

and your own

Daily Practice Diary

Amaze yourself! ... Astonish your friends!

Terms & Conditions apply. See www.thepianostudio.co.uk for details.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 1

“15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts”
“Surprisingly, I spend just 15 minutes a day servicing and further
developing my celebrated keyboard athleticism. Calling on my
lifetime experience of performing and teaching, I devised my “15-
Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts” for all pianists and keyboard
players. These physiotherapist-approved routines are graded in terms
of their physical requirement and are designed for beginners right
through to the fully-fledged performing virtuoso. I firmly believe that
my “15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts” will enable you to surge
ahead of the pack while remaining injury-free. They only take 15
minutes a day, so you can spend more of your valuable time learning
the wonderful repertoire you really want to play - with enhanced
ability and dexterity.”

Richard J Meyrick, London,

May 2007

International Press for Richard Meyrick

“Richard Meyrick is a pyrotechnician of the Ashkenazy/Horowitz level… The technical

demands are staggering and at one point Meyrick’s hands flew so rapidly they were blurred.”
Washington Everrett Herald

“A disciplined technique of splendid calibre… thrilling technical wizardry… superb rich

sonorities and genuine sensitivity.” Daily Telegraph (London)

“In terms of technique and discipline it was near-impossible to fault what he played… The
sonata was, simply, the best Beethoven playing I have heard since Ashkenazy was here…
The whole was pianism of the highest order.” The Australian

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 2

“15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts”
Foreword by Carolyn Walford MCSP

As a Chartered Physiotherapist and amateur pianist, I know from

personal experience the considerable physical demands that
playing a keyboard instrument can make on the body. This applies
particularly to the muscles of the hands, arms and upper torso, and in
professional pianists these stresses can be extreme.

As in all physical activity, conditioning and training is paramount

both for reducing the possibility of injury, particularly repetitive
strains, and for improving technique.

If executed correctly and regularly, these short routines can

greatly relieve the physical effort of playing, while at the same
time improving the strength and mobility of the arms and fingers.
Enhanced muscle power in a musician can only benefit the creative
process and the enjoyment of the delightful pastime of making music
– both for the amateur and the professional.

I heartily endorse the “15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts” for all

piano and keyboard players.

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“15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts”

A few thoughts before you embark on what I hope will be your path to
acquiring a wonderful keyboard facility by using the exercises just 15
minutes a day – and that’s the key!! The aim of the exercises is to provide
the means to acquire the necessary physical equipment to play the virtuoso
piano repertoire effortlessly! – without wasting hours which might be spent
more profitably, and to reduce the risk of injury when learning difficult,
physically demanding pieces.

1. LEVEL
Decide where to embark. If you have been playing less than two years, you should
probably commence at the ELEMENTARY level. Those who have been playing
for longer may be able to enter at the INTERMEDIATE level. FEW will manage to
undertake the VIRTUOSO workouts. So, a word of CAUTION: do NOT overstretch
yourself. A pianist is an athlete who must build up to a required level of fitness
– slowly and progressively.

2. FORMAT
The exercises are progressive and systematic. At each level, Exercise A increases
stamina and finger independence. Exercise B works the wrist. Exercise C works
the forearm using the same notes as for B (not Elementary). Exercises D & E work
essential finger combinations. At every level – Elementary, Intermediate or Virtuoso
- first do just a little of each exercise, being meticulous about stopping when any pain
is experienced. Gradually – over some weeks, not days – get through a little more of
the exercises in your workout. NEVER exercise more than 15 minutes, visiting each
exercise in your level. Do not expect to play all of each of the exercises for several
weeks – “a little and often” is the rule.

3. PHYSICAL FITNESS
A pianist must be fit and take care while playing to avoid the risk of injury. If you get
tired or uncomfortable when using the exercises, STOP. When you are really fit then
you will call upon your own judgement. Do not exceed your level. For example, an
Intermediate pianist could risk harm by tackling the Virtuoso workout with its severe
stretching and extended repetition. The Virtuoso exercises are designed for an already
trained hand at a high professional level of fitness and development.

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“15-Minute Pioneer Finger Workouts”

4. PROGRESS
Remember, 15 minutes only per day for the exercises. Build up your stamina, start three
times a week and perhaps work up to 5-6 times per week after two months. When you
finally find the workout insufficiently demanding, and ONLY then, you might consider
making the transition to the next level, but very gradually, embracing just parts of the
new workout’s increased difficulty. For example, when advancing to Intermediate, in
Exercise A you would be advised to opt at first for the “smaller hand” chord – and repeat
each bar just once – working up gradually over the weeks to repeating each bar 10 times.
Another approach is to continue with the finger patterns in Exercise A of the Elementary
level but use the notes of the Intermediate smaller hand chord. Work within your ability.
Be patient with your progress. Be smart and cautious as you advance.

5. IMPROVEMENT
No one reaches international levels of virtuosity overnight. But if you take it steady and
persevere, you can expect marked change within weeks. Your body needs to get used
to this way of working. For your encouragement, use the Daily Practice Diary to record
your progress.

6. SUMMARY
Use the exercises as an athlete would train for a marathon – patient, gradual build-up to
fitness and continued work to maintain strength and agility. Warm up before you begin
– ALWAYS play with WARM hands and gently STRETCH between your fingers before
exercising. Follow the instructions to relax. Take a break if you tire.

7. HELP THY NEIGHBOUR

Be considerate within earshot of others! After practising to ensure a good legato (i.e. a
smooth connected – not overlapped – sound) I would advise you to practise on a silent
(dummy) keyboard. These exercises are all playable on a four-octave keyboard. Consider
using any redundant electronic keyboard. Alternatively, modern upright pianos have a
“practice” pedal which places a strip of felt between the hammers and the strings thus
diminishing much of the sound – you might wish to double the width of this felt for a
fuller effect. Another idea is to drape some towelling down between the hammers and the
strings. I have yet to discover a simple means of silencing a grand piano.

When I travel for concerts, my four-octave keyboard travels with me – I would not dream
of playing to anyone without having first played through my “15-minute workout” in my
hotel room – I also use it at home and it is probably one of the reasons I am still happily
married after more than 30 years.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 5

 Daily Practice Diary Sheet No:

Time Limit: 15 Minutes Level 1: Elementary

Date Exercise A Exercise B Exercise C Exercise D Total Time Taken
Finger Independence Wrists - Fifths Combinations I - Thirds Combinations II - Comments
Fourths

10/3/07 60% complete 100% completed 80% completed - too slow 40 % completed - ran out 12 mins. Must focus on
- L.H. tiring at present of time better legato.
SO STOPPED Early Days!
Example
 Daily Practice Diary Sheet No:

Time Limit: 15 Minutes Level 2: Intermediate

Date Exercise A Exercise B Exercise C Exercise D Exercise E Exercise F Total Time
Finger Wrists - Octaves Forearms - Combinations I Combinations II (Optional) Tremelo Taken
Independence Octaves - Thirds - Sixths Comments

10/3/07 Managed to 100% completed 50% completed 50 % completed 50% complete in No time available 14 mins. Allow
repeat each bar - tiring - struggling for R.H today more time for
4 times SO STOPPED legato 20% complete in E & F so shorten
Example L.H A & B tomorrow
 Daily Practice Diary Sheet No:

Time Limit: 15 Minutes Level 3: Virtuoso

Date Exercise A Exercise B Exercise C Exercise D Exercise E Total Time Taken
Finger Independence Wrists - Octaves Forearms - Octaves Stretched Stretched Comments
Combinations I Combinations II
- Augmented Fifths - Sevenths

10/3/07 Managed to repeat 80% completed 50% completed - 33 % completed 70% ok in R.H. - 15 minutes.
each bar 13 times - tiring tiring in L.H. - failing legato and some 6ths Expecting too much
SO STOPPED SO STOPPED v.tired 30% L.H. too soon
Example
SO STOPPED - some 6ths
Level 1: Elementary
15 Minutes
EXERCISE A: Finger Independence

Instructions
(i) Go slowly at first. Always lift your fingers high between strikes.
(ii) Bend fingers as much as possible; play on tips of fingers.
(iii) Play legato – ie make a continuous sound with no breaks between the notes and no overlaps.
(iv) Relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing.

Hold down the following two notes (using your thumbs) throughout this exercise:

And repeat each bar up to FOUR times before going on immediately to the next. TAKE your time!

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EXERCISE A: Finger Independence

Without pausing for a rest, now hold down the following two notes (using your little, i.e. 5th, ‘pinkie’,
fingers) as you continue:

Continue to repeat each bar up to FOUR times

Without pausing for a rest, now hold down the following FOUR notes (using your thumbs and
index fingers) and proceed to the end of the exercise:

Continue to repeat each bar up to FOUR times-VERY slowly at first.

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EXERCISE B: Wrists – Fifths

Instructions
(i) Keep forearms horizontally level with keyboard.
(ii) Move your hands up and down at the wrist to strike the keys, as if waving at the keyboard.
(iii) Play on tips of 5th fingers and with thumbs slightly curled inwards at tip – on the black keys too!
(iv) Recommended speed = 80.
(v) Do NOT play staccato.
(vi) Repeat each bar once before going on immediately to the next.
(vii) Remember to relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing.

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EXERCISE C: Combinations I – Thirds
Instructions
Ideally you should play legato making a perfectly continuous sound as you proceed from one chord to
the next, and without overlapping. However, this may prove very difficult at first, in which case detach
the chords (ie place a small silence between each) until your finger skills improve. Perform this exercise
hands separately ONLY. Repeat each section once before going on immediately to the next. Bend fingers,
playing on their tips at all times.

and if you CAN, proceed immediately, using the same hand, to the following:

EXERCISE D: Combinations II – Fourths

Instructions
Play legato – or if necessary at first – in a detached manner. Bend fingers, playing on their tips. Perform
this exercise hands separately ONLY. Repeat each section once before going on immediately to the next.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 4

Level 2: Intermediate
15 Minutes
EXERCISE A: Finger Independence
The following chord to be held firmly throughout this exercise:

(See below: option for the smaller hand)

Instructions
(i) Repeat each bar up to TEN times before going on immediately to the next.
(ii) Maximise the upward lift of each finger between strikes.
(iii) Bend fingers as much as possible; play on tips of fingers. In order to prevent nail damage, it may be
advisable to wear protective elastoplast to 2nd and 3rd fingers of each hand
(iv) Relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing and expend maximum force with each strike.
(v) Speed is unimportant – recommend = 126-160.
(vi) Following the exercise, loosen the fingers with the tremelos (executed hands separately at
maximum speed and very lightly) as follows:

Option for the smaller hand: perform the same exercise as above, but using the following notes/chord:

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 1

EXERCISE B: Wrists – Octaves

Instructions
(i) Keep forearms horizontally level with keyboard.
(ii) Maximise upward and downward movements from the wrist, as if waving at the keyboard.
(iii) Play on tips of 5th fingers and with thumbs slightly curled inwards at tip – on the black keys too!
(iv) Recommended speed . = 50.
(v) Do NOT play staccato.
(vi) Repeat each bar once before going on immediately to the next.
(vii) Remember to relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 2

EXERCISE C: Forearms – Octaves . . .
. . same exercise notation as Exercise B

Instructions
(i) Lean forward to bring shoulders near to the keyboard.
(ii) Pull forearms up until locked tight against upper arm and execute hard downward strikes from
elbow.
(iii) Play on tips of 5th fingers and with thumbs slightly curled inwards at tip – on the black keys too!
(iv) Recommended speed . = 50.
(v) Do NOT play staccato.
(vi) Repeat each bar once before going on immediately to the next.

Between Exercise C and D: Stretch between your fingers and stretch each finger forward and back.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 3

EXERCISE D: Combinations I – Thirds

Instructions
(i) Play legato.
(ii) Bend fingers, playing on their tips at all times.
(iii) Repeat each bar up to THREE times before going on immediately to the next.
(iv) Recommended speed . = 76-120.
(v) CHOOSE Set One or Set Two on alternate days.

SET ONE

cont’d

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EXERCISE D: Continued

SET TWO same exercise as SET ONE but using the following note
combinations:

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EXERCISE E: Combinations II – Sixths
(or, for the smaller hand, fifths, altering the lower note
accordingly)

Instructions
(i) Play legato.
(ii) Bend fingers, playing on their tips at all times.
(iii) Repeat each bar TWO to FOUR times before going on immediately to the next.
(iv) Play the exercise first with one hand and then the other – recommend NOT together. Play Left
Hand an octave or two lower for convenience.
(v) Recommended speed . = 80-132.

EXERCISE F: Tremelo
(Intermediate level only – OPTIONAL)

Instructions
Repeat each bar up to FOUR times before going on immediately to the next. As you perform this exercise
you should minimise the finger movement from the knuckles down, using a rotation of the hand from the
wrist - as if opening a door knob. Build up speed and stamina over the weeks until you can keep going for
TWO minutes without pausing for rest.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 6

Level 3: Virtuoso
15 Minutes
EXERCISE A: Finger Independence
The following chord to be held firmly throughout this exercise:

Instructions
(i) Repeat each bar up to TWENTY-FIVE times before going on immediately to the next.
(ii) Maximise the upward lift of each finger between strikes.
(iii) Bend fingers as much as possible; play on tips of fingers. In order to prevent nail damage, it may be
advisable to wear protective elastoplast to 2nd and 3rd fingers of each hand
(iv) Relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing and expend maximum force with each strike.
(v) Speed is unimportant – recommend = 160-184.
(vi) Following the exercise, loosen the fingers with the tremelos (executed hands separately at maxi-
mum speed and very lightly) as follows:

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 1

EXERCISE B: Wrists – Octaves

Instructions
(i) Keep forearms horizontally level with keyboard.
(ii) Maximise upward and downward movements from the wrist, as if waving at the keyboard.
(iii) Play on tips of 5th fingers and with thumbs slightly curled inwards at tip – on the black keys too!
(iv) Recommended speed . = 60-76.
(v) Do NOT play staccato.
(vi) Remember to relax shoulders and upper body whilst executing.

cont’d

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 2

EXERCISE B: Continued

EXERCISE C: Forearms – Octaves . . .

. . same exercise notation as Exercise B

Instructions
(i) Lean forward to bring shoulders near to the keyboard.
(ii) Pull forearms up until locked tight against upper arm and execute hard downward strikes from
elbow.
(iii) Play on tips of 5th fingers and with thumbs slightly curled inwards at tip – on the black keys too!
(iv) Recommended speed . = 60-76.
(v) Do NOT play staccato.

Between Exercise C and D: Stretch between your fingers and stretch each finger forward and back.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 3

EXERCISE D: Stretched Combinations I – Augmented Fifths

Instructions
(i) Play legato.
(ii) Bend fingers, playing on their tips at all times.
(iii) Repeat each bar up to TEN times before going on immediately to the next, except those bars oth-
erwise indicated.
(iv) Recommended speed . = 104-120.
(v) CHOOSE Set One or Set Two on alternative days.

SET ONE

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EXERCISE D: Stretched Combinations I – Augmented Fifths

SET TWO

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EXERCISE E: Stretched Combinations II – Sevenths
(or, for the smaller hand, sixths, altering the lower note
accordingly)

Instructions
(i) Play legato.
(ii) Bend fingers, playing on their tips at all times.
(iii) Repeat each bar FOUR times before going on immediately to the next.
(iv) Play the exercise first with one hand and then the other - recommend NOT together. Play Left
Hand an octave or two lower for convenience.
(v) Recommended speed . = 112-144.

© Bravura Technique Limited 2007 Page 6