With Your Own Two Hands: Self-Discovery Through Music

I originally ordered this book for my niece who is experiencing much pain when she plays the piano. Since she is a music major and piano is her primary instrument, finding help has become a priority. When the book arrived, I browsed through it to see if it seemed to have helpful advice. I saw plenty to interest me that I decided to buy a second copy for myself. As a professional horn player, I found the first part of the book (A Reason For Practicing: Why Do You Practice, Why Don't You Practice and Concentration) captivating. He looks at the reasons people practice and don't practice. He is sensitive to the psychological and human values that greatly influence one's approach to music. His approach to concentration and feeling is one that is worth studying. In the second part of the book (The Disciplines:Tempo-Rhythm-Pulse, Listening, You and the Piano and Choreography), his analysis of various aspects of playing is both lucid and perceptive. I also felt that his section on the mechanics of playing looked as though it could be quite helpful to my niece as she struggles to overcome the pain she experiences when playing (I'll look forward to hearing if she feels the same). The final section of the book (Fulfillment through Performing: Performing, Memory, Nervousness and Finale) brings this work to a logical conclusion. I consider this book essential for reading and study.

There are two books on piano playing that should be a must read for all serious pianists. One is Neuhaus' 'The Art of Piano Playing', and the second is this one. Mr. Bernstein not only demonstrates a profound understanding of the challenges facing all aspiring and accomplished pianists, but provides invaluable advice on how to tackle all of these. It is an absolute must. You won't regret it - I learned more in 2 hours of reading that in months, perhaps years, of practicing.

Bernstein, Seymour. With your own two hands: Self-discovery through music. - New York: Schirmer Books, c1981. (Book review) Denise Stuempfle - September 2000 Seymour Bernstein, a much sought-after pianist and master-teacher, uses his combined experience as performer and teacher to motivate fellow musicians to seek self-integration through the pursuit of music. Comprehensive in scope, With your own two hands is a holistic approach to the study of the piano. This type of learning experience is imbued with authenticity since, as Bernstein tells us, "when your feelings are converted into muscular activity, your automatic pilot or reflex system is fed not only physical impulses but also the feelings implicit within them." Clearly, the behavioral and the affective find equal footing here -and without contradiction. Self-destructive habits associated with practice are logically addressed and illustrated. For those needing motivation to practice, other than the goals of self-actualization and self-integration, perhaps the more altruistic perspective will suffice: "When we practice we fulfill our share of responsibility in the circle of giving," says Bernstein. Those who feel compelled to practice to the exclusion of all else are reminded that "a musician who separates his art form from his personal life, does so at a price both to himself and to others," thus denying himself the opportunity of achieving balance in life. Other issues of concern to pianists, such as memorization, stage fright and various performance techniques are effectively and honestly treated here. Finally, in Schumann's own words, Bernstein bids us invoke the spirit of the muse in our practice, "Always play as if a master were present." For those of us not privileged to grace the walls of Bernstein's studio, this is truly a work to be treasured. Geared mainly towards students, amateur musicians and professionals alike will welcome this contribution to the vast literature on musicianship.

I starting reading this book last year, I was 13 and had been taking lessons for four years. I felt my teacher wasn't teaching me the fundamentals. So, I picked this book up and read it. It is informative and inspirational. The exercises are easy yet effective. Bernstien can help any student. Without it, I would probably of only accomplish 6 months of work this year, but it motivated me to work my hardest and I'm better than ever.

After a nearly 20-year lapse I took up the piano again and came across this book. It is full of wonderful anecdotes and advice, not only for pianists but for anyone who plays an instrument. One-by-one, Berstein demolishes the myths and misunderstandings that keep us from exercising and enjoying our talents. He teaches us that mistakes and slips are natural and OK; invokes us to strike the right balance between technical excellence and emotional openness. His anecdotes, drawn from real-life experiences with his students, are valulable object lessons.