TTTV071: Exploring Piano Safari with Dr Julie Knerr and Katherine Fisher

When I started to explore Piano Safari I was excited. I've looked at many piano methods and none made quite as much sense to me as Piano Safari does. The books include rote teaching, intervallic reading, technique and improvisation all in one method. What's not to love?

Dr. Julie Knerr

The way they approach technique is truly inspired. Julie and Katherine have distilled the essential movements needed by pianists down into animal themed exercises.

Not only do kids love this animal theme, but it makes the exercises more memorable. And when they remember the technique exercises better, they practice them more - and more accurately.

Katherine Fisher

Today on the podcast the creators of Piano Safari, Dr. Julie Knerr and Katherine Fisher are talking technique, sight reading and inspiration. They also give their top five piano teaching tips, and you're not going to want to miss those.

PS. This is an audio-only podcast. Please take this opportunity to click here and subscribe to my podcast on iTunes using the Podcast Player on your phone. Get into the habit of listening while you're driving, walking, cleaning or cooking!

Transcript

Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. If you are a TopMusicPro Member, you can download a PDF of the transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $1o0 off your membership today.

In this episode, you’ll learn

How the Piano Safari method came about
The thinking behind the progression of the technique exercises
Why legato playing should be delayed longer than you think
What Julie and Katherine mean by the term rote teaching
The benefits of learning pieces by rote
How Piano Safari approaches teaching reading
How to get started with the Piano Safari method
Katherine & Julie's top 5 teaching tips

Links Mentioned

Piano Safari Special Offer

The wonderful Katherine and Julie are offering all Tim Topham TV listeners 15% off any order for the next 5 days. Enter the code topham15 at checkout.

The offer expires December 21st so act quickly!