The Grand Manner tradition had its origin in the late 19th century. This revolutionary way of playing the piano was modeled after Franz Liszt with an emphasis on poetry, sumptuous expression and the spirit.

The Golden Tone Technique promotes full pianistic expression, as it makes the piano resonate and sing. It provides a lush palette of color that the pianist uses to paint pictures in sound with bold strokes.

This approach comes from the inside-out.

It is heart-centered, as the piano is used as a vessel for sharing love and reflecting the deep message of that the composers left behind.

With that, a shift of mind-set becomes necessary; hence this 4 point manifesto:

4 Point Manifesto

1- Nobody should have to play with pain.

Pain is an indicator of an underlying issue in the physical, emotional or artistic approach.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to that:

Form- the mechanics of how to use the body properly (watch how the old masters with their posture, rounded arms, fingers and liquid arms).

The key is connecting the body to the ear.

When the choreography in the body becomes harmonized with the quality of sound the pianist is receiving in the ear, flow is established.

2- Nobody should ever tell you that your artistry isn’t worthy.

The cookie-cutter system of classical piano is dead.

What YOU have to say at the piano is paramount. By copying other people’ performances you are betraying yourself and your unique gift. It is a lost opportunity.

3- Pyrotechnics will only get you so far

Loud and fast playing is exciting for about 2 minutes. Then it starts to sound boring…not to mention, physically damaging.

Consider the words of mega-virtuoso Franz Liszt reacting to a student playing the octave passage in Chopin’s A flat Polonaise, “I don’t want to hear your fast fingers…I want to hear the stampede of horses in this section.”

Let your imagination lead. Remember, technique is created in the ear first.

4- Your tone is your calling card

Dare to be different.

Dare to find your voice.

Dare to be poetic.

It is what made pianists of the Golden Age of piano playing unique and distinctive.

It is what will make YOU create magical moments at the piano.