Thoughts from the 88

Finger Exercises

Posted on November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 by Joseph Kingma by Joseph Kingma

One rather controversial topic in the piano world is that of finger exercises: are they helpful? do they cause injuries? can't you just get technique from the music? From my…

On Taubman and other Movement Centered Methods

Posted on November 18, 2024November 18, 2024 by Joseph Kingma by Joseph Kingma

Much has been made in the 20th Century of understanding the anatomical principles of a healthy piano technique, from which several different school arising. In my experience, the most prevalent…

On Hand Positions

Posted on June 3, 2024June 3, 2024 by Joseph Kingma by Joseph Kingma

The modern piano is designed for adults, a fact of which most method books for children seem to be unaware. While my hand, which can quite easily reach a 10th…

A Secret Ingredient of Piano Technique

Posted on May 31, 2024August 29, 2024 by Joseph Kingma by Joseph Kingma

“It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” Attributed to J.S.…