Assume 30–45 minutes per day. Adjust to student level.
Week 1 — Foundations
Week 2 — Coordination & Scales
Week 3 — Articulation & Dynamics
Week 4 — Musicality & Phrasing
Week 5 — Consolidation
Week 6 — Recital Prep
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Best for: Late-elementary to early-intermediate pianists (approx. Grades 1–3) who have completed Part 1 and want a serious, technique-focused approach.
The Russian School of Piano Playing (Part 1, Book 2) remains one of the most respected pedagogical resources for developing a singing tone and fluid technique. While many students search for a PDF version for convenience, understanding the curriculum within this volume is essential for any aspiring pianist or teacher. What Makes This Method Unique?
Unlike some Western methods that prioritize rote note-reading, the Russian approach focuses on musicality from the very first lesson.
Cantabile Style: The method emphasizes making the piano "sing," focusing on legato playing and weight distribution from the shoulders to the fingertips.
Diverse Repertoire: Instead of dry exercises, Book 1 Part 2 introduces students to Russian folk songs and classical miniatures by composers like Tchaikovsky, Kabalevsky, and Gnessina.
Technique through Artistry: Technical hurdles are introduced through actual music, ensuring that a student’s expressive abilities grow alongside their finger dexterity. Key Content in Book 1, Part 2
This specific volume transitions the beginner from basic hand positions to more complex navigation of the keyboard. Key topics include: the russian school of piano playing book 1 part 2 pdf
Expansion of Hand Positions: Moving beyond the five-finger pattern.
Introduction to Polyphony: Developing independence between the left and right hands through simple canons.
Dynamic Control: Teaching the subtle art of crescendo and diminuendo to shape musical phrases. Finding the Book
While some educational archives may host public domain materials, the Russian School of Piano Playing (edited by A. Nikolaev) is a copyrighted publication widely used in conservatories.
Print vs. Digital: While a PDF offers portability, most teachers recommend the physical Boosey & Hawkes edition because the high-quality printing makes it easier to read complex fingerings and annotations.
Legal Access: You can often find authorized digital versions or physical copies through major retailers like Sheet Music Plus or local music libraries. Why You Shouldn't Skip It
Part 2 is the "bridge" volume. It is where a student stops "playing notes" and starts "making music." By mastering the pieces in this book, you build the foundational arm-weight technique necessary to eventually tackle the works of Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. Assume 30–45 minutes per day
The Russian School of Piano Playing (Book 1, Part 2) , edited by Alexander Nikolaev, is a foundational pillar of Soviet-era music education that remains a global standard for developing early intermediate pianists. Published by Boosey & Hawkes in the West, this volume typically covers a student's second year of study, bridging the gap between elementary mechanics and refined artistry. Core Philosophy: Sound and Strategy
Unlike many Western methods that limit beginners to fixed hand positions, the Nikolaev approach encourages students to explore the entire keyboard range from the start. The "Russian method" is defined by several key principles found in Part 2:
Weight and Relaxation: Emphasis on using arm weight and a relaxed wrist to produce a "singing" tone rather than a percussive one.
Physical Awareness: Focus on ergonomic hand positioning to prevent tension and foster expressive freedom.
Detail-Oriented Practice: Success is built through meticulous attention to sound quality, slow practice, and finger independence. Curriculum Structure BEGINNING PIANO METHODS OF RUSSIAN TRADITION
When you encounter a two-voice piece (e.g., “Kukushka” – The Cuckoo):