A Popular Teaching Resource for Training Piano Technique in China: Études by Carl Czerny

Abstract

With the development of piano pedagogy, more and more piano teachers have developed their own teaching systems. They have specific leveling references and preferred method books for different levels of students. In China, the Czerny études collections are still used often as well-known resources. Many young beginners start to learn piano at an average age of about five years old and plan to complete piano exams, such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations, as quickly as possible. Because the children are extremely young with their small palms and unstable finger skills, many piano teachers are willing to use one or two of the complete collections of Czerny études to help their students reach their goals. One of the reasons for choosing the Czerny études is that they cover all the basic finger skills, including five-finger patterns, scales, arpeggios, and repeated notes, among others. It is also an easy way for the student to purchase a textbook and train finger technique, specifically in the Classical style. The purpose of this document is to discuss the relevance of Carl Czerny études for the piano in order to provide a teaching resource for training piano techniques.