Our Teachers' Review
Hanon's Virtuoso Pianist has been a staple of piano pedagogy for over 150 years, and for good reason — there's simply no better book for building fundamental finger strength, independence, and evenness. Every one of our piano teachers assigns Hanon to intermediate students.
The concept is straightforward: sixty exercises of increasing difficulty that isolate and strengthen every aspect of piano technique. The first twenty exercises focus on basic finger independence, the next twenty address more complex patterns, and the final twenty tackle advanced technical challenges including scales, arpeggios, and trills.
Our teachers recommend spending 5–10 minutes at the beginning of each practice session with Hanon. The exercises serve as an excellent warm-up while simultaneously building the technical facility needed for more demanding repertoire. Students who commit to regular Hanon practice consistently develop better tone, cleaner passages, and greater endurance.
One important note: Hanon should always be practiced with attention to relaxation and proper technique. These exercises are meant to build strength through efficient movement, not tension. Your teacher can show you how to use Hanon effectively during your lessons.
