Piano
Somatics
An artistic, whole-self approach to piano technique
See upcoming institutesThe Piano Somatics Institute
Better sound, better ability & better health, for all.
Piano Somatics helps all pianists: advanced, intermediate, even beginners, effectively addressing not only physical problems such as tendonitis, but also the musical problems that face each one of us.
- Creating a bigger sound without banging
- Increasing speed while maintaining a sense of phrase shape
- Evoking more subtle emotional colours in quiet passages
- Mastering terraced dynamics for more effective polyphony
Programme
Upcoming institutes
- November 7–11, 2026 Madrid Madrid, Spain
- January 21–24, 2027 Munich Munich, Germany
- June 26 - July 5, 2027 Oxford, Ohio Oxford, Ohio, USA
- August 16–30, 2027 Ahun, France Ahun, Creuse, France
- Dates to be announced Concord, NH Concord, New Hampshire, USA
- Online course Core Skill Set Intensive Online
- By appointment Online Lessons Online
I.
Empowering pianists
With Piano Somatics, a heightened sensitivity to the body (the Soma) enhances the musical and sonic possibilities of the piano. A well-organized body opens up the sound of the piano to create richer orchestrations, a greater sense of virtuosity, and a more intimate and expressive sound palette.
The rationale: our missionII.
Books & DVD
This new approach is described in Natural, Artistic Piano Playing, an ongoing series of books with hundreds of Awareness Through Piano Movement lessons designed to transform the technique of any pianist.
Read the books
III.
Somatics and the Feldenkrais Method
The brainchild of concert pianist Alan Fraser, Piano Somatics grew out of his application of the Feldenkrais Method to piano technique.
More on Feldenkrais & Piano SomaticsIV.
Study live
Alan teaches Piano Somatics online and in his Piano Somatics Institutes in numerous European and North American venues.
Take a lesson onlineParticipants said
“Alan, your workshop was wonderful. Your knowledge, energy, dedication, long hours, kindness, and sense of humour made this an experience I will never forget. Doctors can have a great bedside manner; you have a great "bench-side manner!" Your tips on using the...”
“It is no exaggeration to say that Alan Fraser's teaching is revolutionary. I have attended many workshops but only here have I found these transformational insights. Since the Institute I have been playing pain-free consistently for the first time in years. More...”
“I have always known what I wanted to do musically at the piano; I just hadn't been shown the 'how.' Alan has given me the 'how' in a big way – I never expected to develop this much power, this much colour,...”
“I had a very solid training in Russia, and taught for many years at the Music School in Kiev, but I never experienced teaching like Alan Fraser's. He took the strengths of the Russian school and used them to give me real...”
“Coming back for a subsequent years has been so rewarding for me. The ideas and the experience were great the first year, but now with my increasing familiarity it is all becoming richer and more meaningful. I feel for the first time...”
“Take any group of practicing adults and stir them in with Alan Fraser, and you have piano problems solved, fierce friendships made, and a potent longing for beautiful sound. A week with Alan Fraser is magical, motivating, meaty, and altogether marvellous –...”