LibGuides: Keyboard Instruments (Non-Piano): Technique

Recommended Resources

General Technique Books (selections)

The Art of Playing the Harpsichord by François Couperin; Margery Halford (Editor)
Call Number: MT220 C85 H
Publication Date: 1974
Also available online.
Information on technique, fingering, phrasing, ornamentation and performance style, plus eight preludes to illustrate Couperin's approach.
Making Music on the Organ by Peter Hurford
Call Number: MT180 H87 M36 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1990
A guide to the art of organ playing, with advice on technical performance problems, an explanation of the workings of the instrument, and chapters on interpretation.
Methods of Organ Playing by Harold Gleason
Call Number: MT182 G55 M4 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1979
Offers technical studies and background musical information, providing users with a solid foundation and practical start to a lifetime profession in organ playing.
Playing the Harpsichord Expressively by Mark Kroll
Call Number: MT252 K76 P53 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2004
Reveals the depth of expression that is possible on the harpsichord, and teaches the performer how to achieve it. Contains more than 100 musical examples and a comprehensive bibliography.

Performance Practice Books (selections)

The Performance of Italian Basso Continuo by Giulia Nuti
Call Number: ML442 N87 P4 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2007
Provides both a scholarly account of the history of basso continuo and a performance-driven interpretation of how this music might be played.
A Performer's Guide to Baroque Music by Robert Donington
Call Number: ML457 D68 P [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1974
Covers all aspects of Baroque performance practice for all instruments.
The Registration of Baroque Organ Music by Barbara Owen
Call Number: MT189 O97 R4 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1997
A comprehensive study of registrational practices from circa 1550 to 1800, with advice on adapting the earlier principles and practices to modern instruments.

Discover More

Browse the Catalog

Find more general technique books

Search subjects in the catalog, for example:
Harpsichord > Instruction and study
Keyboard instruments > Instruction and study
Organ > Instruction and study
Organ > Studies and exercises

Find more performance practice books

Search subjects in the catalog, for example:
Harpsichord music > Interpretation (Phrasing, dynamics, etc.)
Performance practice > Music
Organ music > Analysis, appreciation
Organ music > Interpretation (Phrasing, dynamics, etc.)

Browse the Shelves

There are many more keyboard technique books available in the library! Use these call numbers to find more:

Organ

Call Number	Topic
MT180	Organ technique (general)
MT182	Systems and methods
MT185	Studies and exercises (general)
MT187	Pedal
MT189	Registration

Piano and other keyboard instruments

Call Number	Topic
MT220	Keyboard technique (general)
MT222	Systems and methods
MT225	Studies and exercises (general)
MT227	Pedaling
MT231	Scales and arpeggios
MT232	Fingering
MT236	Sight reading
MT239	Accompaniment
MT243-MT249	Instructive editions

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

The American Organist by American Guild of Organists
Newest issues available online only.
International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
The Organ
Newest issues available online only.
Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion
Newest issues available online only.

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).