I help pianists expand and injury-proof their technique through whole body integration.
Alignment. Efficiency. Freedom.
The world of piano instruction is a confusing patchwork of information. Professional pianists play in all kinds of eccentric ways and accomplished piano teachers contradict one another. Outdated methods from the 19th century, along with misunderstandings of functional anatomy, have resulted in countless injuries over the generations.
Modern approaches to technique and injury prevention have helped, but they can sometimes feel overwhelming, unmusical, or inadequate to the demands of real virtuoso repertoire.
To cultivate a natural, expressive, sustainable relationship with the piano, we need a thorough understanding of the tradition, the human body and the mechanics of the piano.
With the right information, healthy movement patterns are absorbed over time until our body develops the intuitive capacity to apply them in whatever music we choose to play.
“Patrick is an excellent pianist who has the rare ability to teach technical skills in a clear and intuitive way.”
– Alex
I was stopped in my tracks by tendonitis in my early twenties and quickly realized how much I had been doing wrong at the piano. Confusion led to curiosity, and through trial and error I found the right mentors to get me on the path to recovery.
Within a year I was playing better than ever – performing big, virtuosic repertoire without pain. I went on to complete my Doctorate in performance at one of Canada’s top piano schools. (You can read the whole story here)
“Patrick Cashin has helped me undo decades of acquired tension like no other piano teacher I’ve ever worked with.”
– Jana
“Lessons with Patrick have been helping me to get back into playing the repertoire level that I was playing before the injury, now with a stronger foundation and healthier technique.”
– Natassja
Alongside my performing activity, I work online with other pianists who want to deepen their body awareness while safely building technical facility. If you are reading this page, it means I have at least one space available for a new student.
“In only six months, [Patrick] has helped me unlearn bad habits ingrained over many years with different teachers and lay the foundations of a solid technique.”
– Thomas
If we work together, here are some goals we’ll focus on:
- Achieve powerful expression through coordinated effort from your whole body.
- Use fluid arm movements to eliminate strain on the hands and wrists.
- Pinpoint exactly what you’re doing wrong at the piano and fix it.
- Stay present in your body and notice unhealthy reflexes immediately.
- Choose fingerings that allow free movement of the arms.
- Consciously choose pieces and invent exercises for your specific challenges.
- Transform your daily practice into a conscious, health-promoting activity.
Click this link to book a 15-minute phone call and see if we’re a good fit.
Full Testimonials
| “Patrick is far and away the best piano teacher I have ever had. What sets him apart is his unmatched ability to pinpoint on a mechanical level exactly what I am doing wrong, down to micromovements of the wrist and fingers; once he has done that, he is a master at communicating how to make the physical adjustments that gradually unlock passages that once seemed unplayable. In only six months, he has helped me unlearn bad habits ingrained over many years with different teachers and lay the foundations of a solid technique.” – Thomas |
| “I’m very lucky to be referred to Patrick. Taking lessons helped me go back to relearn some foundational techniques in a way that is least straining or damaging to the body. I wished I knew everything Patrick has been teaching me earlier, and I wish they talked about it more in music school. Patrick is not only an advanced player but also a clear teacher, patient, and well-rounded in knowledge on the topic of recovering from an injury. Lessons with Patrick have been helping me to get back into playing the repertoire level that I was playing before the injury – now with a stronger foundation and healthier technique. I’m glad I didn’t give up on the piano.” – Natassja |
| “Pat’s technical mastery, musical sensitivity, patience, and general chilled-out demeanour made him the perfect teacher for me! I came to him with a very specific goal—to complete my ARCT diploma in piano performance after a long hiatus from playing—and he gave me just the help I needed to get there. I would highly recommend Pat as a teacher for experienced piano students looking to take their playing to the next level.” – Jason |
| “Patrick’s approach to piano technique – combined with his ability to explain and demonstrate – have enabled me to overcome long standing difficulties, to be more confident in my playing, and to feel as though I am finally beginning to realize my potential as a pianist.” – Paul |
| “Patrick is an excellent pianist who has the rare ability to teach technical skills in a clear and intuitive way. Technical limitations had always prevented me from learning and mastering advanced repertoire and eventually led to an injury that prevented me from playing the piano for years. Lessons with Patrick have helped me solidify my technique and allow me to play with more confidence and ease.” – Alex |
| “Patrick Cashin has helped me undo decades of acquired tension like no other piano teacher I’ve ever worked with. I play with more ease, and have better usage of my body as a whole at the keyboard. His method and technique truly does work.” – Jana |
Patrick Cashin 