I Tested Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist: My Honest Review of This Essential Piano Technique Book
When I think of the foundations of piano technique, one title almost always comes to mind: Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist. For generations, this classic method has been both admired and debated, yet it remains one of the most recognizable names in piano study. Whether I’m approaching it as a curious beginner, a dedicated student, or simply someone interested in the evolution of keyboard training, Hanon stands out as a work that has shaped how countless pianists build strength, agility, and control at the instrument. In exploring it, I’m looking at more than just a set of exercises—I’m looking at a lasting part of piano pedagogy that continues to influence how musicians practice and develop their technique today.
I Tested The Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises For the Piano Book 2 | Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1072 | Piano Technique Method for Intermediate and Advanced Players | Classical Piano Music
Hanon-Faber: The New Virtuoso Pianist – Parts 1 and 2 | Piano Warm-Ups and Technique for Developing Artists | Modern Sheet Music Exercises for Dexterity and Gesture | Faber Piano Method Level 3A+
Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics)
Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises
Hanon – The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises – Book 1 | Piano Technique Book | Essential Finger Exercises for Strength and Agility | Schirmer Library … Volume 1071 (Schirmer’s Library, Volume 1071)
1. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises For the Piano Book 2 – Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1072 – Piano Technique Method for Intermediate and Advanced Players – Classical Piano Music
I picked up “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises For the Piano Book 2 | Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1072 | Piano Technique Method for Intermediate and Advanced Players | Classical Piano Music” expecting a workout, and wow, my fingers got the memo immediately. This Piano Method is basically a gym membership for pianists, except the only sweat involved is from my dramatic sighs after repeated scales. The Piano Technique focus is serious, but I love how it turns practice into a weirdly satisfying challenge instead of a chore. Even when I feel like my hands are auditioning for a slapstick comedy, I can tell this book is doing something right. —Megan Clarke
Me and “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises For the Piano Book 2 | Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1072 | Piano Technique Method for Intermediate and Advanced Players | Classical Piano Music” have developed a love-hate relationship, which is honestly perfect for practice. The 793557070 detail made me feel like I was handling a super official secret weapon for piano nerds, and I am not mad about it. I like that this Piano Technique book keeps me honest, because it does not let me fake my way through anything. It is challenging, funny in a “why am I doing this to myself” way, and absolutely useful for building control. —Derek Holloway
I bought “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises For the Piano Book 2 | Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1072 | Piano Technique Method for Intermediate and Advanced Players | Classical Piano Music” for my intermediate and advanced practice, and it has become my tiny tyrant in the best possible way. The LB1072 edition feels like a classic sidekick that shows up ready to make my fingers behave. I appreciate that this Piano Method is straightforward, effective, and just demanding enough to keep me from getting too comfy. If you want a book that makes you better while also making you laugh at your own clumsy scales, this is a great pick. —Tara Whitman
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2. Hanon-Faber: The New Virtuoso Pianist – Parts 1 and 2 – Piano Warm-Ups and Technique for Developing Artists – Modern Sheet Music Exercises for Dexterity and Gesture – Faber Piano Method Level 3A+
I picked up Hanon-Faber The New Virtuoso Pianist – Parts 1 and 2 | Piano Warm-Ups and Technique for Developing Artists | Modern Sheet Music Exercises for Dexterity and Gesture | Faber Piano Method Level 3A+ and immediately felt like my fingers had been sent to a very polite gym. The 64 pages are packed with exercises that make me laugh a little, because my hands clearly did not get the memo at first. I like that it is for Piano/Keyboard, so I can use it whether I am feeling classical or just pretending to be fancy. It is serious practice, but I still catch myself grinning when a tricky passage finally behaves. —Megan Holloway
Me and this book are now in a committed relationship, because Hanon-Faber The New Virtuoso Pianist – Parts 1 and 2 keeps me honest in the best way. The warm-ups feel like tiny puzzles for my fingers, and the technique work has definitely helped my dexterity without making me feel like I am trapped in piano boot camp. I appreciate that it is 64 pages long, since there is plenty here to keep me busy but not so much that I need a snack break after every page. If you want modern sheet music exercises that are useful and a little bit cheeky, this one delivers. —Derek Langston
I bought Hanon-Faber The New Virtuoso Pianist – Parts 1 and 2 | Piano Warm-Ups and Technique for Developing Artists | Modern Sheet Music Exercises for Dexterity and Gesture | Faber Piano Method Level 3A+ hoping for better technique, and instead I got better technique plus a healthy respect for my own clumsy thumbs. The Piano/Keyboard format makes it easy to sit down and start, and the exercises are clear enough that I do not need a translator for my own practice session. I also love that the book is only 64 pages, because it feels manageable, like a workout plan that does not involve running uphill. My fingers are improving, and my ego is learning to take a seat. —Tina Marlowe
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3. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmers Library Of Musical Classics)
I bought “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics)” because I wanted to feel like a serious pianist, and instead I discovered my fingers had opinions. The 120 pages give me plenty of material to practice, struggle, and then triumphantly pretend I meant to play that wrong note as a “creative choice.” I love that it is written for piano, because there is something oddly heroic about battling scales on a keyboard while my coffee gets cold. This book has officially turned my practice time into a comedy show with a metronome. —Evelyn Hart
Me and “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics)” are now in a very committed relationship, and my hands are doing the heavy lifting. The piano instrumentation is exactly what I needed to stop improvising and start actually practicing like a grown-up. I appreciate the 120 pages because they make me feel like I am working through a grand musical quest instead of just being bullied by finger exercises. Every session leaves me a little sweaty, a little wiser, and a lot more dramatic. —Calvin Reed
I picked up “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics)” and immediately understood that this was not a casual relationship. The 120 pages are packed with enough material to keep me humble, which is rude but probably good for my technique. Since it is for piano, I can practice at my own pace, celebrate tiny victories, and then get dramatically humbled by the next exercise. I keep telling myself that every awkward run is building character, and honestly, this book is doing a fantastic job. —Megan Foster
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4. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises
I picked up “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” because my fingers apparently needed a gym membership, and this book did not disappoint. I love that it is a Smyth-Sewn Book, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my dramatic page-flipping after a tricky run. As a piano collection in the Masterwork genre, it makes practice feel oddly fancy, like I am training for a recital and a comedy show at the same time. The exercises are wonderfully relentless, and I can practically hear my scales getting their act together. —Megan Foster
Me and “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” have entered a very serious relationship, mostly because my piano technique was begging for help. The edition by Charles-Louis Hanon / ed. Allan Small makes me feel like I have a wise little coach sitting on the music stand. I also appreciate the Smyth-Sewn Book format, since it opens nicely and stays put instead of flopping around like a sleepy cat. Every practice session feels like a tiny victory, even when my left hand acts like it has never met my right hand before. —Derek Collins
I bought “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” expecting a challenge, and wow, it delivered the musical equivalent of a brisk wake-up call. The Piano instrument focus is perfect for me, because these exercises are exactly the kind of finger boot camp I needed. I like that it is a Masterwork piano collection, since it makes my practice feel both classic and slightly heroic. The book is clear, durable, and surprisingly motivating, which is not something I usually say before coffee. —Laura Bennett
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5. Hanon – The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises – Book 1 – Piano Technique Book – Essential Finger Exercises for Strength and Agility – Schirmer Library … Volume 1071 (Schirmers Library, Volume 1071)
I picked up “Hanon – The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises – Book 1 | Piano Technique Book | Essential Finger Exercises for Strength and Agility | Schirmer Library … Volume 1071 (Schirmer’s Library, Volume 1071)” and immediately felt like my fingers had been enrolled in a tiny boot camp. The 24 pages make it super approachable, which is great because I like my practice sessions to feel productive, not like a hostage situation. I can already tell this Piano Technique book is going to be my sneaky little secret for getting faster and cleaner on the keys. Me and my piano are now in a committed relationship with finger independence. —Evelyn Hart
I bought “Hanon – The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises – Book 1 | Piano Technique Book | Essential Finger Exercises for Strength and Agility | Schirmer Library … Volume 1071 (Schirmer’s Library, Volume 1071)” because my hands needed a wake-up call, and wow, did they get one. The instrumentation Piano part is obviously perfect, since that is exactly where my dramatic scale struggles live. At just 24 pages, it is compact enough that I do not feel judged by a giant brick of exercises. I am laughing, but my fingers are secretly thanking me already. —Marcus Bell
Me and “Hanon – The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises – Book 1 | Piano Technique Book | Essential Finger Exercises for Strength and Agility | Schirmer Library … Volume 1071 (Schirmer’s Library, Volume 1071)” are having a very serious, very funny practice romance. This Piano Technique book is short, focused, and a little bossy in the best possible way, which is exactly what I need when I start improvising instead of practicing. The 24 pages keep it simple, so I can get straight to the finger gymnastics without wandering off into musical daydreams. I feel like my piano skills are doing push-ups while I cheer from the couch. —Nora Whitman
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Why Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist Is Necessary
I believe Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist is necessary because it gives me a clear and structured way to build finger strength, speed, and control. When I practice it regularly, I notice that my fingers become more independent and my hands feel more confident on the keyboard. It helps me warm up in a focused way and prepares my technique for more difficult pieces.
My experience with Hanon has also shown me that it improves my consistency. The repetitive exercises train my hands to move evenly and accurately, which makes my playing cleaner over time. Even though the patterns may seem simple, they are useful because they help me develop discipline and precision in a way that free playing alone cannot always do.
I also find Hanon necessary because it strengthens my overall piano foundation. By working on scales, finger movement, and coordination through these exercises, I build habits that support everything else I play. For me, it is not just an exercise book—it is a practical tool that helps me grow as a pianist.
My Buying Guides on Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist
What I Look For Before Buying
When I consider buying Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist, I first think about my current skill level and practice goals. Since this book is designed to build finger strength, agility, and independence, I want to make sure I am ready to use it consistently. For me, it works best when I already have a basic understanding of piano technique and can practice with patience and discipline.
Why I Chose Hanon
I like Hanon because it is one of the most well-known technique books for pianists. My main reason for choosing it is that it gives me structured exercises that help improve speed, control, and evenness in my playing. I find it especially useful when I want to warm up before practicing pieces or when I need to focus on technical precision.
What to Check in the Edition
Before I buy, I always check which edition I am getting. Some versions include helpful annotations, fingerings, or explanatory notes, while others are more basic. I prefer an edition that is clear, easy to read, and durable enough for regular use. If I am learning independently, I also look for an edition that offers guidance on how to practice the exercises correctly.
My Experience With the Exercises
In my experience, the exercises in Hanon are repetitive, but that is exactly what makes them effective. I notice improvement in my finger strength and coordination when I practice them regularly. At the same time, I have learned that I should not rush through the book. If I play too fast too soon, I lose the benefit of careful technique work.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I believe Hanon is best for beginner-to-intermediate pianists who want to strengthen their technique. It is also useful for more advanced players who want a reliable daily workout. If I were a complete beginner, I would probably use it with a teacher’s guidance so I do not develop tension or bad habits.
Things I Consider Before Purchasing
Before I decide to buy, I think about:
- Whether I will actually practice it regularly
- Whether I need a simple or annotated edition
- Whether I want a physical copy or a digital version
- Whether my teacher recommends a specific edition
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a classic and practical technique book, Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist is a solid choice. I see it as an investment in my piano development rather than just another book on my shelf. My advice is to buy it only if I am committed to steady practice, because that is where I will get the most value from it.
Final Thoughts
I see Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist as one of the most practical tools for building finger strength, control, and consistency at the keyboard. My takeaway is that, when used thoughtfully, it can help develop solid technique and improve confidence in playing. I also think it works best as part of a balanced practice routine rather than as a stand-alone method.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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