Many of the great pianists who are blind or vision-impaired have developed, in essence, a sixth sense for their instrument. Their musical abilities are extraordinary and almost superhuman (think of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Art Tatum, and Beethoven, to name a few).
In technical terms, these musicians have developed “proprioceptive efficiency,” which means they have a superb sense of position and movement. Their awareness of the piano and its layout, as well as their own physical relationship to it, including their movement and touch, is highly attuned. They have learned to rely on their sense of listening and have a heightened sensitivity and expression when they play.
Practicing the piano with one’s eyes closed, blindfolded, or in a dark room is a technique that many pianists use. There are several advantages to not relying on sight when working to improve at the piano.
Pianist Kimiko Ishizaka explained that her piano practice “is done almost exclusively in total darkness so that it is impossible to see the keys of the piano, or anything at all. This helps me become the listener instead of the pianist, placing me in a sparse and isolated universe occupied completely and solely by the greatest music that I have yet known.”
First, one must memorize the piece, or passage, they are trying to learn or master in the music. Then the benefits of a sightless approach can be reaped.
Ten amazing abilities that can come from practicing without sight include:
- Tackling difficult passages where one’s hand demands visual attention, and therefore the other hand has to be played without looking
- Developing muscular memory (knowing where the fingers land), therefore boosting precision
- Improving knowledge of keyboard geography, and accomplishing otherwise impossibly large jumps
- Strengthening memory and listening skills, without visual distraction
- Slowing down and thinking about what is being played, ultimately eliminating mistakes
- Measuring progress and knowledge of the piece, and which passages still need more attention
- Learning to “trust” the fingers, helping to reduce nerves and tension while playing
- Looking like a professional, completely immersed in the music
- Stretching out of one’s comfort zone, increasing progress potential
- Being able to go into a performance with confidence, able to focus on expression rather than the technicalities
I encourage and challenge you to try this technique in your own practice and see what comes of it. I would love to hear if, and how, it works for you!