The Finlay Method

HAPPENING TOMORROW! 8/23 @11 Central. Tickets at www.finlaymethod.com/tickets

Saturday morning at 11am CT, I will be hosting a fabulous pianist and teacher and all around great guy for my workshop series. Alex McDonald will offer his insights into the technical challenges posed in the music of Franz Liszt and offer a virtual masterclass with live feedback for performing participants.

Dr. McDonald was a top prizewinner at both the New Orleans and Gina Bachauer Piano Competitions and competed in the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. A graduate of NEC and Juilliard, he is the former artistic director of the Basically Beethoven Festival in Dallas and is a sought-after pedagogue whose students have gone on to Juilliard, Eastman, and other top conservatories.

What makes Dr. McDonald truly stand out is the clarity and depth he brings to teaching—shaped by outstanding artistry and informed by his personal journey through injury and recovery. He’s become a leading voice in technique and injury prevention, and I can’t wait to host him!

Virtual Piano Technique Masterclass with Dr. Alexander McDonald

Tickets | The Finlay Method 🎹 Next Workshop: August 23rd: Guest Presenter Dr. Alex McDonaldWith a special presentation on the music of Liszt → Save Your Spot Now

https://youtu.be/_4oVcJyOI8g

CRUNCH TIME!
Do you feel it? That jury/recital season pressure?

Do you often find yourself having to learn a lot of music in a very short time? If you earn any of your income as a collaborative pianist, there’s a 100% chance the answer is yes. The reality is that tight deadlines come for all of us eventually. The question is: how do you meet the moment?

This video shares quick, practical tips for sizing up a project, balancing triage with full coverage, stacking efficient practice strategies, and protecting your hands in the process. These are field-tested techniques to help you make real progress—fast—without burning out.

🎹 This is just a preview of my full masterclass:
How to Cram Without Fear or Pain
🗓 Saturday, May 17 @ 11am CDT
🎟 Save your spot now: https://finlaymethod.com/tickets

How to Cram Without Fear or Pain – Workshop Preview + Practice Tips If you’ve ever said yes to a last-minute gig and immediately regretted it… this video is for you.I’m Dr. Michael Finlay, and on Saturday, May 17 at 11am Cent...