Hanon

Hanon refers to Charles-Louis Hanon, a French pianist and pedagogue best known for his pedagogical work Le Pianiste Virtuose en 60 Exercices, commonly titled The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises. First published in the 1870s, the collection has become a widely used tool in piano technique training and remains influential in traditional piano pedagogy.

The 60 short exercises are designed to develop finger independence, speed, precision, and overall technical control. They are typically studied daily, often with a metronome, and are intended to build a solid technical foundation that can support more musical playing. The work is celebrated for its clear, systematic approach and its emphasis on consistent touch and evenness between both hands.

The exercises are generally presented in a progressive order, moving from simpler patterns to more demanding ones. While the primary aim is technical development rather than repertoire, the routines are crafted to cultivate disciplined practice habits that many learners carry into their musical study. Some modern teachers criticize the work for its mechanical emphasis and potential for tension if used without proper relaxation and musical context; others defend it as a valuable core component of technique when integrated with musical interpretation.

Editions and influence: The Virtuoso Pianist has been translated and reprinted numerous times and remains widely available in many editions, often with additional fingering notes or companion material. It has influenced subsequent technique books and is frequently referenced in discussions of piano pedagogy as a landmark in the history of instructional literature.