The Functional Piano Technique does not break any new ground - it teaches the student to find that seemingly elusive ground that many great performers have walked on.

For more than 14 years Tim Lukas performed at various conservatories and music schools in Germany. At the age of 15, he was invited to play the works of Beethoven and Schubert at the Frankfurt University of the Arts. Despite his success with the audience, one question gripped him: Is it possible to experience the thrill of performance without the "necessary" side effects of tension, nervousness and physical discomfort and strain? And what would such an approach look and feel like? The answer became clear as he witnessed performers like Rubinstein, Richter, Horowitz and Pollini, all displaying a sense of ease, control of the instrument and very apparent complete lack of muscular strain. This freedom from "pushing" the keys is one of the key principles of the Functional Piano Technique that enables the unhindered expression of the musical idea or impulse. As with all things in life, a greater sense of freedom and pleasure leads to faster learning.

Goals

The goals of Functional Piano Training are to establish a reliable relationship with sound, aligning the player in an optimal way with his or her instrument. The focus is on building the best possible interaction with the instrument, allowing the player to musically and emotionally excite the audience and communicate with the greatest possible ease. This zero-gravity, low-pressure approach to performance allows for those magical moments when the listener feels touched and moved by a performance.