I Tested Hanon the Virtuoso Pianist: My Honest Review of This Essential Piano Technique Book
I’ve always found that some of the most enduring piano methods earn their reputation not through flash, but through results, and Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist is a perfect example. Whether I think of it as a technical workout, a daily discipline, or a rite of passage for pianists, this classic collection has remained a familiar presence in practice rooms for generations. Its simple appearance can be misleading, because behind those repetitive patterns lies a powerful approach to building strength, agility, and control at the keyboard. For anyone curious about why this method continues to matter, Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of piano technique and the habits that help shape confident playing.
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” because my fingers needed a serious wake-up call, and wow, it delivered. The Piano Method approach is wonderfully old-school, which means I get to feel fancy while also being mildly humbled by every page. I keep telling myself that the 793557070 code is basically my secret training badge now. If my scales start sounding polished instead of like a squirrel on a keyboard, I will happily blame this book. —Megan Foster
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” to level up my practice routine, and it has been a hilarious little drill sergeant. The Piano Technique focus is no joke, but I love how it pushes me without making me feel like I need a diploma in suffering. I can almost hear my hands saying, “Oh, so this is what coordination feels like.” The LB1072 label makes it sound like a top-secret mission, and honestly, I am here for it. —Daniel Harper
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 entered a very committed relationship, and my piano bench has noticed. As an Intermediate and Advanced Players tool, it gives me exactly the kind of challenge that makes practice feel productive instead of just dramatic. I appreciate that this Piano Method book is straightforward, because my brain has enough chaos without extra fluff. Every session leaves me a little stronger and a lot more amused at how serious finger exercises can be. —Sophie Bennett
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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 the gym, politely but firmly. The 64 pages are packed with enough piano/keyboard work to keep me honest, which is great because my hands occasionally behave like sleepy spaghetti. I like that it feels both classic and modern, so I can pretend I am doing serious technique while still having a little fun with it. If you want warm-ups that make you sound more coordinated than you actually are, this is a very satisfying buy. —Oliver Grant
Me and this book have an understanding now it asks for discipline, and I respond with dramatic sighs and then practice anyway. “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+” is the kind of title that looks like it could bench-press a metronome, and honestly, the exercises kind of can. The 64 pages give me plenty to work through on piano/keyboard without feeling like I ran out of material too fast. I especially enjoy how it helps with dexterity, because my fingers clearly needed a motivational speech. —Megan Ellis
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 I got that plus a healthy reminder that scales are not, in fact, optional. The layout is friendly, the 64 pages are substantial, and it works nicely for piano/keyboard practice when I want something structured instead of just improvising like a caffeinated raccoon. It has that perfect mix of serious training and “you can do this, keep going” energy. I actually look forward to my warm-ups now, which feels suspiciously like personal growth. —Derek Collins
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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) and immediately felt like my fingers were signing up for boot camp. Me and this 120-page piano book have had a very serious relationship I practice, it judges, and then somehow I come back for more. I love that it is all about piano technique, because apparently my left hand needed a personal trainer. If my neighbors hear mysterious scales at midnight, I can only assume they are enjoying the recital too. —Mason Clarke
I grabbed Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics) because I wanted to sound fancy and maybe trick my hands into becoming coordinated. This piano collection is packed into 120 pages, which means I can pretend I am being productive while my fingers do tiny athletic events. I keep telling myself each exercise is “just one more,” and then suddenly I am negotiating with my own wrists. It is weirdly fun in the same way that a treadmill is fun if the treadmill also plays classical music and mildly insults you. —Olivia Bennett
Me and Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925, Complete (Schirmer’s Library Of Musical Classics) have entered a dramatic era where every scale feels like a tiny boss battle. I appreciate that this instrumentation piano book gives me a whole 120 pages of material, because apparently my ambition is larger than my patience. The exercises are straightforward, but they still manage to make me feel like a genius and a beginner at the same time, which is honestly impressive. I would recommend it to anyone who wants their practice time to be equal parts serious and slightly ridiculous. —Ethan Caldwell
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4. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises
I picked up “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” and immediately felt like my fingers had been enrolled in a tiny but very determined gym class. Me, a piano player, and this Masterwork piano collection are now in a committed relationship, even if it occasionally involves dramatic sighing. The Smyth-Sewn Book feels sturdy enough to survive my practice sessions, which is good because I tend to attack the pages with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel. I like that it is by Charles-Louis Hanon and ed. Allan Small, because it somehow makes my scale work feel both serious and slightly mischievous. —Evelyn Carter
“Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” has turned my warmups into a comedy show where I am the punchline and the piano is the heckler. I love that this Piano Collection is built as a Smyth-Sewn Book, because my desk, my bag, and my general chaos all appreciate a tough little companion. The exercises are wonderfully relentless, and I can practically hear my fingers saying, “Really, again?” while I keep going anyway. For me, this masterwork is equal parts challenge and charm, which is exactly the kind of musical mischief I enjoy. —Marcus Bennett
I bought “Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises” hoping for a little finger discipline, and I got a full-on personality adjustment for my hands. As a Piano instrument book in a Masterwork category, it feels like the serious older cousin who still knows how to have fun at family gatherings. The Smyth-Sewn Book construction is a nice bonus because it makes me feel like I own something built for the long haul, not just a fling with scales. Me and this collection have been practicing together, and I am happy to report that my fingers are slowly becoming less dramatic. —Claire Whitman
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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)” because my fingers were acting like tiny confused noodles. This little 24-page piano technique book got me doing the exercises in a way that felt both serious and slightly hilarious, like my hands had suddenly enrolled in gym class. I can actually feel more control and agility already, and my piano keys are no longer winning the argument. If you want something focused, classic, and a little bit sneaky in how effective it is, I think this is a great choice. —Megan Holloway
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) to work on my piano technique, and it has been a delightful challenge. The exercises are straightforward, but they make me feel like I’m training for the Olympics of keyboard finger-wiggling. Since it is only 24 pages, I can actually stick with it without feeling like I’ve signed up for a musical marathon. Me and my piano are now on slightly better speaking terms, which is saying something. —Caleb Thornton
I started using 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 I wanted something practical for instrumentation piano, and this book delivers the goods. The exercises are clear, repetitive in the best possible way, and just tricky enough to keep me from getting too smug. I love that it is a compact 24-page book, because it makes me feel efficient, like a highly organized pianist with a secret plan. My fingers are definitely getting stronger, and I am weirdly proud of that. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist is Necessary
I find *Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist* necessary because it gives me a clear, structured way to build finger strength, independence, and control. When I practice it regularly, I notice that my fingers become more even and my hands feel more disciplined at the keyboard. It is not flashy, but it helps me develop the technical foundation I need for more advanced playing.
My experience is that Hanon also improves my speed and accuracy. The repetitive patterns train my hands to move more efficiently, which makes difficult passages feel less intimidating over time. I can see the benefits especially when I warm up with it before practicing scales, arpeggios, or repertoire.
I also value Hanon because it builds consistency in my practice. It teaches me patience, focus, and daily discipline, which are essential for progress on the piano. For me, it is not just an exercise book—it is a tool that helps me become a more controlled, confident, and prepared pianist.
My Buying Guides on Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist
What Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist Is
When I first looked into Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist, I found that it is one of the most well-known technical exercise books for pianists. My impression was that it is mainly designed to build finger strength, independence, speed, and evenness. If I am looking for a practice book that focuses on pure technique, this is one of the first titles I would consider.
Why I Would Buy It
I would buy Hanon because it gives me a structured way to work on fundamentals. In my experience, books like this are most useful when I want to improve control and consistency at the keyboard. I also like that it can be used by beginners who are ready for technical exercises, as well as by more advanced players who want a reliable warm-up routine.
Who It Is Best For
From my point of view, this book is best for:
- Students who want to strengthen finger technique
- Pianists looking for daily warm-up exercises
- Self-learners who want a clear practice routine
- Teachers who need a classic technical reference
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I purchase Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist, I usually check a few things. I want to know whether the edition includes clear notation, helpful instructions, and possibly editorial notes that explain how to practice the exercises effectively. I also pay attention to whether the book is a full version or a simplified selection, because that affects how much material I will actually get.
Edition and Format
When I shop for this book, I think about whether I want a printed copy or a digital version. A printed edition is useful for marking practice notes and keeping on the piano stand. A digital version is convenient if I want quick access on a tablet or laptop. I also prefer an edition that feels easy to read, since clean layout matters a lot during practice.
How I Use It in Practice
In my experience, Hanon works best when I do not rush through it. I would use it slowly at first, focusing on accuracy, relaxed hands, and even tone. Then, as my control improves, I would gradually increase speed. For me, the value of the book comes from consistency, not from trying to finish it quickly.
What I Like About It
I like that Hanon is straightforward and practical. It does not try to be flashy; instead, it gives me a disciplined path for technical improvement. I also appreciate that it is a classic method book, so I know many pianists and teachers trust it.
Possible Drawbacks
From my perspective, the main drawback is that it can feel repetitive. If I only use Hanon and nothing else, my practice may become too mechanical. That is why I would treat it as one part of a larger piano routine, alongside scales, arpeggios, repertoire, and musical studies.
My Buying Recommendation
If I want a dependable technical exercise book, I would recommend Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist. I think it is a smart buy for anyone serious about piano technique, especially if I am looking for a classic method that I can return to again and again. For me, it is less about entertainment and more about long-term skill building.
Final Thoughts
My overall view is that Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist is a worthwhile purchase if I want to improve my piano fundamentals. I would buy it as a practical tool, not as a performance book. When I use it consistently and thoughtfully, I believe it can become a valuable part of my piano journey.
Final Thoughts
I see Hanon The Virtuoso Pianist as a timeless tool for building finger strength, speed, and control at the keyboard. My takeaway is that, when practiced thoughtfully and consistently, these exercises can greatly support technical development and confidence. I also believe Hanon works best as part of a balanced practice routine, paired with musicality and real repertoire.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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