After almost 10 years of preparatory work, Cameron's book on piano technique optimisation, 'Clear-thinking Pianism', is nearing completion. The book is for advanced level pianists and teachers, and addresses the major pedagogical themes of tone production and the mechanics of touch. Uniquely, it does this through the eyes of science, in a rational, evidence-based way, challenging the assumptions of standard traditions, and exposing the pitfalls of the many pedagogical systems – systems that continue to permeate teaching methods.
Chiefly, the book is concerned with separating whatmatters from whatdoesn't matter in regards to achieving virtuosity. It highlights how errors of thinking (psychology), errors of mechanics (physics), and errors of learning (physiology) – are major factors in preventing one's pianist from succeeding – let alone, excelling – and outlines an approach to overcoming such problems using a simple self-analysis strategy (the '3 Ms'). Though a rational approach to solving the mechanical problems of practising is encouraged – it invites pianists to think (and feel) much bigger artistically and to pursue musical ideas with originality and determination – the latter being a driving force to learning, memory, creativity and, coincidentally, virtuosic pianism.
Cameron is currently based in London and teaches advanced technique principles to talented and aspiring pianists. He also provides advice and services to professional pianists who suffer from technical problems, pain and performance-related injuries.
For any enquiry, please contact: cameron@cameronroberts.com.au
Presentations & Masterclasses
• Masterclass – 'Optimising pianism – help from science'. Conservatory of Music, Melbourne, Uni. Aug 2022 • Workshop – Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, Australia. Jul 2014 • Keynote speaker – "The Application of Science and Medicine to Piano Technique", 6th WA Piano Pedagogy Conference, University of West Australia. Apr 2012 • Masterclass – 6th WA Piano Pedagogy Conference, University of West Australia. Apr 2012 • Masterclass – Tamworth Conservatory of Music. Jul 2012 • Presentation – "The Application of Science and Medicine to Piano Technique", Faculty of Music, University of Melbourne. Apr 2012 • Masterclass – Australian National Academy of Music, Melbourne. Apr 2010 • Workshop – Australian National Academy of Music, Melbourne. Mar 2010 • Masterclass – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Victoria, Australia. Mar 2010 • Presentation – "The Application of Science and Medicine to Piano Technique", Faculty of Music, University of Melbourne. Mar 2010
Academic
• Fellow, Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA), UK. 2018 • PhD - ‘How the pianist’s touch affects tone quality – a review of performance-based and scientific literature with applications to piano practice and performance’, University of New England, Australia. 2015 • Masters (Music) – Dissertation: 'Symbolism in the late works of J.S.Bach', University of Melbourne, Australia. 2006 • Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Melbourne, Australia. 2002 • Associate of Music Diploma, Australia (violin), Australian Music Examinations Board. 1993 • Licentiate of Music Diploma (with distinction, piano), Australian Music Examinations Board. 1992
Scholarships & Awards
• Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) for PhD research, Australia. 2010-13 • Ian Potter Cultural Trust: grant for investigation on the application of science to musical injury prevention. 2011 • Ian Potter Cultural Trust: grant for investigation on the application of science to musical injury prevention. 2008 • Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship, Australia. 2006 • Ian Potter Cultural Trust: grant for investigation on the application of science to musical injury prevention. 2006 • Australian National Academy of Music, full-residential scholarship. 1998-99 • Pearis Rodger Scholarship University of Melbourne. 1996-98 • Northcote Trust scholarship. 1994 • State Premier's Award for Music, Victoria, Australia. 1994