Fred Karpoff

After recovering from a career-threatening injury, Fred Karpoff continues to develop his multi-dimensional approach to piano teaching and technique through a wide range of experience. Initial mentoring by Yoheved Kaplinsky helped him rethink his approach to piano playing–which now combines elements of Tai chi, the Alexander Technique, and the Feldenkrais Method® with the work of many piano pedagogues, past and present. A master clinician, Fred is highly sought-after for workshops throughout the world. He guides teachers and students toward more efficient, healthful, and expressive piano playing as Artistic Producer of Entrada Piano.

An international Steinway Artist, Fred has performed as both soloist and collaborative pianist in China, India, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and throughout North America and Europe. As guest artist at major music festivals in the U.S. and Europe, he has collaborated with many of America’s foremost musicians.

With a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Peabody Conservatory, he also studied with Ann Schein, Leon Fleisher, and Robert Weirich, and had extensive coachings with Karl Ulrich Schnabel and Richard Goode. A former USIA Artistic Ambassador, Visiting Professor at the Eastman School of Music, and Professor of Piano at Syracuse University, he was named the winner of MTNA’s Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award for 3-D Piano: The Three-Dimensional Pianist.

Author links

Click here to visit Fred's website for hundreds of training videos and his masterclass series.

Featured content

Carl Czerny - Eight-Measure Exercises (Op. 821)

A guided tour of selected exercises

Carl Czerny’s works are often thought of as a ‘necessary evil’ that will magically further a pianist’s technique. As with all repertoire, outstanding results can only be achieved by working better, not harder. Fred Karpoff shows how Czerny’s Eight-Measure Exercises, in particular, are an excellent vehicle for quickly addressing specific... Read >>


Fred Karpoff Technique Exercises

Repertoire Ideas (Part 1)

Graham Fitch and Fred Karpoff present a selection of repertoire ideas, including both popular works and hidden gems.... Read >>


Fred Karpoff, Graham Fitch Learning pieces

24 Préludes (Books I & II)

Debussy’s 24 Prélude are often cited as the apotheosis of impressionism, as the composer experimented with compositional and pianistic elements to portray a wide array of landscapes, atmospheres, historical references, and ancient themes in miniature form. Debussy placed titles at the conclusion of each Prélude rather than at the beginning,... Read >>


Fred Karpoff Learning pieces Debussy