The Animato Method

'Life is to be enjoyed'

The idea that music training is a serious matter is old-fashioned, according to Dietrich Lasa, founder of the Animato Method.

The Animato Method works on several levels: physical, emotional and psychological. Here are some of Animato's basic principles:

Physical:

a) The speed of learning is as fast as the student is willing to practice slowly.
b) Right from the start, the sudent learns to use 4 fingers (left hand), unlike any 
    other mainstream method.
c) Within the first year, the student is likely to play three positions. This is at
    least three times faster than avarage.

Emotional:

a) The speed of progress is as fast as the student has learned to enjoy simple
    things, such as scales and other exercises.
b) The enjoyment is not a result of speed, but speed is a result of enjoyment.
c) The student developes respect and appreciation for the body, especially
    fingers, hands and arms and their ability to learn the necessary movements
    for playing the instrument properly.

Psychological:

a) The speed of learning is as fast as the student is willing to mentally relax 
    before and whilst playing the instrument. In my teaching I have observed that lack of mental relaxation of the student is directly related to the degree to which students identify with their imperfect playing.

Therefore, the Animato Method advocates the following:
Rather than saying: 'You play the F# too flat, it has to be sharper' we say:
'Tell your second finger to go closer to the third finger. They are good friends in this piece.' The main idea is that the student needs to tell (in their thoughts) the fingers/hands what to do better. If there is imperfection, it is not the student's fault, rather, the fingers/hands/arms are waiting for instructions and are willing to implement them.
It is remarkable how much quicker students learn in this way. Suddenly, they feel in charge of telling their servants (fingers, hands, arms) what to do. It is particularly applicable for young students, but it also works well for mature aged students. You'll see a smile in their face!

Integration:

The student learns to take the necessary 12 steps for any new piece: