The Artist’s Hands: Creating Music and Art at the Piano
Jazz Hands 2023
My journey as an artist began alongside my deep love for music—a connection that would continue to intertwine and inspire my creative path. As a child, I often found myself sketching and painting, but it was music that took center stage in my formal education, particularly classical and jazz piano. However, even amidst the rigors of musical training, the pull toward visual arts remained a constant undercurrent, offering me another way to explore and express my creative voice.
Finger Drumming
"Finger Drumming" is how Chick Corea, my mentor, described the art of piano playing. He said, "A pianist has 10 drumsticks to play with." This transformed how I approach the piano—not just as a melodic instrument, but as a full rhythm section at my fingertips. Your hands and fingers become an orchestra, capable of executing endless patterns, grooves, and polyrhythms. It’s this rhythmic dimension, this dance of the fingers across the keys, that brings life and motion to a performance, blending the precision of drumming with the harmonic richness of the piano.
Hank Keys 2022
The essence of music lies within a single octave—the 12 notes that form the foundation of all musical expression. Beyond that, it’s a matter of displacement, inversion, and transposition across registers. But the root, the core of it all, remains in the simplicity of the octave. At the piano, I see this as a world of infinite possibilities where every note within the 12 is a seed for creativity, harmony, and invention. My hands translate this simplicity into complexity, weaving stories and emotions through sound.
Conclusion
This dual creative journey—merging music and visual art—has continued to shape my work, pushing the boundaries of how sound and image can coexist. What began as a childhood curiosity has evolved into a lifelong exploration of storytelling through both mediums. Whether it's creating abstract art inspired by jazz compositions or visualizing the rhythmic flow of music, my art and music are inseparable, each feeding into and expanding the possibilities of the other.
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Check out 100 Years of Hehmsoth Legacy at the Paramount Theatre
New! my blog about what it takes to be a Broadway show pianist.
One of my earliest ventures into visual art was rooted in my fascination with piano technique. I began sketching my hands—a study inspired by the intricate physicality of playing the piano. As a left-handed pianist, which is a rarity in both classical and jazz music, I developed a unique relationship with the instrument. Observing and drawing my hands not only enhanced my understanding of technique but also became a deeply personal form of reflection. These early artistic studies echoed the improvisational spirit of jazz, blending precision with spontaneity and curiosity.
Playing a jazz improv solo
The pianist’s right hand mid-flight during an improvisational jazz solo, capturing the dynamic interplay of creativity and technique, as each finger moves with precision and fluidity across the keys. It’s not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and spontaneity. At the heart of jazz, the performer’s personal expression comes alive, creating a unique musical narrative in real time. For me, it’s these moments at the piano that feel the most free, where the instrument becomes an extension of thought and emotion.
The Jazz Piano Mind
The art of jazz piano is a seamless synergy between the mind, the ears, and the hands. The mind shapes the concept—crafting the ideas and emotions behind the music. The ears hear the creation in real time. The fingers are the interface to the keyboard, executing the will of the artist. It’s an interconnected process where intellect, intuition, and technique merge to bring music to life. This artwork represents that profound connection, the essence of jazz creativity.
The Artist’s Hands: Piano Fundamentals and Online Lessons
Discover the artistry behind Hank Hehmsoth’s piano techniques as he shares foundational insights and introduces his engaging online piano lessons. Explore how the connection between hands, mind, and creativity shapes his approach to teaching and music-making.
