different schools: fascination and curriculum?

[Bob]

I noticed one of the early threads from the pf site was on the Russian school.  I see a brand new Russian school thread.  Nothing changes.

Why are the schools interesting?

When I think "Russian school" I am fascinated.  It gives me thoughts of discipline, lots of practicing, committment, maybe painful practicing, and results.  Of course, it's a system and that could mean it just spits out those that don't naturally work well in it.

The other thing I think of is that a 'school' is a path I might use to better my own playing.  That is something interesting isn't it?  If you follow that school, that learning path, you will be more success than too right?

And who wouldn't want all that?  Success, good performing skills, truly enjoying music, true dedication and commitment, lots of practicing...   That's why the schools interest me I suppose.


But what exactly are the schools?  I know vaguely of them and have some general impression.  Is there anything more specific?  Any curriculum for them?  Any of the 'school' teacher who have written out the way things work, how they teach, what the student does?  Where can I find that?  Because then I take their ideas and try them out to see if they help me become more successful.

[pianonut]

schools of piano, to me, are less interesting than schools of music.  schools of fish can follow each other, make precise turns, and generally impress the audience.  i think it's the same with music.  if you get enough people together, and they all enjoy doing the same thing and practice - anything will sound at least decent.

the thing about piano lessons are that the 'patient/student' goes home and practices all alone.  probably wishing that their teacher could come and take a visit and check up on their practice to make sure it doesn't 'go south' in a couple of days.  whereas, you have choral groups that rely on one another and can pretty much only practice when everyone is together (even in sectionals).

now, what i propose is a NEW SCHOOL of PIANO playing.  this school is for those who are in need of socialization and ear training as well.  the studio has 4-5 seven foot grands (steinways/bose's) and each piano is facing a different direction.  the teacher plays a note and the other students try to find it.  kudo's for the one who finds it quickest.  then, another note is added.  all students play, as in suzuki method, the two notes.  first sounds, then in rhythm.  the third note is added.  and so on.  a whole concerto is learned by five pianists in 30 lessons.  practice is required at home, but daily lessons take away disincentive and replace with desire to keep up with other pianists and play together well.  this method works best on pianists who have been cooped up too long and rely too much on their music.

after a while, teacher plays a whole phrase in one hand - then whole phrase in left hand - student mimics.  (no music is sent home - you have to remember it - just as in gregorian chant).  student uses colored markers on fingers to remember nuematics of phrases.   

ps the idea is that (stolen from book with chapter: harmonic chant -global sacred music) concentrating on something together gives a different feeling, like trying to lift something very heavy together, or push a car.  an instant spark of coordination comes between people.  there is a different rhythm; everyone is in touch with the basic pulsation that is going to make it work.  people find their places. 

the pianos always begin with a sort of hmmmmmmm (as pianists play and hum to warm up).  overtones are heard in the finest players as the strings respond with sympathetic vibrations.  this is becoming one with the piano.  learned by only the finest piano schools.  patient/student begins to listen carefully for strings that are out of tune.  learns to tune own piano, play better from memory, and become more socialized.