Piano Street Virtual Masterclasses

[iumonito]

Here is an idea:  what about if the most prominent pianists in the forum (like Marik, Jpowell, Electrafingers, Bernhard, to name a few) agreed to do some targeted discussion on the audition room?

Those of us interested would post well-prepared (otherwise it is somewhat of a waste of time) best effort recordings of specific literature and we can get some feedback on interpretation, technique, preparation, etc.

For example, as a group we could start with the Chopin Etudes.  I am positive we as a group play them all (in fact, several of you probably play them all yourselves).

Perhaps the teacher can post short snipets with examples and explanations, when required.

What do you think?

If this takes on, I will be glad to do one of the etudes.

[mcgillcomposer]

I think this is a great idea in theory, but often the problems that need to be solved are technical and are best explained in person (hands-on experience). Even when the issue is musicality, often a more appropriate phrasing or articulation can be achieved using a slightly different physical technique.

This said, it wouldn't be a complete waste if this were to go forward; I am sure a lot could be learned, even over the internet.

[pianistimo]

most teachers get paid.  why would they suddenly do it for free?  but, if anyone answers this - hey, we get some freebees.  i never turn those down.  i would surely finish up the chopin etude opus 10 #1 in a hurry if i knew i could get some help.  sometimes good help comes from peers, too. 

from my experience - the teachers that i have known have been somewhat specialized in the composers that they particularly liked.  so, if you know what the teacher has played and taught a lot of - then you get the best advice.  for composers that they are less familiar with - more generic stuff.  even that is very good - with very competent teachers - as they usually have attended workshops and heard others playing the piece or know more information than the average piano teacher on the subject.

using a digital is much different than an acoustic.  for the best lessons - you would be dealing with touch, pedalling technique, sound, interpretation, etc.  so this is not really possible with an mp3 type recording as much.  perhaps the best 'lesson' would be to buy some of jonathan powell's recordings - and the others mentioned - and just listen. 

[iumonito]

Hi Susan,

People get paid if they need to, want to and find someone is willing to pay them.  A whole lot of teaching is done for free and here goes an example: go ahead and finish your Chopin etude, post a recording in the audition room.  I will post you a lesson.  Then you can go back, try the suggestions out, post again, and we will do that for as long as you have interest.

I was thinking of someone better than me to give the first masterclass, but I do have something to contribute, so if you want it, you can have your freeby.

[pianistimo]

ok.  it's a deal.  *must practice again.  a lot of stuff has been going on.  it's terrible - but i get three pages and then stop for 2 weeks again.  my hubby is on a buisness trip and i'm doing vanpooling to the swimming pool, volleyball, occasional trips to the community college, teaching the youngest to read, and cleaning up a neverending pile of things.  on top of that we have company coming on friday (about 6 people) so i have to think about what to serve.  and then, two more around the fourth of july. 

how about i post the day after fourth of july?  kind of a natural let-down.  i'll attempt to practice in-between all the goings on. 

i'm anxious to find out how my piano teacher's baby is too.  he's supposed to have one mid-july.  well, not him - his wife.  that'll fix him.  but, on the other hand - he may want to get away from the crying and so if i practice a lot at west chester - he might walk by and give some more free advice, too.  i could trade it for baby-advice.  imo, bartering is the way to go if you don't want to spend money.