George Winston's Variations on the Kanon by Pachelbel

[carrie10]

One of my students is currently working on Winston's Kanon, and is struggling with the left hand eighth notes beginning on page 3.  We've tried several different things (e.g., eliminating the octave intervals on beats 1 & 3), but nothing has proved successful thus far.  She especially fumbles on the 'upbeat' eighth notes, when she's playing sixteenth notes in the right hand.  Any suggestions?  I welcome any help!

[mr_james]

I've played that piece and except for one section mid-way, found it rather bland. There are better modern arrangements without all the New Age repetetive 16ths. Try Nancy Faber's Canon, sold by PianoAdventures.com or HalLeonard.com. It's listed in the jazz genre, but it's really pop. I've played it several times at weddings--very rhythmic and has a few opportunities for showing off if played at the right tempo.

James

[carrie10]

I agree with some of what was said, but my student has her heart set on this particular arrangement.  Any suggestions regarding the technical questions I posed?  Thanks!

[mr_james]

Well, there are many factors. How old is she? Are her hands big enough to cross over to keep the LH phrase legato. Is she using pedal? Have you worked out finderings for her left hand? Has she slowed it way down and worked at it methodically with a metronome? It's hard to know what advice to give without knowing her level.

James
https://www.jamesmusicstudio.com

[carrie10]

This particular student is late-intermediate level (age 14).  We've done some metronome work, but it's hard to say if she is continuing that on her own (I've strongly encouraged her to use if for the tremolo section as well, which she also struggles with).  Fingerings have been worked out.  I'm not sure what is meant by her hand crossing over to maintain the legato style?  Thank you for your responses!  I've appreciated your feedback!