What's on your mind now?

[Bob]

[birba]

As i was reading that, i thought to myself "who the hell are they trying to kid?!" This is b-------!
And then i came to the end and had the biggest laugh ever!   

[Bob]

 

https://gawker.com/5988299/school-suspends-second-grader-for-eating-his-pop+tart-into-the-shape-of-a-gun

[Bob]

Know what this is?

[perprocrastinate]

I haven't practiced the piano for a week; I'm giving the ears of my household a break. Plus I needed a break, otherwise I would have died of frustration.

[j_menz]

If you only ever play silent instruments, do you actually have to practice?

[furtwaengler]

If you only ever play silent instruments, do you actually have to practice?

What's that think Ted practices on that you can adjust the tension? I'd love to have one of those, but an actual piano would probably be a better investment.

[dima_76557]

What's that think Ted practices on that you can adjust the tension? I'd love to have one of those, but an actual piano would probably be a better investment.

Here is a demonstration of that so-called Virgil Practice Clavier:

[This is not intended as a commercial for either ebay or anybody selling that type of stuff.]
P.S.: The "strengthening-the-fingers" part is misleading. The real benefit of this silent practice is that 1) you are forced to listen with your inner ear and that 2) no negative sound-movement feedback loop occurs (you know this feeling when you know how it should sound, but your body is "blocked" for some funny reason as soon as you hear the result of what you just did?). You could ask your piano technician to prepare a silent keyboard for you, which is just as good.

[ajspiano]

I've never played on a practice clavier of that type, but i do wonder about the "finger strength" thing..

suppose the device forces a much more efficient motion in order to depress the keys, so the illusion is strength but the reality is effective technique? atleast so far as the finger efficiency and arm support aspect..

[dima_76557]

I've never played on a practice clavier of that type, but i do wonder about the "finger strength" thing..

suppose the device forces a much more efficient motion in order to depress the keys, so the illusion is strength but the reality is effective technique? atleast so far as the finger efficiency and arm support aspect..

Yes, that may be the actual result, but the instructions coming with the device look much like 19th-Century marketing hype of the Hanon type.

P.S.: Arrau and virtually any pianist of note before him had such a silent keyboard, so it is certainly worth investigating. The difference with "silent practice" as it is often mentioned here on this forum is that you can physically do something to develop the skills needed to play. I cannot imagine, for example, how anybody could learn a Chopin etude well by simply  training the mind only.

[ajspiano]

Yes, that may be the actual result, but the instructions coming with the device look much like 19th-Century marketing hype of the Hanon type.

P.S.: Arrau and virtually any pianist of note before him had such a silent keyboard, so it is certainly worth investigating. The difference with "silent practice" as it is often mentioned here on this forum is that you can physically do something to develop the skills needed to play. I cannot imagine, for example, how anybody could learn a Chopin etude well by simply  training the mind only.

Interestingly, if you practice with hanon's instructions "lift the fingers high, play each note distinctly and with precision" ... BUT ... you do it with a free arm, and minimal use of the extensors, then the result is development of the taubman rotation and in/out movement principles...  (its also WAY easier on the brain than trying to comprehend and execute single/double rotation)

not that you have to play hanon's notes to do that mind you.. and I hardly would suggest anyone go doing it without experienced supervision.

But I rather wonder whether the damage that hanon has caused some people is much more to do with interpretation than his intentions..  I'd have to read up on his own history and more indepth instructions from him (if they exist).

how anybody could learn a Chopin etude well by simply  training the mind only.

plausible, but probably only for people who've already learnt all the chopin etudes.. so perhaps alternative material at that level provided the technical facility is there already..

[Bob]

*Bob contemplates the difference between an acoustic vs. digital silent piano.*

[oxy60]

*Bob contemplates the difference between an acoustic vs. digital silent piano.*

The acoustic isn't really silent...

[Bob]

I wonder how much they pay for an accompanist.

[ Invalid YouTube link ]


Doesn't look like it gives good cues or would be easy to work with.

[oxy60]

Hummingbirds! She built a nest right outside (1m) of our front door. The two eggs have hatched and the chicks are growing fast. You won't get this kind of education from a book.

[m1469]

Piano. 

[Bob]

I haven't run across that before.  Now we know how it's notated.  I notice the composer is looking for a tight, percussive sound here as opposed to a broad ringing sound.  You still have to be careful to have a good, resonant tone, even when it's short.

Would you have to tune that up before a performance?

I'd assume there would be some amount of practicing involved.  Always looking for good tone, in time, and in tune.  

Are there virtuosi out there?  Would you go study with someone who has mastered that technique?  Is there someone specializing in this out there?  Any concerti or etudes?

[Bob]

   *sigh*

Thank you Youtube.  There is some kind of concerto out there.  Haha.  I'm not posting the link.


And I've already seen/head it.  Haha.

[Bob]

Imagine this guy in an audience?  Or if the whole audience started doing that?

[perprocrastinate]

Brahms. I'm going to force myself to like his music even if it kills me.

[j_menz]

Brahms. I'm going to force myself to like his music even if it kills me.

And when it does, we'll have this played at your funeral:

[evitaevita]

Yesterday, I had a piano lesson. Then, my teacher, who veeeery rarely gives credits to anyone, commented on my playing (I played to him the whole programme of my forecoming exam) and his words were the most amazing I've ever heard... 

I really appreciate my teacher and what he says is always of great importance for me.

I just can't stop thinking about that!... 

[j_menz]

Why the iPad is teaching young brains to 'wallow in untruth' - PG language warning.

If only I hadn't read it on the internet. 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I saw my freaking ex 3 times today.  One when skating to the bank, once when skating home, and once when skating to the train station what the heck?!

Then while I was skating home from down town, some idiot couldn't keep is freaking dog on the leash and I was chased down a whole block.  I actually didn't notice until a car blew it's horn at the dog. 

Then while I was walking out of an alley a bird freaking flew in my face what the heck?!

Dude I got all 32 Beethoven sonatas, Helene Verlag Urtext edition for only 42 dollars!



Today was a crazy ass day...

[the_fervid_pig]

I keep happening across some sheet music entitled the Skaters waltz, have you heard it? I digress... dogs chase, it's what they do, whether you notice them or not. Birds are too obsessed with procreation this time of year to worry about whether you're hurriedly racing home to play Beethoven, which sounds like a nice find btw. I got half of them ABRSM for about a quid, but it's my line of country, there'd be something wrong if I didn't.... I'm keeping that one. there's too many keepers really. My life is charity shops and auctions.

maybe you're being stalked?

all my days are like this. I wish, most of them are dull and uneventful. But it's the o/h birthday,I got him some brandy and there we are back to the dog theme, I'm a bit of a St. Bernard I suppose.

[oxy60]

I keep happening across some sheet music entitled the Skaters waltz, have you heard it? I digress... dogs chase, it's what they do, whether you notice them or not. Birds are too obsessed with procreation this time of year to worry about whether you're hurriedly racing home to play Beethoven, which sounds like a nice find btw. I got half of them ABRSM for about a quid, but it's my line of country, there'd be something wrong if I didn't.... I'm keeping that one. there's too many keepers really. My life is charity shops and auctions.

maybe you're being stalked?

all my days are like this. I wish, most of them are dull and uneventful. But it's the o/h birthday,I got him some brandy and there we are back to the dog theme, I'm a bit of a St. Bernard I suppose.

You need to create a superhero to hang out with...

[the_fervid_pig]

I think my days of hanging out, with invented superheros or anyone else, are sadly long past. The closest I get is a look of vague recognition from the woman at the Post Office counter.

[Bob]

https://cheezburger.com/7549503232

[oxy60]

I think my days of hanging out, with invented superheros or anyone else, are sadly long past. The closest I get is a look of vague recognition from the woman at the Post Office counter.

That's terrible. It sounds mighty lonely out there.

Here we have the opposite. An eternal quest for peace and quiet.

Now if we could just get a blend of the two...

[perprocrastinate]

It irks me how some pianists' websites have a gigantic gleaming picture of them smiling right at you. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

[j_menz]

It irks me how some pianists' websites have a gigantic gleaming picture of them smiling right at you. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

LOL, there are worse things they could be doing:



Creeeeeeeeepy!

[outin]

LOL, there are worse things they could be doing:



Creeeeeeeeepy!

Cute...It looks like someone's trying to drag him away from the piano...like anyone would

[the_fervid_pig]

That's terrible. It sounds mighty lonely out there.

Here we have the opposite. An eternal quest for peace and quiet.

Now if we could just get a blend of the two...

If you ever do let me know!

[the_fervid_pig]

LOL, there are worse things they could be doing:



Creeeeeeeeepy!

Am I the only one with an uncontrollable urge to remove the lid support?

[outin]

Am I the only one with an uncontrollable urge to remove the lid support?

On one of my favorite pianists? Shame on you! 

[the_fervid_pig]

I think the individual is irrelevant, not sure, or maybe it's that face, but I think it's more a "Wet Paint" moment, you know that feeling you get when you see a sign that says wet paint and you have to touch it? Or when someone bends over, the urge you get to kick them up the arse, no malice, it's just something insuppressible.

[perprocrastinate]

I have no idea how to dress when attending a classical concert. Help?

[the_fervid_pig]

I have no idea how to dress when attending a classical concert. Help?

My first thought was birthday suit, but I'm not sure that's appropriate. Are you male or female? It might be relevant.

[oxy60]

I have no idea how to dress when attending a classical concert. Help?

How old are you? Do you live with your parents? Big city or small town and big hall vs school recital room make a difference. Plus hot weather or cold and whether the hall is acclimatised also should be taken into consideration.

If you want a serious answer you need to tell us more...

[perprocrastinate]

How old are you? Do you live with your parents? Big city or small town and big hall vs school recital room make a difference. Plus hot weather or cold and whether the hall is acclimatised also should be taken into consideration.

If you want a serious answer you need to tell us more...

Alright then.

Respective to the order of your questions: Sixteen; yes; outdoor concert in Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl; it's at 8 in the evening, so I guess the temperature would be in the low sixties (Fahrenheit)

[oxy60]

Alright then.

Respective to the order of your questions: Sixteen; yes; outdoor concert in Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl; it's at 8 in the evening, so I guess the temperature would be in the low sixties (Fahrenheit)

Oh, that's easy. Elegant casual and bring a sweater. Most of the women will be wearing jeans with festive tops. There is a vile wind through that canyon. Parking will be a challenge.

I've performed there several times. For us the acoustics were a killer. Now with the ear phone monitors it should be better.

#1 rule: relax and enjoy yourself. Let us know how you liked it and what you saw.

[Bob]

[j_menz]

I have no idea how to dress when attending a classical concert. Help?

Comfortably.

[oxy60]

Comfortably.

The concert in question is not from hick-ville. The orchestra is the summer version of the Los Angeles Philharmonic wearing white dinner jackets in one of the most well known historic venues in the world!

While everybody would really like to dress up, the reality of the cold wind down that canyon modifies the desire.

Up in back on cheapskate hill you may dress as you please because you will be sitting on the ground or climbing a tree for a better view!

[j_menz]

The concert in question is not from hick-ville. The orchestra is the summer version of the Los Angeles Philharmonic wearing white dinner jackets in one of the most well known historic venues in the world!

While everybody would really like to dress up, the reality of the cold wind down that canyon modifies the desire.

Up in back on cheapskate hill you may dress as you please because you will be sitting on the ground or climbing a tree for a better view!

I'm not sure why you think "comfortably" implies sloppiness.

[oxy60]

I'm not sure why you think "comfortably" implies sloppiness.

It does not, however it also implies nothing. We all always dress "comfortably." Why would we choose differently?

The poster wanted some specific guidance. Out of respect for each other we should do our best to answer what was asked. 

[j_menz]

It does not, however it also implies nothing. We all always dress "comfortably." Why would we choose differently?

You clearly need to go out more. Many people wear clothes etc that are not comfortable at all for fashion statement reasons.  Too many or too few for the prevailing weather, or simply too tight/loose/misshapen. I merely opined that comfort should be a consideration when dressing for a concert. It aids the enjoyment.

[the_fervid_pig]

Indeed, no one wears stilettos and suspenders because they're comfy.

[outin]

Vacation

Almost a week since I had to go to work and apart from the renovation work (which is quite fun) I have had no other commitments except for the piano. What a difference it makes to be able to practice with a clear stress free mind and no time restrictions... My  memory is working much better and I can play the pieces all the way through and actually enjoy playing them and concentrate on listening. The hands work much better also... I'll probably learn more in this 3 weeks than I was able to do the whole spring.

I've also been doing quite a lot of sight reading, trying to find nice pieces to take to my teacher in August. Seems I'll end up with far too many...

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I haven't had that much fun skating in a long time.

Got a new board, learned a couple new tricks, and got some freaking photography in!  I slammed pretty hard and kinda bloodied up my hands a bit, but it was worth it.  As long as my fingers are okay...