I'm fortunate to be working with five adult students who love the piano and its repertoire. Their enthusiasm is at high volume--keeping the live wire connection between student and teacher bristling with energy. Regardless of busy work schedules, they still manage to connect with the piano often enough to make lessons worthwhile. I met Michael,… Continue reading Profile of a courageous adult piano student (with a video out-take)
Category: Impressionist Music
A Piano Lesson in progress: Debussy Arabesque No. 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv1WpPXSQx8 Students find it helpful to revisit parts of their lessons on video. They can pinpoint ways of practicing in baby steps by separating hands, parceling out voices, and shaping phrases. Yesterday, an adult student and I worked on the first section of the Debussy "Arabesque," No. 1, and focused most of our attention on… Continue reading A Piano Lesson in progress: Debussy Arabesque No. 1
Debussy Arabesque no. 1 (with some new ideas)–Video
I think what's very telling, is revisiting a videotape of yourself playing a composition a few days after you post it. For me, at least, I know what my response will be, and it's 90% likely I will end up re-doing. The beauty of the video camera, (for some it's a curse) is that it's… Continue reading Debussy Arabesque no. 1 (with some new ideas)–Video
Aiden Cat Dozes off to Debussy (Video)
Looks like Aiden was out like a light... except for 2 well-timed ear twitches ... otherwise, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Arabesque no. 1 Played on my Haddorff console piano (manuf. 1951) a real musical treasure with divine resonance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0QF8ahBJ88 Aiden's awake-time pics: RELATED: A Purrr-fect Musical Match Made in Heaven http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyY3XSl5Wuc Aiden Cat Joins Ilyana, 8, at the… Continue reading Aiden Cat Dozes off to Debussy (Video)
Piano Instruction: Debussy Arabesque No. 1 (Video)–and playing through the whole composition
I first came to know this piece when a fifth grader at P.S. 122 in the Bronx was selected to play it at our student assembly. The ebb and flowing beauty of this work was so poignant, that I stored it away in my memory until I was able to personally experience this composition years… Continue reading Piano Instruction: Debussy Arabesque No. 1 (Video)–and playing through the whole composition