Preparing for a Master Class
I have been invited to participate in a master class with a concert pianist who will be performing with the local symphony orchestra this fall. I've never done anything like this before -- I am a middle-aged amateur pianist with no music degree and no performing experience outside of playing for nursing homes and occasionally filling in at church. My understanding is that there a few students participating, and I will be the only adult (the other two are teenagers), though we are all at about a Level 7/8.
I don't want to make a fool of myself and was wondering if people here could give me some tips on preparing. Thanks!
Update: The piece I'll be playing is Chopin's Nocturne in F minor (Op. 55, No. 1).
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I would prepare for a masterclass exactly as if you are preparing for a performance. It is also good to make sure you can play from any section in the piece you are performing because you should expect to be stopped and asked to play from any part. Just relax and be sure that it is a welcoming environment that learning is the only core value that is shared in masterclasses. It is not a competition or a concert but it is a collaborative learning experience for all pianists participating.
Playing in a masterclass is a fantastic opportunity to perform and to get valuable feedback from a fresh perspective of another professional pianist who would have other view than the feedback you get from your teacher. Best of luck on that !
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I wish I could be so lucky to be invited to one. I am a 70yo very much amateur about level 7/8 but I only have myself to play to. I’m am too embarrassed to participate in the tonebase performances. With the result I learn a piece, move on to the next and forget all the repertoire that I’ve learnt before. So I am permanently in a learning phase. I don’t have a formula to build up a repertoire I could rely on if ever called up to do so.
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Playing in a masterclass is a real act of generosity towards the other attendees. They will all benefit from sharing in your learning without having to take the risks and be vulnerable. You’re the brave one and you’ve chosen to do this. Good on you!! Maybe there are particular aspects of the piece you’d like feedback on? If so you can direct the ‘master’ towards those. It may also be useful to remember that the tutor is also having to perform under pressure. His or her response to your performance will be assessed for skill both in piano pedagogy but also their ability to get alongside you and offer constructive feedback of a level that is useful to you right now at the level you are at. I hope it’s a really positive experience for you and wish you all the best.
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Khalid and the other members are right on. Just play something you are comfortable with and practice dropping the needle ( be able to start anywhere in the score). Remember this is for improvement solely. I always have the score in front of me . The coach will refer to all those details etc. and a good score (Utext) is our blueprint. Good luck, and please let us know how it goes.