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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All good advice. I would add that boning up on the composer and analytical aspects of the piece you choose is also helpful. In one Masterclass, I was asked about when the piece was written, the composer’s life and other works and a bit of context behind the piece. Enjoy! This is a great opportunity to perform and get some coaching.
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Tanya Thanks! I'll be playing Chopin and have pretty good passing knowledge of his history and style, but this is a good excuse to learn more!
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Nina BR You’re all set then. In the Masterclass I was referring to, I was playing a Schubert Impromptu. “It’s Schubert, not Schumann” was the biggest feedback I received, which led to history, styles, other works discussion.
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Tanya LOL! Too funny. Which Impromptu was it? I did the E-flat with my old teacher ... I think it was Op. 90, No. 2, maybe? Lots of scale passagework.
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Nina BR Op 90 No 4 in A flat major. That middle section led to this discussion. And frankly, it still sounds to me more like Schumann.
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Tanya I want to learn Op. 90, No. 3 -- I think it's in Gb major, but I can't remember. So beautiful.
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Nina BR It is indeed. And there are world class different interpretations of it, Horowitz vs Krystian Zimerman. Zimerman has a recording of all Schubert Impromptus. His interpretation of Op 90 No 4 is the best I’ve ever heard. No Schumann there
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Tanya Yes! I love Zimerman's recordings! I also love the Horowitz No. 3 on YouTube -- it amazes me how his hands barely seem to move.
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Hi Nina,
My last 2 cents: If you have a teacher already, that is great. if you are working on your own, I would consult a reputable teacher who knows the analysis such as harmony and counter points , the whole structure of the piece , because this is what you will base your natural phrasing on, or at least play to someone whose opinions you value. The more you play in front of an audience, the better to get some of the kinks out of the way. It does not have to be a block buster, every worthwhile piece can be played like a master piece! Have a great time!
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priscillayam Thank you! I taught the piece to myself, but I've been meeting with a teacher for about a half-hour every couple of weeks to get feedback on things I'm working on. But I'm going to reach out to my piano teacher from a few years ago (before we moved), who is the one who catapulted me from late intermediate to advanced. I'm hoping she'll be willing/able to meet with me a few times for a few high-intensity lessons leading up to this.
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The PianoTexas masterclasses are bing streamed live this week: You can get your fill of watching teachers and amateurs struggle through masterclasses. Here is the current one:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Kbuxr8iyFWw?si=F1cZLbetwUKYeq6f
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Sam Smith Sam, we definitely need to go next year with Utako & Micheal! The concerto component was great also.
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Gail Starr They are both playing in a streaming concert tonight - 7:30 Texas time - set an alarm.
I would go to PianoTexas, except I am pretty sure you have to audition. And I'm not sure I am into that much stress anymore. But I could go as an observer.
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Sam Smith I would seriously consider going as an observer!
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Sam Smith I’ll definitely watch their recital this evening!
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Sam Smith Thanks for the link! I had no idea this was going on. Will definitely check it out today!
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Hello Nina,
if your score is not heavily marked, it is Okay although it is customary to have one, digital or hard copy for the coach. Henle Utext could be very expensive if the single work you are playing is not available, and you need to buy the whole volume. You can send it digitally to the coach or organizer ahead of time.
Is the piece you are proposing available on Tone Base? I have gone through many pieces of work i play which have been taught on Tone Base in great depth, that will really help!
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priscillayam I think you can use some of your credits on Henle to buy individual pieces?
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priscillayam There is no lesson on it, that I know of (Chopin Op. 55, No. 1), but there are a few on YouTube.
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That is great you found some on Youtube. Also there is one analysis I found on youtube which may help.
What Gail said is correct. Any Hemle you bought, the digital download is free. There are also a lot of single sheet music on this piece you may be able to buy and text copy for the coach to write on.
