Welcome to the tonebase Piano Community!

Hey everyone - this is Dominic from tonebase šŸ™‚!

 

As the lead of tonebase PIANO it's such a pleasure to welcome you to the tonebase community. We would love to get to know you! Please introduce yourself in a post below with the following format: 

  • Where are you from and what's your favorite food from there? ;) 
  • What are you currently working on? 
  • What are you hoping to get out of this community? 

I'll go first: 

  • I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and you better believe that I love my barbecue! It is hard to pick my favorite food between ribs, brisket, or a beautiful grilled steak, but if I have to decide...nothing beats a juicy, fall-off-the-bone rack of baby back ribs!
  • Currently working on some old favorites of mine by Carl Vine (Piano Sonata No.1), Beethoven (Piano Concerto No.4) and Scriabin (Fantasy op.28) but also adding some great repertoire by H. Leslie Adams (Etude in A-flat minor Book 2), Laura Kaminsky (Alluvion), and Clara Schumann (Romanze in A minor Op.21 no.1)!
  • I am hoping to getting to know and helping all of you achieve your musical and artistic goals. Let's have some fun and get to work!

Now over to you (after some participation from our tonebase team members!) 

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    • Sue Althouse
    • Independent Private Piano Instructor
    • Sue_Althouse
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello, my name is Sue and I live in Ohio, and I have no idea what "Ohio food" would be. Probably something from a food truck. And buckeyes, of course.

    Last summer, I revisited the Debussy Preludes, reviewing the half dozen or so I learned previously and added a couple more to my repertoire. I am currently just playing music of the holiday season. I've had a busy fall as a piano teacher so my daily practice has suffered. So I am here for inspiration, accountability, encouragement and community! 

    Like
    • Firoze
    • Firoze
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi, my name is Firoze. Iā€™ve lived most of my life in the suburbs of Washington, DC. My favorite food from here is, without a doubt, blue crabs.

    I started piano as my covid lockdown idea/challenge (in 2020) since my long DC area commute was no longer and so I had extra time. Iā€™ve really enjoyed it and have worked a lot at this since then. Iā€m still a beginner of course, and have learned what Iā€™ve learned from online sources. Iā€™ve come to learn that I enjoy to play classical music more than anything.

    Iā€™m currently working on the first movement of Moonlight Sonata. And refining Ivan Sings (Khatchaturian), Waltz in Am (ph) (Chopin) and Prelude in Em (Chopin). 

    In 2023, I would like to learn La fille aux cheveux de lin, but I havenā€™t played one note of it yet.

    Iā€™ve been extremely impressed with the free videos from Tonebase, and I think I would benefit from a community with a classical focus. So Iā€™m excited to add this membership to my 2023 plans.

    Like
    • Judith
    • Judith
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Greeting from Alaska!

     

    Where are you from and what's your favorite food from there? ;) 

    I have lived in Juneau, Alaska for a long time now - although I enjoyed some time in Nashville and the Chicago area.  Fresh Alaska salmon is the best!  My background - played some until I was 18 (typical American teen), then totally stopped (went to a new teacher who said my technique was so bad, that I had to totally start over and he said I couldn't...).  Got married, kids, computer degrees, profession (professional services firm), traveled extensively.  When I was 55, my daughter told me to do something to ward off Alzheimer's (ha) - and why don't I play that piano that we've been dragging around forever.  So I started.  When I finally retired, I got more serious.   I'll be turning 70 next year and still playing.  Really, really missed it.  Play sometimes in church, Christmas tunes, etc.  Did play a couple of recitals here, but performance anxiety (still doubting my skills) - is awful.  Denise said white screen in the brain - gosh, someone else has that!  Nice to know I'm not alone.  I'm better now, but still fear it.  Saw Seymour Bernstein's YouTube and then watched the movie.  So inspired to see him at that age.  A real treasure.

     

    What are you currently working on? 

    Chopin Barcarolle (my forever piece - as it will take me that long to play it well); Debussy Jardins Sous La Pluie, and Pagodes (right now); playing some others to keep them up a bit.  But a bit lost on where to go from here.

     

    What are you hoping to get out of this community? 

    Just a group to give me ideas on where to go from here, what to try next.  I'm homeschooling two grandsons (12 and 10) and the younger one especially good at classical music on piano.  Would like to know more about how to keep that going.  The older one is starting ukulele now, loves to sing and he also plays piano (although the most gruesome - on purpose - Moonlight sonata ever).  The younger one - well, loves the first Bach Prelude, Mozart Sonata in C, Shubert, etc. Love to watch them as they memorize so easily (and it is so very hard at my age).

    Like 2
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Judith Hi Judith! Here I am, too. I graduated in my home country (Venezuela)  travelled to London and got a Performance Diploma. Gave recitals, played 3 times with orchestra. Then got married, children and life. Gave up the practice for a long time and now I'm back. I love practicing and I do feel tonebase can give us the energy to organize ourselves and feel in command of our fingers, memory, technique and the lot. Months ago I had chosen pieces that I loved but seemed demanding for my lack of training at that moment, now I'm working on Bach's French Suite No 6 in E Major, Chopin Etude No 9 Op. 10 in F minor (to make my left hand do some hard work)

      I've also chosen Mozart Sonata K 332 in F Major and Debussy's Arabesque No 1. I've read a lot about the dreaded german word (alzheimer) and have come to the conclusion that it's better to stay only with the good news about it, because there is good news!

      Working among friends can help us to set fear aside!  

      Like 1
      • Judith
      • Judith
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Mariela so jealous that you had the experience of playing with an orchestra. Alas too late for me. But I love Debussy and the Arabesque is lovely!  Yes. Keeping sharp is so important and I love that music gives us that. Thanks for your comment!

      Like 1
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Judith Hi Judith! Well, let's keep in touch and share our experiences and developments. I want to attend the community meeting today at11 am and seem to have lost the link, could you forwrd it to me? Thank you.

      Like 1
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Judith Thanks a lot Judith! Unfortunately, that link takes me to the tonebase plan promotion (???) If you attend, tell Chriss I wanted very much to attend and wasn't able to do it. Let's keep in touch, learn everything so we can send videos of our playing to each other...

      Like 1
      • Judith
      • Judith
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Mariela Sorry - my fault. There's a page for Live Streams: https://piano-community.tonebase.co/category/live-calendar and the link to the class is there...but others will always be there.

      Like
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Judith Thanks again! I click on the link and it takes me to https://app.tonebase.co/piano/upgrade?tbModal=upgradeModal

      Like
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 11 mths ago
      • Reported - view

      Mariela Hi Judith! You were so helpful when this crazy confusion happened 2 months ago. Thak you again! How are you doing?

      Like
    • Ovidio Molina
    • Software Engineer
    • Ovidio_Molina
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello, I am Ovidio Molina. I've just joined the Tonebase community.

     

    - born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. We have a tradition for barbecuing that is learned from generation to generation.

    - I'm currently working on Liebestraum No 3 by Liszt. I'm trying to figure out the last cadenza, and learn the last part of the song.  Fortunately, I've noticed there's a course for Liebestraum on Tonebase so I hope to get some guidance into how to play it best.

    - from the community I'd like to know what others are working on and I like sharing my progress on pieces I am working on.  Also share tips or experience about approaching any given piece I may be working on.

    Like 1
  • Hi all

    I am happy that I came across Tonebase while watching a YouTube video recorded by the amazing Seymour Bernstein. 

    • Where are you from and what's your favorite food from there?
      I live in Wales, UK and my favourite food from here is fish and chips (of course)
    • What are you currently working on?
      I have been playing (actually messing around with) the piano for 57 years - self-taught hasnā€™t worked out brilliantly for meā€¦ I have been having one lesson per week with an excellent contemporary/jazz pianist for the last couple of years and I realise how far I have to go to get close to where I want to be. I play for two to three hours each day and I am currently working on composing in the late-Baroque style. I adore the works of JS Bach and LV Beethoven and when I am able to correctly use the rules of counterpoint in my compositions I will be a happy person.
    • What are you hoping to get out of this community?
      Inspiration, education, and finding out why I want to play the piano anyway. Honestly, I donā€™t know why I do it.
    Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 10 mths ago
      • Reported - view

      Ken Radford Welcome, Ken!  Can't wait to hear you when you submit a video.  Maybe try the current Bach "mini challenge"?

      Like
  • Hi I am 9 years Old, I live In Island of Bali, Indonesia. My favorite food is Soto Ayam, spicy Chicken soup. Am I the Youngest In Tonebase plz let me know if there Is other Childrenā€™s that is my age?

    I am working on Six Moments musicaux, Op.16, No. 4 (Rachmaninoff), 

    Skylark by Glinka, Sonata No. 4 by Bach.

    I am expecting teachers from Tonebase can help me to improve those repertoire that I am still studying. 

    Please let me know If one of you guys come to Bali.šŸ˜‰ I will take you to my favorite Beach.
     

    Like 3
      • Judith
      • Judith
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Amenangi Wawo Runtu hi from Alaska. It is much colder here!  Obviously!  Iā€™m a member but my grandson is 10 and he watches too. You are further than he is. But he is doing Bachā€™s first Prelude from the well-tempered Clavichord book, Mozart's Sonata in C and Moments musicaux #3 but Schubert not Rachmaninov.  Keep playing!  It is so much fun. 

      Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 10 mths ago
      • Reported - view

      Amenangi Wawo Runtu Welcome, Amenagi!  We can't wait to hear you play in a video.  You are doing some lovely pieces.  I bet you are definitely among the youngest members of Tonebase.

      Like
  • G'day,

     

    I'm Mick from Geelong, Australia - originally from London England but emigrated to Geelong 11 years ago with my family.  Just about to turn 60 and newly retired.

    Favourite food - curry

    Musical background - I had piano lessons from the age 11 to 14 but stopped to concentrate on French horn and subsequently trumpet (Grade VIII).  Stopped playing trumpet around age 21 and then had various periods of intermittent piano playing over the next 38 years which can only be described as ill-disciplined, un-focussed attempts to play virtuoso repertoire without any kind of technical foundation or appreciation of the art of piano playing.  Ended up being able to play "excerpts" from pieces, but nothing that could remotely be called "complete".  Finally realised that, having now retired, I had the time to go back to basics and focus on a proper structured practice routine that might actually lead to being able to play at least to a competent intermediate standard.  Having played for the last 15 years on a Yamaha Clavinova, and becoming frustrated with the limitations of the action and sound, I've managed to acquire a very nice second-hand Kawai Kf-1 5ft 5" grand piano.

    I self-assessed my level as between 4 and 5 so I am starting with some level 4 pieces first.

    Currently working on Beethoven Sonatina in G; Morning Prayer from Tchaikovsky's Album for the Young; various pieces from Schumann's Album fur die Jugend, and the Clementi Sonatina in C.

    I am hoping that this community can give me the motivation and knowledge to acquire a good technical foundation and the confidence to tackle some challenging repertoire in order to find out whether I really can play the piano or not!

    Like 1
      • Judith
      • Judith
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Mick Winsor greetings from Alaska!  My experience was much like yours. I started back after retirement and have been at it about 8 years pretty seriously now,  hang in there. I love that this is something I can do as I age!  I bought a Schimmel grand as my retirement present and never regretted it. I have such gaps in my learningā€”like theory and not at all good at scales. But time is short, and thereā€™s a lot of music, so I donā€™t worry too much. šŸ™‚

      Like 1
    • Mariela
    • Mariela
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. There are many delicious traditional dishes in Venezuela so it is difficult to choose just one. In South America we prepare many dishes based on corn. Our traditional bread is called arepa and you can choose the filling from any thing you like. It's delicious and versatile.

    Slowly, picking up the practice rythm. I definitely want to learn (work in progress) Bach's French Suite No 6. Today I was looking at some Chopin Etudes and choose No 9 Opus 10 in F minor to push my left hand to play more difficult things. and Mozart K 332 in F Major. I would also like to learn a Schubert sonata. Starting last year, I began to write down my own pieces based on traditional Venezuelan rythms. Very often I find myself thinking, should I practice or write this melody? Anyway, we'll see.

    I enjoy the process of learning, of revisiting what I already know and using it with confidence, filling the gaps in theory and harmony (for instance) and exploring new paths with new repertoire. Let me add that I would also like to be sure of my musical abilities and choose the repertoire that would go along with it.  

    Like 2
      • Adriana LĆ³pez
      • Concertist in the making
      • Adriana_Lopez
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Mariela wow! So great to meet you! I admire that you can play and compose! Iā€™ve always wanted to compose butā€¦ I never feel good with it. 
       

      What type of folklore music are you basing your composition on? 

      Like 2
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Adriana LĆ³pez Hi Adriana, I was born in Caracas, Venezuela (and you?) Like in all Latinoamerican countries, our traditional folk music is very rich and beautiful. The first melody that I heard in my mind was a waltz with the traditional syncopated rhythm of Venezuelan waltzes. I have composed a few more pieces, the last one is a bit more complex and it is still in progress. What I'm finding now is some difficulty in how to share my time between practicing piano and have a look at my own pieces and try new melodies. But, I decided to let it flow. I still haven't composed a "joropo" for piano and I love to do it. Joropo is our iconic folk rhythm, very beautiful. Tell me about you, what are you playing now. Who is your favourite composer? Thanks for your approach.

      Like 1
    • Adriana LĆ³pez
    • Concertist in the making
    • Adriana_Lopez
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Dominic Chelieveryone!!! 
     

    So happy to be here and excited to learn from this community. 
     

    Iā€™m from Mexico City. Needless to say that Mexican food is the best ;) (probably pair with Italian or Argentinian). I love lots of dishes so picking one is hard butā€¦ Iā€™ll go with sopes (always have good memories with them, specially with my grandma making them. Un MANJAR!!! šŸ˜‹). 

    My journey in music has been very constant. I started playing since I was 4. Stopped playing for 4 years and now, just returning into it. It has always been my passion.
     

    Currently Iā€™m working in the Etude op.10 no.4 of Chopin, Etude op.2, no.4 of Prokofiev, Sonata op.111 Beethoven, Concerto no.2 of Saint SaĆ«ns, Prelude et Fugue of Cesar Franck and many moreā€¦ Iā€™m preparing for piano competitions (which I already participated in 2 this year :D) and just building my name as a piano concertist.

     

    From this community, I want to keep learning and growing my artistic background. I want to learn also from the people participating here, make some friends :) and just have fun!! 
     

    Iā€™m so happy to be a part of a community like this one!! Thank you! 

    Like 2
      • Mariela
      • Mariela
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Adriana LĆ³pez Hi Adriana! That's a great repertoire you re working on, I love Franck's Prelude , Choral and Fugue. I've played Beethoven's 109. Are you living in Mexico or in the US. How is your teacher. I agree, I also want to have fun!

      Like 2
      • Adriana LĆ³pez
      • Concertist in the making
      • Adriana_Lopez
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Hi Mariela  !!

      Right now, I'm in Mexico City but I tend to move a lot. Where are you from? 

      OMG!! I love the Prelude, Choral and Fugue also!! Have you played? I think Cesar Franck is an amazing composer!! It always gets me! 

      Beethoven sonata 109... Pretty challenging but great piece. Maybe we should do a concert together plating this sonatas and someone else to play 110 :) (then we can invite our teachers).

      My teacher is great. He's from Poland but he leaves in Mexico City. His name is Radoslaw Materka. And you? 

      Like 1
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