2020 is not a year which we will remember fondly. It’s been extremely upsetting for us all to witness the demise of the ‘live’ performance what with the closing of theatres, concert halls, and many arts venues – and some will probably never re-open. Those of us who teach have been generally been fortunate, with…
Tag: Chamber Music
A Piano Course in Frome & Chamber Music in Tokyo
I’ve just returned from tutoring my yearly weekend piano course at Jackdaws Music Education Trust. It was a full course, with ten students, and it was one of the most enjoyable I have run at this renowned education establishment. We were able to utilise the smart new concert venue, which opened earlier this year, now…
The Primrose Piano Quartet record Brahms Piano Quartets
The Primrose Piano Quartet is widely regarded as one of the U.K.’s leading chamber ensembles. They are named after the great viola player William Primrose, and they enjoy a busy performing schedule worldwide, with regular appearances at London’s major concert halls. The ensemble’s most recent recording focuses on the complete piano quartets of Johannes Brahms….
The Manchester Music Festival Young Artists Programme 2018
One aspect of blogging that I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to highlight a variety of projects, festivals and young artist programmes. The Manchester Music Festival (MMF) Young Artists Programme is one such project. Now in its second year with American Artistic Director Adam Neiman at the helm, it offers a wonderful chance for students…
Manchester Music Festival Young Artists Program
Here’s a wonderful chance for young pianists and string players to attend a Summer course in Vermont (US) with an illustrious faculty and exciting performance opportunities. The Manchester Music Festival (MMF) Young Artists Program is a full scholarship, six-week intensive chamber music festival for string players and pianists, aged from 18 – 26. Occurring annually…
A Master class with Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Today’s post highlights an interesting chamber music master class given by French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. It was recorded live from the Daniel & Joanna S. Rose Studio at the Lincoln Center in New York on October 19th, 2015, and has been published by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The class features students from…
Listening and focusing
There are numerous considerations when playing the piano. Elements requiring attention include co-ordination, notes, fingering, rhythm, pedalling, colour, sound, and so on. The list is endless, and the success of all important technical and musical issues depends on how carefully we listen and focus on what we are doing. It’s too easy to play with closed ears, that is,…
Melanie Spanswick 