Wednesday 29 February 2012
Friday 24 February 2012
Best Concert of the Festival!! Don't miss it!! (Kiwanis, St John's, NL)
Did you know that you are missing the BEST concert of the festival?
On Monday, February 27 at 11:10 a.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, Adams Avenue, the top junior pianists of the festival, and in the city, will play a selection of 2 pieces.
This performance enables the adjudicator to determine the junior piano entrant for the Junior Rose Bowl.
rowsellpiano congratulates 2 competitors in this play off, Meghan White, and, Sarah Veber, both first place winners in their concert group classes.
In my opinion, some of the finest playing of the festival happens at this play off.
Well worth your Monday morning to go and enjoy the music!
On Monday, February 27 at 11:10 a.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, Adams Avenue, the top junior pianists of the festival, and in the city, will play a selection of 2 pieces.
This performance enables the adjudicator to determine the junior piano entrant for the Junior Rose Bowl.
rowsellpiano congratulates 2 competitors in this play off, Meghan White, and, Sarah Veber, both first place winners in their concert group classes.
In my opinion, some of the finest playing of the festival happens at this play off.
Well worth your Monday morning to go and enjoy the music!
Sunday 19 February 2012
KIWANIS MUSIC FESTIVAL ST JOHN'S PROGRAMME AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK
http://www.kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/fest2012part1.pdf 1
http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/fest2012part2.pdf
click above for the 2012 festival program
http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/main.html
click here for the main page of the festival
http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/fest2012part2.pdf
click above for the 2012 festival program
http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/main.html
click here for the main page of the festival
Thursday 16 February 2012
WHAT MAKES A GREAT PERFORMANCE?
I love questions, as those of you who know me well realize, so, I will start with a question.
What makes a great performance?
So many ingredients combine to result in the performance of a lifetime, which I think every performance should be.
Begin with careful learning, avoiding error in the basics of notes, rhythm, and fingering. Treat every practice session of your work as if you are handling a rare and valuable object.
With a strong idea of "this is my ideal performance" in your head, (hint: do lots of listening, to many varied performances of), move gradually to animate every nuance, shape, and musical detail.
You are what you practice. Period. Whatever you do in the practice room is exactly what you will portray on stage. That is, give or take a certain spontaniety coupled with that extra spark we hope for, generated by a well prepared, confident performer and, the excitement of being on stage.
As a student, I was fascinated to gather ideas of opposition. One school felt that the technique led to the music, the other felt that the music led to the technique.
I feel the connection is circular. All technical motions should give rise to compatible musical suggestions, and vice versa. Technique and musicianship are inseparable. Remember that the gesture you make physically should produce the desired musical result. If it doesn't, find another gesture that does.
Take time to step into the shoes of the composer, to know his stylistic considerations, to imagine his motivation to write the piece you are learning and, the meaning behind the piece, his composition.
Decide on the location of peaks and valleys within your chosen selection. Know at all times the path on which your performance is traveling, to outline climactic moments. Keep the large picture in mind to effect cohesion.
Aim for clear realization of shape, dynamic, tempi, tone, balance, voicing, touch, and, blend with mood, color, meaning, personal expression, and total involvement.
Exaggerate all details of dynamic, expression, and emotion, as appropriate for the stage.
Remember always that you are merely the vehicle with which the composer may express his music.
If you have paid diligent dues in working out every detail with the precision of a brain surgeon, and, are confident that you are prepared, then, you will give the performance of a lifetime.
A good night's sleep, good food for energy, and, a slow warm up (with a save it for the stage attitude) will allow you the freedom to lose yourself in the music. Pour yourself into your performance, and return to reality through the thunderous applause you will surely attract.
One more thought; "wabi- sabi". Wabi -sabi is a Zen esthetic that honors that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.
With wabi sabi you are free to not be perfect, thus unleashing your ability to let go and express.
Performing is really all about conviction. No matter what happens onstage, a convincing performance is the ultimate goal. Do your thing, and do it your way.
Best of luck to all !
Sally Rowsell rowsellpiano
c. 2012, content or any part of not to be used or copied without the author's permission.
What makes a great performance?
So many ingredients combine to result in the performance of a lifetime, which I think every performance should be.
Begin with careful learning, avoiding error in the basics of notes, rhythm, and fingering. Treat every practice session of your work as if you are handling a rare and valuable object.
With a strong idea of "this is my ideal performance" in your head, (hint: do lots of listening, to many varied performances of), move gradually to animate every nuance, shape, and musical detail.
You are what you practice. Period. Whatever you do in the practice room is exactly what you will portray on stage. That is, give or take a certain spontaniety coupled with that extra spark we hope for, generated by a well prepared, confident performer and, the excitement of being on stage.
As a student, I was fascinated to gather ideas of opposition. One school felt that the technique led to the music, the other felt that the music led to the technique.
I feel the connection is circular. All technical motions should give rise to compatible musical suggestions, and vice versa. Technique and musicianship are inseparable. Remember that the gesture you make physically should produce the desired musical result. If it doesn't, find another gesture that does.
Take time to step into the shoes of the composer, to know his stylistic considerations, to imagine his motivation to write the piece you are learning and, the meaning behind the piece, his composition.
Decide on the location of peaks and valleys within your chosen selection. Know at all times the path on which your performance is traveling, to outline climactic moments. Keep the large picture in mind to effect cohesion.
Aim for clear realization of shape, dynamic, tempi, tone, balance, voicing, touch, and, blend with mood, color, meaning, personal expression, and total involvement.
Exaggerate all details of dynamic, expression, and emotion, as appropriate for the stage.
Remember always that you are merely the vehicle with which the composer may express his music.
If you have paid diligent dues in working out every detail with the precision of a brain surgeon, and, are confident that you are prepared, then, you will give the performance of a lifetime.
A good night's sleep, good food for energy, and, a slow warm up (with a save it for the stage attitude) will allow you the freedom to lose yourself in the music. Pour yourself into your performance, and return to reality through the thunderous applause you will surely attract.
One more thought; "wabi- sabi". Wabi -sabi is a Zen esthetic that honors that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.
With wabi sabi you are free to not be perfect, thus unleashing your ability to let go and express.
Performing is really all about conviction. No matter what happens onstage, a convincing performance is the ultimate goal. Do your thing, and do it your way.
Best of luck to all !
Sally Rowsell rowsellpiano
c. 2012, content or any part of not to be used or copied without the author's permission.
Sunday 12 February 2012
PERFORMERS, FIND YOUR CENTER
http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/08/the-centered-performer/
This article is a great guide to help advanced students prepare for performance. Find your center, to promote ease, and to benefit and enhance focus and concentration on stage.
Enjoy
This article is a great guide to help advanced students prepare for performance. Find your center, to promote ease, and to benefit and enhance focus and concentration on stage.
Enjoy
Friday 10 February 2012
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