So, I have been pretty good at ignoring the things I have to do over the next little while, but now I have realised just how much there is.
It affects me thusly:
-I am very very glad that I don't have to deal with preparing a recital and a full jury on top of all of this.
- I really need to get working on things so everything isn't in a last-minute shape when it comes to doing it.
For piano: CMC is coming up. I have to resurrect my Mozart Sonata as I have ignored it since my recital, The Bach has deteriorated a bit since recital.. but all needed is a matter of playing it over and over. Brahms and Scriabin are needed to be ready soonest, a week sunday night, but they are in acceptable condition. David told me that I shouldn't be worried about getting to second round, but I should make sure my second round stuff is really in good condition. If second round goes well, I get to play at the nationals in Rimouski this summer.... so that's what I'm aiming for. I'm going to concentrate exta hard on the Mozart and Rachmaninoff pieces for the second round. The Rachmaninoff is iffy at the moment... I haven't played it in months, I've started dusting off the moths, but yes, I am still working hard at it, and it will be spectacular on the day.
For Composing: The premiere is coming up, on monday! It's odd that I don't have to be prepared for that... but at the same time, I need to get the final copy ready to hand in for marks. It's all editorial stuff like fixing spacing of notes, making sure all the details are in there and then getting it bound. The hardest part for me is the program and performance notes. Trying to sum up the purpose of my music and then making everything that I haven't marked specifically in the score clear. I also need to hand in the same type of final copy of the second viola piece... but I have to write it first. I had been lacking direction for that piece, but then....
yesterday we saw a videoconference with a composer who had a lot of valuable things to say, and I found it very interesting. One of the things that he showed us was the way he drew out the format or shape of the piece, before he ever thought of composing notes or whatnot. Last night, before i went to bed, I did something similar. I couldn't be as vague as to draw lines and squiggles and know what I wanted them to mean.. so I built myself an architectural frame, in which I described in words what I want to happen. This way, I can build the whole piece out of the opening gesture that I have already composed..... OK, so it's not really all that related, but oh well, I have direction now!
For Academics: Jason and I have our presentation next wednesday... we're not going to have it scripted or whatnot, rather it's going to be a by-seam-of-pants flying experience. Nevertheless, we still have to know our stuff so the topics we choose to cover can actually be covered in our presentation/lecture. I have a paper to write for Piano Rep, topic=my Brahms pieces, or just one of them really indepth.... I don't know yet. I have the big paper for Advanced Analysis, on the second of Mahler's Kindertotenlieder. It's not really big...6-10 pages... but it needs to be very indepth, and I will probably be using it to apply for grad studies. I also have an exam for 20'th century to study for.. I missed some classes, so I will acutally have to teach myself that stuff, consult the text and whatnot.
Most of the academic/composition stuff isn't due til late April, but I don't want the quality of anything to suffer... plus I would love to have things done soon so I can start enjoying the summer as soon as possible.
I'm going to be starting back at the factory job pretty much as soon as school ends.. ie May 1'st-ish. As planned, I'll be working there for as much of the summer as I need/can stand. It will be an interesting balance... I think I'll force myself to stay until I have 3,500 or 4,000$ in my savings account. At that point, I will decide how much longer I want to stay, based on other musical employment opportunities available, desire for extra spending money, and how much working there makes me want to kill myself on a daily basis, or stress or whatever.
While I'm categorizing my life... here's some goals for the summer:
1) make lots of money
2) lose 80 pounds
3) have lots of fun
4) get better control of diabetes and health
5) learn at least 50% of recital rep AND all of Concerto(fist half jury)
6) compose songs for everyone who actually gives me a poem(will this ever actually happen)*
* I put this star there to announce a tangent!
TANGENT
What the Fuck!? Is it really so difficult to pick a frickin poem?
I have made the offer to at least 6 or my friends that I will write them an individualised song for their voice, all they have to do is provide me with a poem and tell me a little about their voice... even if they just give me a poem, I will do this....
I originally made this offer 1 year and 2 months ago. I have reminded people, but nothing.
Since then, I have written two songs, one of which is to be performed/premiered on monday based on poetry that I have picked myself.. but still they are personalised for the voices of the persons for whom I wrote them.
If you are a singer and you want a song... get me a poem. This is something I would love to do, but I'm going to stop reminding people of the offer.
I'm going to assume that people aren't coming with poems is that they don't want some crappy song by someone who has only written 2 songs... I'm terribly sorry that I am not Fauré, or Mahler, or Schubert... really how can I expect that people would want to sing my songs when they have hundreds of years of classical repertoire to choose from already.
In conclusion, I will offer this, my apology to my singer friends:
"I am sorry for trying to entice you to perform, or even welcome into existence, substandard music which will obviously not satisfy your musical needs, and certainly could not broaden your musical horizons. I should understand that you are musicians of a celestial sphere, and shouldn't be burdened with music written by mere mortals, you deserve only the music of the gods, and I humbly appologise for wasting your precious time."
translated as the following:
"You are all lazy-ass cunts. Get off your fat mother-fucking arses and PICK ME A FUCKING POEM"
Wow, writing posts these long cause me to meander a bit... so I will conclude there.... hoping that at least someone enjoys my sarcasm and debauchery.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The letter V
There's been lots of blogging about this new "V is for Vendetta" movie, but I haven't seen it, nor do I intend to, nor do I intend to blog on it, just the letter.
Sometimes I feel guilty for saying 'vee'. I think it's part of the zee versus zed conditioning.. but V is the only other letter I feel this way about, and I don't know why... oh well.
I am Canadian, and I always read the letter Z as 'zed' when isolated, but I strongly feel that in the alphabet song, the letter MUST be sung zee in order to preserve the rhyme scheme.
for example:
a b c d e f GEE
h i j k lmno PEE
q r s t u VEE
w x y and ZED?!?!?!
the zed doesn't cut it, and while there is an argument that the change to the rhyme scheme presents some form of finality.. that argument ignores the closing 2 lines of the poetry:
now i know my a b CEE's
next time won't you sing with MEE
which continue the set rhyme scheme.
There exists the possibility that this song was invented in early american colonies, and when the rhyme scheme and melodic rhythm didn't line up, they changed their pronunciation guidelines for the alphabet in order to make them feel more succesful in their musical endeavours...
wow, perhaps one of the most fundamentally inportant songs of american folk music is ABC..!
Sometimes I feel guilty for saying 'vee'. I think it's part of the zee versus zed conditioning.. but V is the only other letter I feel this way about, and I don't know why... oh well.
I am Canadian, and I always read the letter Z as 'zed' when isolated, but I strongly feel that in the alphabet song, the letter MUST be sung zee in order to preserve the rhyme scheme.
for example:
a b c d e f GEE
h i j k lmno PEE
q r s t u VEE
w x y and ZED?!?!?!
the zed doesn't cut it, and while there is an argument that the change to the rhyme scheme presents some form of finality.. that argument ignores the closing 2 lines of the poetry:
now i know my a b CEE's
next time won't you sing with MEE
which continue the set rhyme scheme.
There exists the possibility that this song was invented in early american colonies, and when the rhyme scheme and melodic rhythm didn't line up, they changed their pronunciation guidelines for the alphabet in order to make them feel more succesful in their musical endeavours...
wow, perhaps one of the most fundamentally inportant songs of american folk music is ABC..!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Im excited for tomorrow.
Tuesday had been my day to sleep in, then stay in and practice all day, having the house to myself, all first term and part of the second. Unfortunately, there have been many things to get done involving much running around and stuff, which took away from my tuesday schedule... but not tomorrow!
Tomorrow is practicing and sleeping, probably not in that order. I have to make some calls to secure work for the summer, but those will be quick.
So much practicing to do, but I have a good basis on everything, it's mostly a matter if re-finishing the pieces... and even the Scarlatti is feeling good. It's already in the memory.. not secure, but there nonetheless.
I'm so excited about rep for next year's recital: heres the prelim list...
Bach-Overture in the French Style (approx 30 minutes)
Beethoven- Sonata in A major, Op.101 (approx.20 minutes)
Liszt- Vallée d'Obermann (13 minutes ish)
on top of that will be my chamber music... which shall make up about 20 minutes of material or less. So many possibilities... I would love to do a larger PDQ bach piece... there's a Cantata, or could do some opera excerpts... who knows.
Alas, enough from me for now.
Tuesday had been my day to sleep in, then stay in and practice all day, having the house to myself, all first term and part of the second. Unfortunately, there have been many things to get done involving much running around and stuff, which took away from my tuesday schedule... but not tomorrow!
Tomorrow is practicing and sleeping, probably not in that order. I have to make some calls to secure work for the summer, but those will be quick.
So much practicing to do, but I have a good basis on everything, it's mostly a matter if re-finishing the pieces... and even the Scarlatti is feeling good. It's already in the memory.. not secure, but there nonetheless.
I'm so excited about rep for next year's recital: heres the prelim list...
Bach-Overture in the French Style (approx 30 minutes)
Beethoven- Sonata in A major, Op.101 (approx.20 minutes)
Liszt- Vallée d'Obermann (13 minutes ish)
on top of that will be my chamber music... which shall make up about 20 minutes of material or less. So many possibilities... I would love to do a larger PDQ bach piece... there's a Cantata, or could do some opera excerpts... who knows.
Alas, enough from me for now.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Happy Saturday
yay, done with ballet for over a week now!
today was a good day.
The second class of the day was superb... the girls had planned a secret potluck, bringing donuts and pancakes and cake and all sorts of fun, so that took their first class... then when I got there, they had just started to watch a movie... not completely unrelated... it was The RWB's movie version of "The Magic Flute" which they had staged a few years back. It was cut down to about an hour, very entertaining. I learned some new terminology and it was a good time all around... oh ya and then we had a 20 minute ballet class before I left.
The muscial theatre classes were also easier than usual. Realizing that it would be 2 weeks before she'd see the kids again, the teacher decided not to teach them anything new, so they did their warmups and whatnot, then ran through some of the dances they had done earlier in the year, and then they played games for the rest of class... and I got to leave! Although I actually did stay for the first game, which had some musical involvement.
For lunch I went to Moxie's and had the 3-dip med bread = best appetizer ever. It was nice and filling, and quite reasonably priced. I think I know the server from the Winnipeg Boys choir some 16 years ago... but oh well.. it would have been awkward to have double-checked, and it wouldn't have made a difference. During lunch, I filled out my RWB employee survey.. who knows if it will have any bearing on anything. I also took out some music staff paper, and started just some sketches for the viola piece. I actually had to find an orchestral score from 20th century class to remember how to draw and alto clef.... oopsie! Oh ya, 20th century project.. I did some research tonight, finding websites about Arvo Pärt. He's still alive and he has a website... what better info can you get?!? That's hardcore primary source material. Nevertheless, Jason and I need to actually get together and pool some info and start to organise what should turn out as a presentation.
Tonight I've been at home doing not a whole lot. I've done some good solid productive practicing on the Scarlatti, so I'm happy with that. Fi and I will be knitting and teaing tonight whenever she gets tired of writing, or loses her train of thought.
oh, here she is!
today was a good day.
The second class of the day was superb... the girls had planned a secret potluck, bringing donuts and pancakes and cake and all sorts of fun, so that took their first class... then when I got there, they had just started to watch a movie... not completely unrelated... it was The RWB's movie version of "The Magic Flute" which they had staged a few years back. It was cut down to about an hour, very entertaining. I learned some new terminology and it was a good time all around... oh ya and then we had a 20 minute ballet class before I left.
The muscial theatre classes were also easier than usual. Realizing that it would be 2 weeks before she'd see the kids again, the teacher decided not to teach them anything new, so they did their warmups and whatnot, then ran through some of the dances they had done earlier in the year, and then they played games for the rest of class... and I got to leave! Although I actually did stay for the first game, which had some musical involvement.
For lunch I went to Moxie's and had the 3-dip med bread = best appetizer ever. It was nice and filling, and quite reasonably priced. I think I know the server from the Winnipeg Boys choir some 16 years ago... but oh well.. it would have been awkward to have double-checked, and it wouldn't have made a difference. During lunch, I filled out my RWB employee survey.. who knows if it will have any bearing on anything. I also took out some music staff paper, and started just some sketches for the viola piece. I actually had to find an orchestral score from 20th century class to remember how to draw and alto clef.... oopsie! Oh ya, 20th century project.. I did some research tonight, finding websites about Arvo Pärt. He's still alive and he has a website... what better info can you get?!? That's hardcore primary source material. Nevertheless, Jason and I need to actually get together and pool some info and start to organise what should turn out as a presentation.
Tonight I've been at home doing not a whole lot. I've done some good solid productive practicing on the Scarlatti, so I'm happy with that. Fi and I will be knitting and teaing tonight whenever she gets tired of writing, or loses her train of thought.
oh, here she is!
Friday, March 24, 2006
I know it's a busy time of year, but really... how can I be expected to keep providing inspiring updates when noone else is updating, or anything on their blogs...
It's lonely.
I actually haven't been all that active anyway, but I will make my effort to keep at it.
Next week is spring break for school kids. This translates directly into, no dance classes of anykind for Mikey.
I don't really work much anyway, but it's just that little bit less to think about. I met up with my parents for supper today, to which I walked from work. It was only about 15 minutes, and I really enjoy walking around downtown, especially when the weather is so gosh darned wonderful as it has been lately. Mom treated for dinner, provided that dad and I would go to a few furniture stores with her to look at sofabeds/loveseats for the "sitting room", aka sister Heather's old bedroom. The shopping wasn't all that bad, though it took more time than the 45 minutes it would have taken me.
Arriving home, I did some listening to Beethoven Sonatas to see if any of them really stand out to me.... It's hard finding that mix of something that is challenging enough, but not too challenging; and of course David's stipulation, that I must love it. I feel bad that I'm not really terribly inspired by any particular Beethoven Sonata. Therefore, I think I will stick with the one he recommended. I only played piano a very short bit tonight:
Last night and today, I made good progress on both the Scriabin etude and Bach. In masterclass I played the Scriabin and the Brahms...therefore I have touched on everything for the first round of CMC. Of course I will continue to touch them... I just need to be reinspired and spend more time practicing.
I also need to make a start on the Viola piece for my composition course. I have some ideas in the head, but they need to make it on paper... On the other side of that particular course, I sat in on the rehearsal with my singer and pianist for "Songs for Nana" today. Things are coming along. I left a lot of the choices up to them, which I know they are a little uneasy about, but I think they have made good ones, and are pulling it off well. It's still early on in their ensemble work, so I'm not worried about the little things which will come, certainly as they have more time with the piece. Im really excited, and they both really enjoy the songs, so there is no better feedback that I could be getting at this point!
OOH! good morning today, my income tax return was in the mail! The verdict is=
Finances are stable-ish!
I've gotten almost all of hte money from festival accompanying and income tax. Looking at the balances of savings and newfound money, I am able to afford to pay off the student loan as soon as the account hold has cleared. With my next cheque from ballet(either), I will be able to pay off the recenty acquired credit card charges from the last few weeks.
Translation: both my assets and debt will be at ZERO!!
I never wanted to have to take out a student loan for school, but I did because I wasn't organized. I think I have learned my lesson.
For the rest of this year, cheques from ballet and whatever else will be going straight into savings... continued into my summer job. I will work at the factory until I have enough money saved up to pay for school completely. After that, I will work only what I desire: I will stay at least 2 months at the factory, then I won't feel obligated to stay. I will be free to work musical jobs during the summer. I am getting my connections set up so I can know when to expect income over the summer. I will also use time during summer to prepare rep for next year. I wasnt to be as well prepared for the recital as possible, as I need to keep my resources open for dance related collaborations.
Well, there was a fairly stream of consciousness tally of my life at the moment. I hope you enjoyed!
It's lonely.
I actually haven't been all that active anyway, but I will make my effort to keep at it.
Next week is spring break for school kids. This translates directly into, no dance classes of anykind for Mikey.
I don't really work much anyway, but it's just that little bit less to think about. I met up with my parents for supper today, to which I walked from work. It was only about 15 minutes, and I really enjoy walking around downtown, especially when the weather is so gosh darned wonderful as it has been lately. Mom treated for dinner, provided that dad and I would go to a few furniture stores with her to look at sofabeds/loveseats for the "sitting room", aka sister Heather's old bedroom. The shopping wasn't all that bad, though it took more time than the 45 minutes it would have taken me.
Arriving home, I did some listening to Beethoven Sonatas to see if any of them really stand out to me.... It's hard finding that mix of something that is challenging enough, but not too challenging; and of course David's stipulation, that I must love it. I feel bad that I'm not really terribly inspired by any particular Beethoven Sonata. Therefore, I think I will stick with the one he recommended. I only played piano a very short bit tonight:
Last night and today, I made good progress on both the Scriabin etude and Bach. In masterclass I played the Scriabin and the Brahms...therefore I have touched on everything for the first round of CMC. Of course I will continue to touch them... I just need to be reinspired and spend more time practicing.
I also need to make a start on the Viola piece for my composition course. I have some ideas in the head, but they need to make it on paper... On the other side of that particular course, I sat in on the rehearsal with my singer and pianist for "Songs for Nana" today. Things are coming along. I left a lot of the choices up to them, which I know they are a little uneasy about, but I think they have made good ones, and are pulling it off well. It's still early on in their ensemble work, so I'm not worried about the little things which will come, certainly as they have more time with the piece. Im really excited, and they both really enjoy the songs, so there is no better feedback that I could be getting at this point!
OOH! good morning today, my income tax return was in the mail! The verdict is=
Finances are stable-ish!
I've gotten almost all of hte money from festival accompanying and income tax. Looking at the balances of savings and newfound money, I am able to afford to pay off the student loan as soon as the account hold has cleared. With my next cheque from ballet(either), I will be able to pay off the recenty acquired credit card charges from the last few weeks.
Translation: both my assets and debt will be at ZERO!!
I never wanted to have to take out a student loan for school, but I did because I wasn't organized. I think I have learned my lesson.
For the rest of this year, cheques from ballet and whatever else will be going straight into savings... continued into my summer job. I will work at the factory until I have enough money saved up to pay for school completely. After that, I will work only what I desire: I will stay at least 2 months at the factory, then I won't feel obligated to stay. I will be free to work musical jobs during the summer. I am getting my connections set up so I can know when to expect income over the summer. I will also use time during summer to prepare rep for next year. I wasnt to be as well prepared for the recital as possible, as I need to keep my resources open for dance related collaborations.
Well, there was a fairly stream of consciousness tally of my life at the moment. I hope you enjoyed!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
dirty fingers.
So, I'm not really a manly man... I'm fine with this. One male tradition that I'm ok with and practice, is shining my shoes. I haven't done this in a long while though because my dress shoes have been new-ish for a while and the ones before this pair had a pattern in the leather, thus you couldn't use polish on them.
We didn't have shoe polish in the house. I asked my parents to buy some, and they bought this liquid shoe shine crap. The shoe market has been flooded lately with special cloths and buffers and sprays which are supposed to shine your shoes.... NO, they don't. They coat your shoes with some kind of pussy ass oil that makes them look shiny because you're high off the fumes.
On principle, I refused to use this on my nice shoes. At a shoe store, I was assured that it would indeed would shine the shoes and fill in the little cracks like a polish would. The shoe lady then took the shoe to demonstrate, and did a poor job of trying... only gunking up and subsequently dimming what shine there had been on my shoes. I was not amused.
Tonight, lo and behold, a container of shoe polish appeared on the table! It took me 10 minutes to wash off all that shoe liquid gunk which seemed to keep seeping from everywhere on everything and ew.
Nevertheless, I sat on the couch for 15 minutes shining the hell out of the toes of my dress shoes and they look a might fine!!! When I need them for a performance or something, I'll finish the other parts that I want to be shiny and all will be spiffy!
Im realising now that shoe shining is probably the least redeeming example I could use for my manliness, or lack thereof. oh well, thats just the type of man I am.
We didn't have shoe polish in the house. I asked my parents to buy some, and they bought this liquid shoe shine crap. The shoe market has been flooded lately with special cloths and buffers and sprays which are supposed to shine your shoes.... NO, they don't. They coat your shoes with some kind of pussy ass oil that makes them look shiny because you're high off the fumes.
On principle, I refused to use this on my nice shoes. At a shoe store, I was assured that it would indeed would shine the shoes and fill in the little cracks like a polish would. The shoe lady then took the shoe to demonstrate, and did a poor job of trying... only gunking up and subsequently dimming what shine there had been on my shoes. I was not amused.
Tonight, lo and behold, a container of shoe polish appeared on the table! It took me 10 minutes to wash off all that shoe liquid gunk which seemed to keep seeping from everywhere on everything and ew.
Nevertheless, I sat on the couch for 15 minutes shining the hell out of the toes of my dress shoes and they look a might fine!!! When I need them for a performance or something, I'll finish the other parts that I want to be shiny and all will be spiffy!
Im realising now that shoe shining is probably the least redeeming example I could use for my manliness, or lack thereof. oh well, thats just the type of man I am.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Cookie Postlude
WOW GOLLY GEE
those are some of the best cookies I have ever made!
because there weren't 2 readily accesible cookie trays(sauf making lots of noise), the cookies fall into two categories:
1) Regular, i made them nice and big... soft and gooey... although they don't quite have that saty-together type mentality..which is fine really.
2)Mini cupcakes, while these also don't have that stay-together quality.. they create 2 items which are both superlatively delectable
i)top-'o-the-muffin cookie type thingy.... thin and crisp on the top, but with a slight soft fluffy layer just underneath... the perfect texture.
ii)random cookie ish fluff underneath... doesn't hold together at all, except for the gooeyness of the chocolate chips which seem to haev ventured to near the bottom of the tray...
in conclusion.... delicious no matter how I go about eating them!
PS, has anyone ever thought about how wonderful it would be if Betty Crocker hooked up with Mr Christie.....
Oi, it's still not midnight.... I think I might call it an early night tonight.... otherwise I will have posted excessively.. even for me...and I will have eaten far too many a cookie.
those are some of the best cookies I have ever made!
because there weren't 2 readily accesible cookie trays(sauf making lots of noise), the cookies fall into two categories:
1) Regular, i made them nice and big... soft and gooey... although they don't quite have that saty-together type mentality..which is fine really.
2)Mini cupcakes, while these also don't have that stay-together quality.. they create 2 items which are both superlatively delectable
i)top-'o-the-muffin cookie type thingy.... thin and crisp on the top, but with a slight soft fluffy layer just underneath... the perfect texture.
ii)random cookie ish fluff underneath... doesn't hold together at all, except for the gooeyness of the chocolate chips which seem to haev ventured to near the bottom of the tray...
in conclusion.... delicious no matter how I go about eating them!
PS, has anyone ever thought about how wonderful it would be if Betty Crocker hooked up with Mr Christie.....
Oi, it's still not midnight.... I think I might call it an early night tonight.... otherwise I will have posted excessively.. even for me...and I will have eaten far too many a cookie.
Im totally brilliant!
Betty Crocker and I make a great team.
We were in the kitchen making some of her secret recipe cookies (chocolate chip) and I said
"Hey, Betty. Why didn't you include bananas in this recipe?"
to which she replied,
"why Michael, it is because fruit doesn't keep well in a plastic, dry cookie contents bag, and dried banana chips dont have the desired consistency for cookie baking"
"But, Betty, there just happens to be a ripe banana on the counter..."
"By golly gee Michael, we'd be fools to not use them"
At this point there was an instrumental interlude and Betty and I frolicked around the kitchen while cutting up banana chunks to put into the cookie dough..
(note: the use of cutting utensils while frolicking is not advised by the surgeon general)
...and delicious banana chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed by all!
the end
We were in the kitchen making some of her secret recipe cookies (chocolate chip) and I said
"Hey, Betty. Why didn't you include bananas in this recipe?"
to which she replied,
"why Michael, it is because fruit doesn't keep well in a plastic, dry cookie contents bag, and dried banana chips dont have the desired consistency for cookie baking"
"But, Betty, there just happens to be a ripe banana on the counter..."
"By golly gee Michael, we'd be fools to not use them"
At this point there was an instrumental interlude and Betty and I frolicked around the kitchen while cutting up banana chunks to put into the cookie dough..
(note: the use of cutting utensils while frolicking is not advised by the surgeon general)
...and delicious banana chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed by all!
the end
K, so I just posted this as a comment in a friends LJ, but as most of you don't read that one... or mine either apparently.... I'll put it here. I didn't really take the time to put my thoughts together well, but I'd like to hear your views...
Oh, Im extra ranty tonight cause I had to sit through a concert with 12 other choirs, the majority of which were un-auditioned elementary and middle school choirs. I realise that young people need to have an opportunity to make music, but ARGH, I don't want to be part of that opportunity!
THE RANT:
what is the value of music in life when it confronts us with a stark contradiction of whether to pay attention to music with the mind of a musician, or to attend to those things which are pressing, but tainted by the background music.
It's not so cut and dry, as to say that music no longer has the respect it deserves; as classical opera was often talked over, used as a social gathering. BUT does our society know where to draw the line. Those same audiences would shut up for the big aria and pay attention because that was the "worth-while" music. Nay, when you hear a Puccini aria in the background at a coffe place, or a Bach Prelude and Fugue, does anyone stop, or even shift more attention to it, or has our societies musical ear lost its ability to discriminate anything of quality in music, leaving those who care about music, or the good of the world to ask, "Is music completely subjective?!? does the effort we put in really only count if the audience is aware of it?!?"
Mumbly! Many composers have referred to music as the way we decorate silence or soemthing like that, so why are we so afraid of it. I think it completely diminishes the value of noise and sound when it is used with purpose. 20th century music often aims to encorporate all noises around us to become music, which begs the question of 'when does it become music'? on the same wavelength.. if we encorporate music into every moment of our lives, "when does it become not-music"?
Oh, Im extra ranty tonight cause I had to sit through a concert with 12 other choirs, the majority of which were un-auditioned elementary and middle school choirs. I realise that young people need to have an opportunity to make music, but ARGH, I don't want to be part of that opportunity!
THE RANT:
what is the value of music in life when it confronts us with a stark contradiction of whether to pay attention to music with the mind of a musician, or to attend to those things which are pressing, but tainted by the background music.
It's not so cut and dry, as to say that music no longer has the respect it deserves; as classical opera was often talked over, used as a social gathering. BUT does our society know where to draw the line. Those same audiences would shut up for the big aria and pay attention because that was the "worth-while" music. Nay, when you hear a Puccini aria in the background at a coffe place, or a Bach Prelude and Fugue, does anyone stop, or even shift more attention to it, or has our societies musical ear lost its ability to discriminate anything of quality in music, leaving those who care about music, or the good of the world to ask, "Is music completely subjective?!? does the effort we put in really only count if the audience is aware of it?!?"
Mumbly! Many composers have referred to music as the way we decorate silence or soemthing like that, so why are we so afraid of it. I think it completely diminishes the value of noise and sound when it is used with purpose. 20th century music often aims to encorporate all noises around us to become music, which begs the question of 'when does it become music'? on the same wavelength.. if we encorporate music into every moment of our lives, "when does it become not-music"?
mmmmmmmmassage
mmmmmmmmmmmasochism.
mmmmmmassage is so painful, but so
mmmmmmmmmmarvellous, relaxing, comforting, and
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmman did I ever need it. It was something I promised
mmmmmmmmmmmyself as soon as recital was over.
Now, the goal is to keep doing stretches and relaxation exercises so I don't get so damned tense in the first place. Tonight is a choral concert and then maybe practice for a bit. Who knows!?!
mmmmmmassage is so painful, but so
mmmmmmmmmmarvellous, relaxing, comforting, and
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmman did I ever need it. It was something I promised
mmmmmmmmmmmyself as soon as recital was over.
Now, the goal is to keep doing stretches and relaxation exercises so I don't get so damned tense in the first place. Tonight is a choral concert and then maybe practice for a bit. Who knows!?!
Monday, March 20, 2006
I think it's safe to say that things are going well for my post-recital life. I'm still waiting for marks and comments from that, but I'm not worried.
I wasn't needed at the dance studio today, which i was informed when I got there... I ended up sitting in on a bit of a modern dance class, trying to figure out how that class structure works and what kind of music can be used.... the answer is ANYTHING. They are so open and accepting there. I realise that I won't have any problem playing for modern classes...
Im almost done the book I got from the library on Saturday about modern dance. Im super impressed at having read over a hundred page book, and I only started yesterday (maybe a bit on saturday...). Interesting stuff, and it's got some creative juices flowing, I'm really looking forward to some collaborating with modern dancers.
After the dance place, I had about an hour before my chamber coaching, so I used it to practice the piece.... such a good idea. and I was so productive!
The members of my group and also the coach/teacher were inpressed with the improvement.... and that was only about an hour, without looking at it since weeks ago... imagine if I spent more time on it.... actually, that is the plan. Havign turned down that musical accompanying gig, my only 2 playing things are the jury sonata, and this chamber piece. I'm gonna really learn it well cause it's not too easy, and I really want to do a good job.
The Scarlatti is coming along nicely too. I think this will be the most prepared for a lesson I will have ever been. I've used the practice methods and whatnot, and I will play the sonata for David perfectly, though not up to tempo. I'm doing well to play the notes accurately, but I'm also going for stylistic goodness and shaping; all of which are coming nicely into play. I also want to learn more rep over the next while so that I can write it down on my rep list, which should be beefed up. I want at least a few more pieces to write down, even if I don't learn them to completion.
The piano faculty want to see that you have worked on other things, besides that which you play in recital and jury: So far, I have a Grieg lyric piece and a Brahms Intermezzo, both of which I played for David once... which is all I need to have done to write it down. I'll talk to David and get him to suggest maybe another Scarlatti sonata or some character pieces, or anything really. Oh, there was also aMozkowski etude that I played for him at the beginning of the year, which I had worked on over the summer. Anyways, I need to keep busy...
but also I need to keep in mind that CMC is comign up and I need to keep the Brahms, Bach, and Scriabin in good shape for that first round.
So ya, in terms of playing piano, I think that I have made that extra bit of shift that will help me to be more professional and learn rep faster. The approach to this Scarlatti and Beethoven lately is a good thing, and I need to keep up that momentum so that it becomes habit.
I had my composition lesson today, and we vaguely talked about preparation for the 2nd piece... which I really need to get going on. We only had a short talk and then decided that we could wait til I had made a good start on the piece before we'd meet again... leaving next week's lesson hanging in the wind. My other, first composition is now in the rehearsal phase and I'm so excited to hear it performed/rehearsed and to get the feedback from the performers. They've invited me to sit in on some rehearsals, which i will, but I still want to leave it much up to them, so more than anything, it will give them opportunity to ask questions of me and clarify things.
Oi, theres more to say, but i'm out of words
I wasn't needed at the dance studio today, which i was informed when I got there... I ended up sitting in on a bit of a modern dance class, trying to figure out how that class structure works and what kind of music can be used.... the answer is ANYTHING. They are so open and accepting there. I realise that I won't have any problem playing for modern classes...
Im almost done the book I got from the library on Saturday about modern dance. Im super impressed at having read over a hundred page book, and I only started yesterday (maybe a bit on saturday...). Interesting stuff, and it's got some creative juices flowing, I'm really looking forward to some collaborating with modern dancers.
After the dance place, I had about an hour before my chamber coaching, so I used it to practice the piece.... such a good idea. and I was so productive!
The members of my group and also the coach/teacher were inpressed with the improvement.... and that was only about an hour, without looking at it since weeks ago... imagine if I spent more time on it.... actually, that is the plan. Havign turned down that musical accompanying gig, my only 2 playing things are the jury sonata, and this chamber piece. I'm gonna really learn it well cause it's not too easy, and I really want to do a good job.
The Scarlatti is coming along nicely too. I think this will be the most prepared for a lesson I will have ever been. I've used the practice methods and whatnot, and I will play the sonata for David perfectly, though not up to tempo. I'm doing well to play the notes accurately, but I'm also going for stylistic goodness and shaping; all of which are coming nicely into play. I also want to learn more rep over the next while so that I can write it down on my rep list, which should be beefed up. I want at least a few more pieces to write down, even if I don't learn them to completion.
The piano faculty want to see that you have worked on other things, besides that which you play in recital and jury: So far, I have a Grieg lyric piece and a Brahms Intermezzo, both of which I played for David once... which is all I need to have done to write it down. I'll talk to David and get him to suggest maybe another Scarlatti sonata or some character pieces, or anything really. Oh, there was also aMozkowski etude that I played for him at the beginning of the year, which I had worked on over the summer. Anyways, I need to keep busy...
but also I need to keep in mind that CMC is comign up and I need to keep the Brahms, Bach, and Scriabin in good shape for that first round.
So ya, in terms of playing piano, I think that I have made that extra bit of shift that will help me to be more professional and learn rep faster. The approach to this Scarlatti and Beethoven lately is a good thing, and I need to keep up that momentum so that it becomes habit.
I had my composition lesson today, and we vaguely talked about preparation for the 2nd piece... which I really need to get going on. We only had a short talk and then decided that we could wait til I had made a good start on the piece before we'd meet again... leaving next week's lesson hanging in the wind. My other, first composition is now in the rehearsal phase and I'm so excited to hear it performed/rehearsed and to get the feedback from the performers. They've invited me to sit in on some rehearsals, which i will, but I still want to leave it much up to them, so more than anything, it will give them opportunity to ask questions of me and clarify things.
Oi, theres more to say, but i'm out of words
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Wow, post number 151!
I always miss the milestones along the way. Oh well.
So I've had a nice relaxing weekend. I haven't really caught up on sleep, but I haven't really done a lot of anything. It's been nice.
Nevertheless, It certainly isn't relaxing time of year. Tonight I'm going to officially start back at practicing. Projects needing to be worked on directly are the Scarlatti sonata a bit and definately my chamber music piece. I have all but ignored it over the past month, but I think the string players in my group have at least had one or 2 rehearsals without me, so I have some catching up to do. I don't think the ensemble work was our main concern, rather tuning within the strings, and my individual part; there are lots of notes to learn! Now, I can afford to apply the focus I need to tidy it up so that we can have a presentable Piano Quartet.
I was approached/ I offered to play for a middle school musical during april. It's the 8-12'th, so after classes end, and I don't have any direct conflicts with exams or whatnot, so I think it's a possibility. This afternoon I should get to see the music and then make my final decision. From what I hear the music will be quite reasonable, and it's at least some money, and I think it will be a good experience.
Also, I finally got to talk to the modern dance teacher at the RWB and we talked about different opportunities for experience in dance collaboration within the city, so that was good. She is also interested in collaborating with me on a personal level, which will be immensely helpful for understanding the nature of modern dance, as she also has a strong communication vocabulary, thanks to her teaching experience.
This tuesday evening, I will be performing in the Winnipeg Music Festival's evening of Choral Excellence out in a North Kildonan Church type thing(long name, can't remember). I think it should be a good show, also involving a guest choir, the Winnipeg Philharmonic... so yes, ask me for details if you are interested.
So I've had a nice relaxing weekend. I haven't really caught up on sleep, but I haven't really done a lot of anything. It's been nice.
Nevertheless, It certainly isn't relaxing time of year. Tonight I'm going to officially start back at practicing. Projects needing to be worked on directly are the Scarlatti sonata a bit and definately my chamber music piece. I have all but ignored it over the past month, but I think the string players in my group have at least had one or 2 rehearsals without me, so I have some catching up to do. I don't think the ensemble work was our main concern, rather tuning within the strings, and my individual part; there are lots of notes to learn! Now, I can afford to apply the focus I need to tidy it up so that we can have a presentable Piano Quartet.
I was approached/ I offered to play for a middle school musical during april. It's the 8-12'th, so after classes end, and I don't have any direct conflicts with exams or whatnot, so I think it's a possibility. This afternoon I should get to see the music and then make my final decision. From what I hear the music will be quite reasonable, and it's at least some money, and I think it will be a good experience.
Also, I finally got to talk to the modern dance teacher at the RWB and we talked about different opportunities for experience in dance collaboration within the city, so that was good. She is also interested in collaborating with me on a personal level, which will be immensely helpful for understanding the nature of modern dance, as she also has a strong communication vocabulary, thanks to her teaching experience.
This tuesday evening, I will be performing in the Winnipeg Music Festival's evening of Choral Excellence out in a North Kildonan Church type thing(long name, can't remember). I think it should be a good show, also involving a guest choir, the Winnipeg Philharmonic... so yes, ask me for details if you are interested.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
It's all all all over!
YAY weekend.
Now, recital is completely over. Music festival is completely over. All that was stress in my life over the last month is GONE!
Yesterday was a good day, I played for the last two festival classes, which was the same easy song twice. Although it wasn't as easy as I make it out, the piano was so loud and the voices are so tiny that it's a huge challenge to play quietly enough, and still have some semblance of musicality.
After those were over, I had still almost 2 hours before I had to be at the contemporary dancers for ballet class. I stopped by there to double check that I did in fact have to be there and they said yes, then gave me my cheque, then I went on a journey across downtown to the bank and deposited that as well as 3 cheques from the singers I accompanied. It always feels so good to actually have money to put into the bank.
I also went to the library and looked around, taking out some books on dance. I had to get a new library card, cause I haven't been there since 1997, at which time I had acquired $5.10 in late fees. I didn't have to pay for the new card cause it had been long enough, but I had to pay off the late fee. I remember the last 4 times I went to the public library, I managed to get away with, "oh, I don't have any cash one me, can I pay that next time I'm in"..then there just wasn't a next time. Anyway, now I have a new shiny card and books to read, I've already started in and read some helpful sections talking about the relation of music to dance and choreography. Now, I'm reading a general book on modern dance. So much to learn.
Today is back to normal, and I'm planning on relaxing a fair bit this weekend, but not too much. I want to make a good start on the Scarlatti sonata I've chosen before my first lesson. I want to keep up the momentum that I started with the preparation for my recital.
Now, recital is completely over. Music festival is completely over. All that was stress in my life over the last month is GONE!
Yesterday was a good day, I played for the last two festival classes, which was the same easy song twice. Although it wasn't as easy as I make it out, the piano was so loud and the voices are so tiny that it's a huge challenge to play quietly enough, and still have some semblance of musicality.
After those were over, I had still almost 2 hours before I had to be at the contemporary dancers for ballet class. I stopped by there to double check that I did in fact have to be there and they said yes, then gave me my cheque, then I went on a journey across downtown to the bank and deposited that as well as 3 cheques from the singers I accompanied. It always feels so good to actually have money to put into the bank.
I also went to the library and looked around, taking out some books on dance. I had to get a new library card, cause I haven't been there since 1997, at which time I had acquired $5.10 in late fees. I didn't have to pay for the new card cause it had been long enough, but I had to pay off the late fee. I remember the last 4 times I went to the public library, I managed to get away with, "oh, I don't have any cash one me, can I pay that next time I'm in"..then there just wasn't a next time. Anyway, now I have a new shiny card and books to read, I've already started in and read some helpful sections talking about the relation of music to dance and choreography. Now, I'm reading a general book on modern dance. So much to learn.
Today is back to normal, and I'm planning on relaxing a fair bit this weekend, but not too much. I want to make a good start on the Scarlatti sonata I've chosen before my first lesson. I want to keep up the momentum that I started with the preparation for my recital.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
It's all over!!!!
YAYAYAY!
I am so happy!
I think it's safe to say that the recital last night was a success.
I maintained my focus through almost the whole thing, I lost it a bit in the last movement of the Mozart, but apparently my Mozartean style was bang on.
Overall, I feel good about the recital as a whole.
I have mixed feelings about the PDQ: The speech went very well and the audience was super responsive, which made it easier and super comfortable. Their energy really made it much easier to perform the piece with energy and I let the way I performed it be slightly dictated by their reactions. That part was all good, BUT the accuracy just wasn't there. I wish I had been more prepared with the notes for that one, but I felt I performed it well, given the level of preparedness.
Most importantly, I really enjoyed performing last night and it seems people really enjoyed my performance.
While I may not be planning on pursuing a performance degree, I don't think I will ever not be a performer. There is just something so rewarding about preparing something like a recital and then presenting it to an appreciative audience. But at the same time, you can't always count on having the ideal situation in place.
Alas it's onwards and upwards from here.
I have to pick one more piece for my jury at the end of April. I think it will be Scarlatti. I have printed one out and I think it will be the one. At my next lesson, David and I have lots to cover: we'll talk about my recital and he said he has some suggestion for those pieces because they are good for me and I should use them in the future for competitions and whatnot. After that little recital wrap-up, we will discuss the repertoire for the jury in April. After that the big two topics are choosing repertoire for next year's recital and jury as well as looking into graduate school options. Those last two are huge topics which I will be glad to just touch upon.
So much to think about! yay! but I still have to do festival stuff this week, so I'll wait til thats done before I celebrate...
I am so happy!
I think it's safe to say that the recital last night was a success.
I maintained my focus through almost the whole thing, I lost it a bit in the last movement of the Mozart, but apparently my Mozartean style was bang on.
Overall, I feel good about the recital as a whole.
I have mixed feelings about the PDQ: The speech went very well and the audience was super responsive, which made it easier and super comfortable. Their energy really made it much easier to perform the piece with energy and I let the way I performed it be slightly dictated by their reactions. That part was all good, BUT the accuracy just wasn't there. I wish I had been more prepared with the notes for that one, but I felt I performed it well, given the level of preparedness.
Most importantly, I really enjoyed performing last night and it seems people really enjoyed my performance.
While I may not be planning on pursuing a performance degree, I don't think I will ever not be a performer. There is just something so rewarding about preparing something like a recital and then presenting it to an appreciative audience. But at the same time, you can't always count on having the ideal situation in place.
Alas it's onwards and upwards from here.
I have to pick one more piece for my jury at the end of April. I think it will be Scarlatti. I have printed one out and I think it will be the one. At my next lesson, David and I have lots to cover: we'll talk about my recital and he said he has some suggestion for those pieces because they are good for me and I should use them in the future for competitions and whatnot. After that little recital wrap-up, we will discuss the repertoire for the jury in April. After that the big two topics are choosing repertoire for next year's recital and jury as well as looking into graduate school options. Those last two are huge topics which I will be glad to just touch upon.
So much to think about! yay! but I still have to do festival stuff this week, so I'll wait til thats done before I celebrate...
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!
less than three hours to go.
Im leaving the house in an hour and then getting used to the piano in the hall!
The food is ready, the posters and the programs are going to be there.
I have butterflies in my stomach, but the good kind.
I'm still going over the details in my pieces, some bigger than others.
Im going to eat a (small) banana right before I go on, cause potassium is good for calming the nerves. I really hope my speech for the PDQ goes well, I think thats the thing I'm most worried about.
ANyway here goes; there will be a certain new relaxation starting tomorrow! even though I have 3 festival classes.
But for now, i need to concentrate on being prepared and relaxed for tonight!!
YAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAY!!!!!
less than three hours to go.
Im leaving the house in an hour and then getting used to the piano in the hall!
The food is ready, the posters and the programs are going to be there.
I have butterflies in my stomach, but the good kind.
I'm still going over the details in my pieces, some bigger than others.
Im going to eat a (small) banana right before I go on, cause potassium is good for calming the nerves. I really hope my speech for the PDQ goes well, I think thats the thing I'm most worried about.
ANyway here goes; there will be a certain new relaxation starting tomorrow! even though I have 3 festival classes.
But for now, i need to concentrate on being prepared and relaxed for tonight!!
YAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAY!!!!!
Monday, March 13, 2006
When I wake up tomorrow, it will be the day of my recital, and you know what... I feel good about that. I am not nervous, rather excited and anticipating both the act of playing the recital as well as the relief that will come very shortly after.
I really should try and get some sleep now, so I won't ramble. Tomorrow I accompany one singer in a huge class of under 10 years old girls and boys. I need to also go to the school to pick up the key to the piano, as well as practice a bit before that. I would feel better if I didn't have to worry about the badly timed class in the middle of the day, but oh well.
YAY recital tomorrow.
In case you missed it, tomorrow night = Tuesday March 14th at 8pm in EvaClare Hall at the U of M school of Music.
Your attendance and support is most appreciated.
I really should try and get some sleep now, so I won't ramble. Tomorrow I accompany one singer in a huge class of under 10 years old girls and boys. I need to also go to the school to pick up the key to the piano, as well as practice a bit before that. I would feel better if I didn't have to worry about the badly timed class in the middle of the day, but oh well.
YAY recital tomorrow.
In case you missed it, tomorrow night = Tuesday March 14th at 8pm in EvaClare Hall at the U of M school of Music.
Your attendance and support is most appreciated.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!!
Wow, what a good day so far.
I had a second and final rehearsal/runthrough with Deanna and her teacher today. We perform in the music festival tomorrow. Things must have gone well because she didn't tell Deanna to hire a better accompanist while I was there... and furthermore she thanked me for the work I've put in and said we had good ensemble. In other words, all is well.
Also today was my piano lesson. Odd day and time, but really.. my recital is 2 days away.
I thought things went pretty well, I wasn't gonna get my hopes up; there are still things I need to practice more and more and tidy things up. Long story short: David is very happy with the change that has taken place in 4 days and he gave me the official approval/thumbs up/vote of confidence; and of course bemoaning the fact that it could have happened months ago... which it could and should have, but didn't, oh well.
Also, he paid me the biggest compliment today, probably without knowing it. During the run through, I ended the Bach sort of half-assedly. It was supposed to be big and bold, as he saw fit... but I didn't play it that was cause I wasn't convinced. He called me on it and told me I had to do the loud end.. but I said I didn't agree, so he said, 'well, if you are going to get quieter you have to shape it with dynamics and time... I wouldn't agree with it, but you at least have to do something with it' So I played it for him getting softer and well shaped to which he replied 'now that was beautiful, Michael. I will never doubt your musical intentions and I couldn't call the way you finished that into question" pointing out that he would only ever question the notes, if i wasnt playing them accurately. The best part though was when he said that the way I played the end even had him questioning his interpretation of the close, which he had been so adament about staying loud.
Maybe, I'm reading into it too much, but I'm fine with that.
Anyway, I'm glad to have reached a level of minimum preparation... now I can work even harder to make sure that the recital will be extra spifftacular! So much more practicing between now and then, yay!
I had a second and final rehearsal/runthrough with Deanna and her teacher today. We perform in the music festival tomorrow. Things must have gone well because she didn't tell Deanna to hire a better accompanist while I was there... and furthermore she thanked me for the work I've put in and said we had good ensemble. In other words, all is well.
Also today was my piano lesson. Odd day and time, but really.. my recital is 2 days away.
I thought things went pretty well, I wasn't gonna get my hopes up; there are still things I need to practice more and more and tidy things up. Long story short: David is very happy with the change that has taken place in 4 days and he gave me the official approval/thumbs up/vote of confidence; and of course bemoaning the fact that it could have happened months ago... which it could and should have, but didn't, oh well.
Also, he paid me the biggest compliment today, probably without knowing it. During the run through, I ended the Bach sort of half-assedly. It was supposed to be big and bold, as he saw fit... but I didn't play it that was cause I wasn't convinced. He called me on it and told me I had to do the loud end.. but I said I didn't agree, so he said, 'well, if you are going to get quieter you have to shape it with dynamics and time... I wouldn't agree with it, but you at least have to do something with it' So I played it for him getting softer and well shaped to which he replied 'now that was beautiful, Michael. I will never doubt your musical intentions and I couldn't call the way you finished that into question" pointing out that he would only ever question the notes, if i wasnt playing them accurately. The best part though was when he said that the way I played the end even had him questioning his interpretation of the close, which he had been so adament about staying loud.
Maybe, I'm reading into it too much, but I'm fine with that.
Anyway, I'm glad to have reached a level of minimum preparation... now I can work even harder to make sure that the recital will be extra spifftacular! So much more practicing between now and then, yay!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Well, it appears that LiveJournal, as a whole, hates me.
Not only am I not allowed to be a friend, and have been excommunicated from the internet lives of some people, but now they won't even let me interject my thoughts and other such ramblings on live journals.
Anyway, to those of your who have LJ's and are used to receiving my comments, alas, no more shall you read the sweet words of my internet dribble.
Update on my finger condition... it's getting better, I have this 24 hour moisturizing lotion stuff... and I've been applying it every hour or 10 minutes or so.. and it's getting a bit better. Now I know that the dryness was actually the cause so I'm not worried anymore. I think I'll see if I can find a plastic/latex glove and fill the finger tips with moisturizer/hand cream and then wear that to bed on both hands so I can avoid this discomfort.
Wow, the senior ballet class I played today was so slow-paced I could barely handle it. Part of it was the fact I was super tired, still am and still will be for the next few days more. The other part was that the teacher was taking a lot of time between the first run of an exercise and then the repetition so that she could make corrections and whatnot. This is fine and dandy, but during one of the breaks, she remarked the exercise to demonstrate a difference, and I thought it was a new exercise.. so I played some completely different music... then she stopped and gave me one of those looks; the type that ballet accompanists avoid like the the plague. At least she didn't just stare at me, she told me it was the same exercise, and then I had to revive the music I had improvised just before... luckily it was still in accesible condition.
Generally it was a hard day to make it through due to the tireness. I got an hour of practice in in the afternoon, but got kicked out by the company's resident teacher who is goddess. She told me to keep practicing because the dancer she was working with wasnt there yet, and then later she commented that I was a very good pianist. The thick Russian accent made it sound that much more inspiring.
Also today, talking to one of the ballet teachers about music in the dance world and looking stuff up on the internet, I have some new approaches to what possible future plans may be. But ya, once again,avoiding thinking too much about it at this point.
Not only am I not allowed to be a friend, and have been excommunicated from the internet lives of some people, but now they won't even let me interject my thoughts and other such ramblings on live journals.
Anyway, to those of your who have LJ's and are used to receiving my comments, alas, no more shall you read the sweet words of my internet dribble.
Update on my finger condition... it's getting better, I have this 24 hour moisturizing lotion stuff... and I've been applying it every hour or 10 minutes or so.. and it's getting a bit better. Now I know that the dryness was actually the cause so I'm not worried anymore. I think I'll see if I can find a plastic/latex glove and fill the finger tips with moisturizer/hand cream and then wear that to bed on both hands so I can avoid this discomfort.
Wow, the senior ballet class I played today was so slow-paced I could barely handle it. Part of it was the fact I was super tired, still am and still will be for the next few days more. The other part was that the teacher was taking a lot of time between the first run of an exercise and then the repetition so that she could make corrections and whatnot. This is fine and dandy, but during one of the breaks, she remarked the exercise to demonstrate a difference, and I thought it was a new exercise.. so I played some completely different music... then she stopped and gave me one of those looks; the type that ballet accompanists avoid like the the plague. At least she didn't just stare at me, she told me it was the same exercise, and then I had to revive the music I had improvised just before... luckily it was still in accesible condition.
Generally it was a hard day to make it through due to the tireness. I got an hour of practice in in the afternoon, but got kicked out by the company's resident teacher who is goddess. She told me to keep practicing because the dancer she was working with wasnt there yet, and then later she commented that I was a very good pianist. The thick Russian accent made it sound that much more inspiring.
Also today, talking to one of the ballet teachers about music in the dance world and looking stuff up on the internet, I have some new approaches to what possible future plans may be. But ya, once again,avoiding thinking too much about it at this point.
ouchie!
Golly Gosh Darn, this recital better be the best thing ever cause i've been playing through pain during practices to make sure I have the best recital for you people.
I'm not sure what happened but my right pinky hurts like a bitch. It seems to be cracked skin just under my fingernail, at the end. I think the diagnosis has been that it's dry and thats why it cracked... so I've been moisturising like a banshee, hopefully I will be in tip top shape by tuesday, hopefully tomorrow, but nevertheless, I will perform my best regardless of the state of my finger. It's a pest, but it's not the worst thing ever. Just another thing to bitch about.
Now it's off to work.. today isabout the only normal day where I don't have tons of extra rehearsals and whatnot.
Oh ya, my accompanying for senior festival classes seems to be going better than the junior ones...All three of my guys placed at the top of their classes, it feels good to play for good singers, it gives you more of a sense of accomplishment, whether warranted or not....
I'm not sure what happened but my right pinky hurts like a bitch. It seems to be cracked skin just under my fingernail, at the end. I think the diagnosis has been that it's dry and thats why it cracked... so I've been moisturising like a banshee, hopefully I will be in tip top shape by tuesday, hopefully tomorrow, but nevertheless, I will perform my best regardless of the state of my finger. It's a pest, but it's not the worst thing ever. Just another thing to bitch about.
Now it's off to work.. today isabout the only normal day where I don't have tons of extra rehearsals and whatnot.
Oh ya, my accompanying for senior festival classes seems to be going better than the junior ones...All three of my guys placed at the top of their classes, it feels good to play for good singers, it gives you more of a sense of accomplishment, whether warranted or not....
Thursday, March 09, 2006
so ya....jellybellies... best things ever
even better than that is....
1.1 kilograms of jellybellies... thats approximately 963 of them....
the best part about it is that I've been eating them excessively... BUT they're still there, don't don't have that quick vanishing quality that other candy can have, like chocolate because they're jam packed with flavour and goodness.
I love combining them randomly and seeing what kind of flavour result you get... and who cares if its not the best thing ever... chances are you'll stumble across something better... or just juicy pear.. which is by far the best flavour on its own.
Oi, today is dad's birthday, so I got him tickets for us to go see Messiah tonight... but I need to practice... so I told mom to go with him.. but she also has things to do... so it kinda seemed to turn into mom and I fighting over who had to go with dad....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
the thing is, we both wanted to go, but it's just such a busy time....I offered to hlp my mom out a little with housework to do before sister Heather and her boyfriend(no, not Jesus... we've covered this in the past that she's not a nun) come in for a night. So in the end, mom and dad went to the ballet and all is well. I get to stay at home and have a piano practice until they get home, at which point I will probably head to the school to do my run through and more practicing.
Tomorrow is super busy time!!! wee! 3 singers in one class, another singer in another class... then playing at the contemporary dance school and then rushing to the festival AGAIN for a choral class in the evening... then of course more practicing in the evening. FUNFUNFUNF! thats right fun, fun, five!
I guess, forcibly all the practicing I've done lately has been really focused and productive.... let's hope I can keep it up...
and now... to keep up the good work....
even better than that is....
1.1 kilograms of jellybellies... thats approximately 963 of them....
the best part about it is that I've been eating them excessively... BUT they're still there, don't don't have that quick vanishing quality that other candy can have, like chocolate because they're jam packed with flavour and goodness.
I love combining them randomly and seeing what kind of flavour result you get... and who cares if its not the best thing ever... chances are you'll stumble across something better... or just juicy pear.. which is by far the best flavour on its own.
Oi, today is dad's birthday, so I got him tickets for us to go see Messiah tonight... but I need to practice... so I told mom to go with him.. but she also has things to do... so it kinda seemed to turn into mom and I fighting over who had to go with dad....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
the thing is, we both wanted to go, but it's just such a busy time....I offered to hlp my mom out a little with housework to do before sister Heather and her boyfriend(no, not Jesus... we've covered this in the past that she's not a nun) come in for a night. So in the end, mom and dad went to the ballet and all is well. I get to stay at home and have a piano practice until they get home, at which point I will probably head to the school to do my run through and more practicing.
Tomorrow is super busy time!!! wee! 3 singers in one class, another singer in another class... then playing at the contemporary dance school and then rushing to the festival AGAIN for a choral class in the evening... then of course more practicing in the evening. FUNFUNFUNF! thats right fun, fun, five!
I guess, forcibly all the practicing I've done lately has been really focused and productive.... let's hope I can keep it up...
and now... to keep up the good work....
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Ca recommence demain!
thats right, as of 9:30 am tomorrow, I will officially be back in at least partial fesitval mode.
I have one class tomorrow and a couple of rehearsals, and then more classes on friday and then the weekend sees 2 choir classes, a rehearsal, a lesson and a full day of working at the ballet.
The goal of balancing my life this weekend and until tuesday is to spend as little time as I can actually devoted to festival and the rest to practicing for my recital.
So far all the time I've spentworking on recital since yesterday has been productive. I had my lesson today, which I didn't know how to deal with cause I had just had a lesson the inght befpre with the dress rehearsal... it was good though... ish. David commented that I was playing like a different person... in a good way. But theres still a lot of work so I need to get to it!yay!
He got more of a glimpse into the scope of my festival involvement this next while and was not happy. He mentioned that usually students do nothing BUT prepare for their recitals the week before... but I don't fit that mold. I wish I had made it so I could, but alas we have to deal with the pie that we are dealt... or something of the sort. Anyway, I feel prepared enough for the stuff I have coming up immediately that I won't have to divert extra time away from recital.
Wow, I just realised that I can practice late at night on my midi keyboard..... at least finger work for Bach....
oh well, gnite
I have one class tomorrow and a couple of rehearsals, and then more classes on friday and then the weekend sees 2 choir classes, a rehearsal, a lesson and a full day of working at the ballet.
The goal of balancing my life this weekend and until tuesday is to spend as little time as I can actually devoted to festival and the rest to practicing for my recital.
So far all the time I've spentworking on recital since yesterday has been productive. I had my lesson today, which I didn't know how to deal with cause I had just had a lesson the inght befpre with the dress rehearsal... it was good though... ish. David commented that I was playing like a different person... in a good way. But theres still a lot of work so I need to get to it!yay!
He got more of a glimpse into the scope of my festival involvement this next while and was not happy. He mentioned that usually students do nothing BUT prepare for their recitals the week before... but I don't fit that mold. I wish I had made it so I could, but alas we have to deal with the pie that we are dealt... or something of the sort. Anyway, I feel prepared enough for the stuff I have coming up immediately that I won't have to divert extra time away from recital.
Wow, I just realised that I can practice late at night on my midi keyboard..... at least finger work for Bach....
oh well, gnite
Dress Rehearsal tonight... the stuff leading up to it wasn't going my way, but that aside.. I still thought my playing was getting better with each go at it.
It was a new piano that I wasn't used to and my teacher was there and Tiffy too, so those are the excuses for it not going so hot.
Thank you Tiff, Im glad it wasn't just my teacher there. He pointed out that I could blame some of the stuff on nerves, but whats gonna happen with its the real thing and many more people... in all honesty, it wil make me play better, I live off the energy I get from an audience. 2 people was pretty much just like a lesson scenario, which I find extra nerve racking... cause you know how impossibly hard it is to please them.
anyway, on the basis that we don't have any time to waste in preparing for this recital, David's commentary was all negative, or constructive. He reinforced the fact that I play very well and musically, BUT the technical imperfections really distract from my musical intentions.
The diagnosis is that i need to concentrate almost exclusively on technical elements and getting the music into my fingers and brain. He feels confident that they musical stuff will remain and it comes naturally... I can't argue. So that is what I will do.
I started tonight with the Mozart and did the Theme and Variations movement. I went through like a machine and practiced everything so that I could play it perfectly. It's the kind of thing I need to keep doing... I wish I had gotten more done, but time just wouldn't allow. Fortunately, that represents about 13 of 45 minutes of my recital(almost a third), which is more reassuring than calling it a third of one of five pieces in my recital ( one fifteenth).
Tomorrow is rehearsals for festival starting again thursday and then a lesson at which David and I will just go over practice methods and their application to my recital program... in other words a lessons worth of super productive practicing.
alas, its 3:30 in the morning and I need to wake up probably sooner than I will be asleep if I were to get done that which I need to do!
gnite
It was a new piano that I wasn't used to and my teacher was there and Tiffy too, so those are the excuses for it not going so hot.
Thank you Tiff, Im glad it wasn't just my teacher there. He pointed out that I could blame some of the stuff on nerves, but whats gonna happen with its the real thing and many more people... in all honesty, it wil make me play better, I live off the energy I get from an audience. 2 people was pretty much just like a lesson scenario, which I find extra nerve racking... cause you know how impossibly hard it is to please them.
anyway, on the basis that we don't have any time to waste in preparing for this recital, David's commentary was all negative, or constructive. He reinforced the fact that I play very well and musically, BUT the technical imperfections really distract from my musical intentions.
The diagnosis is that i need to concentrate almost exclusively on technical elements and getting the music into my fingers and brain. He feels confident that they musical stuff will remain and it comes naturally... I can't argue. So that is what I will do.
I started tonight with the Mozart and did the Theme and Variations movement. I went through like a machine and practiced everything so that I could play it perfectly. It's the kind of thing I need to keep doing... I wish I had gotten more done, but time just wouldn't allow. Fortunately, that represents about 13 of 45 minutes of my recital(almost a third), which is more reassuring than calling it a third of one of five pieces in my recital ( one fifteenth).
Tomorrow is rehearsals for festival starting again thursday and then a lesson at which David and I will just go over practice methods and their application to my recital program... in other words a lessons worth of super productive practicing.
alas, its 3:30 in the morning and I need to wake up probably sooner than I will be asleep if I were to get done that which I need to do!
gnite
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
I know I've been tehnical in my musical/piano comments especially in prep for the recital... but its nothing compared to what goes on in my head.. to demonstrate, I'm going to post the notes I took for myself while listening to my recital run-through recording from last night.
Keep in mind that I concentrated almost exclusively on the bad stuff, with no mention of all the goodness that was happenign last night. I'm going to spend the afternoon working on all this stuff and tonight is the dress rehearsal, so I will actually have the proper piano and I will be able to pretend its the real thing... then luckily I still have another week to perfect perfect perfect! yay
here it is:
Recital Runthruough
Monday March 6
Brahms
Intermezzo
Page 1-not clean, take time to get into the right space
Page 2-top, L.H. descending hesitations
Page 3 – start quieter
Still not clean
Last line- even cres… not accented, should be richer
Capricco
Needs tidying.
Middle- more sense of line, flow more… rather than accents; shouldn’t feel like played by the bar
Geneally, more RIT in the big L.H. jumps
Return to Eflat… little unsure
Reprise- Ab section.. missed top r.h. note
Last line.. make the 4 note descending motive come through
Bach
Prelude- tempo was a little high… didn’t feel secure
Terraced dynamics should be clearer
Clearer rit at end
Fugue-two voice-texture… less r.h., but still needs to beconfident
Terraced dim needs to be clearer and actually done (Page 2, line 2+3)
Page 3-clean the 32’nd notes
****MEMORY SLIP- at the l.h. subject in D 4’th page….-L.h. needs to remember to play the f# turn before jumping down to the c!*****
-even if you fuck up, play the end with confidence
Scriabin
Etude-more cres at bottom of page one and then more dim.
Prelude-good
Reverie- good mood
Mozart-theme-be prepared to start, don’t overdo the sF’s
Var1-line 3 change, don’t make l.h. too loud var2 clearer texture with l.h. octaves, 2nd half reprise memory
Var3- memory-prepare for where octaves start = avoid hesitations var4 fine var 5 be clear of rhythm of melody between first time and reprise. 2nd page, bar before repeated a’s… epp. Var 6 first half = better. Second half- don’t speed up (it will screw you over) slow even more for the last 2 chords.
Minuet character is much better, practice with metronome to get even more secure. Second half-second bar…metronome and also get the swells and l.h. cres. Take time before reprise to reset the mood. DON’t forget the l.h. chords right before final cadence.
Trio metronome, make secure where hands are going to avoid hesitations. End of first half, don’t slow down because of confusion. Overall, good balance of the R and L hands and melody
Rondo don’t round down the end of loud phrases. Reprise theme-careful not to miss the cadential chords. F# minor-careful not to push the tempo. Don’t hesitate before reprise. Structural memory could be stronger overall. Coda-p section is unsteady, keep it focussed for the big finale.
PDQ-write down what you’re going to say.. “Fuck, fuck fuck fuck.. anyway, here is it” is not a good introduction when you screw it up….
Rising chrom chords-good first time… nice shaping.. but fix up section after it.
Careful attention as to which are natural/flats… jump to top cha-cha chords…. Make sure its solid.
Jolly fellow-chords of early in the fugue are not secure- really, fix them! Single octave sounds better
Keep in mind that I concentrated almost exclusively on the bad stuff, with no mention of all the goodness that was happenign last night. I'm going to spend the afternoon working on all this stuff and tonight is the dress rehearsal, so I will actually have the proper piano and I will be able to pretend its the real thing... then luckily I still have another week to perfect perfect perfect! yay
here it is:
Recital Runthruough
Monday March 6
Brahms
Intermezzo
Page 1-not clean, take time to get into the right space
Page 2-top, L.H. descending hesitations
Page 3 – start quieter
Still not clean
Last line- even cres… not accented, should be richer
Capricco
Needs tidying.
Middle- more sense of line, flow more… rather than accents; shouldn’t feel like played by the bar
Geneally, more RIT in the big L.H. jumps
Return to Eflat… little unsure
Reprise- Ab section.. missed top r.h. note
Last line.. make the 4 note descending motive come through
Bach
Prelude- tempo was a little high… didn’t feel secure
Terraced dynamics should be clearer
Clearer rit at end
Fugue-two voice-texture… less r.h., but still needs to beconfident
Terraced dim needs to be clearer and actually done (Page 2, line 2+3)
Page 3-clean the 32’nd notes
****MEMORY SLIP- at the l.h. subject in D 4’th page….-L.h. needs to remember to play the f# turn before jumping down to the c!*****
-even if you fuck up, play the end with confidence
Scriabin
Etude-more cres at bottom of page one and then more dim.
Prelude-good
Reverie- good mood
Mozart-theme-be prepared to start, don’t overdo the sF’s
Var1-line 3 change, don’t make l.h. too loud var2 clearer texture with l.h. octaves, 2nd half reprise memory
Var3- memory-prepare for where octaves start = avoid hesitations var4 fine var 5 be clear of rhythm of melody between first time and reprise. 2nd page, bar before repeated a’s… epp. Var 6 first half = better. Second half- don’t speed up (it will screw you over) slow even more for the last 2 chords.
Minuet character is much better, practice with metronome to get even more secure. Second half-second bar…metronome and also get the swells and l.h. cres. Take time before reprise to reset the mood. DON’t forget the l.h. chords right before final cadence.
Trio metronome, make secure where hands are going to avoid hesitations. End of first half, don’t slow down because of confusion. Overall, good balance of the R and L hands and melody
Rondo don’t round down the end of loud phrases. Reprise theme-careful not to miss the cadential chords. F# minor-careful not to push the tempo. Don’t hesitate before reprise. Structural memory could be stronger overall. Coda-p section is unsteady, keep it focussed for the big finale.
PDQ-write down what you’re going to say.. “Fuck, fuck fuck fuck.. anyway, here is it” is not a good introduction when you screw it up….
Rising chrom chords-good first time… nice shaping.. but fix up section after it.
Careful attention as to which are natural/flats… jump to top cha-cha chords…. Make sure its solid.
Jolly fellow-chords of early in the fugue are not secure- really, fix them! Single octave sounds better
Monday, March 06, 2006
First composition in good shape!
Thats what my comp prof told me today. He gave me permission to now, after giving this final movment to the performers, ignore it until after my recital. All that is really left to do is to make a few cosmetic changes and see if I can't make my intentions a little more clearly defined. Those aren't pressing, so I just have to take care of them before I hand in the final copy for coursework.
I feel so good right now for a few reasons:
1) no festival til thursday, so relaxing to not be doing that every day...
2) barely any classes this week
3) my recital runthroughs are getting progressively better so I feel progressively better about it. I am now comfortable with the amount of playing and staying focussed for the whole run. This was not the case every just before the weekend. Listening to the recordings is great, I can hear exaclty what I have to clean up and take note of it and then practice that specifically before the next run through.
I can't think of other reasons at the moment, but all is well.
I picked up more accompanying for the festival... cause you know the amount before wasn't enough.... one of them is a piece I'm already playing, so no prob there, playing for 3 people in one class. The other is new time and new piece... and it's on Thursday... ARTGGH!BH!
BUT i just spent an hour getting the notes in my fingers and ya, I feel good now. It's neither easy nor difficult, average amongst pieces of that level, so yes, I think it will go just fine.
lately, I've been thinking a lot about Grad studies and options..concerning dance/music combo study. So far the options I've uncovered are University of Cape Town, South Africa or Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC. I'll keep looking. Cape Town would be a MMus and Simon would be a MFA...I will still compare pros and cons, but ya. I'm still not even sure what direction Im going in. But I seem to like the philosophy of the Simon Fraser School MFA program... although Cape Town allows you to customize your program just as much and the Dance program is uber integrated... if you take dance, you get a MMus in Dance... I could get a degree in dance.. if I encorporate dissertation and choreography..... who knows.
Alas, back to practicing, maybe supper first, then an evening of productive....
oh thats right, I still have to make little changes to the Songs For Nana composition and then take it to the singer/pianist.... funfunfunfun!
I feel so good right now for a few reasons:
1) no festival til thursday, so relaxing to not be doing that every day...
2) barely any classes this week
3) my recital runthroughs are getting progressively better so I feel progressively better about it. I am now comfortable with the amount of playing and staying focussed for the whole run. This was not the case every just before the weekend. Listening to the recordings is great, I can hear exaclty what I have to clean up and take note of it and then practice that specifically before the next run through.
I can't think of other reasons at the moment, but all is well.
I picked up more accompanying for the festival... cause you know the amount before wasn't enough.... one of them is a piece I'm already playing, so no prob there, playing for 3 people in one class. The other is new time and new piece... and it's on Thursday... ARTGGH!BH!
BUT i just spent an hour getting the notes in my fingers and ya, I feel good now. It's neither easy nor difficult, average amongst pieces of that level, so yes, I think it will go just fine.
lately, I've been thinking a lot about Grad studies and options..concerning dance/music combo study. So far the options I've uncovered are University of Cape Town, South Africa or Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC. I'll keep looking. Cape Town would be a MMus and Simon would be a MFA...I will still compare pros and cons, but ya. I'm still not even sure what direction Im going in. But I seem to like the philosophy of the Simon Fraser School MFA program... although Cape Town allows you to customize your program just as much and the Dance program is uber integrated... if you take dance, you get a MMus in Dance... I could get a degree in dance.. if I encorporate dissertation and choreography..... who knows.
Alas, back to practicing, maybe supper first, then an evening of productive....
oh thats right, I still have to make little changes to the Songs For Nana composition and then take it to the singer/pianist.... funfunfunfun!
Friday, March 03, 2006
what a wonderful way to end week one
This afternoon went almost perfectly. Still it wasn't absolutely perfect like that golden ring we're always reaching for, but for all intensive intents and purposeful porpoises it went off without a hitch. I also got paid by her and was able to stop off at the bank and deposit a hefty sum of money, which feels so good! Now to transfer that over to my other account so I won't go and spend it on candy.... hmm does anyone want to go candy shopping..? no! I can't!but I really want to...
so yes, very much looking forward to the hardcore practicing this weekend and week.
I have been feeling antisocial and disconnected this week, but if I just keep it up for another week and a bit, then it will be so relaxing... Im gonna set up a massage appointment for the day after everything is over, I will need it!
I got ahold of the lady, at whose house I left my binder, and she is bringing it to one of the festival locations right across from where I work tonight, so I will be able to get it back and not have to worry about it!
YAY! life is good.
so yes, very much looking forward to the hardcore practicing this weekend and week.
I have been feeling antisocial and disconnected this week, but if I just keep it up for another week and a bit, then it will be so relaxing... Im gonna set up a massage appointment for the day after everything is over, I will need it!
I got ahold of the lady, at whose house I left my binder, and she is bringing it to one of the festival locations right across from where I work tonight, so I will be able to get it back and not have to worry about it!
YAY! life is good.
wow, yesterday was accompanying 4 classes, 3 of which were Musical Theatre.... so much young off broadway(for a reason) I could barely stand it.
I also had a first rehearsal situation which was mixed in with a coaching with the singer's teacher. I was not comfortable with the situation because a first rehearsal never goes well and there shouldn't be any stress attached, it should be professional, yes, but relaxed and open. I think it went well enough though. But then I went and did stupid by leaving my binder behind.
I did go and buy a digirecorder and used it to record my recital run last night. I listened to it on the car ride home, very helpful. Still lots to fix up.
One of the singers I was accompanying is sick, meaning she wouldn't be performing this morning, meaning I got to sleep in. It's too bad the way sickness creeps in at inoportune moments, so I'm sorry about the situation for her sake, but I'm so happy I slept in til 10:30 this morning, HEAVENLY!
Only one festival class today and then contemp dancers tonight, then ballet tomorrow as usual, and then only practicing all weekend, and no festival until fridday the 10th! It's such a good feeling. I will actually go to school next week even though I don't have 20th century, but ya... wait, I won't go the days I actually dont have school, but ya, I won't be occupied by festival so much! yay
anyway, back to practicing and whatnot.. oh ya composing.. i need to get that fourth song done.
I also had a first rehearsal situation which was mixed in with a coaching with the singer's teacher. I was not comfortable with the situation because a first rehearsal never goes well and there shouldn't be any stress attached, it should be professional, yes, but relaxed and open. I think it went well enough though. But then I went and did stupid by leaving my binder behind.
I did go and buy a digirecorder and used it to record my recital run last night. I listened to it on the car ride home, very helpful. Still lots to fix up.
One of the singers I was accompanying is sick, meaning she wouldn't be performing this morning, meaning I got to sleep in. It's too bad the way sickness creeps in at inoportune moments, so I'm sorry about the situation for her sake, but I'm so happy I slept in til 10:30 this morning, HEAVENLY!
Only one festival class today and then contemp dancers tonight, then ballet tomorrow as usual, and then only practicing all weekend, and no festival until fridday the 10th! It's such a good feeling. I will actually go to school next week even though I don't have 20th century, but ya... wait, I won't go the days I actually dont have school, but ya, I won't be occupied by festival so much! yay
anyway, back to practicing and whatnot.. oh ya composing.. i need to get that fourth song done.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
so, I love the accompanist world at the festival, here's why:
The background: I had to play for a test piece class: this is where 20 singers all get up and sing the same song. Usually there are about 4 or 5 accompanists that get up and play the piece a couple times each, cause all the kids are hiring the same people... anyway... like the singers I was nervous because I knew I would be compared to all the other professional accompanists who are much more experienced. Add to this the fact that I was feeling underprepared which was weighing especially heavy on me because I knew everyone else was going to be playing it perfectly.
The Scenario: I sat at the back with 2 of the other accompanists one of which had the music in front of her at all times, the other looked at it a few times.
Action: The two of them were discussing the other accompanist/singer's tempo choices.... and other aspects of their playing. I said to them "I knew I shouldn't have sat here, now I know that you're gonna be watching for all the wrong notes I'm going to play". They tried to reassure me by saying something like "it is an awkward piece to play" and the sorts.. but that's not what made me feel better....
At one point, it all became so trivial that I just wasn't worried any more. That point was when the one leaned over to the other and pointed to a specific bar, and asked if she had been playing that E-flat... because she didn't think she had noticed it before.... then they started with the tally of..."well neither did she... oh, but I think Ross did... well he probably would".
I realised that they weren't judging the others, rather just doing something to pass the time. If you have to sit through the same song for an hour and a half, you easily get picky...especially if you know the song to begin with.
I played and it wasn't perfect, I won't lie. But, I gave good support and rhythm. The singer most likely didn't notice anything wrong because I provided everything she needed to sing to the best of her ability at the time. When I came back, they both reassured me that it went well and one said "who cares if it wasn't exactly what was on the page, it sounded good!"
Nevertheless, I think I've come closer to learning my lesson about preparation. The one's I need to work on for the rest of festival, I am putting in good efficient work and it is showing... I know those classes are going to go well.
Recital is coming along... I worked on some of the issues today that were pointed out in my lesson and I played throught he program again tonight. It went much better than in lesson.. probably because it was less stressful. I really got in the right mindset so that helped.
It was a toss up, most of the things I worked on were better... some I need to readdress or try something different... some new mistakes popped up... I need a recording device so I can listen to it and learn from that. I think I'll buy a digital recorder tomorrow... a good investment i think. It could also help with improvising.
anyway, enough blogging. theres composing to do and sleeping and reading and whatnot
The background: I had to play for a test piece class: this is where 20 singers all get up and sing the same song. Usually there are about 4 or 5 accompanists that get up and play the piece a couple times each, cause all the kids are hiring the same people... anyway... like the singers I was nervous because I knew I would be compared to all the other professional accompanists who are much more experienced. Add to this the fact that I was feeling underprepared which was weighing especially heavy on me because I knew everyone else was going to be playing it perfectly.
The Scenario: I sat at the back with 2 of the other accompanists one of which had the music in front of her at all times, the other looked at it a few times.
Action: The two of them were discussing the other accompanist/singer's tempo choices.... and other aspects of their playing. I said to them "I knew I shouldn't have sat here, now I know that you're gonna be watching for all the wrong notes I'm going to play". They tried to reassure me by saying something like "it is an awkward piece to play" and the sorts.. but that's not what made me feel better....
At one point, it all became so trivial that I just wasn't worried any more. That point was when the one leaned over to the other and pointed to a specific bar, and asked if she had been playing that E-flat... because she didn't think she had noticed it before.... then they started with the tally of..."well neither did she... oh, but I think Ross did... well he probably would".
I realised that they weren't judging the others, rather just doing something to pass the time. If you have to sit through the same song for an hour and a half, you easily get picky...especially if you know the song to begin with.
I played and it wasn't perfect, I won't lie. But, I gave good support and rhythm. The singer most likely didn't notice anything wrong because I provided everything she needed to sing to the best of her ability at the time. When I came back, they both reassured me that it went well and one said "who cares if it wasn't exactly what was on the page, it sounded good!"
Nevertheless, I think I've come closer to learning my lesson about preparation. The one's I need to work on for the rest of festival, I am putting in good efficient work and it is showing... I know those classes are going to go well.
Recital is coming along... I worked on some of the issues today that were pointed out in my lesson and I played throught he program again tonight. It went much better than in lesson.. probably because it was less stressful. I really got in the right mindset so that helped.
It was a toss up, most of the things I worked on were better... some I need to readdress or try something different... some new mistakes popped up... I need a recording device so I can listen to it and learn from that. I think I'll buy a digital recorder tomorrow... a good investment i think. It could also help with improvising.
anyway, enough blogging. theres composing to do and sleeping and reading and whatnot
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