In an ideal world, a mixture of individual and group learning ...would seem to be most desirable'
Richard Crozier - Associated Board |
The piano lesson is normally a one-to-one session, and practising and playing can be lonely. Solo work is only part of the total musical experience. Playing with others in small groups or orchestras helps to develop musical awareness. Pianists often do not have the same opportunities as those learning other instruments. |
It is very valuable when teachers can provide opportunities for pupils to meet, share musical experiences, and perform for each other.
One benefit of working together is that it encourages listening. This is a skill of great importance to those who teach and learn a solo instrument such as the piano. Involving students in playing duets, and accompanying each other for festivals, can be exciting and creative. It gives them a sense of pride and achievement, but also ensures that they develop their listening skills and gain a wider sense of appreciation for music.
JPW Piano workshops have been developed as another way to widen horizons musically, particularly for those pupils who are not studying music formally at school. They provide an opportunity to meet and listen to piano, orchestral and chamber music through illustrated talks by experienced professional musicians who are informative and inspirational.
The workshops also help to develop Aural awareness of different musical styles and forms. Each one takes a theme such as a particular composer and his music, and includes the development of musical instruments, styles and forms. Recordings of larger works illustrate the range of work a composer might cover. The heart of each session however, is live performance.
The second part of the session involves students playing and discussing each other's work in 'open lessons'. This increases knowledge of the repertoire, and can cover topics such as practice technique, fingering, pedalling, as well as style and interpretation.
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