I am a big fan of what Sarah Willis is doing. Her somewhat cozy interviews with top notch horn players around the world gives us a close personal glimpse into their fast paced world! I'll get whatever little clues they drop as I can!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Marie-Luise Neunecker on Sarah´s Horn Hangouts
I am a big fan of what Sarah Willis is doing. Her somewhat cozy interviews with top notch horn players around the world gives us a close personal glimpse into their fast paced world! I'll get whatever little clues they drop as I can!
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Memorization is N0T for everyone, yet we ALL must do it!
I'll have to say, it is a beautiful thing when someone walks out onto stage, playing freely; connecting with the audience having no barriers between them. Letting the music flow so directly is unquestionably the most desirable way to perform but it is not for everyone. I have a serious issue with memorization being required for jury exams or recital performances. My objection extends to memorization of scales or exercises as well.
Speaking from my own experience with ADD, having the sheetmusic in front of me is a tremendous help in keeping my attention. Distractions are constant for me. Some may have heard of the ability of those with ADD to go into a state of hyperfocus. The performance situation, memorized or not, can bring about hyperfocus for those with ADD but it is not a guarantee. While this is a magnificent state of mind, it cannot be called to order. I have never found this zone during memorized performances. I have however found this state of mind when using music. Ironically, it is the barrier, the music stand which becomes the bridge allowing me to deliver.
Scales are often learned and or practiced in a particular order by musicians. Having a routine way of going about things is natural and effective. Process is therapeutic and mentally calming. Over time alternate routines should be explored. The fresh perspective is good for the mind and the muscles but this should never be tested or expected under the gun in performance. There need not be anything to prove on jury day with your scales. An instructor can determine if the student has sufficiently learned their scales prior to the examination. If a committee is insistent on requiring scales, the student should be allowed to use music or at the very least play them in an order most suitable to them.
This issue is so complex, think of how some people cannot look others in the eyes when communicating, even when saying their name. Is it any wonder, that some of us might not be comfortable presenting ourselves on stage during musical performance, let alone conforming to standards set by others to meet societal expectations? Performance is such an emotional and individual thing for the artist. The musician needs to convey his or her thoughts in their way. But we don't always have a choice. I am trying here to include a link to helpful memorization ideas:
http://collaborativepiano.blogspot.com/2007/07/memorization-tips-and-hacks.html#.U7gSuvldWSo
Speaking from my own experience with ADD, having the sheetmusic in front of me is a tremendous help in keeping my attention. Distractions are constant for me. Some may have heard of the ability of those with ADD to go into a state of hyperfocus. The performance situation, memorized or not, can bring about hyperfocus for those with ADD but it is not a guarantee. While this is a magnificent state of mind, it cannot be called to order. I have never found this zone during memorized performances. I have however found this state of mind when using music. Ironically, it is the barrier, the music stand which becomes the bridge allowing me to deliver.
Scales are often learned and or practiced in a particular order by musicians. Having a routine way of going about things is natural and effective. Process is therapeutic and mentally calming. Over time alternate routines should be explored. The fresh perspective is good for the mind and the muscles but this should never be tested or expected under the gun in performance. There need not be anything to prove on jury day with your scales. An instructor can determine if the student has sufficiently learned their scales prior to the examination. If a committee is insistent on requiring scales, the student should be allowed to use music or at the very least play them in an order most suitable to them.
This issue is so complex, think of how some people cannot look others in the eyes when communicating, even when saying their name. Is it any wonder, that some of us might not be comfortable presenting ourselves on stage during musical performance, let alone conforming to standards set by others to meet societal expectations? Performance is such an emotional and individual thing for the artist. The musician needs to convey his or her thoughts in their way. But we don't always have a choice. I am trying here to include a link to helpful memorization ideas:
http://collaborativepiano.blogspot.com/2007/07/memorization-tips-and-hacks.html#.U7gSuvldWSo
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