I love that you keep your mistakes. You could have cut them to show "how perfect you are". But we all know how good you are, and by doing this, your telling us that mistakes are just human, and that even quite perfect humans can do them :).
When AJ and I went to see a Babayan masterclass in Ithica, he did this process with the left-hand opening to Schumann’s Papillons no. 4. It was utterly incredible. He played it probably 12 different ways and we were left marveling at how each way he played sounded so completely different - tone color, articulation, shaping, etc. The multitude of sounds he was able to create with just one hand was amazing. In the end he asked the student to try it a new way, and the student did - he played it sort of staccato in a way that wasn’t marked. Babayan said that that was a great way to practice but probably not for the concert hall. He ended with an analogy - if two people are asked to dress nicely for a party, he would always prefer the guy in the bright yellow coat and alligator shoes and pink pants to the guy who wears all grey. What an incredible teacher and human being.
The part you played mistakes made me feel so calming 💙 “Why am I doing this” that’s cute I love this video. I hope you would make more video on how to do shaping. That’s is sth artistry which not easy to learn from teacher and hard to explain. Thank you for ur videos
I too love the polishing phase! As someone who is better at the musicality than the technical aspects of piano, that part (especially in the window right after you are able to play the piece from start to finish) is my favorite.
A concise but great recipe for artistry! And also putting emotion into the fingers IS a great way to memorize. And a true measure of musicianship. How powerful it is to remember when someone made us feel better about ourselves, and the heart soared. Those moments transformed into the balletic motion of the keys and the piece is yours. Thanks as always, Josh.
My fave part “why am I doing this..?” Haha- yea the fun part is definitely shaping the melody in different ways for various phrases. What frustrates me is the length of time between learning all the notes and getting to that stage though - it feels forever for me.
Thanks Josh - experimenting with different ways of playing a passage is what keeps me going after I get a piece "up there". I've recently started focusing on repeats in baroque music where I like to work on expanding my creativity a bit and play something different on the repeats. However, as you said in the video, any piece could benefit from something like this. Also, loved to hear about the connection between emotion and memory - it definitely works for me too
This is one of my favourite pieces. I mean, to hear, I do not think I will be able to play it at this stage in life, my hands esp the left, are slowing down. I am pushing on through pieces at grade 3-4 level right now, bearing in mind I hadn't played very much for 45 years. There is a wonderful RUclips vid of Vladimir Horowitz as a very elderly gentleman playing this piece in his Return to Moscow performance. His fingers, spread flat as usual, barely seemed to be moving yet he conveyed so much expression and tonal variation. It moves me to tears every time. Thank you for this inspiring video and for playing a little snatch of this Josh.
I'll hang up "Boil the water" over my piano :) Seriously. You're so inspiring. I struggle a lot with articulation, although "struggle" is probably not the best way to put it, because that is the fun part. But I need a lot of time to find articulation I like and especially to vary it between repeats. Your tutorials helped a lot - even more: taught me everything I know about the subject and I made a lot of progress in the last year I'm a member of ProPractice. Thank you!
Nice lesson! I have a question! How do classical pianists know how much of an emotion to put at certain parts of the music, like for example, how sad is too sad? Also, are classical pianists allowed to interpret classical music in their own way or is there a strict kind of standard to follow when playing certain pieces? I like Liberace and I've been watching some of his videos lately. I noticed that he played his classical pieces differently from the traditional classical pianist.
Josh, you are NOT full of crap! Lol I completely agree with you. Being able to connect and associate emotions to a passage or piece can help in learning and memorization. The pieces that I have a better time learning are the ones I can FEEL.
Interesting discussion on how to perfect a piece. Recently got into a discussion on "memorizing" music on Piano World Forum. Some people would always have the score in front of them and read through entire pieces. There are those who are not good readers including myself tend to learn the notes line by line or section by section and play entire pieces back from memory. Playing by reading a score vs. playing from memory is a separate discussion that has no definite right answer. There is no general consensus 1 way is the better way or the only way to go. Some are natural memorizers while others are good readers but not good at memorizing. I've seen people who performed entire recitals from memory and those who read their pieces.
These are very true and good suggestions but I like to add that these small practice groups that you described should actually be worked out with a metronome in the background. Why?? Because that way one is compelled to make the musical ideas happen FIRST within the actual beats and then once one has a clear sense of what they can do musically within the confines of a metronome, they can take whatever liberties beyond this that the composer and style of music calls for.
I want to find a teacher. What do you think of taking private lessons from a local university or community college as a non music major? Thank you! Fellow Utahn here!
I love that you keep your mistakes. You could have cut them to show "how perfect you are". But we all know how good you are, and by doing this, your telling us that mistakes are just human, and that even quite perfect humans can do them :).
@Nico Amari wtf 😂
I saw a Babayan masterclass 10 years ago. I do think he's one of the greatest artists.
When AJ and I went to see a Babayan masterclass in Ithica, he did this process with the left-hand opening to Schumann’s Papillons no. 4. It was utterly incredible. He played it probably 12 different ways and we were left marveling at how each way he played sounded so completely different - tone color, articulation, shaping, etc. The multitude of sounds he was able to create with just one hand was amazing.
In the end he asked the student to try it a new way, and the student did - he played it sort of staccato in a way that wasn’t marked. Babayan said that that was a great way to practice but probably not for the concert hall. He ended with an analogy - if two people are asked to dress nicely for a party, he would always prefer the guy in the bright yellow coat and alligator shoes and pink pants to the guy who wears all grey. What an incredible teacher and human being.
Great idea i will utilize this tonight thanks Josh and keep the Babayan stories coming
Brandon Macey Thanks Brandon. Will do!
They are a GREAT help!
The part you played mistakes made me feel so calming 💙
“Why am I doing this” that’s cute
I love this video. I hope you would make more video on how to do shaping. That’s is sth artistry which not easy to learn from teacher and hard to explain. Thank you for ur videos
I too love the polishing phase! As someone who is better at the musicality than the technical aspects of piano, that part (especially in the window right after you are able to play the piece from start to finish) is my favorite.
A concise but great recipe for artistry! And also putting emotion into the fingers IS a great way to memorize. And a true measure of musicianship. How powerful it is to remember when someone made us feel better about ourselves, and the heart soared. Those moments transformed into the balletic motion of the keys and the piece is yours. Thanks as always, Josh.
My fave part “why am I doing this..?” Haha- yea the fun part is definitely shaping the melody in different ways for various phrases. What frustrates me is the length of time between learning all the notes and getting to that stage though - it feels forever for me.
Hi Liz :)
Lisa Li Hiiiii!!!! .:-)
Saaaame
Thanks Josh - experimenting with different ways of playing a passage is what keeps me going after I get a piece "up there". I've recently started focusing on repeats in baroque music where I like to work on expanding my creativity a bit and play something different on the repeats. However, as you said in the video, any piece could benefit from something like this. Also, loved to hear about the connection between emotion and memory - it definitely works for me too
Peter Hontaru - Piano Progress thanks Peter! I hope you’re doing well
This is one of my favourite pieces. I mean, to hear, I do not think I will be able to play it at this stage in life, my hands esp the left, are slowing down. I am pushing on through pieces at grade 3-4 level right now, bearing in mind I hadn't played very much for 45 years. There is a wonderful RUclips vid of Vladimir Horowitz as a very elderly gentleman playing this piece in his Return to Moscow performance. His fingers, spread flat as usual, barely seemed to be moving yet he conveyed so much expression and tonal variation. It moves me to tears every time. Thank you for this inspiring video and for playing a little snatch of this Josh.
Related advice.... An amateur practices till they get it right, a professional practices till they can't get it wrong!
This is exactly what a teacher of mine told me a few months ago
Lucas Dellios IV glad to hear it Lucas!
Yes to adding the emotion enables me to remember the passage. YES!
Very inspiring as always.
Now I feel so inspired...thank you, Josh! You’re the best! ❤️
Great advice for any musician. Not just pianists.
- And you're right about Babayan too.
Thank you for another inspiring video - your way of learning with your listeners, travelling together, I find very touching
I'll hang up "Boil the water" over my piano :) Seriously. You're so inspiring. I struggle a lot with articulation, although "struggle" is probably not the best way to put it, because that is the fun part. But I need a lot of time to find articulation I like and especially to vary it between repeats. Your tutorials helped a lot - even more: taught me everything I know about the subject and I made a lot of progress in the last year I'm a member of ProPractice. Thank you!
I really like your method, so use it playing Schubert Impromptu #3. Thank you very much
Nice lesson! I have a question! How do classical pianists know how much of an emotion to put at certain parts of the music, like for example, how sad is too sad? Also, are classical pianists allowed to interpret classical music in their own way or is there a strict kind of standard to follow when playing certain pieces? I like Liberace and I've been watching some of his videos lately. I noticed that he played his classical pieces differently from the traditional classical pianist.
Yes, yes, yes, the mind plays a big part... Excellent video! Thank you! Will continue to boil...
Thank you, Josh!
this advice is pure gold！thanks😀
Josh, you are NOT full of crap! Lol I completely agree with you. Being able to connect and associate emotions to a passage or piece can help in learning and memorization. The pieces that I have a better time learning are the ones I can FEEL.
Sounds like a good tip to me. I‘m guna put it into practice right away
Wowow!! One of your best videos!
Interesting discussion on how to perfect a piece.
Recently got into a discussion on "memorizing" music on Piano World Forum. Some people would always have the score in front of them and read through entire pieces. There are those who are not good readers including myself tend to learn the notes line by line or section by section and play entire pieces back from memory. Playing by reading a score vs. playing from memory is a separate discussion that has no definite right answer. There is no general consensus 1 way is the better way or the only way to go. Some are natural memorizers while others are good readers but not good at memorizing. I've seen people who performed entire recitals from memory and those who read their pieces.
AMAZING !!!!
These are very true and good suggestions but I like to add that these small practice groups that you described should actually be worked out with a metronome in the background. Why?? Because that way one is compelled to make the musical ideas happen FIRST within the actual beats and then once one has a clear sense of what they can do musically within the confines of a metronome, they can take whatever liberties beyond this that the composer and style of music calls for.
wow, it's like Divide and Conquer method in computer science.
I want to find a teacher. What do you think of taking private lessons from a local university or community college as a non music major? Thank you! Fellow Utahn here!
I’m not a fan of Babayan, to be honest. But I’m totally with you on this one 👍
PianothShaveck I think you’re the first person I’ve ever heard say that haha
So is Schubert op90 3 coming soon?
Please Josh make a tutorial on Chopin's nocturne no. 21... I can play the notes but it's so hard to make it sound good (rubato).
Unless you're making tea B)
Wow who is this?
@@TimothyGordon1245 I'm not sure, who am I--I m-mean who is that?
If you keep on talking like that about Babayan your wife might get jealous kk
Wigs by trump??
Sounds like a good tip to me. I‘m guna put it into practice right away
George Kanaan I hope it helps George! Have a great week