 Recording performance
Recordings are a great way to track improvements as well as to point
up technical and other issues.
Teachers: For
child protection reasons, you must get written consent
from parents or carers before making any audio or visual recordings of minors
DVR
If you are preparing for a performance
in a concert or an examination, it really does matter how you walk
up to the piano, sit down - adjusting the stool if necessary - and sort out
your music if you are using it. Take time to compose yourself,
making sure your audience are settled down too, and 'address' the
piano in a calm and quiet way before you start to play. Think about how
you want those opening notes to sound; feel the beat.
It is just as important how
you finish the performance. After a
quiet ending, let the sound die away when you are
finished, and take your hands and feet off the instrument in a controlled and
professional way, placing hands quietly in your lap. A more forceful and
dramatic ending can be matched with a bit of a flourish.
Between movements of a sonata
keep your focus on the instrument, your music, or your own hands to
discourage applause that may be distracting.
Acknowledge applause with a
small bow and a big smile!
If you have not seen many pianists perform
live, start borrowing DVDs from your teacher or local libraries and
going to concerts.
Embarrassing as it may be,
watching a video of yourself doing
these things really helps. Check out how good it looks when you get it right!
Audio
Teen students probably know more about this than anyone, but
anyway....
Many MP3 players include a record function. Most work well for voice
and some instruments, but can produce quite deadly results from a piano - a thin
and tinny tone and usually, being attuned to the high frequency sounds of
speech, a lot of extra vibrations
The Edirol R-09 produces excellent results with a small, handheld device - at
a price. See
their web site for more
information
Minidisk recorders are more reasonably priced, but
do bear in mind that they are 'old' technology
If you have invested in notation software
and/or are a
MIDI-user then you will want to
consider microphones compatible with your software
 Notation software
Finale Notepad is a limited functionality, free musical notation
package. You can write music for a range of instruments, switch
from concert to written pitch, and play back your work. Try it out
at http://www.finalemusic.com/
From sound to print
Downloaded Midi files can be converted to written music with Sibelius
or Finale. Try out the following sites for MIDI :
Ensemble software
The "amazing slow-downer" does exactly what it says on the
tin. It is shareware that slows down tempo without
dropping in pitch. It is ideal for group learning and playing.
Check it out at
roni
music.
Trainers
Hofnotes offer a subscription based aural training package at
www.hofnote.co.uk.
For on-line music theory drill and practice try
www.musictheory.net. A
trainer like this does not remove the need to teach the
principles first (for example the way intervals are described, the circle
of fifths etc). But it does offer easy access to a huge number of
quick tests and of course, instant - and private - feedback!
Sibelius have some more advanced worksheets on
www.sibeliusmusic.com
Free quizzes and worksheets are available on
www.musictechteacher.com/musicquizzes.htm
     
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