FOCUS ON ARTISTRY

With Gail Berenson, July 15

Gail Berenson is Professor of Piano at Ohio University (Athens) and Co-Chair of the Keyboard Division. She is also immediate past President of the Music Teachers National Association. As a result of her distinguished work as a piano pedagogue, along with her reputation as an expert on musician wellness issues, she is much in demand as a performer, clinician, master class artist, adjudicator, author, reviewer, and pedagogy consultant. She has performed and lectured in over thirty states, as well as Great Britain, Belgium, Switzerland, Israel, Portugal, and Canada. Her students are performing and teaching in independent studios and on college faculties throughout the world.

Please note: This workshop will focus on adult learners.  

Lecture: 9:00 AM - BACH TO BARTÓK: THE COLLABORATION OF PHYSICAL GESTURES AND SOUND CONCEPTS IN THE TEACHING OF STYLE

How often have we attended a recital where the student performed accurately, but where everything sounded the same? This lecture will articulate some essential guidelines to help students develop their own palette of color to be used in expressing the emotion and style of the music. Examples will be taken from intermediate and advanced-level repertoire.

Master Classes: 11:15 AM & 1:00 PM

Lecture: 2:00 PM - STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY

Since even a lesson can be interpreted as a performance by some students, their potential may never be achieved because of the intrusion of excessive performance anxiety. This session will address the issue of performance anxiety, presenting a variety of options, enabling the teacher and/or the performer to determine which combination of approaches might be most helpful. The techniques to be discussed will include: breathing, muscle relaxation, cognitive thinking, imagery, desensitization, medical advances, and practical advice. This session will assist teachers and students in viewing performance anxiety as a positive element.

Link to complete schedule.

Auditors

Focus on Artistry is open to the public. Auditors may purchase a one-day pass for admittance to the lectures and all classes on July 15, or a full week pass. See order form.

Admission to Focus on Artistry is separate from admission to the Young Pianists Institute and PianoFest.