With Jessica Johnson • July 14

The Young Pianists Institute provides an opportunity for students and teachers to broaden their musical understanding of the intermediate repertoire. Featured at this year's Institute is nationally recognized pedagogue Jessica Johnson. Dr. Johnson serves on the piano faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as Associate Professor of Piano and Director of Graduate Studies in Piano Pedagogy. She will start the day with a lecture, followed by a master class with the students, developing musical concepts and performance skills. The public is encouraged to observe all sessions of the Institute as auditors.

Lecture: 9:00 AM - SOUND GESTURES: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN ACTIVE LISTENING AND MUSIC-MAKING WITH EASE

Through the use of active listening, whole-body movement, singing, and imagery, this lecture will explore ways to link sound with physical gestures in order to help students play with ease. Using historical and current pedagogical methods and repertoire, we will consider how listening and sound effectively guide physical choreography for pianists of all levels.

Master class: 10:15 AM

Lecture: 1:00 PM - AWAKENING RHYTHMIC INTUITION AND FLOW IN THE DEVELOPING PIANIST

One of the most distinctive features of musical artistry is imaginative pacing and rhythmic flow. Yet, playing with a sense of the larger musical beat is not reserved for artists, or even advanced and gifted students. Pianists at any level can learn to recognize and respond to musical phrasing at the micro and macro levels and thereby achieve a more convincing performance.

Master Class: 2:15 PM

Link to complete schedule.

Performers

The Young Pianists Institute is limited to 10 performers. The tuition of $25 includes personalized master class sessions with Dr. Johnson and admission to all other classes and lectures of the Young Pianists Institute. The Young Pianists Institute is open to pianists of all ages, but repertoire is limited to pieces consistent with Levels II through VI of the Oregon Music Teachers Association Syllabus.

Interested participants should request an application form by calling 503.228.1388, downloading a pdf form, or e-mailing info@portlandpiano.org. Applicants will be required to submit an application form and a recording of their playing, including at least two pieces that they plan to play at the Institute. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than May 15. Applicants will be notified by May 20 if they are accepted into the workshop.

Auditors

The Young Pianists Institute is open to the public. Auditors may purchase a one-day pass for July 14 or a full week pass.

Admission to the Young Pianists Institute (July 14) is separate from admission to Focus on Artistry and PianoFest.