CHOPIN 21-WORLD PIANO INSTITUTE
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Master Class with John O’Conor
25 MarI’ve had a great pleasure to attend a master class given by John O’Conor at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk today. He was an adjudicator for the Harold Protsman Classical Period Piano yesterday, and has chosen my student William Hume to be one of the four students to play for the master class today.
I enjoyed the class tremendously. O’Conor was convincing but did not speak with a deep voice of God as Leon Fleisher often does. He was funny and very approachable. His focus was on music and its characters/emotions and colors. I was touched by his abilities and willingness to approach a 11years old student, by comparing harmonic modulations and their colors to ice-cream flavors. His remarks were to the point but amusing. He worked with William on sense of humor and emotional involvement. The audience especially enjoyed O’Conor’s demonstrations, mostly from memory, and full of colors and subtle nuances. It was without a doubt one of the best master classes I have attended.
Pre Recital DO’s
8 DecQuick tips for the pre recital preparation
DO’s
SLEEP and once again get enough SLEEP a night before.
In the day of the concert warm up in a slow tempo with music for about 30-60 min in the late morning, but do not over practice.
Be well-rested and try not to use your focus and brain too much throughout the day. ZOOM OUT. If you can. Take a walk, go for a run.
Eat well, but at least 1.5 before the concert. No junk food, I avoid coffee.
Remind your friends about the concert once again a day before.
Dress up nicely.
Smile and Enjoy! Remember that this is a live performance and audience is there to enjoy BEAUTIFUL MUSIC and not to check if you play all correct notes and rhythms.
Before you start, FOCUS and be always ahead of what your fingers are playing.
If you make a mistake, smile MORE and keep going.
Good luck.
DR.K
Piano Pedagogy 