Beyond the Score
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About Beyond the Score
The score is just a starting point - a script waiting to be brought to life. In this course led by Heli Ignatius-Fleet, you'll develop deeper insights into learning and performing piano repertoire.
What is the course about?
This course is for all pianists, including those who teach. In an inspiring, supportive atmosphere Heli will explore piano repertoire in detail, focusing in particular on the elusive, non-notated, expressive aspects. Using pieces from the suggested repertoire list, you'll analyse structure and technique. Challenges such as harmonic awareness, phrase shaping, chord voicing and pedaling will be addressed practically, as part of musical expression. You will also have opportunities to work on individual performance and teaching concerns in themed workshops.
What will you learn?
The aim is to become comfortable looking at the score with the keen eye of the interpreter. You'll learn to tap into your creativity and imagination and deepen the experience of musical learning and performance.
In this course, you will:
- Learn to examine scores for clues to enhance communication of the musical meaning including harmony, structure, chord voicing and dynamics.
Discuss technical issues such as touch and articulation, as well as stylistic issues.
How will the course be taught?
All the sessions are conducted in supportive group settings, with discussions and feedback encouraged: alert listening is a key part of the course. While we will mostly play complete pieces to each other, some players may present specific sections if appropriate.
Who is the course for?
Skilful pianists. You will need to be playing around grade 8 level.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
You will be asked to prepare three pieces for this course; one of your own choice alongside two from a list that will be provided nearer the time. You can choose anything from simple teaching pieces to diploma standard repertoire for your own choice.
What we need from you
We'll be in touch to gather your chosen repertoire in advance so Heli can draw up a course timetable.
Heli is an outstanding teacher. She never makes an uninteresting comment and draws on a lifetime of making music at the highest level when teaching us.
