Beyond the Score
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About Beyond the Score
The score is just a starting point. It's a script which needs to be brought to life. In this course, pianists work on pieces from the course music list with their own optional choices, developing deeper insights into learning and performing.
What is the course about?
Heli Ignatius-Fleet’s course is for all pianists, including those who teach. In an inspiring, supportive atmosphere she will work in detail on piano music, focusing in particular on the elusive, non-notated, expressive aspects.
The suggested pieces will be comprehensively studied also in terms of structure and technique. Issues such as harmonic awareness, phrase shaping, chord voicing and pedaling will be addressed in a practical context, as means for expression. There will be a chance to work on specific pianistic problems as well as teaching issues in themed workshops.
What will you learn?
We will look at the scores for all possible clues to enhance the communication of the musical meaning. This will involve issues such as harmony, structure, chord voicing and dynamics. We will discuss different touches and articulation as well as stylistic issues.
The aim is to look at the score with the keen eye of the interpreter, to tap into our creativity and imagination and deepen the experience of learning and performing.
How will the course be taught?
While we will mostly play complete pieces, some players may present certain sections. All the sessions are conducted in group settings, and Heli will involve everyone in the discussions: alert listening is part of the course. The course participants are asked to send their programmes in advance so that Heli can draw up a course timetable ensuring everyone knows what they will play and when.
Who is the course for?
The course level is around grade 8 (as indicated by the suggested list of pieces which will be emailed to you before the course). Diploma level pieces are welcome as your own choices, as are any simple teaching pieces.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
Please prepare three pieces for this course, either all from the below list or one of your own choice alongside two from the list.
Scarlatti: Sonata in D major, K. 491
Mozart: Sonata in in G major, K. 283, 1st movement
Chopin: Nocturne in G minor, Op.37 No. 1
Sibelius: Etude, Op.76 No. 2
Sibelius: Granen, Op.75 No. 5
Rachmaninoff: Prelude in G# minor, Op. 32 No. 12
Shostakovich: Prelude, Op.34 No. 19
You will also workshop Schubert’s Impromptu in Ab, D.935 No. 2 during the course.
You will need to bring your own scores. Pencil and paper for notes; some may find an ipad or a laptop useful for scores.
Heli was truly exceptional.
Heli is always totally brilliant and this year she was no less so.
Very positive, encouraging and enabling attitude on part of tutor. Evidence of engaging with students as individuals and thorough preparation beforehand.