Music History in My Piano Studio
Composer Spotlights – Students explore the lives, works, and stylistic contributions of great composers across different musical periods.
Listening & Analysis – Students listen critically to recordings, identifying key stylistic elements and historical influences. Each student selects a YouTube performance by a renowned pianist they admire and explains what makes it compelling. Together, we work to create their own unique version of the piece, allowing them to develop a personal connection to the music.
Historical Context – Lessons connect music to significant historical events, deepening students' understanding of its evolution and cultural impact. We also apply specific piano techniques and articulations relevant to each era, helping students embody the music’s unique character.
Era-Based Repertoire – Students study and perform pieces from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras, with a special focus on contemporary composers who are actively shaping piano music today.
Engaging Stories – Captivating anecdotes about composers make history relatable and inspire curiosity.
Hands-On Activities – Students create a timeline of the composer of the piece they are currently working on, researching key events and important facts. They use this information to introduce their piece at recitals, enhancing their confidence and connection to the music.
Creative Composition – Students have the opportunity to compose their own pieces, selecting their preferred style and genre. This fosters creativity while allowing them to apply historical and musical concepts in a personal context.
Recitals – Recitals in my studio are themed and serve as a project where students focus on a specific musical form. They have the opportunity to explore these forms as soloists and, sometimes, in chamber settings, enhancing their performance experience and collaboration skills.