So folks, what does the amateur pianist do during the pandemic? Well folks, the amateur pianist plays. Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, yes folks, she has a doctorate from Peabody Institute of The John Hopkins University, is one of the leaders in piano for the adult student. Here in Central Ohio, that means that she has Adult Student Fridays. You can sign up for a lesson, whether it is one, two or even more lessons a month. This allows the adult piano students the flexibility that they need. Sometimes, weekly lessons as an adult student can be a tall order, so with this arrangement, you can take the lessons, to meet your needs.
I took some time off from lessons to downsize our home and move to a condo. That is a spectacular feat, within the throngs of a pandemic. However, I can say that my trusty husband and I actually did it. We moved during a pandemic, crazy but true. The lessons and the work required to have a good lesson take me away from the constant unpacking and organizing and I am grateful.
Right now, I am working on several piano issues. The first is use of the pedal. I come from the amateur view, that I can simply depress the damper pedal, and consequently get through any piece with flying colors. Well folks, that is an incorrect assumption, on the part of any student of piano. So to correct my pedaling issues, I am working on a book of Pedal Preludes by Samuel Maykapar. Born in Russia on December 18, 1867 and passing away on May 8, 1938, Maestro Maykapar saw a need for progressive training in pedaling, and I think this book of preludes fits the bill. The book is critical in that each prelude contains a note on the pedal’s role in the prelude. For folks like me, it has been helpful, and secretly, I add that I need to read the note first and then play.
I’m also working on a book of Nocturnes by Dennis Alexander. The nocturnes are from early intermediate to late intermediate stage, and, I think they capture the magic of Nocturnes especially when one thinks of the Nocturnes of Frederic Chopin. I have learned several Chopin nocturnes, and albeit, Mr. Alexander’s Nocturnes seem easier, I think they will help when I return to the nocturnes of Chopin.
I am also an avid fan of the Sonata format and I am currently working on the Sonate Opus 26, Number 3 by this incredible composer. In all the time I have read about Muzio Clementi, I am most intrigued by his influence on Beethoven, Chopin and Czerny. This sonata is beautiful, and not too long. So for the amateur, one can feel like they are accomplishing something, musically.
I always have a secret popular piece to work on, just to branch away from the classical music genre. Usually the piece is not one I take to my teacher, but something that allows me to break away from the lesson list, with a piece that intrigues me. The latest piece falling under this category is a jazz piece called My Baby Just Cares for Me. This is a 1930 jazz standard by Walter Donaldson. Nina Simone has been referred to as the high priestess of soul, and she her rendition of My Baby Just Cares for Me, is well, incredible. In fact, on YouTube.com there is a claymation cartoon of her singing this jazz classic.
I can play it very slowly, and honestly, the piece if I get it close to the marked speed is simply a dream. The dream is always the same, I’m in a dark jazz piano lounge, wearing black velvet, with an alcohol free chocolate martini, at a 9 foot black Steinway, playing this song, and with an amazing singer. In fact, I have the singer in mind, Faith Maupin from our own St. Peter Choir. It is just a pipe dream, but the pipe dream is always about possibilities, and I never want to be in a place where I don’t think about the possibilities in life.
So that is at least at this time, my pandemic music activity. I also recorded the piano accompaniment for a zoom choir song, that we will be putting together in the next week or so, so musically I manage to find a way. I hope you step back into your musical journey soon, meaning today.
