Madeline Karn

"No excellence can be acquired without constant practice."  These were the words of actress Judi Dench in Pride and Prejudice (the Kiera Knightley version)  as Ms. Knighley played the piano.  Truer words were never spoken!.  Which brings me to my thoughts about my current piano teacher.

Madeline Karn first and fore most is a fine pianist.  She is also an Oberlin graduate, which speaks volume about her ability as a pianist and musician.  Madeline was also my daughter Sarah's only piano teacher, and Sarah is not rhythmically challenged today because of Madeline.

Madeline was also a friend of Earl Wild, one of the finest American pianists.  His influence on the world of piano is still strong today, as many budding artists and amateur pianists play his wonderful transcriptions.  There will be more about Mr. Wild in a future blog post, but take a look at the story of his life in A Walk on the Wild Side.  Also his recordings are available through Ivory Classics.

However, back to Madeline.  I think when someone is truly in love with the piano, it just shows.  For instance, when you enter Madeline's house, she literally has all of her music in book shelves.  It reminds me of a professor at Oxford, who cannot part with any classic literature.  One of the things I have learned about playing the piano, is when your teacher marks your music, and/or makes suggestions, you have those suggestions for ever.  So, you can refer back to those markings as reminders about how you can play a piece better.

Madeline also has her originally theory/rhythm books, which she uses with you to figure out rhythmic patterns.  Usually the approach to figure out a rhythmic pattern is to clap out the beat.  It seems and sounds elementary but it truly works.  It also can make you crazy!

Madeline can also play very well!  I had the opportunity to hear her play several years ago at a Women in Music concert and it was very affirming to know that her technique and musicality were actually quite amazing!.

Madeline has never given up on her students.  I guess she could retire and sit around listening to Horowitz CDs but instead she keeps focused on her students.  There is a certain amount of sheer discipline that is required to teach the fundamentals of piano to others.  Madeline has that discipline!!!  She also loves teaching adults, which is somewhat comforting when you are coming back to the instrument after many years or starting for the very first. time.

You have a very personal relationship with a piano teacher, which is actually very rewarding.  Madeline has been a great confidant and friend, and I enjoy my time learning new things about the piano with her.  She also didn't talk me out of working on Rhapsody in Blue.  I bought the piece when I was 12 and now I am actually learning it.  It will never be at concertizing stage, but I can dream.

Who knows 10,000 hours for Gershwin's number one may be all I need!