Report from the September 20, 2015 session

Host: Gared

A small group gathered at Gared's home and played a wide variety of music, including a number of contemporary works. We also chatted about piano teachers, piano buying, and technology in today's pianos and teaching methodologies.

Round 1:

- Gregory: “Reverie” by C. Debussy
- Julie: “La Valse d’Amélie” by Yann Tiersen
- Gared: “The Boisterous Chipmunk” (own composition)
- Darlene: “Prelude Op. 11 #5” by A. Scriabin
- David and Christopher (duet): “Sonata Op. 6, 2nd Movement” by L. van Beethoven

Round 2:

- Gared: “Prelude Op. 25 #2” by F. Chopin
- Gregory: “Fly me to the moon” by Bart Howard
- Christopher: “I Giorni” by Ludovico Einaudi
- Julie: “Comptine d’été #2” by Yann Tiersen
- Darlene: Selections from “Variations on the theme Salve tu domine” by W. A. Mozart
- David: “Nocturne Op. 9 #2” by F. Chopin, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece

Round 3:

- Gared: “Mischief”, “Shapeless dreams”, and “Mouse” (own compositions)

Online piano course strikes the right chord with an OPG member

Long-time group member Mary Ann reports that she is enrolled in a free online piano course that is transforming her whole approach to learning and playing piano. She is so excited to have stumbled upon it that she wants to let other pianists know about this great opportunity:

http://artofpianotechnique.com/

This system was created by a Russian pianist, Emma Leiuman, who holds a Moscow State conservatory degree. The new way of teaching is based on an imagination and singing approach. It helps every advanced and pro student to reach effortless and fluent playing with no technical limits and express themselves freely through playing. It's free of charge and available for everyone who has a great passion to play piano well. The program includes free books, videos, student journal, student videos, and teacher's individual feedback on student homework.

Thanks for the great tip, Mary Ann!