Have you worked a passage to what feels like a satisfactory level only to return the next day to find it still problematic? Or, have you ‘mastered’ a passage in practice only to find that it falls apart in performance? Often how we feel we learn best actually produces little if any results, resulting in long term frustration.
I’ll be holding a one day informal workshop on problem solving for those pesky passages that take a little extra work to master. This free workshop will take place via SKYPE only on Saturday, January 7th from 2:00-3:30 PM PDT. Performers and auditors will be chosen on a first come first served basis.
The workshop will consist of a few performers who’ll share passages that have proven difficult to master. We’ll learn to first identify the passage’s problem, then its solution. Finally I’ll assign a series of exercises, (using the passage in question) that will help to overcome the problem posed. In the context of that last point we will also be discussing new principles of how we learn best using a practice format that causes the brain to work fast and hard, (and seemingly in a semi-confused state) resulting in more long term success, in less time and with less effort.
The player who applies the concepts learned in this workshop should find him or herself progressing quickly. All levels of players and repertoire will be accepted. The only pre-requisite is that you have the piece memorized and that you share the passage (via PDF) with us in class. So whether its a simple Aguado study or one of the Walton Bagatelles please join me with your pesky passage problems.
Auditors and performers alike will benefit. If you are interested in attending the workshop please send me an email stating whether you want to be a performer or an auditor. In addition you’ll need to have established an account with Skype.