2011 Élan International Music Festival Seminars

1. THE RISE OF THE VIRTUOSO – the 19^th century gave birth to the showman soloist, with the rock star like following, adoration of royalty and access to areas the musician never had. Dr. Baya Kakouberi takes us on an explorative journey of Franz Liszt, Henri Vieuxtemps, Nicolo Paganini and Pablo de Sarasate.
2. PERFORMANCE ANXIETY – Is it luck that some people can play their best and others just cannot? No. We discuss techniques for playing your best on stage.
3. MEMORIZING THE MUSIC AND WHY IT IS ESSENTIAL TO OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE – many think memory is a hurdle to overcome, but we can make memorizing a part of the musical landscape. Huh? Come to the seminar, you’ll see.
4. WHAT TO DO WITH PLAYING BAROQUE MUSIC ON MODERN INSTRUMENTS? – discussion on sound production, vibrato, dynamic variation.
5. COMPETITION PREP – step-by-step analysis on how to prepare to be at your best. Stamina, ability to play in unfamiliar surroundings will be discussed. This is a great seminar for parents of budding young musicians.
6. WHAT IS PHRASING – How is it that the great ones seem to play something that is both memorable unique and impossible to imitate? We will explore the parameters of what is possible to be learned from their craft and how to incorporate it in our own playing.
7. THE HISTORY OF THE PIANO – Duo Petroff wrote an eponymous book outlining all the details that effect the strings and piano through the last 200 years. Come hear their unique take on this subject
8. LEARNING TO TAKE LESSONS – at first glance this is a non sequitur. You come and play and then the teacher teaches you to be better. So how come some students succeed with pedagogues while others seem to tread water or even regress? We will address learning skills, and how to get the most out of your lessons.