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Letter from Boston

Summer Piano Training

By MASAKO YAMADA


夏にピアノの特訓

去年は3つも室内楽のサマープログラムに参加し、ハードなピアノのレッスンをこなした雅子さんですが、今年の夏は計画が少し違います。ピアノの技術を上達させる目的は変わりませんが、今回は、特別なコースには参加せず、一人で地道に基礎練習に励むことにしました。時間をかけてじっくり技術を磨こうと考えています。

I have decided not to do any kind of structured chamber music program this summer. Last summer, I participated in three such programs. I considered these intensive lessons to be a luxury activity, a kind of "perfect summer vacation" for me, since I do not like to travel. I like doing constructive things in my spare time.

However, as I was contemplating my plans for this summer, I realized that I did not want to participate in any such program this year. These chamber music programs usually last about a week, during which a group of strangers must learn how to play a new piece together.

Since the piano part tends to be the most difficult to sight-read, it's often the case that the best I can do before the first meeting is learn enough of the piece so that I don't stop while I'm playing. This is not deeply artistic or emotional, and I suppose I've gotten a bit tired of barely getting by. It's not a satisfying way to approach music.

My teacher and I have been frustrated with my lack of musical progress lately, and I've been trying to figure out what I can do to improve the situation. I've even considered changing the piano teacher I've had for the past three years. After a lot of thinking, I've decided to stick with him — he's a fabulous pianist and is probably even too good for me — and change my practice schedule.

The fact of the matter is that regardless of what kind of teacher one has, a person cannot become a better musician without diligent practice. There is no quick solution to this.

Whenever my piano teacher tells me to practice more carefully (hands separately, slowly without pedal, one page at a time), I can't help thinking that I simply CAN'T be that careful, since I spend less than an hour a day practicing. I cannot practice at all on many days of the week. This being the case, I've always felt compelled to zoom along at regular speed without looking back to correct my mistakes.

I'd been looking forward to taking private singing lessons this summer in preparation for local choir auditions in the fall, but I've decided against taking those lessons as well. I probably won't audition for the choirs in the fall, either. It's not that I've lost my desire for music: quite the contrary! My desire to improve has become stronger than in the past and for this reason, I am prepared to give up on some things that have hindered my progress.

I would prefer to do group events, such as being a recital accompanist, playing in chamber music groups and taking group singing lessons, after I improve my personal skills. I've always enjoyed the social element of these activities, but my conclusion is that now is the time to have a critical ear toward my music.

This is very painful, because it's time-consuming and humbling. One teacher who is an expert in piano pedagogy told me that I should set goals for myself every time I sit in front of the piano and if I make mistakes, I should go back and practice until the glitches are gone. Strangely, I've started to take this practical approach at school as well, and this has helped me concentrate on my research much better.

I don't have a piano at home, and I'd been satisfied playing on my electronic keyboard so far. I cannot get a piano until I move in to my own place, preferably a house, and I've accepted this.

The truth, however, is that the keyboard doesn't sound anything like a real piano. Worse, it doesn't feel like one. I have the habit of pounding on the keys and pedals, and my piano teacher has pointed out that this may be because I'm not practicing on a piano.

It's true that I sometimes forget to listen carefully to the sounds I produce on the piano (including noises produced by my foot hitting the pedal), and I admit it might be because the sounds coming from the electronic piano go directly from the digital headphones into my ears.

To train myself properly, I've decided to start practicing at the New England Conservatory every day during the summer. It keeps me in good psychological shape and thankfully, it's free. As a bonus, I am getting in physical shape: I must walk for more than 30 minutes a day just to get to and from the conservatory.


Shukan ST: June 30, 2000

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