In 1839 Franz Liszt did something for the very first time. He played a solo piano recital. It was almost unheard of at the time because up until then people played music together. What did he play on his solo recital? * His own arrangement of the William Tell Overture * Improvisations on a Bellini […]
2013 MTNA Conference – Sunday Night – Dinner Get-Together
One of my favorite aspects of attending the conference is meeting and reconnecting with teachers from across the country. We had a dinner get-together tonight at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. The food was delicious… [Gumbo Ya Ya and French Quarter Salad] …and the fellowship was even better!
2013 MTNA Conference – Sunday Late Afternoon
It’s been a great afternoon with a variety of events: The Exhibit Hall is always a busy, popular stop! In case you forgot we’re in Southern California…love this place! West Central Division Meeting, led by our wonderful director, Tim Shook.
2013 MTNA Conference – Sunday Afternoon – Ten Steps to Parnassus: The Keyboard Works of Johann Sebastian Bach
A panel of three presenters gave this session on the music and contributions of J.S. Bach: Erin Bennett, NCTM, Siok Lian Tan, NCTM, and Richard VanDyke, NCTM. What is Parnassus? in Greek mythology, a mountain in central Greece where the Muses lived; known as the mythological home of music and poetry. After the Method Books […]
2013 MTNA Conference – Sunday Early Afternoon – Alfred Showcase
The showcase, Make Every Student a Winner: New Music from Alfred, began with a breathtaking performance of Greg Anderson’s new arrangement of Ballet from Orphee et Eurydice. The performers were the guest conference artists, the Anderson & Roe Piano Duo. This selection was taken from the new series by Alfred: Anderson & Roe Duos & […]
2013 MTNA Conference – Sunday Late Morning – Elementary Piano Technique by Nancy Bachus
Nancy Bachus began her presentation with a performance of “Exultation” by Henry Cowell. What is technique? Complete Command. Think, and it happens. Technique can be broken into three primary areas: 1. Tone. 2. Keyboard patterns. 3. Touches. Tone Production 1. Gravity – (Weight) “Falling” (as opposed to pressing) How to achieve: a. Elephant trunks. b. […]
