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Summer in Seattle Piano Workshop
with Mark Salman
For pianists from high school seniors to
young professionals.
July 28th - August 8th, 2009
A two week intensive workshop for a small
group of pianists (approx. 5 - 7), offering the opportunity to
work closely with Mark Salman in a relaxed summer
atmosphere,
featuring performance masterclasses,
private lessons, and daily seminars on topics relevant to
pianists pursuing a professional career. Masterclasses and
seminars will take place at Sherman Clay Pianos in downtown
Seattle. There will be a public performance at Sherman Clay at
the end of the workshop.
The emphasis will be on creativity and
freedom in interpretation and performance, and in helping the
participants to negotiate the difficult transition from student
to independent artist. There will be time for much informal interaction, commentary,
and questions. Participants' suggestions for topics of discussion
are welcomed.
The schedule will include 6
masterclass/performance sessions, 4 private lessons, and daily
seminars (see list below) as well as a final performance and
informal private performances. The workshop will begin on
Tuesday July 28th, and will run through the final preformance on
Saturday, August 8th. No accommodations will be provided,
though assistance can be provided in finding a host family for
an out-of-town student if requested. Tuition is $875 for the
two weeks.
Planned topics for daily seminars include:
4 sessions devoted to exploring selected areas of the vast literature for piano. The direction and format of these classes can depend on the interests and knowledge of the participants. Topics can range from standard literature such as Schubert or Beethoven sonatas to less-known repertoire such as Clementi sonatas, the music of Satie or the late works of Liszt.
3 - 4 sessions devoted to the study of
romantic era performance styles as heard on historical recordings.
A seminar on the recording process, led by
a professional audio engineer. We will consider questions such
as what are the factors that
influence the sound of a recording? How does one make a fine
quality recording? What are the properties of various
microphones, acoustics, pianos and recording equipment? Included
will be an introduction to the editing process and an overview
of the capabilities
of digital editing.
The inner workings of the piano, led by a
master piano technician. How do the hundreds of possible
adjustments to the piano action affect one’s performance?
What is the fault of the piano and what is up to the performer to adapt
to the
instrument? What adjustments can be made quickly to a piano to
make it more comfortable or responsive to the performer?
A chance to examine and play on several
19th century instruments, a rare opportunity to experience first
hand the sound of the actual instruments played on by 19th
century composers. We will explore what ways they are mechanically
different from modern pianos and how these differences
might influence a performance on the modern piano.
Other seminars will feature topics such as
strategies for memorization and the psychology of performing
with security and expressive freedom, and there will be time
reserved for topics suggested by the participants.
If you are interested in participating, or
have any questions, contact Mark Salman at info@marksalman.net
or call (206) 285-8062. Admission to the workshop will be
through an interview and a verbal or written recommendation
from a musician familiar with you and your playing, as well as
a live or recorded audition. Participants should have at least
a 45 minute program ready to play in the
masterclass/performance sessions.
