Search found 52 matches

by Geelan
08 Oct 2008, 14:37
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Classical music - where does one begin?
Replies: 14
Views: 15672

An interesting transitionary album between rock and classical is
Maksim's "The Piano Player". EMI 7423 5 57522 2 2.
Classical purists probably hate it, not sure about the rock fraternity!
For me, this marriage between rock and classical works. Give it a try!
by Geelan
03 Oct 2008, 19:40
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Teaching Style
Replies: 22
Views: 23167

While on the topic of teachers and teaching - which are the essential principles for mastering legato. I think I'm getting there - but it comes and goes - more going than coming, though!
by Geelan
03 Oct 2008, 17:02
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Teaching Style
Replies: 22
Views: 23167

I imagine most people have no idea how to distinguish a good teacher from a bad teacher - until it's too late. Perhaps the aspiring student or his/her parent should first ensure they have a comprehensive overview of all that is involved in learning to play the piano - everything from the anatomical ...
by Geelan
26 Sep 2008, 21:45
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Practising - Traditional v Modern
Replies: 22
Views: 18765

I have no reason to believe those authors (subversives to some, obviously :wink: ) are dismissing or undermining the fundamentals of well established teaching practice ie, reinforcement, pattern recognition, skill development, testing etc. They are addressing, as I see it, the inefficiencies and sho...
by Geelan
25 Sep 2008, 23:33
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Practising - Traditional v Modern
Replies: 22
Views: 18765

Markey - Billy the Kid wasn't as quick- just back from the loo and you're there! :o Yes. I have a similar attitude. For self-teaching the eclectic approach is, perhaps, the better way of finding a middle path here - long live Socrates and his Golden Mean! By the way, the Kemble will arrive tomorrow ...
by Geelan
25 Sep 2008, 23:01
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Practising - Traditional v Modern
Replies: 22
Views: 18765

Marky - Looks like I sure yanked your chain with this one! :lol: I don't interpret either author as criticizing scales, arpeggios and broken chords in themselves. As both yourself and Dave point out, they are essential building blocks. But the authors are certainly critical of the emphasis placed on...
by Geelan
25 Sep 2008, 18:35
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Practising - Traditional v Modern
Replies: 22
Views: 18765

Practising - Traditional v Modern

Looking through some books on the topic of piano practice, I notice how most recent authors on the topic are severely critical of traditional methods. The constant repetition of scales, arpeggios and broken chords are, as they see it, little more than time wasting - little is learned of musical valu...
by Geelan
23 Sep 2008, 23:51
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Schiedmayer
Replies: 5
Views: 8421

1891 - I'll pass on this one!
Many thanks.
by Geelan
23 Sep 2008, 10:54
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Schiedmayer
Replies: 5
Views: 8421

Serial No: 23286

Text reads:
PianoForteFabrik
Stuttgart

and

Johann Lorenz Scheidmayer
by Geelan
23 Sep 2008, 02:02
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: How can I play the piano more accurately?
Replies: 15
Views: 16184

Marky - I expect Wednesday or Thursday. I told the dealer I wouldn't be around on Monday, so he said he'd ring me Tuesday. He may even deliver Tuesday. Whichever day it arrives - my guess is I'll be having a late night that night!
by Geelan
23 Sep 2008, 01:57
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: How can I play the piano more accurately?
Replies: 15
Views: 16184

Booseph - Gill is right! Listen to her. There are only two possible ways you can be counting your mistakes: 1) Recording yourself first and then counting the mistakes on playback. 2) Actually counting your mistakes as you play. Either method indicates a fixation, an unhealthy concern, you have with ...
by Geelan
20 Sep 2008, 23:33
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: How can I play the piano more accurately?
Replies: 15
Views: 16184

There is no "supposing" about it - you ARE improving. But you must break the habit of reinterpreting something which is clearly positive, as being something less than positive. In doing so you are undermining the subliminal thought processes taking place in your brain. In effect, you are t...
by Geelan
20 Sep 2008, 02:29
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Specifying a UK Factory!
Replies: 14
Views: 18206

Well, after a 300 miles + round trip drive today, I have much lighter wallet and a new Kemble Mozart (Mahogany/Marquetry version). For two of the most interesting and enjoyable hours I've had in a while, I got my hungry fingers on old and new uprights, grands and baby grands, in Steinways and Bosend...
by Geelan
18 Sep 2008, 22:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Specifying a UK Factory!
Replies: 14
Views: 18206

Thanks to both of you for the advice - it has been very helpful. The business which has the Kemble agency over here is a well-known and highly respected one - TG! They have used Yamahas and new Kembles in stock. One of the Kimbles is a 121 Mozart edition, the website does not offer a model number fo...
by Geelan
18 Sep 2008, 21:50
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Schiedmayer
Replies: 5
Views: 8421

Many thanks for the reply. I'll be back to you as soon as I get the info.
by Geelan
16 Sep 2008, 22:09
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Tone Control on Digital Pianos
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

Yes! I agree fully. The only problem over here is to get one's hands on new instruments. Unlike digital, testing a used unit to make a decision for a new one probably won't work. Besides, I'm mighty suspicious of the secondhand market here - there are too many, most with the same description, same p...
by Geelan
16 Sep 2008, 21:47
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Schiedmayer
Replies: 5
Views: 8421

Schiedmayer

I've been offered a Schiedmayer which has been well looked after. The number is: P12505.
Any idea of date etc?
by Geelan
16 Sep 2008, 21:38
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Tone Control on Digital Pianos
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

I had a feeling somebody would make this suggestion! :lol: In fact, over the last few days I've been reading that forum - looks like buying new is confusing but buying s/h is a nightmare. I've posted a new topic there to start things rolling. It may take a while to reach a final decision but I think...
by Geelan
16 Sep 2008, 21:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Specifying a UK Factory!
Replies: 14
Views: 18206

Specifying a UK Factory!

I'm in the market for an upright acoustic piano. At the moment, I'm only learning to play using a keyboard - I can almost hear the purists sigh, but, believe me, I am converted. I am looking for something along the lines of the Yamaha P121N, U1, Kawai K5 or a Kemble equivalent - suggestions please. ...
by Geelan
13 Sep 2008, 17:29
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Tone Control on Digital Pianos
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

Had a chat with a number of dealers - one an authorised Yamaha dealer and service centre. A new P121 = around 6.3K Euro, U1 new = around 8.5K Euro. Used U1 ( 20 years old) = 4.6K Euro, used U3 (20 years old) = 5.5K Euro. Haven't managed a price on a used P121. If what dealers say is true - pianos in...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 23:59
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Tone Control on Digital Pianos
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

Many thanks to all for your responses. It looks as if an acoustic is on my shopping list. Tweaking Ivory or the VSL Bosendorfer settings, adjusting velocity curves or simply controlling volume with the left hand, would not allow me the tonal control which I knew had to be achievable. I had been expe...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 19:12
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: 'Weaker' hand
Replies: 19
Views: 20908

But what a singer! What a performer! By pure accident I was at Freddie's funeral back in the eighties. Myself and a friend had been making a visit to Kensal Green cemetry and as we came up to the crematorium building, Freddie's funeral cortege pulled in. At the time I remember thinking there was som...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 15:05
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Tone Control on Digital Pianos
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

Tone Control on Digital Pianos

In this forum's thread "Is Using a digital piano, bad for your fingers touch???" Joseph makes the comment: Exactly! Its the touch gradations that a clavinova just can't do! I think the question of tone is, perhaps, worthy of a thread in itself. I wonder if there are beginners trying to rep...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 14:03
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: 'Weaker' hand
Replies: 19
Views: 20908

I'd be surprised to find somebody who has not a natural imbalance in the use of both hands. I imagine few, if any, would be naturally 100% amdidextrous. Though I'm right handed in most things, I use my left when playing golf or using a spade in the garden. On piano, it is my left which I find easier...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 13:52
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

It's quite a coincidence, but I've been talking to an aquaintance whose friend is in hospital undergoing an operation - the problem is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Apparently the operation takes an hour and a half and involves an incision from the palm to the wrist. The operation is taking place on her l...
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 10:08
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finding new pieces to learn
Replies: 27
Views: 28747

Celestite - Thanks for the ABRSM reference. Pity they wouldn't put all fifteen into one decent spiral bound volume - it would make a nice resource! Yes - I'll get to my nearest musicshop as soon as possible.
by Geelan
12 Sep 2008, 08:58
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What are we all learning to play at the moment?
Replies: 50
Views: 42031

Another piece I would like to learn is the theme music from Clint Eastwood's film "Unforgiven" - Claudia's Theme. Anyone know from where it might be available for piano?
by Geelan
11 Sep 2008, 22:08
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What are we all learning to play at the moment?
Replies: 50
Views: 42031

Is it a simplified version you are playing? Marky - I'm really not sure! I'm working from a book, "Piano Classics - 90 Timeless Pieces from the Masters." At a guess, I'd say it is the full version. Piano Angel - Good luck with the Rachmaninov! Delighted you find inspiration here. Can you ...
by Geelan
11 Sep 2008, 21:24
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Best of British luck, Nutroast!!
Replies: 50
Views: 33160

Well timed admittance, Dave. The Statute of Limitations has run out by now, I believe! :o
by Geelan
11 Sep 2008, 20:45
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Best of British luck, Nutroast!!
Replies: 50
Views: 33160

Almost as tense as that wait to discover who killed J.R.Ewing! :lol:
by Geelan
11 Sep 2008, 20:32
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What are we all learning to play at the moment?
Replies: 50
Views: 42031

Just begining Fur Elise! I know, I'm being ambitious but I'm addicted to that melody. I've completed everything in the ABRSM Grade 1 book and that material combined with what I'm doing in Hanon seems to have worked wonders. Also reading a fascinating book titled "How to Play the Piano Despite Y...
by Geelan
11 Sep 2008, 20:07
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finding new pieces to learn
Replies: 27
Views: 28747

Anyone know of a single volume collection of classical piano music available in which the music has been chosen to cater for Grades 1-8? I find that so much of what is available for beginners consist only of excerpts. Incomplete pieces are not a great incentive, at least for me as an adult, to becom...
by Geelan
09 Sep 2008, 18:17
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: How can I play the piano more accurately?
Replies: 15
Views: 16184

Booseph - Gill, Dave and Joseph are right, it's all about mindset. Have you ever thought about all the notes you get right? I bet they greatly outnumber the "wrong" ones? Why then become fixated on the few? I'm not sure I would treat them as mistakes - why not see them as learning opportun...
by Geelan
09 Sep 2008, 14:57
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

I managed to pick up a new copy of Hanon's " The Virtuoso Pianist" at the weekend. Descombes is correct - the full Hanon consists of 60 exercises. Here are the details for those who might like to order: Title: Hanon. The Virtuoso Pianist in sixty exercises. Publisher: G. Schirmer, Inc ISBN...
by Geelan
07 Sep 2008, 00:56
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Hi moonlight, I've been with Cubase since version 2 and Wavelab since version 3. Initally, I used both mainly for radio documentaries - Cubase for mixing and Wavelab for mastering. I had occasionally played with MIDI but it's only recently that MIDI technology has become really dependable ie, hardwa...
by Geelan
06 Sep 2008, 21:23
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Must have made your day, Joseph. One of the beauties of children - no affectation - they just tell it as they see it.
by Geelan
06 Sep 2008, 18:52
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Moonlight: Great link. The MIDI files are a bonus - they import easily into Cubase 4. Dave: Have a listen to the MIDI files on Moonlight's link! If I could play them like that I'd give a concert. They are definately moderate, if not faster. Weather wonderful here, at last! Sunshine and warmth. Benea...
by Geelan
06 Sep 2008, 16:27
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Dave: Thanks for the link. Hannon's been around for a long time. I know that many swear by his exercises - others at them. All the same, history favours him and that's good enough for me. Joseph: Your advice is much appreciated. The simple exercise I was doing with five adjacent keys was along those...
by Geelan
06 Sep 2008, 10:56
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Just been checking Hannon on Amazon. Great reviews. It looks like a worthwhile resource. I'll be ordering. Many thanks.
by Geelan
05 Sep 2008, 20:27
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Finger Strengthening
Replies: 37
Views: 33481

Finger Strengthening

Any tips/exercises for strengthening the little and ring fingers of both hands? The weakeness of both are not apparent, to me, in the major and Minor scales but become obvious in the chromatic scale. I tried a simple exercise of placing the fingers of both hands on adjacent white keys. Then, without...
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 22:15
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Hello, can I join you?
Replies: 66
Views: 43735

Doesn't your bow get stuck in the pedals?
Hah! That explains the marks on the carpet!
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 22:13
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

Great! Wonderful clarification! I'll let you know how it works out.Thanks again.
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 18:12
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

Moonlight - Thanks for the encouraging words. I agree wholeheartedly with you regards the learning of anything. I've proved it to myself many times. I'm looking at the music for Fur Elise right now and cannot make up my mind whether I'm looking at Ties or Phrasemarks based on what yourself and Dave ...
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 17:37
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Hello, can I join you?
Replies: 66
Views: 43735

Talking about Christmas reminded me. Do you Anna, Sparkley and poss Geelan ever use the organ setting, or any voice besides grand piano on your Clavs (know you can't Nutty!) I never bother myself, probs because I'm learning to play the piano and not anything else! [/quote] I've been experimenting w...
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 17:04
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

Nutroast/Jan
Good luck with the lessons. Do let us know how you get on, impressions etc. As Descombes has advised it is vital to have teacher input. I'm working towards implementing that advice - too many pitfalls otherwise.
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 16:56
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

No, Dave, I don't live in a Gaeltacht area. I'm about an hour and a half by car from the nearest - the Connemara Gaeltacht. I usually go there a few times a year to do a little photography. Connemara, Achill Island and Clifden in Galway are my favourite locations. My Irish too, is very rusty - I hav...
by Geelan
02 Sep 2008, 01:20
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

Many thanks to you all for the welcome agus go raibh maith agat to you Dave - haven't heard your surname around here but I'll do some research on it and let you know my findings. I never realised there was so much interest across all age groups in learning to play the piano. Some months ago I mentio...
by Geelan
31 Aug 2008, 00:10
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

No discouragement taken! Your point is very important. I would never have thought so until I read Dr John Meffen's book and another, into which I dipped, written by a medical Dr who was also a concert pianist. This latter book, I can't remember either the title or the author, but I have it somewhere...
by Geelan
30 Aug 2008, 22:01
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

I forgot to add also that the "Strawberry" suggestion is superb. At last, a dotted crotchet = 46 makes sense.
by Geelan
30 Aug 2008, 21:55
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adult Beginner
Replies: 28
Views: 25073

Very interesting! And interesting too is your comment regarding development of bad habits. This is one of the reasons I'm using the metronome at such an early stage. I'm concentrating on note accuracy, fingering, eveness of tone and eveness of the time intervals between notes. While I find the Meter...