A newsletter for the piano pedagogy · PDF filedecide my own feelings and emotions that the...

Wil l i am Wes tney ’swonderful new bookThe Perfect Wrong Notewas released shortly beforeOctober’s World PianoPedagogy Conference inNashville, Tennessee. Ihad the opportunity totalk with Westney thereabout his thoughtful,provocative book, andenjoyed following upthat conversation with him

via phone after the conference. If you haven’talready purchased this book for your musicreference library, run out to your local musicretailer and do so now!

Bill’s deep belief that the study and performanceof music can – and more importantly, should – beenjoyable throughout one’s life, lies at the veryheart of his book. Its title, “The Perfect WrongNote” conveys so well the concepts that heexplores in depth within its pages: an explorationof specific ways that he suggests to bring joy anda natural pleasure back to our study of music, toour teaching, and to our own personal music-making. By approaching all of these facets of themusician’s world with an open mind, anunfettered spirit, and a willingness to seeksolutions to problems patiently, earnestly andimaginatively, we can indeed, achieve “theperfect wrong note.” (This is sage advice for bothamateurs and professionals.)

Bill has long been acclaimed for his unique andinnovative approach to the traditional “masterclass.” Instead of a teacher-oriented lesson, hisUn-Master Class® sessions stress the importanceof mutual discovery, group work, and putting thestudent’s ideas, perceptions, and innate creativityfirst. His sessions have been praised as an idealmodel for teachers and students, their messagerevelatory and transforming.

Having talked at length with Bill recently abouthis passionate and vibrant ideas, I would ventureto say that he is motivated by an intense desire toask important questions that will prompt us allto rethink our basic assumptions about how toteach, about how musical knowledge iscommunicated. A fascinating idea that we talkedabout was the intrinsic value of the learner’sinnate knowledge, a natural ability that hebelieves is vital to preserving musical expression.

Having a son in a terrific Montessori school herein Milwaukee, I found myself drawing parallels tothe student-oriented teaching that is a hallmarkof Montessori training, and what Bill was sayingabout how we might guide our students atlessons. It came as no surprise, then, when hementioned that his first inspiration for music-making of this sort came directly from his veryearly-childhood experience with DalcrozeEurythmics, and its whole-body, intuitiveapproach to learning basic music skills. Moreprecisely, to discovering that latent skill withinoneself with gentle guidance and whole-bodyinvolvement. This led us to a great conversationabout how Bill has students do rhythmic andmusical activities away from the piano in his Un-Master Class® presentations and studio lessons,and how those kinds of activities are invaluablefor all musicians, whether they are pianists,instrumentalists, or singers. In short, althoughthere is a keyboard on the cover of his book, allmusicians will find his provocative andtransforming ideas beneficial for themselves,regardless of what their instrument may be!

I found Bill’s comments about practicing mostintriguing. His astute advice in his book for thisimportant aspect of music study struck me asparticularly “true,” perhaps because my ownteacher had always encouraged me to practicewith the same positive attitude and sense ofpatience. In his book, Bill notes that somewherealong the way, many music students, bothamateurs and students who become professional

A newsletter for the piano pedagogy community

Volume 8 • Issue 1

InsideThe Teacher’s Corner

& 2

The Student’s CornerPage 3

In Touch Special Offer Packet

Page 4 & 5

Dealer SpotlightPage 6

Special Offer forIn Touch Teachers

Page 7

2004 MTNAConference

Page 8

www.halleonard.comemail: [email protected]

William Westney’s “The Perfect Wrong Note”By Peggy Otwell

continued on page 2

William Westney

Director of Educational Keyboard Publications • Hal Leonard Corporation

musicians, lose that gift of spontaneity and enjoyment in theirpractice and performances. He asks the simple question, “Why?”and then formulates some convincing and exciting reasons andsolutions to that “why?” Practicing, in Bill’s view, is a lively, honest,adventurous and spiritually rewarding activity. And it can (andshould) meet with daily success, which empowers us to grow evenmore. Bill’s compelling book brings artistic vitality, freedom andconfidence within everyone’s reach.

His practical and inspiring advice is especially relevant to adultswho once had lessons. We talked for some time about how he oftenmeets adults who, upon finding out that he is a pianist,immediately say, “Oh, I used to take piano lessons (or anotherinstrument), but I quit because…,” or, “…but I don’t play anymore.” He told me he was struck by the fact that these often perfectstrangers spoke with a mixture of regret and longing, and thendescribed how thwarted by their early experience they felt.

Many of us have also experienced the same sort of conversationswith friends and strangers who have learned that we are musicians.Bill talked about his thoughts following those chance revelations bystrangers, and said he kept wondering what these people, who hadbegun their lessons with a really deep love of music-making, hadlost. His liberating and practical advice to these former students inhis book is most intriguing. And so, The Perfect Wrong Note is also aperfect book to give to a friend or colleague who “used to” takemusic lessons. It may well inspire that person to return to a rich,joyful love of music-making once more.

Finally, as teachers we are actively engaged in passing along to ourown students a deep and abiding love of music, helping them torealize all that music study can contribute to a life well-lived. Thisbook, with its wonderful insights into just how joyous and spiritualthat valuable process is, how learning is a “dance” between studentand teacher, how natural, spontaneous, and free practicing andperforming can be, will enrich our minds and our hearts greatly.This, in turn, will help us to inspire courage and confidence in ourstudents on a daily basis in our own studios.

Toward the end of our conversation about his book, I asked Bill,“What do you hope that your book will accomplish – what impactdo you hope it will have?” He responded:

“I hope that it will open our thinking in some new ways so that on allfronts we can keep experimenting and not cling to ideas that are self-defeating. I hope that it will help recapture spontaneity and joy andvitality, even in the most rigorous forms of music – for people at any level.I hope that the discussion of my Un-Master Class® workshops will helpus open our minds to how we can work together in our specialized settingsin our universities and conservatories in ways that are also encouragingand inspiring and empowering. And I hope that parents with childrenreading this book will be choosey (about selecting a teacher), and thenmaybe have a few questions in mind to ask a potential teacher. That, ifthey agree with some of the points in the book, it might give them somequestions to ask that would have a lucky effect in whom they choose andwhat the outcome is on their kids. I hope that it might also help thoseparents process their own past experiences in music-making.”

The accompanying article on page 3 by Asher Perzigian, a giftedyoung student here in Milwaukee, speaks eloquently of the joy andlove that can develop in a student when the teacher guides andencourages self-fulfillment actively as a partner in music. This is the

essence of William Westney’s excellent book, and an upliftingexpression of a young musician’s spirit for us all to savor.

2

25% Off Reference Copy!

The Perfect Wrong Note:Learning to Trust Your Musical Self

By William Westney

In this groundbreaking book, prize-winningpianist and noted educator William Westneyhelps readers rediscover their own path tothe natural, transcendent fulfillment ofmaking music. Teachers, professionals,and students of any instrument, as wellas parents and music lovers of all ages,will benefit from his unique and inspiringphilosophy, expressed with clarity andimmediacy.

SPECIAL\ OFFERforTeachers!

Regular Price 25% Off Price00331639 The Perfect Wrong Note $24.95 $18.71

Call 1-800-322-1127Please mention Dept. IT204 when ordering.

Limit 1 copy per teacher • Please add $4.50 for Shipping & HandingALL PRICES ARE IN US FUNDS

Offer Expires March 15, 2004

Please add appropriate sales tax for WI Residents (5%); Milwaukee Co. Residents (5.5%); MN Residents (6.5%)

We regret this offer is not valid outside the United States or Canada.

William Westney holds two endowed faculty positions at TexasTech University: Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor andBrowning Artist-in-Residence. He has been honored with manyprofessional awards as educator and artist, including the Yale Schoolof Music Alumni Association’s prestigious Certificate of Merit.Westney’s acclaimed Un-Master Class® performance workshop,which has been featured in The New York Times, is increasingly indemand in the United States and abroad. An active concert pianist,he won the Geneva International Competition and holds mastersand doctorate degrees in performance from Yale University. He livesin Lubbock, Texas.

Meet William Westney at MTNA!see page 8 for details.

Music Through the Eyes of a StudentBy Asher Perzigian

Music is an expression, a feeling, a movementthat is truly alive and colorful. From thesimplest notes, it carries one to a world ofbeauty, a life surrounded by emotion andcharacter. Every song is an epic, and eachnote has a story; and underneath the inkon the page we find a composer’s life. Hispassion and heart – from this, music has begun.

With every touch of my fingers to thepiano, I feel blessed and at peace. Thisfeeling liberates my soul and lifts mebeyond any dimension of time. Having

the freedom to play one or ten notes, choosing between styles,composers, and pressure towards the keys enables me to adopt apiece as my own. Music allows me to take what is written anddecide my own feelings and emotions that the notes portray. Beingable to recreate the story and feel the love within the music is howa piece touches my life. I feel privileged to sit at a piano, and I amhonored that life is blessed bythe gift of music.

Music gives one choice; it is thefirst stage of independence andthe beginning step towardsunderstanding structured life.There are rules and boundariesthat one must follow; thoughonce they are learned, flexiblemanners and approaches towards a piece are allowed. One’s musicaljourney never ends, just as life’s lessons cannot stop. Listening to apiece of music can be mesmerizing. To a child it brings warmth andcolor, and it brings an adult’s spirit back to that purity of the child.For this beauty revolves around one’s independent choice: one’stouch, feel and sense of music.

When I was six years old, my brother began piano lessons. However,once my parents informed him that he must practice on a regularbasis, he quickly changed his mind about playing. I immediatelyjumped at the chance to play and thus started my love for music.As time traveled on, I began lessons from a well-known localteacher, Gerry Elliott.

During my younger years, I always had an imaginative mind.Whether it was playing pretend with friends to my idealistic dreamswith the piano, my mind always had something to act upon. Evenwhen I was practicing piano I would imagine that the composerwas sitting right there listening to his music (my first occasion waswith Pachelbel’s Canon In D). Sometimes I would even question thecomposer and add in my own variations. I, however, do not suggestthis – my teacher was not pleased, and it created a bad habit.

Replicating music that has been written is one aspect in the beautyof playing an instrument, while having a sense to create music hasa completely different personal feeling. When I was thirteen yearsold I sat down at the piano and drove my heart and soul into the

environment music had brought me to. I played without hesitationor regret. My fingers started to move, then flow, and before Irealized what was happening, my fingers were dancing up anddown the keyboard. I felt a passion and love that I had neverexperienced before, just as a mother’s unconditional love for achild. That day I created my first song, my first composition. I nowhad my own story to tell.

Life hits hard being a teenager. Now sixteen years of age, I findroadblocks a normal part of life. Even if things are runningsmoothly, a curve ball can rush in one’s direction and create adisturbance. I find music acts similarly. Amidst the forming story,new variations appear and change rapidly. If these variations arehandled with care and patience, the resolution can be as beautifulas an angel watching a sunset.

Composing music brings peace within me; I can express my ownvalues and principles through several simple notes at a time, to anoutrageously aggressive orchestra. Over the four years that I have

composed music, I have won theadvanced Wisconsin YamahaClavinova competition threeconsecutive years, the Brass BellYoung Composers competitiontwo consecutive years, andsuperior ratings in other localand state events.

Professionally performing musicis on a completely different level than a child’s performance venue.Along with the drive and passion must come an athlete – someonewho practices as much as they sleep, and someone whose life isindebted to music. My current teacher, Curtis Stotlar, has thisagility and strength. He was educated by the best of Eastman andJuilliard, performed worldwide and has taught from theConservatory of Paris to the prestigious Juilliard School. As manyyounger performers dream, I too desire to follow in his footsteps.Though music is music, and I know it will be coordinated into mylife, for now I simply wait, practice and compose, looking for mynext step on my journey – my story.

Music taught me structure, and structure brought my life toharmony. Since the day I touched my first note on the piano to myvery last breath that I might take, music is engraved in my soul; itis part of me. Music is something that can never be taken away, forthe gift has been planted within me, no matter what the futureshall bring.

Asher Perzigian

“Since the day I touched my first noteon the piano to my very last breaththat I might take, music is engraved

in my soul; it is part of me.”

Asher Perzigian is a junior at Marquette University High School inMilwaukee, WI and studies piano with Curtis Stotlar at theWisconsin Conservatory of Music. He is an active performer withSkylight Opera Theater, Florentine Opera Company, First StageTheater, and a variety of other community theaters aroundMilwaukee. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar, biking,running, playing hockey, skiing and spending time with his friendsand family.

3

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Copyright © 2003 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATIONInternational Copyright Secured All Rights Reserved

On A Magic Carpet

Words and Music byCarol Klose

On

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The IN TOUCH SPECIAL OFFER PACKET is only availablethrough music retailers. Please visit your local music storeto purchase this packet today (provide the store with the

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• I’ve Gotta Toccata(Late Elementary/Level 3) by Bill Boyd

• Navajo Dreams(Late Elementary/Level 3) by Deborah Brady

• Way Cool!(Late Elementary/Level 3) by Phillip Keveren

• Tarantella(Early Intermediate/Level 4) by Jennifer Linn

• Friday Night Café(Intermediate/Level 5) by Mike Springer

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With drive (In ‘two’) (h = 84)


I’ve Gotta ToccataBy Bill Boyd

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TarantellaBy Jennifer Linn

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Early Intermediate(Level 4)

Pre-Staff(Early Level 1)

4

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In My Dreams

Words and Music byJennifer Linn

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Navajo DreamsBy Deborah Brady

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Grandpa’s Pocket WatchBy Deborah Brady

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Seaside MorningBy Rosemary Barrett Byers

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dealerspotlight Family Music Centers

Your Neighborhood Music Stores

Family Music offers somethingmusical for every member of thefamily. Each of its two locations inthe Las Vegas area offer a full line ofband and orchestra instruments,drum kits, a huge selection of methodbooks, sheet music, microphones,and a full line of pianos, organs, anddigital keyboards. Jim Mason andScott Groseclose opened the storeeight years ago. They, along withtheir dedicated staff of 28 employees,strive to make Family Music Centers

a neighborhood music store that meets the needs of every musician.

“If Jim and I were asked to sum up Family Music Centers into oneword, that word would be convenient. We’re open seven days aweek. We carry the best music instruments from Europe, the US andAsia…all under one roof. We offer a huge inventory allowingcustomers to feel and play and choose before buying, and we haveassembled an incredible team of seasonedprofessionals in each department who arededicated to helping consumers advance theirlove of music by choosing the properinstrument. Our goal is to be the first andbest resource for all things musical in ourmarket, and I believe we have reached that goal.”

— Scott Groseclose, President

Family Music Centers offers the largestprivate lesson program in Nevada. Withover 20 private studios and more than 50qualified teachers, Family Music Centersare dedicated to helping children succeed inmusic. Lessons are offered on almost every instrument to studentsof all ages and abilities. The owners realize the need for qualitymusic instruction and plan to continue to allow the teachingstudios to expand to meet the growing musical needs of thecommunity.

Recently, Family Music expanded its services for teachers toinclude a full-time school music specialist. This specialist brings thesame superior service and resources Family Music is known fordirectly to choral and instrumental teachers around the area. “Ourspecialist is versed in the needs of instrumental and choral teachersand we understand their limited amount of time. We assist teachersby bringing our services to them and provide them with a hugeselection of print music and accessories, expert repair services andhigh quality instruments,” says Bob Riley, Family Music representative.

The “west side” store located in Las Vegas features a large recitalhall. Seminars and workshops are offered from publishers,instrument manufacturers and top music educators from aroundthe country for area music teachers here. The store also hosts“round table” discussions for area piano teachers. This affordsteachers the opportunity to exchange ideas and solve problemsthey are encountering in their own studios with their colleagues.

Other popular sessions have included a session presented by acertified public accountant on running your own business,technology sessions and many others.

Each summer Family Music hosts a Summer Technology Camp forteachers. This 3-day camp, held in the Las Vegas store location, is aconvenient way for teachers to stay abreast of updates intechnology that will enhance their teaching studio. Bob Riley, theSummer Technology Camp organizer states, “The information andideas shared by our expert clinicians aids teachers in increasingstudent retention because this camp provides them with thenecessary tools to build and maintain a successful teaching studio.”

This very successful camp began in 2001 and has continuallyincreased in popularity with teachers each year. Many of the topicsand sessions presented at the camp are sessions similar in nature tothose you would find at a national or state convention. Fred Kern,2003 Summer Technology Camp clinician and Hal Leonard StudentPiano Library co-author states, “At the Technology Camp, I wasimpressed by the wide range of teachers from diverse backgrounds

and age groups who were able to benefit froman intensive interactive experience. Althoughthere was no singing of “Kum Ba Yah” arounda campfire, there was a feeling of community,both social and professional, among campersand counselors that allowed everyone toextend previous experiences, develop

personal projects, read ensembles and explorenew options for themselves and theirstudents. In Las Vegas there are few surebets on chances taken, but the TechnologyCamp was a guaranteed winner.”

The 2004 Summer Technology Camp is beingheld July 21-23. Presenters for 2004 include Donna Smith, privatepiano teacher and expert on implementing technology in thestudio; Carol Klose, Hal Leonard Student Piano Library composer andarranger, and Bruce Munson, of Sibelius, who will discussimplementing music software into any teaching curriculum.

Although Las Vegas is full of glitz and glitter, Family Music Centerslives up to their motto of “your neighborhood music store” byproviding personalized service with a smile to every customer.Maribeth Barrons, Senior District Sales Manager at Hal LeonardCorporation states, “Family Music recognizes the varied needs oftheir customers and brings the latest resources and ideas to theforefront with good old-fashioned customer service and care.”

Bob Riley

If you are a teacher interesed in attendingthe 2004 Summer Technology Camp, please

contact Bob Riley at Family Music.

702-435-4080

E-Mail: [email protected]

to In Touch Teachers!

This intermediate-level book contains eight engaging, lyrical pieces inRomantic Style. The titles come to life through expressive, pianisticwriting, ranging from a tender lullaby to a rollicking train ride.

Poetic Moments –8 Character Pieces for Piano Solo

By Christos Tsitsaros

Limit 1 copy per teacher • Shipping & Handing Included • ALL PRICES ARE IN US FUNDS

Offer Expires March 15, 2004

Please order additional copies from your favorite music dealer.Please add appropriate sales tax for WI Residents (5%); Milwaukee Co. Residents (5.5%); MN Residents (6.5%) • We regret this offer is not valid outside the United States or Canada.

Item No. Title Regular Price 50% Off Price00296403 Poetic Moments $7.95 $3.98

Call 1-800-322-1127Please mention Dept. IT204 when ordering.

50% offSpecial Offer to Teachers!

50% off

Westbound Train, page 38 • Poetic Moments

Very fast, with relentless drive (q = 176-184)


Westbound TrainChristos Tsitsaros

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ReferenceCopy!

7

BARBARA KREADERTeachers Can BeComposers, TooTuesday, March 30,11:45a.m. - 12:45p.m.

SEYMOUR BERNSTEINIntermediate PianoMaster ClassSunday, March 28,9:15a.m. - 10:45a.m.

Book SigningSunday, March 28, 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.Hal Leonard Booth #316

Prsrt Std RateU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 24Winona, MN

Today’s Classics by Contemporary ComposersMonday, March 29, 2004

1:00p.m. – 1:50p.m.

Kansas City Marriott Downtown –Room 1202AB

Join us for our exciting showcase!

Take a Break from the Convention and Join Usfor Complimentary Cookies and Refreshments!

Sunday, March 28, 11:45a.m. - 12:45p.m.Tuesday, March 30, 2:15p.m. - 3:15p.m.

Visit www.mtna.org or call 888-512-5278for more information on the MTNA Convention.

Visit the Hal Leonard Booth #316 in the Exhibit Hallfor refreshments, special prize drawings, a free giftand to meet your favorite Hal Leonard composers!

Jennifer Linn Eugenie RocherollePeggy Otwell

Clinicians

Join us at the 2004 MTNA Convention!March 27-31, Kansas City, MO

Guest Appearance

FRANK MANTOOTHJazz Piano 101:An Introduction toBasic Jazz PianoConceptsMonday, March 29,11:45a.m. - 12:45p.m.

Book SigningMonday, March 29, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.Hal Leonard Booth #316

WILLIAM WESTNEYDo Your Students EverGet Discouraged?10 Common-SenseWays To Restore TheirNatural Zest AndConfidence

Monday, March 29, 9:15a.m. - 10:15a.m.Tuesday, March 30, 3:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.

Book SigningMonday, March 29, 10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m.Hal Leonard Booth #316

A newsletter for the piano pedagogy · PDF filedecide my own feelings and emotions that the...

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