Teaching One buttock playing

[kevgermany]

YouTube throws up some gems. This is a really funny look at classical music, but there's a lot to learn about structure, expression and playing in general which is relevant to sax playing.

 

[kevgermany]

Another wonderful example

 

[Alice]

I've just finished watching the first video and really enjoyed it. I'm going to show my daughter later because I'm sure she will as well.. she is learning to play the piano and loves classical music.

 

[MikeMorrell]

Excellent, Kev! Thanks for sharing these. I'm going to share them too.
In his TED talk, Zanders says a lot about life and leadership as well as about music. The cello masterclass was amazing. There are multiple Youtube video's of masterclasses by Benjamin Zanders and I intend to watch at least some of them in the coming days and weeks.

 

[kevgermany]

He's got an interesting biography on Wikipedia. And some controversy if you Google him. Pity, he's a superb musician.

 

[MikeMorrell]

Yes, I agree. There are very mixed reports and comments about his firing from the NEC and the reasons for it.
But I'm glad he recovered from the fallout and is still conducting and developing young musicians. He's an inspiring person, coach, speaker and musician.
Mike

 

[spike]

Thanks Kev, (I could've used an e-moji but I thought words would be more appropriate.)

A lot've food for thought in both vids.

"How fascinating"

 

[MikeMorrell]

A lot of his masterclasses are on Youtube - many more than I'd expected. This one - where he coaches a very talented cello student - is long (38 minutes) but worth watching, especially from 4 minutes in. Inspiring, moving and beautiful to listen to too.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfUiep-H3Oc

 

[jbtsax]

Wow. I turns out "half-assed" playing isn't that bad after all. There is hope for the rest of us.

 

[MikeMorrell]

I've seen how good Zanders is with talented teenagers and adults but I was curious about whether he worked with younger children and how. In this video he really did his best but with little success. Not his fault. So sad!
View: https://youtu.be/jOJjiF1fRb0?t=11m

 

[spike]

Re. Post #8.
Thanks Mike, I for one was choking back the tears.
I won't tell the story of the night over 50 years ago when I was busking on a bridge in Florence.
Someone taught me a lesson and I often forget it.
There is an enormous difference between playing well and performing well.

 

[MikeMorrell]

Spike, the video moved me to tears too (I didn't even try to choke them back). There's just something really beautiful about the transformation in the cellist and the way that Zanders worked with her to bring this about. He has a real gift for bringing out the best in people at whatever level.

Re. Post #8.
Thanks Mike, I for one was choking back the tears.
I won't tell the story of the night over 50 years ago when I was busking on a bridge in Florence.
Someone taught me a lesson and I often forget it.
There is an enormous difference between playing well and performing well.

 

[kevgermany]

I won't tell the story of the night over 50 years ago when I was busking on a bridge in Florence.
Someone taught me a lesson and I often forget it.
There is an enormous difference between playing well and performing well.

Maybe we could learn from it.

 

[jbtsax]

I have received so many gifts from being a member of this forum. I will count being introduced to Benjamin Zander as one of my most cherished. Thank you.

 

[kevgermany]

where he coaches a very talented cello student

This coaching is the key to music. So many technically good players find it difficult to open up and let the music out, they're aware that it exposed their soul, often in a way they're not comfortable with. Someone close to me has recently gone through the same process, although not with him coaching. The transformation was amazing.

 

[kevgermany]

I have received so many gifts from being a member of this forum. I will count being introduced to Benjamin Zander as one of my most cherished. Thank you.

Trip to Boston to hear him conduct? Sitting in on a rehearsal must be enlightening. I've learnt so much from watching musicians like this rehearsing and orchestra. And from their master classes.

 

[kevgermany]

I've seen how good Zanders is with talented teenagers and adults but I was curious about whether he worked with younger children and how. In this video he really did his best but with little success. Not his fault. So sad!
View: https://youtu.be/jOJjiF1fRb0?t=11m

Just watched this. I think he summed up well, saying the kid wasn't happy, meaning she was under so much stress to perform that she couldn't get the music out.

 

[kevgermany]

This is so valuable, much better in teaching than lost where it was.

 

[kevgermany]

This brings back some thoughts about the comments about movement when playing. If what you're playing doesn't move you, something wrong. Doesn't have to be physical, can be emotional, or both. But fence post performances are the result.

 

[Targa]

This brings back some thoughts about the comments about movement when playing. If what you're playing doesn't move you, something wrong. Doesn't have to be physical, can be emotional, or both. But fence post performances are the result.

There is impressionism in music so that could be post impressionism.