January 20, 2005 at 7:13 AM

I went to Mr. Steinhardt's masterclass at Manhattan School of Music this afternoon. I really miss taking lessons from him. He points out the simplest changes, the most minute details that bring out so much in the music. There were four students -- the first movements of Tchaik, Brahms, Dvorak, and Beethoven.

There was a running theme that he kept coming back to, something that I've noticed with many players. He said over and over again that it's important not to confuse slowing down with expressiveness. It's funny, because the stereotype is that young players rush rather than drag. But the point he was making is that ebb and flow in a piece has to do just that -- ebb _and_ flow, forwards and backwards. It took a little doing for the students to get it, but they started to catch on.

The best part was the Beethoven, mainly because I have to perform it and it was good to hear his take on the first movement. Afterwards I asked him if he'd be willing to hear me play the Beethoven as my concerts get closer, and being the class act that he is, of course he said he'd be happy to. I just wish I could study with him full-time again, but I have no desire to go back to school, and he doesn't teach privately. Ah well...

From Debra Klopfenstein
Posted on January 28, 2005 at 6:26 PM

How can I find a good viola teacher?

I am an dedicated adult viola student who needs a teacher.

Debra

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