We attended our first-ever violin Master Class this evening. World-renown Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg is in town to perform with the Symphony, and we were front and center to watch her instruct and de-construct 3 young, impressive talents from our city. Maybe someday Fifi will get her chance!We've seen Ms. S-S perform once before -- a few years ago she gave the season's opening recital for the Tuesday Music Club here in San Antonio. Now, I don't have to like every piece of music she presents to appreciate her passion and artistry. I don't have to appreciate her irreverent language to admire her for her willingness to mentor younger talents. I don't have to play the violin to learn from her skillful instruction. And I don't have to call her Sister to heartily thank the Lord for her great talent.
Her master class was fascinating. She heard 3 students of different ages, different backgrounds and -- to some degree -- differing levels of ability. She had great suggestions for the musicians and accomplished a lot of improvement in the short 20 minutes she had with each.
Two of the musicians took her advice and were clearly engaged with one of the best violinists alive today. For those, the memorable experience will only become more treasured as their years of study help them to truly appreciate the opportunity made available to them today.
To be learned:
- Explore your range of dynamics.
- Use dynamics to make a piece more interesting.
- There are three methods of vibrato.
- One method should not be used universally for the music of all composers.
- Most students have a musical intuition.
- Most students are quashing what little musical intuition they have.
- World class musicians listen to opera and note the drama.
- Good musicians will teach themselves; be a detective.
- When a Master makes a "suggestion" for change, do not treat it like a suggestion; take it, don't leave it. Leaving it makes you look arrogant and unteachable.
2 comments:
What a blessing for Fifi (and you!) to attend the Master Class. I think it's important to expose our children to "the best" when we have the opportunity. Each summer, Zach attends the "Mark O'Connor Strings Camp" in San Diego and it has had such an impact on his playing and given him an appreciation for other genres of music as well. It's like going to a week of all-day Master Classes--then in the evenings, the instructors perform.
I'm so glad Fifi was able to see such an accomplished violinist. Does she have a subscription to "Strings" magazine? Just thought I'd mention it, because it's been a valuable resource for Zach.
What an awesome experience.
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