Piano Instruction: A charming, quick-paced piece for late elementary students, titled “Clowns,” by Gillock (VIDEO)
http://arioso7.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/piano-instruction-a-charming-quick-paced-piece-for-late-elementary-students-titled-clowns-by-gillock-video/
Continuing my tribute to the prolific and talented composer, William Gillock, I’ve snatched “Clowns” from Volume Two of his Accent on Gillock collection. (published by Willis Music Company)
Not to be long-winded about my approach to teaching this sprightly composition, I simply outline a step-wise practicing routine.
1) Since the melody is divided between the hands through most of the score, it would be counter-productive to separate the hands in an initial learning phase. Therefore, I recommend a continuous flow from one hand to the other at a very slow tempo and with a bigger dynamic than indicated. This allows a a deep feel connection to the notes while reinforcing fingering.
Staccato, by the way, is played with the whole relaxed arm, and supple wrist as I demonstrate in the video.
Articulation of notes, or their groupings with slurs as indicated, including staccato, accent marks should be integrated into the behind tempo playing.
2) As conscientious practicing continues, I support playing “Clowns” in the same tempo but with the added observance of dynamics.
3) If the process moves along nicely over time, I ask the pupil to advance the tempo, but not to a level where his playing becomes out of control.
4) Finally, over time, the piece should mature or ripen into the desired tempo which still remains a subjective realm unless the composer had affixed a specific metronome marking to his music. (Gillock indicated, “Rather fast, humorously” to describe the pace and character of “Clowns.”)
Here’s today’s video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwsCai2qy4
The Clowns universe is a draw for many composers. Kabalevsky created a charming “Clowns” piece that belongs to his Op. 39 Children’s Pieces.
And I sheepishly admit to having written Juggling Clowns that’s part of my Moonbeams and Other Musical Sketches collection. The attached art had been contributed by my late uncle, David Smiton.
LINKS:
http://arioso7.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/teaching-gillocks-delightfully-appealing-later-elementary-level-music-the-glass-slipper-video/
http://arioso7.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/the-formative-years-of-piano-study-and-the-basic-building-blocks-of-learning-videos/
