This very gifted 8-year old from Oregon started her long distance learning with me in early July, 2011 after her father sent me a playing sample of the Chopin Waltz in A minor, Op. Posthumous, no. 19. I had actually videotaped of one our Skyped lessons following a brief exchange of videos on a common You Tube channel set up by dad. Improvement was already readily observable at that juncture.
The progress shown over approximately three weeks time, however, is substantial.
In the first sample, (seen below) that I considered the student's "raw" playing, she is phrasing vertically for the most part and over pedaling. I can feel each beat emphasized as if it were being specifically counted. There is not much wrist flexibility or tonal/dynamic variation. Phrase shaping is needed.
In the more recent sample spaced by almost three weeks from the first, the playing is significantly transformed and smoothed out. The biggest change is the more fluid approach to the music with a supple wrist and bigger, relaxed arm gestures. The much improved physical freedom allows for greater nuance, dynamic contrasts, and better shaped phrases. There is more flow to the Waltz in the Romantic style and the singing tone is emerging.
I want to thank dad for letting me share these two videos. He is a supportive parent and is very involved in helping his daughter meet weekly goals as pertains to improving her playing. She is very hard-working, bright, and practices thoughtfully.
For children in the 7 to 10-year old range, the involvement of parents in meeting instructional goals is a vital ingredient of piano lessons so it is appreciated when a parent takes a participating interest in the progress of his/her child.
BEFORE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtxzRn0WudA
AFTER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAE5arApENk
RELATED:
http://arioso7.wordpress.com/2011/07/17/between-california-and-oregon-skyping-chopin-with-a-ten-year-old-student-video-of-lesson-in-progress/
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