CLASSICAL IMPROVISATION – Session 1 @ 9:00am
THE AMAZING PIANO – Session 2 @ 11:00am
Presenter: BRIAN CHUNG, co-author of Improvisation at the Piano: A Systematic Approach for the Classically Trained Pianist
Date: 11/16/2013 (9:00am-12:00noon)
(Refreshments will be served)
Location: Michelle’s Piano
RSVP 503-295-1180
Session Summaries
Classical Improvisation:
This session will offer a fun, step-by-step approach to improvisation built entirely upon the elements of traditional piano study. Participants will learn not only how to improvise for themselves, but also how to teach improvisation to their students. A wide range of creativity-enhancing exercises will be explained and applied to well-known repertoire.
Learning to improvise is like learning to talk. Talking moves from producing sounds to building vocabulary to applying grammar to communicating with ease. Anyone can improvise by following the same series of progressive steps using one’s existing skills as a pianist. Mr. Chung has delivered various forms of this seminar at every major national teaching conference in North America.
The Amazing Piano:
Have you played the piano your entire life without understanding how it really works? Ever wondered why some pianos sound and feel better than others over time? Did you know that the emotional impact of your playing is directly affected by the way a piano is built? This session will take a look “under the hood” of a grand piano and explain how great piano touch and tone is produced and sustained over time.
It will provide valuable knowledge and practical wisdom for all those who play pianos and those who purchase them.
About the presenter:
Brian Chung is Senior Vice President of Kawai America Corporation. He is co-chair of the MTNA Foundation Fund Development Committee, a 2004 MTNA Foundation Fellow, recipient of the 2010 MTNA Distinguished Service Award, co-author (with Dennis Thurmond) of Improvisation at the Piano: A Systematic Approach for the Classically Trained Pianist (Alfred Publishing 2008), co-author (with Brenda Dillon) of the Recreational Music Making Handbook and arranger of Expressions of Faith: Eight Inventive Explorations of Classic Hymns for Solo Piano (Alfred 2008) and Expressions of Christmas (2011).
