Masterclass Prep I

The masterclass is in 11 days.

I have put some time into the Chopin every day for the past week or so, and the plan is to continue to do that until the 28th. In addition to simply practicing the notes, I'm trying to prepare to play in front of an audience. I don't have a ready-made audience, so I'm having my husband help me here.

I'll play it through, but he'll say "STOP" every 20-30 seconds, and I have to stop, remove my hands from the keyboard, wait a few seconds, and then pick up where I left off.

Or I'll play it and try to have a conversation with him while I'm playing.

Last night, I had him make a video of me playing. The video camera gives me the same kind of nervousness that an audience does.

Also, video can help me to see if I'm sitting awkwardly, making ugly faces, or generally giving an impression I don't want to give.

I'm planning to post a few "Masterclass Prep" videos between now and the 28th. The angle is a little weird in this one; it look like I'm at an angle to the piano, but I'm not. (At least I don't think I am!) I also have a big memory lapse about halfway through, and I forced myself to take the time to settle down and pick up where I'd left off.

I shouldn't have any memory lapses; I know this piece backward and forward (or I think I do!). In this instance, I did manage to find my place and move on. So that's a good sign. Hopefully I'll get to where there is no need to do that!

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Picking Up the Pieces: A Piano Practice Journal

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