Pennsylvania 2011
Focus on interpretation

One-day programs

Please note:
Priority is given to Full Program registrants who register by September 1. If the program is not yet filled, registration for those wishing to attend either Saturday or Sunday will be available starting September 2.

1. One half-hour lesson with Teresa Dybvig or Susan Nowicki
   • Because it's a short program, we will not have partner groups. However, all private lessons will be open for observation. If any of the participants choose to practice together, wonderful!
   • You choose what to work on during your lesson.
   • You are invited (urged, even) to attend as many lessons as your concentratation allows, unless the student specifies otherwise.
2. One class on the rhythm method O Passo, led by Thomas Mullaney. If you have a rhythmically challenging passage on a piece you're playing in the fall, here's your chance to do some creative problem solving.
3. Mealtime discussion about mindset for practice and performance.
4. Practice time will be available to everyone.
5. One 1½ hour clinic, your choice of Rotation for changing direction, or Alignment and Balance (descriptions below). We introduce these concepts and work with each participant in these skill-based clinics, showing people how to coach one another.
6. Dinner together, soup and salad.

Clinic choices for Saturday, October 8: (Select one at registration.)

Alignment and Balance. This ciinic is for participants who are new to us. The two foundations of excellent piano technique are often overlooked, even though healthy movement cannot occur without good alignment and balance. Susan Nowicki will articulate some guidelines for feeling and showing optimal alignment and balance.

Rotation for changing direction. This clinic is for returning participants. Teresa Dybvig will draw from her experience with Dorothy Taubman's approach to piano technique to coach you in this fundamental element, for scale crosses, moving from the thumb, moving from 5, and other changes of direction.

1. One half-hour lesson with Teresa Dybvig or Susan Nowicki
   • Because it's a short program, we will not have partner groups. However, all private lessons will be open for observation. If any of the participants choose to practice together, wonderful!
   • You choose what to work on during your lesson.
   • You are invited (urged, even) to attend as many lessons as your concentratation allows, unless the student specifies otherwise.
2. One 1½ hour Alexander Technique class, taught by Ariel Weiss.
3. We encourage you to take advantage of separate private sessions in Alexander Technique (30 minute session for $45), taught by Ariel Weiss. You can arrange your private session in advance when you register. Payment for private sessions in Alexander Technique is due at check-in on October 10.
4. One 1½ hour clinic, Expressive elements in music from the 17th through early 20th centuries (description below).
5. Mealtime discussion about mindset for practice and performance.
6. Practice time will be available to everyone.
7. The option of participating in a SPECIAL OUTING, dinner at Stella Sera. This new restaurant is getting great reviews, and when you check out its scrumptious menu you won't be able to resist! Of course the company will be fantastic too.

Clinic for Sunday, October 9:

Expressive elements in music from the 17th through early 20th centuries. Teresa Dybvig and Susan Nowicki will talk about expressive elements in keyboard music of different eras, relating elements to the keyboards the composers played. If you would like to try some of your music on a harpsichord, fortepiano, or even explore expressive possibilities of a Steinway, this is your chance!

Would you like to read some great reasons to attend The Well-Balanced Pianist? See what past participants have to say.

Note: No previous experience in the Taubman approach or Alexander Technique is necessary for participation in this program.