100 tips for working with pianists #11: Be sensitive to shyness
Musicians are used to working in isolation (all that practising alone), so some pianists feel very shy about talking in front of the class. Be careful about assuming that pianists…
100 tips for working with pianists #11: Don’t over explain
There is no need to explain things to a pianist that they already know or understand. For example, if you have just shown an exercise in three, while singing snippets…
100 tips for working with pianists #10: Be good humoured about mistakes
Given that much of what happens between you and the pianist in the class is unprepared, mistakes are bound to happen. There is no point in making an issue out…
100 tips for working with pianists #9: Remember who you’re talking to!
If you have just spent ten minutes trying to control children, it can be easy to leave your voice in the same register when you go back to talking to…
100 tips for working with pianists #8: Develop a shared language
There’s no point in asking a pianist for a krakowiak if they don’t know what it is. Aim to build a shared vocabulary which means something to both of you.…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #7: Use non-verbal communication
Class is a busy, sometimes noisy place where you and your pianist need to send unequivocal messages and react quickly. Once you’ve established a good working relationship and understand each…