100 tips for working with ballet pianists #23: Know when it’s good to work without music
Although it’s great to have music for class, be sure in your own mind what role it plays, so that you know when not to use it. Some examples: With…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #22: Take time to experiment
Occasionally – once a term, perhaps – set aside time with your pianist when you will simply experiment with different ideas for using music in class. An hour spent talking,…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #21: Forget about bars
Don’t ask pianists for a given number of bars unless you are both working from a score in a repertoire rehearsal, or unless an examination procedure specifically requires you to.…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #20: Respond to music with your class
Teach by example and show your response to the music that is played. Think of class as a kind of ‘guided discovery’ of music for your students. Staying unmoved and…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #19: Talk about music you like
One of the hardest things for new ballet pianists to know is what sort of music you want. Talk about your favourite songs, ballets, composers, film music and singers with…
100 tips for working with ballet pianists #18: Ask your pianist for help
Pianists are music specialists, that’s why you hired them, so use this to your advantage (why buy a dog and bark yourself?). e.g. “I want something like this…how do I…