Jon Kimura Parker's demeanour was so warm, welcoming, and inviting. His sense of humour and good nature made each of the pianists more comfortable. This was a good reminder for me as to how I can make my students feel more comfortable. Am I always caring, warm, and doing my best to reduce their anxiety? One thing that Professor Kimura Parker did was thank each student for playing. What a wonderful gesture! Have I thanked my students for sharing their hearts through music with me?
Jon Kimura Parker is extremely knowledgeable about the piano repertoire and the advice he gave the students was invaluable. The first student played the stunning Abegg Variations by Robert Schumann. The first comment that Jon Kimura Parker reminded us of was the when music is going slowly, it is easier to shape the melody. Nonetheless, don't forget to shape phrases and melodies when music is fast and loud. He also mentioned that our arms and wrists should be as still as possible so that our little muscles remain in control. (Fine motor movements vs. gross motor movements.) Jon Kimura Parker, Professor of Piano, at Rice University in Houston, also mentioned that when we have repeated figurations or sections that we must do something to make them each slightly different. The left hand can certainly play a part in this too! Another helpful bit of information was that slow practise helps us build our confidence psychologically.
The second piece performed in the masterclass was Chopin's magnificent Scherzo no. 2 in b minor. Jon Kimura Parker gave many helpful pointers to the student who played but I was particularly impressed with the information given about the middle section of this piece. Advice given on how to play the chords included the following: continuous sound, get a sense the keys go deep down when playing the chords, remain aware of the line or phrase and do not lose sense of your musical direction.
The third piece performed was an early Beethoven sonata: Piano Sonata no. 4 in E-flat Major, Opus 7. Jon Kimura Parker spoke on the topic of memory slips and the most effective ways in which to memorize one's music. He suggested that it is very useful to have a recording device on hand when you practise so that you can go back and identify the exact places where you experienced memory trouble. Moreover, repeated notes can trigger memory problems. Sonata form, in which the melody experiences many subtle transformations from its original form, can also make memorizing difficult. Jon Kimura Parker's final advice on the subject of memory was that memory mistakes result from "thinking on stage. If you're thinking on stage, it means that you haven't done your thinking while practising." This advice prompted me to think about my own practising habits and the habits of my students. Are our practice sessions thoughtful and focused periods of time?
The final piece was Chopin's Ballade no. 3. Again, I was impressed with Jon Kimura Parker's positive comments to the student and his compliment to them that "they drew the listener in from the beginning." Firstly, he advised the pianist to not close the window of dynamic range that they have. I sat, nodding in agreement. I found myself asking the following questions: am I allowing my students to truly explore the dynamic range of the piano? Are they truly achieving contrasts between ff and pp? Secondly, Professor Kimura Parker suggested that the pianist should allow the accompaniment to serve the melody and the music. I will, as a piano teacher, continue to remind my students about the balance of hands needing to be appropriate. Thirdly, it was recommended that the pianist not discount the importance of hearing bass notes resolve. Again, questions flooded my mind: Am I teaching my students the basics of harmony, even when they are adamantly opposed to "boring theory"? Am I making my students aware of important changes in harmony?
It was an incredible experience to watch Jon Kimura Parker share his wealth of knowledge with the audience and the young pianists who came to perform for him. Moreover, he showed a graciousness that truly models how a teacher should approach his or her students. He was grateful to hear them play and it is so clear he has a deep love for what he is teaching. It is that spirit of gratefulness and wanting to share, coupled with possessing amazing amounts of knowledge about music, that makes Jon Kimura Parker a fantastic piano teacher!
