This thread is meant not just for adults, but also for children. To what extent do you find taking piano exams a stressful experience? Or do you feel motivated to go for it as the outcome is rewarding?
If you could only liszt* one, what would be your personal favorite piano (or music-related) quote? Can you find it on this liszt* (https://takelessons.com/blog/quotes-about-piano)?
*pun intended
 |
Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman - Beethoven. Haha.. different quote, but from the same composer! ? |
 |
There's one quote I came across, can't remember from where or who. Life without music is a mistake. |
 |
That would be Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher and cultural critic. He said, "Ohne Musik wäre das Leben ein Irrtum", or translated as "Without music, life would be a mistake." |
|
|
I see! Really love that quote. |
Joke riddles for pianists (with cringeworthy answers):
a) What do you get when you drop a piano down a mine shaft?
b) Why was the stupid pianist banging his head against the keys?
c) What is the difference between a piano and a fish?
d) Why did Mozart kill his chickens?
e) Why is crossing the street like playing the piano?
f) What do you call a laughing piano?
|
|
Just got back from a Pianovers meetup... Haha... I was correct, but my reasons were very different. The oboe player would say to the conductor - "Ho bo?" (Hokkien / Singlish as in "Are you okay... See More Just got back from a Pianovers meetup... Haha... I was correct, but my reasons were very different. The oboe player would say to the conductor - "Ho bo?" (Hokkien / Singlish as in "Are you okay?"), which is a homophonic play on the word "oboe". |
|
|
Omg.. Lolz! So imaginative, Gavin! I couldn't have guessed "Ho Bo"!! |
|
|
[Headslap] Or, perhaps the conductor says "Oboe," and the oboeist gives a thumbs-up in reply to what he thinks is the conductor asking "Ho bo?" The conductor therefore thinks he is the most... See More [Headslap] Or, perhaps the conductor says "Oboe," and the oboeist gives a thumbs-up in reply to what he thinks is the conductor asking "Ho bo?" The conductor therefore thinks he is the most obedient. |
 |
Haha, hilarious! |
Too bad we have no polls like those on Facebook. What do you think about the following ideas for Pianovers? Should we have them? What does our organizer, Yong Meng, himself say to these?
a) Allow for that rare diversity in pianovers performances. Maybe piano + vocals, piano duos, trios, quartets, etc. Would be great to collaborate with like-minded musicians
b) Poll the Pianovers community and pick the best youtube performance so that they can be invited back to play again. Or... See More
Too bad we have no polls like those on Facebook. What do you think about the following ideas for Pianovers? Should we have them? What does our organizer, Yong Meng, himself say to these?
a) Allow for that rare diversity in pianovers performances. Maybe piano + vocals, piano duos, trios, quartets, etc. Would be great to collaborate with like-minded musicians
b) Poll the Pianovers community and pick the best youtube performance so that they can be invited back to play again. Or maybe they could be given a Pianover Reward card? Or something like that.
c) Allow the pianist to contribute some write-up that can then be presented to the audience too.
d) Create a Facebook group for Pianovers.
e) Attain 50 performances and get a free Pianover Reward card?
d) Opening to the floor: Anyone have any other proposals?
 |
Thank you for your valuable suggestions, Gavin! We welcome feedback from the community, and will include them as part of our decision making process! Cheers! |
A question: What comes to mind when a foreigner asks you to tell them more about "Singaporean Music"? Do we label ourselves as a culture that churns out patriotic songs only during National Day? Or is there truly a Singaporean identity - elusive though it may be?
|
|
For sharing: Our very first patriotric songs, Stand Up for Singapore, Count on me Singapore, We are Singapore, were outsourced and composed by a Canadian jazz pianist, Hugh Harrison, who was... See More For sharing: Our very first patriotric songs, Stand Up for Singapore, Count on me Singapore, We are Singapore, were outsourced and composed by a Canadian jazz pianist, Hugh Harrison, who was working for McCann-Erickson, a global advertising company then. It was only later on that we got Singaporeans contributing. With people like Dick Lee and Jeremy Monteiro composing Home and One People, One Nation, One Singapore respectively. So, are our National Songs representative of Singaporean music? |
|
|
Viewpoints are subjective, and are thus never about whether it is valid. Meaning while it can be valid for me, it isn't valid to you. |
|
|
But still worth sharing? ? |
|
|
Maybe I'll just touch on the tip of the ice-berg: Some mention that Xinyao (新遥) is one pivotal genre that represents "Singaporean Music". On the premise that even if we agree with this, what... See More Maybe I'll just touch on the tip of the ice-berg: Some mention that Xinyao (新遥) is one pivotal genre that represents "Singaporean Music". On the premise that even if we agree with this, what defines Xinyao? Translated literally into English, it means "Singaporean Folk Music". Eric Moo is supposedly one of the most "central figures" in Xinyao. But he is a Malaysian. So does that count? But about English songs composed by Singaporeans (another can of worms)? In fact there are deeper sociopolitical forces at play that can be traced back to the saga of Nanyang University (not NTU). More importantly (and musically), how should the style of Xinyao be like? If we look at the most stereotypical Xinyao piece 邂逅 (see following link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3tG-1yONdU It has a very "pure" and "simple" melody line, very "campus-like" and accompaniment is on solo guitar. And indeed many other pieces in the Xinyao genre that came later are also possessing these similar features / characteristics. But some have "evolved" or "expanded" to possessing the style of Hard Rock, Hip-Hop and Dance. Do we still call this Xinyao? So if one really would like to explore the "Singaporean Identity in Music" - it is worth not just a journal article, but perhaps an entire book. |
Time to share another useful nugget of knowledge. Third off my list:
Need to refresh yourself on a musical concept (eg. recalling the Circle of Fifths) or are you starting out in learning a musical piece and need some basic lessons?
Well, try this free online course that already has 300+ videos: http://www.daveconservatoire.org/
Time to share another useful nugget of knowledge. Third off my list:
Need to refresh yourself on a musical concept (eg. recalling the Circle of Fifths) or are you starting out in learning a musical piece and need some basic lessons?
Well, try this free online course that already has 300+ videos: http://www.daveconservatoire.org/
|
|
Yes. Glad you found that useful! For those who are interested, I can share with you a MuseScore of what I played in Meetup Session #57. That would be the Theme from Cocoon by James Horner. |
|
|
Never heard of this piece before. Gonna check it out now. |
|
|
After James Horner died in an aeroplane crash in 2015, his death evoked memories of the many pieces he composed. The Soundtrack for Cocoon is one of my all-time favorites. You can watch the... See More After James Horner died in an aeroplane crash in 2015, his death evoked memories of the many pieces he composed. The Soundtrack for Cocoon is one of my all-time favorites. You can watch the orchestral version here: |
|
|
omg.. I just wiki James Horner, and read about the plane crash.. so sad. Listening to the Soundtrack for Cocoon while reading is a bad combo.. ? On a side note, he's so charming!! ? |
Final "Full Dressed" Rehearsal for our duet Mini-Recital on Classical Music (32 pieces in total) on music synthesizers/keyboards with audience Sng Yong Meng, Elyn Goh, Flyer Walker, Gteo Teo and Fi Ga Ro.
|
|
Where was this recital held at? |
|
|
My Home Studio at Ripple Bay, Pasir Ris. |
|
|
Waa.. your home studio looks very well equipped! |
|
|
Just moved in slightly more than a year ago. A regular venue for hosting informal jamming sessions for fellow pianovers! |
What's the difference between playing a piece in the privacy of your living room versus performing the same piece for an audience? After all, it's the same piece right (no?) Any thoughts or comments on this? :)
 |
Is there any well-known method then? |
|
|
The Acosean Method of Music Education (AMME), though it isn't well-known yet. |
|
|
I googled up AMME, and it points back to you! So you're the founder of AMME! |
|
|
Haha, long story! |
My son is in P2 this year. He takes piano lessons at home, now Grade 1. Is it advisable to take piano exam every year?
|
|
Susan, exams shouldn't be the primary goal his lessons should revolve around. Building passion/interest should take priority. Exams kinda by-the-way. And I'm not advocating totally no exams either... See More Susan, exams shouldn't be the primary goal his lessons should revolve around. Building passion/interest should take priority. Exams kinda by-the-way. And I'm not advocating totally no exams either - definitely got plus points to take exams. ? |
 |
Thanks Mabel. I'm the typical parent who sees other kids seemingly learning so fast, and I'm worried my son is "losing out". Hard to shake this kiasu-ism. So, I'm struggling within. |
|
|
I agree fully that what counts most is to develop passion. With a capital P. In fact, most of the best pianists are self-taught! So this website says:... See More I agree fully that what counts most is to develop passion. With a capital P. In fact, most of the best pianists are self-taught! So this website says: https://pianologist.com/our-thoughts/self-taught/ And there are examples of pianists with little to no formal training who play professionally. Take for example: https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/07/the-self-taught-french-pianist-who... |
|
|
Gavin, I visited the 1st link you wrote. Thought it was a bold statement by just one person. While there are examples of good pianists who are self taught, I would be interested to know the % of... See More Gavin, I visited the 1st link you wrote. Thought it was a bold statement by just one person. While there are examples of good pianists who are self taught, I would be interested to know the % of good pianists from the group who are self taught. That said, I don't expect my son to be the best pianist (although it's a bonus if he can), but I would want him to enjoy and progress positively. ? |
|
|
Really?! Got tuning course here in SG?? ? |
|
|
Yes, one of whom is our fellow Pianover here! |
|
|
Waa... he/she should advertise the tuning course on this website. I'm sure many are interested! ? |
|
|
A tuning course does sound interesting indeed. You will of course have to invest in a good set of piano tuning hammers, mutes, and forks. Practical experience is of the essence, and you need a... See More A tuning course does sound interesting indeed. You will of course have to invest in a good set of piano tuning hammers, mutes, and forks. Practical experience is of the essence, and you need a real piano for that. |
What is your take on this? If a person is feeling very sad, should he be listening to a melancholic piece such as Tchaikvosky's Pathetique symphony? Or should he be listening to a cheerful and joyful piece like Mozart's Paris Symphony?
|
|
Hmm, so you feel it depends on the individual..... |
 |
Here is a scientific perspective: Here is a scientific perspective: |
|
|
Interesting, thanks for sharing! |
|
|
I will listen to sad ones, to connect with my inner self. ? |
|
|
Nope. I got rid of mine about a year back because one of the strings busted - too much Liszt. I think the Roland was worth it though, for my composing needs. But I do miss the weight of the... See More Nope. I got rid of mine about a year back because one of the strings busted - too much Liszt. I think the Roland was worth it though, for my composing needs. But I do miss the weight of the acoustic keys. Anyway, my new job brought me to MND Annexe and the pianos outside URA Centre are available to me everyday now. |
|
|
Wah.. you write songs? |
|
|
Trying to write something now. |
|
|
That's cool! Share with us when you're done! |
Unique Piano Pieces Thread #1 - For those looking to play a piece that allows you to perform a glissando on black keys only, here's one really cool piece: Cyril Scott's Lotus Land. You get to do it 3 times, on bars 35, 36, and 62.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoqDR5Zvu_M
Score: http://... See More
Unique Piano Pieces Thread #1 - For those looking to play a piece that allows you to perform a glissando on black keys only, here's one really cool piece: Cyril Scott's Lotus Land. You get to do it 3 times, on bars 35, 36, and 62.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoqDR5Zvu_M
Score: http://petruccilibrary.us/scores/Scott_Cyril_1970/Scott_-_LotusLand_Op.4...
Funny video about the crew behind the scene.
Has anyone here composed and sold pieces of their own? Would love if you could share your experiences.
|
|
Yes, I've composed both pop and classical pieces. But I didn't sell any of them to any publishers. One pop piece was launched together with my stage band group's CD album, which was subsequently... See More Yes, I've composed both pop and classical pieces. But I didn't sell any of them to any publishers. One pop piece was launched together with my stage band group's CD album, which was subsequently sold in the Asia-Pac market. Now planning to thread carefully the way to launch my Piano Concerto, which took me 23 years to complete. |
|
|
Additionally: Has anyone used Soundcloud, Bandcamp, or similar websites to share and sell their composed pieces? Has anyone set up a composer portfolio? |
Can playing by ear actually be learnt or is it something innate, i.e. either you have it or you don't. I've always thought that all pianists could play by ear (at least simple tunes on the simpler keys) but was amazed to find out that it wasn't so in my JC days.
|
|
Bing Shao, I think I'd missed your posts! Anyway it was great meeting you in person and we had a good chat on the play-by-ear methodology in greater depth! |
|
|
One thing that has helped greatly in improving my play by ear ability is to listen on Youtube hundreds of pieces that follow the score as a video. Now, when pieces are played, I start visualizing... See More One thing that has helped greatly in improving my play by ear ability is to listen on Youtube hundreds of pieces that follow the score as a video. Now, when pieces are played, I start visualizing staves and notes and can more intuitively figure out how to play a piece just through listening. |
|
|
Oh yes, to answer your question. I don't think this is an innate ability unless your parents have been exposing you to music ever since you are in the womb. Then maybe you would be more accepting... See More Oh yes, to answer your question. I don't think this is an innate ability unless your parents have been exposing you to music ever since you are in the womb. Then maybe you would be more accepting of music in life. |
|
|
Before I forget. There are quite a number of Ear Training software on the Android Play Store that may be of some use. I have used 'The Ear Gym', 'Functional Ear Trainer', and 'Perfect Ear' before... See More Before I forget. There are quite a number of Ear Training software on the Android Play Store that may be of some use. I have used 'The Ear Gym', 'Functional Ear Trainer', and 'Perfect Ear' before. Quite simple but useful apps for training yourself to play by ear. I am pretty sure there are equivalent apps on iTunes too - like 'Play by Ear' and 'Ear for Life, Ear Training' |
I'm looking around for a new piano. Anyone heard of Hailun? Is it good?
|
|
Oh. Hehe, I thought it's ok to discuss here, like how people discuss openly about Telco plans, or how they give product reviews. |
|
|
Comparing and contrasting among Telco plans, their service standards etc are still fine because of the "mega" or "macro" nature of things. But here, some of the forum members could either be... See More Comparing and contrasting among Telco plans, their service standards etc are still fine because of the "mega" or "macro" nature of things. But here, some of the forum members could either be exclusive dealers of certain piano brands or owners/affiliated partners of certain piano retail shops. Thus unless I want to be public enemy #1 in the piano industry, I would talk about this privately. |
|
|
I personally feel it is not sensitive to talk about brands and qualities/reliabilities; the web revolution is breaking down all these barriers and we have to realize that companies will either... See More I personally feel it is not sensitive to talk about brands and qualities/reliabilities; the web revolution is breaking down all these barriers and we have to realize that companies will either have to evolve or die out. Mabel, what you need to do is to just google "Hailun Piano Reviews". Read about the reviews and watch the video reviews on Youtube; listen to piano comparisons. Be objective and not too hasty in your decision. After you have done your homework, perhaps come back here and share about the Hailun piano; a targeted question or two may even get answered. Although I think forums with Hailun piano owners will be able to fill you in even more. |
|
|
Nice game plan, Gavin! Let me do my homework 1st. ? |
Has anyone ever taught dyslexic students? What is your experience teaching them; like will they have problems reading music notes or understanding concepts of rhythm and/or note/rest values? And how would you help them overcome their problem - for eg. would you use large staves/notes, marking on the piano keys, etc.?
Time to share more nuggets of usefulness. Second off my list: Now, where do I get free classical piano scores?
That's easy: http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page
|
|
Haha! I love IMSLP too!! |
Time to share some nuggets of usefulness. First off my list: Where do I get a list of piano music listed by difficulty?
Well, here's a handy reference: http://www.classicalmusicdb.com/levels
No way you are going to squeeze that fancy new "Longest" grand piano into a HDB room... https://www.worldpianonews.com/new-product/acoustic/worlds-longest-conce...
Dutch pianist and composer Jeroen van Veen built a life-sized Lego Piano over a period of more than two years. Consisting of almost 30,000 second-hand Lego bricks, the idea of building the Lego Piano came about over a debate at the coffee table between Jeroen and his two sons. He gave his first public performance on the Lego Piano in his concert in Almere, Netherlands on Friday, 12 November 2016.
 |
Waa... Big Lego Piano!!! *drools.. ? |
Have you been seriously pondering over the following question? Many pianists avoid this question, perhaps because of sociopolitical sensitivity (instead of musical sensitivity)?
Take for example the entire China with a population of 1.3 billion. Most would agree that the most celebrated (classical) pianists are Lang Lang and Li Yundi.
So my question is: Are there other pianists (non-celebrities) in China whose piano playing is on par with theirs? If the answer is yes (e.g. if... See More
Have you been seriously pondering over the following question? Many pianists avoid this question, perhaps because of sociopolitical sensitivity (instead of musical sensitivity)?
Take for example the entire China with a population of 1.3 billion. Most would agree that the most celebrated (classical) pianists are Lang Lang and Li Yundi.
So my question is: Are there other pianists (non-celebrities) in China whose piano playing is on par with theirs? If the answer is yes (e.g. if you say at least thousands of them), then why aren't they famous? In other words, does it mean that only when you reach this level of piano playing superiority will you definitely be "discovered" and made eminent?
Note that I'm confining my topic to pure playing-by-score instead of playing-by-ear or improvisations, since that would have opened a bigger can of worms.
For those who feel that within China, very few pianists would match or beat the level manifested by Lang Lang or Li Yundi, then my next question for you will then be: What is it that they can do (or do well) which other pianists in China can't? Is it the speed or tempo of playing? Or is it their sheer playing techniques? Or is it their interpretations?
I would like to hear your viewpoints before I elaborate on this further.
|
|
Wayne, very well said! I'm in agreement with every statement you've made; and thank you so much for making explicit what I've been wanting to say (but haven't said it) for years! |
|
|
Actually a lot depends on luck too. You can be super talented and hardworking, but you still need luck to get noticed, appreciated, groomed. ? |
|
|
Totally agree! |
|
|
Pity not many pianists in SG are recognised. |
Just as people ask if driverless cars will replace the joy of driving and if sending email kills the warm personal touch of writing a traditional letter, people too, are asking if it is really possible for computers to make music. Music, after all, has been an essential part of human existence for as long as civilisations have existed. Now then, to what extent can humans accept music that is artificially-created as part of their lives?
... See More
Just as people ask if driverless cars will replace the joy of driving and if sending email kills the warm personal touch of writing a traditional letter, people too, are asking if it is really possible for computers to make music. Music, after all, has been an essential part of human existence for as long as civilisations have existed. Now then, to what extent can humans accept music that is artificially-created as part of their lives?
|
|
A side track to this is: It is easier to get the computer (organ/keyboard) to harmonise for your melody than to teach someone to do so. Likewise, it is easier for the computer to identify your... See More A side track to this is: It is easier to get the computer (organ/keyboard) to harmonise for your melody than to teach someone to do so. Likewise, it is easier for the computer to identify your chord (based on your notes played) than to teach someone to do it. Thank goodness the computer is unable to identify the key of a piece of music yet. If it is able to (in time to come), it will indeed be a scary era. |
|
|
If the computer harmonises the melody, is it creative enuff to figure out which chord progression is better? |
|
|
There is an AI engine in the computer software. If this engine is able to constantly gather human inputs as to which harmonisations/progressions are better, it will "learn" over time so that... See More There is an AI engine in the computer software. If this engine is able to constantly gather human inputs as to which harmonisations/progressions are better, it will "learn" over time so that future churning outs will be "better". |
This makes the piano performances so fun, and entertaining to listen to! Haha!!
Maybe I progress at the right pace, so I didn't find it that stressful. Exams are definitely useful, and still has its place in the education system. Some of us don't progress if there isn't any... See More
Maybe I progress at the right pace, so I didn't find it that stressful. Exams are definitely useful, and still has its place in the education system. Some of us don't progress if there isn't any exam at all.