Once again, Mark recently attended the biennial Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference (APPC), back in Adelaide this year,along with 200+ piano teachers from all over Australasia. As always, there were many fascinating and insightful presentations, including
an emphasis on collaborative (duet and other multi-instrument) piano studies and performance - Mark includes duet studies for all his students, and very much enjoys accompanying each of them in a range of repertoire
a welcome focus on the sounds that musicians make - surely the ultimate objective of any musician - rather than an (over-) emphasis on technique for its own sake
a historical perspective on the great composers, up to the 20th century, who would always improvise when performing their own work - thus work on finding “authentic” or “historically informed” approach to performing classical piano is perhaps misplaced.
Mark has just finished playing Keyboard 1 for a production of the new version of “Cinderella”. As well as a new book, the musical has additional songs and new orchestrations, meaning ~200 patch (keyboard sound) changes, and several weird and wonderful sound effects, in his book. Great orchestra with friends old and new! Most of the musicals he plays for are happy to have a student “sit in” the orchestra pit to watch and listen to what goes on, so this opportunity is available for students at the Studio.
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) - whose piano syllabus Mark uses as a basis for all students wishing to pursue exams, supplemented by other pieces from a variety of sources - have just released the new “Series 19” books of piano music for all grades: and they’re great!!! His students are enjoying working through the new music, from all eras from 17th century Baroque to 20th century contemporary. Well done to Angela Turner from the Queensland Conservatorium for curating the new series…
