With Scott McBride Smith • July 11-12

The Young Pianists Institute provides an opportunity for students and teachers to broaden their musical understanding of the intermediate repertoire. The Institute features nationally recognized pedagogue Scott McBride Smith, replacing Ingrid Clarfield who suffered a stroke on March 19. In addition to delivering a lecture and a demonstration, he will work with participants several hours daily developing musical concepts and performance skills. Teachers are encouraged to observe all sessions of the Institute as auditors.

Lecture: Musical Punctuation & the Art of Interpretation!

Dynamics, tone quality, pedal . . . these are essential parts of a convincing interpretation. But are you spending enough time teaching your students about the subtleties of note grouping? Do they breathe in the right places? Are beats arranged convincingly? What does a slur really mean, anyway? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this informative session focusing on relationship and nuance in student performance.

Demonstration: Teaching a new piece of music

Dr. Smith will work with one of our young pianists introducing him or her to a brand new piece of music.

Performers

The Young Pianists Institute will be limited to 10 performers. The tuition of $25 includes personalized master class sessions with Dr. Smith and admission to all other classes and lectures of the Young Pianists Institute. The Young Pianists Institute is open to pianists of all ages and levels, but repertoire is limited to the intermediate level, consistent with Levels IV, V, and VI of the Oregon Music Teachers Association Syllabus.

Interested participants should request an application form by calling 503.228.1388, or e-mailing lori@portlandpiano.org. Applicants will be required to submit an application form and a cassette/CD/DVD of their playing, including at least two pieces that they plan to play at the Institute. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than April 15. Applicants will be notified by April 30 if they are accepted into the workshop.

Auditors

The Young Pianists Institute is open to the public. Auditors may purchase a one-day pass for either July 11 or 12 or a two-day YPI pass that admits you to all YPI classes and lectures, July 11–12.

Films

Knowing the Score, July 12 (see Films page).

Admission to the Young Pianists Institute (July 11–12) is separate from admission to Focus on Impressionism and PianoFest.