This is a post I started over two months ago in between classes, and forgot about. Sorry for the severe level of outdated news.
I spent last weekend in Provo, part of which included my audition for BYU's music program. I decided almost two years ago that I wanted to study music in college, and since then, my piano teacher, Vicki Duckworth, supplied me with the necessary material and instruction to prepare. However, that decision also created a dilemma. BYU's only piano degree, Piano Performance, combines performance studies with pedagogy. I am more interested in the pedagogy aspect, which is learning how people learn how to play the piano and understand music. My piano teacher exemplifies talent, service, and musicality to me, and I want to be her; she is an amazing accompanist, and though the most musically talented individual I know, also the most humble. Every school should offer a Vicki Duckworth Degree. (Vicki and I have a close personal and musical relationship and when I told her my dream, she said she would give me a scholarship! I love her.)
Considering the limited piano study options offered at the Y, and my refusal to attend any other school, I decided a few months ago that Piano Performance major was not for me. I know myself well enough to know that I could not be happy locked in a creepy HFAC practice room for 4+ hours a day. I love music, and playing piano is my greatest release and high, but I don't play for competition. I don't want to be "the" best; I want to be my best. I knew my choice was right because I felt confident and relieved, and my teacher sealed the deal when she stood up next to the piano bench at the lesson when I told her and hugged me. She knows my musical self better than I do, and I think she felt the way I do for a while. Again, I just love Vicki Duckworth.
Last weekend was the weekend, and with pieces practiced and memorized, I flew to Provo last Friday. On Thursday night, my Dad gave me a father's blessing, in which he blessed me with many things I had not even thought of, but was grateful to have. In my frenzy to memorize a Bach Prelude and Fugue, Schumann Novelette, and Mozart Sonata, I forgot why I practice and play piano. My Dad blessed me to be able to remember and feel once again the passion I have for music, and playing the instument I love. This blessing and resulting strength allowed me to be excited more than nervous for my audition. Even on Saturday morning, when I was down by the HFAC practice rooms, surrounded by auditioners, I felt great.
The audition itself was a quick 10 minutes. My memory blanked near the beginning of my Prelude, but I recovered and moved onto the next section I knew. I wish that I could have played more of my Novelette, because that piece is my favorite, and most expressive for me, but the directors cut me off before I was half-way through. The weakest part of my audition was the scales, however. I did not practice the scales, because Mrs. Duckworth and I do not enjoy spending time on them. They're boring. Unfortunately, the scales were at the very end of the audition, and the two I was asked to play--A flat major and minor--were especially difficult. Aside from the butchered scales, I left the Nelke Theater accomplished and extremely relieved.
The best part of the weekend was spending buddy time with Charlotte. I'm so excited to be out at the Y together next year, and have even more time to share Kraft Mac n' Cheese, Thin Mints, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson movies!
I spent last weekend in Provo, part of which included my audition for BYU's music program. I decided almost two years ago that I wanted to study music in college, and since then, my piano teacher, Vicki Duckworth, supplied me with the necessary material and instruction to prepare. However, that decision also created a dilemma. BYU's only piano degree, Piano Performance, combines performance studies with pedagogy. I am more interested in the pedagogy aspect, which is learning how people learn how to play the piano and understand music. My piano teacher exemplifies talent, service, and musicality to me, and I want to be her; she is an amazing accompanist, and though the most musically talented individual I know, also the most humble. Every school should offer a Vicki Duckworth Degree. (Vicki and I have a close personal and musical relationship and when I told her my dream, she said she would give me a scholarship! I love her.)
Considering the limited piano study options offered at the Y, and my refusal to attend any other school, I decided a few months ago that Piano Performance major was not for me. I know myself well enough to know that I could not be happy locked in a creepy HFAC practice room for 4+ hours a day. I love music, and playing piano is my greatest release and high, but I don't play for competition. I don't want to be "the" best; I want to be my best. I knew my choice was right because I felt confident and relieved, and my teacher sealed the deal when she stood up next to the piano bench at the lesson when I told her and hugged me. She knows my musical self better than I do, and I think she felt the way I do for a while. Again, I just love Vicki Duckworth.
Last weekend was the weekend, and with pieces practiced and memorized, I flew to Provo last Friday. On Thursday night, my Dad gave me a father's blessing, in which he blessed me with many things I had not even thought of, but was grateful to have. In my frenzy to memorize a Bach Prelude and Fugue, Schumann Novelette, and Mozart Sonata, I forgot why I practice and play piano. My Dad blessed me to be able to remember and feel once again the passion I have for music, and playing the instument I love. This blessing and resulting strength allowed me to be excited more than nervous for my audition. Even on Saturday morning, when I was down by the HFAC practice rooms, surrounded by auditioners, I felt great.
The audition itself was a quick 10 minutes. My memory blanked near the beginning of my Prelude, but I recovered and moved onto the next section I knew. I wish that I could have played more of my Novelette, because that piece is my favorite, and most expressive for me, but the directors cut me off before I was half-way through. The weakest part of my audition was the scales, however. I did not practice the scales, because Mrs. Duckworth and I do not enjoy spending time on them. They're boring. Unfortunately, the scales were at the very end of the audition, and the two I was asked to play--A flat major and minor--were especially difficult. Aside from the butchered scales, I left the Nelke Theater accomplished and extremely relieved.
The best part of the weekend was spending buddy time with Charlotte. I'm so excited to be out at the Y together next year, and have even more time to share Kraft Mac n' Cheese, Thin Mints, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson movies!
1 comment:
I love that you've identified that you only need to be "your" best and not "the" best. To me, you're the best!
Post a Comment