Dr. Cho invites all high school pianists to GVSU's High School Piano Seminar!  It's all about Chopin this year!

Join Us at GVSU's High School Piano Seminar on Friday, April 12, 2019!

Registration From is available HERE and is due on Wednesday, March 27, 5 p.m., and the registration fee is $10.

Schedule (subject to change)

9 a.m.          Registration

9:15 a.m.     All-Chopin recital by Dr. Sookkyung Cho with commentary by Dr. Lisa Feurzeig
From Chopin's etude to mazurka, polonaise, waltz, and more, Dr. Cho will perform a program that surveys Chopin's style and output.  Dr. Feurzeig, a critically acclaimed, University of Chicago-trained, musicologist, will give an introductory talk before each piece. 

10:30 a.m.  "Understanding Chopin’s style: poetry, emotion, and nationalism" by Dr. Helen Marlais
Teaching Chopin’s piano works, starting with the earlier works that lead to his more advanced repertoire.  Dr. Marlais will also explore stylistic characteristics such as voicing, rubato, pedaling, ornamentation, and phrasing.

11:20 a.m.   “Bel Canto Arias and Chopin’s Melody” by Prof. Robert Byrens
It is said Chopin loved bel canto operas - but what is Bel Canto? If you understand this singing tradition, you will come to better understand how to shape Chopin's melodies.  Prof. Byrens, a long-time coach for Opera Grand Rapids, will collaborate with a singer on a couple of bel canto songs and teach you how to play effectively.  Students can volunteer to play in this session and get coachings from Prof. Byrens.

12:10 p.m.     Lunch

1 p.m.            Solo Piano Masterclass with Dr. Cho
Those interested in playing are asked to specify their repertoire selection.  Compositions by other composers are welcome!                      

2 p.m.            Q&A Session on College-level Classes
As you prepare for college, you might be wondering how you can keep music in college life, whether it's majoring in music, minoring, or just participating in ensembles.  Meet current GVSU pianists from various degree/non-degree programs and ask all you're wondering.   

2:45 p.m.      "Who to listen to on YouTube?!?" by Dr. Cho
There are millions and billions of piano recordings on YouTube starting with the ones from your friends to amateur pianists to pianists from the early 20th century and much more! How do we choose who to listen to??  In this crash course, Dr. Cho will introduce some of the historic recordings and acclaimed pianists that you don't want to miss when studying Chopin's music!

3:30 p.m.      Recital by Participants
Those interested in performing are asked to submit a sample video recording. Compositions by other composers are welcome!

For presenters’ full biographies, click on the hyperlinks on their names above. 
Questions?  Email Dr. Cho at [email protected].

 

Click HERE for the registration form. 

When you register, you will need:
- Your contact information and your teacher's contact information.
- If interested in performing in the Solo Masterclass, information on your repertoire selection (please prepare a 2-4 minute piece or a 2-4 minute excerpt from a piece).  If you'd like to get feedback on a longer piece, please indicate it on the form, and I would be happy to meet for a complimentary mini lesson. 
- If interested in performing in the Final Concert, information on your repertoire selection as well as a recording of your performance of that piece.  It does not have to be a fancy (high-quality) recording - I just need to know that you are ready to perform the piece.  It should be performed from memory, but if the piece is not yet memorized and you would still like to perform, please email me. 
- You can pay the fee with a credit card or send a check to GVSU.