If you have ever taught or learnt any of the Beethoven sonatas, you’ll know how important it is to hear and learn from other people about ways of approaching and teaching the music. In my own studies, I watched hours and hours of online tutorials and master classes to ensure that I had as much information as possible upon which to base by own interpretation.
No doubt most teachers will be aware of the amazing work of Andras Schiff. He is without a doubt one of the most acclaimed pianists of our time and his performances of Beethoven and Bach in particular are some of my favourites.
One of the audio lessons I found online when I was studying for my Diploma was a recording of Andras Schiff teaching about Op 26. I had no idea where it was from or whether there were other recordings out there, but the quality and ‘insightfulness’ of the thoughts presented by Schiff were incredibly helpful. Sometimes they challenged the views of my teachers and mentors (or my own) and sometimes they were completely in-line, adding support to decisions that I’d already made about interpretation.
Beethoven Sonata lectures now online
What I didn’t realise until recently was that his complete Beethoven masterclass lecture-recital series of all 32 Beethoven Sonatas is now available online for free from the Wigmore Hall website. Here’s what the website says about their recording:
András Schiff last performed the complete Beethoven piano sonatas at Wigmore Hall from 2004–6 to overwhelming critical acclaim, with the editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, describing one particular performance as ‘a riveting mixture of erudition, analysis, passion, wit and memory’.
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On the day before each of the eight recitals in the series, the world-renowned pianist, pedagogue and lecturer gave a lecture-recital in which he explored the works to be performed. Deeply engaging and insightful, these thought-provoking lecture-recitals, recorded live at the Hall, are available below as eight audio lecture-recitals.
While the way he explains and discusses the music is almost poetic at times, teachers will find many concrete teaching suggestions and interpretative directions in his lectures:
What does this part of the music say about Beethoven?
How to approach certain passages.
Why he wrote the way he did and how it related to his life and the world around him.
And, of course, the chance to hear the great man play, while starting and stopping, from memory, perfectly!
In my opinion, this series is a must-watch for advanced pianists, especially those attempting the Diploma exams, but equally, this information will be crucial for new teachers who are just starting to teach the higher levels.
Given that movements of Beethoven Sonatas appear at all levels on exam and competition syllabi, it’s well worth spending the time getting an insight on the music from one of the world’s most respected performers and teachers.
What are your favourite Beethoven teaching resources: YouTube videos? Essays? Books? Videos?
Leave the links below so that we can all check them out.
Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas – On-demand Course | Coursera
by Tim Topham
Continuing my theme of great online training opportunities for piano teachers, I recently found out about another interesting free Coursera Course: Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas by American performer and teacher Jonathan Biss. Join the the preeminent professional development, learning and networking community for instrumental music teachers. Plans & Pricing This course takes an inside-out ... András Schiff Beethoven Lecture Recitals | Wigmore Hall Live
Here are a few ideas I use with my students for how to practice effectively. I constantly have to remind them that just repeating sections over and over is about the least effective way of learning new material. The main goal of these techniques is to avoid the often pointless “start at the beginning and ... András Schiff Beethoven Lecture Recitals | Wigmore Hall Live
TTTV030: Practice, Motivation and Mindset with Michael Griffin
by Tim Topham
You asked and I listened! The number one requested topic from my recent survey, was how to get students motivated to practice. There’s a good reason this is the top concern for piano teachers worldwide, because when students don’t practise, they don’t progress. So, how do we get our students to practice? When students are ... TTTV030: Practice, Motivation and Mindset with Michael Griffin
As part of practice and motivation month at dev.topmusic.co, today we’re taking a closer look at the RCM exams. Exams can be a great motivator for students, if used wisely. Having an upcoming exam can lead to a big spike in student practice times. Of course we don’t want students only working when there’s an exam ... TTTV031: RCM exams with Elaine Rusk
6 essential skills for beginner accompanists | Guest Post
by Robin Baker
What makes a good accompanist? What skills do you need? Guest poster Robin Baker, one of Melbourne’s most experienced accompanists, has put together a list of skills that are a focus of her own practising, rehearsing and performing with other artists. Collaborative Pianists (as the role of accompanists is increasing becoming known) require specialised skills very different to ... András Schiff Beethoven Lecture Recitals | Wigmore Hall Live
Therese Milanovic on Piano Technique: “But what will the examiner say?”
by Tim Topham
I recently found this four-part series by Brisbane-based teacher and presenter Therese Milanovic, and just had to share it with you. (It’s going to be particularly relevant to all the Aussie teachers who use the AMEB exam syllabus.) As a teacher of exam students, I’m often worried about what the examiner might think about my students’ technique, performance skills or ... András Schiff Beethoven Lecture Recitals | Wigmore Hall Live
Tim Topham is the founder and director of TopMusic. Tim hosts the popular TopCast show, blogs regularly at dev.topmusic.co and speaks at local and international conferences on topics such as pedagogy, business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Tim has been featured in American Music Teacher, The Piano Teacher Magazine, California Music Teacher and EPTA Piano Professional. Tim holds an MBA in Educational Leadership, BMus, DipEd and AMusA.
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