EXPLANATION
In order to create a core foundation with which to guide the physical realization of the music:
All music is approached and discussed as language, as structure, as architecture and as beauty. This is done to bring order, organization, clarity and understanding, so that we may take that which appears on the surface to be very complex, and discover the underlying simplicity.
When this is done well, it becomes much easier to study, learn, memorize and even sight-read.
Learning the physical side of playing music with real virtuosity begins with a question:
What is the difference between a performance that is a struggle, that is undependable and cannot reach top speed and a performance which is effortless, dependable and seems to fly in the most consuming manner?
The difference begins with a thought:
On the one hand a thought which strives to hear each note, in a way best described as note-wise listening, accompanied by reaching with the fingers and other faulty physical habits which at best produce a mechanical performance that never reaches top speed.
On the other hand a thought which flies free and paints with sound, the color and shape of a living phrase and a language of ecstasy and delight.
When the body is inspired by and responds correctly to the emotional drive, pulse and aural image of the music and is not blocked by faulty habits of movement and logic, the upper arms, assisted by the torso, will instigate all action for controlling distance, power, speed, tone and dynamics. The elbow, forearm, wrist, hand and fingers simply cooperate in a blended activity that solves all difficulties. The music flows effortlessly and swimmingly with irrefutable logic.
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