An Online Performance Workshop

As part of a series of online workshops and events, I recently hosted and participated in an online performance workshop with Graham Fitch. Because I’ve been promoting the concept to others, I decided it would only be appropriate for me to put myself in the same boat and subject my own performance to feedback.

There are various reasons why someone might participate in an event like this e.g. polish a piece for a performance or an exam, get assistance with specific challenges or just to have something to work towards. I decided to use the opportunity to get some input on a piece I’d played a while back, Brahms’s Rhapsody in G Minor Op. 79. No 2).

Although I know the piece relatively well, I felt like it was lacking something and my familiarity with it made it difficult to spot what this was. Therefore this would be an ideal opportunity to get some external feedback. Here’s my performance, warts and all!

Because I was hosting the event (and another one prior to it), I opted to share a recording rather than play live. This might be a good option for those who are nervous or worried about issues with their set-up or connection while performing.

Real-life interactions of this sort are undoubtedly the preferred option, but I am genuinely surprised by how much value can be derived from this format. The value of the feedback I received provided was very much inline with that I would have expected from a real-life event or lesson (and the format has some advantages in that it is occasionally more forgiving of the occasional wrong note!).

I received many invaluable tips and suggestions, most of which were not difficult to implement subsequently, but will have a big impact on quality. I’ve always liked this piece, but several suggestions helped me discover new things about it that I’d previously missed. These have enhanced my love for the piece and left me inspired to work on it further in order to express my musical intentions with it more accurately.

Here’s a video excerpt of Graham working with me over Zoom:

In addition to direct advice on my own performance, I also derived significant value from the other performances and feedback sessions. Not only was it fantastic to hear everyone else play, but there were a few specific suggestions on pieces by Bach and Beethoven which are very relevant to repertoire I’m currently preparing.

In all, it was a very uplifting event and I’d highly recommend participating in a session of this nature to other pianists. Graham’s approach is incredibly supportive, encouraging and constructive regardless of the level of the performer. Even if you aren’t preparing for a specific exam or concert, it’s a great way to gain some inspiration and to re-energise your practising!

Please visit www.practisingthepiano.com if you’d like to participate in (or observe) one of our online performance workshops.