Pianophoria! Comments

Pianophoria 2019 was a musical journey of many new vistas—Alexander Technique, the truly ultra-romanticism of Russian music, the mystery of intervals, repetitive playing opportunities to explore ‘stage fright’…… (I liked) the usual excellent teaching from all three faculty and supportive atmosphere.
Mary, 2019

I came into this endeavor feeling shaky and miserable about performing and went out feeling like I was able to share some beautiful music and also some part of myself. Until very recently performing felt like being dumped in the middle of the ice cold ocean without a life vest, yet at the recital yesterday, it felt like a gradual slide into a clear warm pond with everyone around me contributing to the warmth and energy.
Joan, 2019

I can't begin to describe what this week of immersion in the piano gave me! I grew in so many ways—my understanding of music, my connection with the piano, my ability to bring forth what I wished to convey. The knowledge, attentiveness, and boundless generosity of Marcia, Raj, and Deborah—as well as the sense of community among participants—made this a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Thank you!
Barbara, 2019

I've been playing most every day this summer. The Pianophoria experience was great and left a strong impression on me - I feel I'm working more efficiently, and with some pleasure too! The emphasis on “stage fright” – talking about it, trying to understand and deal with it, etc – was beneficial, to say the least.
Jim, 2019

I didn’t believe Pianophoria 2019 could be even more stimulating than last year’s, but so it proved. Please sign me up for next year too.
Marjorie, 2019

Thank you so much - all of you - for a wonderful week. I feel like I was in a circle and suddenly that circle is like a star and has many points I hadn't noticed before ... so the points are expanded musicianship through singing, analyzing Bach's Inventions and Sinfonia, and the dance - a most memorable session answering questions I've had for years ... This is a wonderful program.
Mary, 2018

I had a lovely time. When it ended I felt like I was being thrown out of paradise. Getting to practice and it being primary!! Having teachers help you solve physical and mental musical problems and support you ...
Carol, 2018

Marcia, Deb, and Raj are the best! It was very helpful to work on some of the same pieces with all three and get their varying - although always complementary - perspectives. I found the whole group to be extremely welcoming and supportive. Nice and interesting people. Such talented and dedicated musicians, too.
Scott, 2018

I'm still coming down from that delicious week of total immersion with the piano. ... The many little pointers I learned from you all during the week will stay with me for years to come. ... Thanks to you all for being you!
Barbara, 2017

I loved the excellent teaching. Really great! The "atmosphere" was very conducive to learning. The expectations were high which was good.
Tam, 2017

Teaching from enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and supportive teachers who presented different but compatible suggestions. Outstanding.
Mary, 2017

As always, you brought your love of music, enthusiasm, talent, joy, energy, and teaching insight to everyone's desire to learn and make music.
Elizabeth, 2017

So inspiring! Opportunity for depth. Fabulous experience!
Anonymous, 2016

I'd like to thank you for a wonderful program, which I very much enjoyed. As you know, I was a little unsure about the whole ensemble thing going in, but I loved doing it and will be ready to take on the bottom or top on the next one!
Kelly, 2016

The group was just great - people share their music, their experience, difficulties and insecurities - we are all in the same boat.
Helga, 2015

Thanks again for a memorable week of total immersion in pianoforte ... it was a little slice of heaven!
Eugene, 2014

I had no idea I would enjoy the experience so much, in particular getting to know all of you pianophorians. ... I am absolutely inspired to play more and better piano.
Bill, 2014

I had an especially wonderful time at Pianophoria this past week, and I really appreciated your support, and the musical and practical advice about the Chopin and the Schubert. And what a great group this year!
Alexis, 2014

Thank you for the best week of the year.
Vera, 2014

Thanks again for a memorable week of total immersion in pianoforte ... it was a little slice of heaven!
Eugene, 2014

I had no idea I would enjoy the experience so much, in particular getting to know all of you pianophorians. ... I am absolutely inspired to play more and better piano.
Bill, 2014

I loved every bit of Pianophoria! this year ... I found the individual lessons most helpful to me in my playing, although the practice time was a necessary accompaniment to that. And the lectures and master class were a pure joy. Where did you find such amazing lecturers? I think what I liked best was the total balance of musical engagement during the week, which made every day pass too quickly.
Susan, 2013

Pianophoria! was an unforgettable experience: altogether, the intense concentration on practicing, the teachers (one better than the other), and, of course, the atmosphere — a group of people of all walks of life, different ages, different levels, and yet, all with one thing in common: their love of the piano and of music in general. I learned a lot more than just the fact that I did have the stamina to practice four hours a day.
Helga, 2013

I can't compliment you highly enough about what a great atmosphere you've created over the years. I believe this was my third Pianophoria! ... and I marvel at your ability to create a warm, supportive community that challenges both the most advanced pianists as well as the beginners, while leaving no one out. The quality of the individual lessons is superb, and the balance of lectures, master classes, videos, etc. is superb. You have created something special...
Kathy, 2013

What a wonderful experience! Thank you for all you did to make it meaningful. For me, it is the coming together of people who love music, and who love people who love music, that makes it wonderful.
Elizabeth, 2013

The week at Pianophoria! was one of the best and most stimulating weeks in many, many years. The coaching, the classes, the lectures opened a totally new musical horizon for me allowing me to learn and enjoy music which until then I thought I didn't like and actually had dismissed!
Vera, 2012

The program is very well run. It couldn't be done better!
Yvonne, 2011

What was especially helpful to you and to your piano playing?
The distinct perspectives that each of you bring in the lessons. Very rewarding week. Thank you.
John, 2011

Well, everything I heard, I observed, turned out to be quite considerable benefits for me, and almost every single moment! THANK YOU! I would consider about flying back even from Japan to attend another Pianophoria! week in the future.
Maki, 2011

The teaching was a gift. I found myself hearing the music I've played so often in new and different ways, and even pieces I thought I was getting bored with suddenly seemed fresh and compelling.
Alexis, 2006

The experience was informative, fun, inspirational, fun, challenging, fun, supportive, did I mention fun?
Ellin, 2004

Overall this workshop was much, much more than I expected. After having worked on my own for a number of years, I was feeling stagnant and without direction. The workshop has provided just the impetus I need to continue my studies.
Diane, 2005

It was wonderful to immerse myself in music for the week. I felt that I could shut off the world and really concentrate on learning, feeling and expressing music ... I must say the week inspired me. Usually I sit and practice for 1/2 hour and jump up to do the million things that could be done. Today, I practiced 45 mins and then kept stealing time from other things and practiced at least three more 15 min. periods. It didn't feel a bit too long. Don't know if this will stick but for now it's great.
Nili, 2005

You, Thomas and Vladimir were a wonderful team. I asked ... how there could be three such sympathetic teachers in one place. You worked together beautifully, from what we saw. Your enthusiasm and encouragement were felt throughout the week ... I really loved hearing everyone play on Sunday. It was so touching to hear how we all were trying to incorporate what we had heard all week. Everyone seemed to overcome something in themselves to play.
Charlotte, 2005

Comments About Pianophoria!