New Piano!

Greetings all, I am back from Dallas. And do you know the first thing we did after we came back? That's right -- we got a real piano. It was very cheap because we got it from an estate sale (in fact, moving the piano cost the same as the piano itself). It is a Baldwin Howard from the 40s, in pretty good condition (only a few keys are off tune). It is not my dream piano, but it is still VERY good.

Before a few days ago, I always played on a good electric Roland, and I still plan to use it when I need to play piano outside of my house. But this piano is real, and it feels real. One of the only problems is that it is hard to do trills on the Baldwin because the keys do not spring back up fast enough. But, that's ok.

So there it is!

Off to Dallas!

Hello everyone,

I apologize in advance for not posting anything in the next few days. I will be seeing my brother off at Dallas, so I won't be able to post anything. Sorry!

Meanwhile, here's two awesome piano pictures:

Etudes

Chopin's Etudes are extraordinarily difficult pieces. They require not only meticulous technique, but also patience and emotion. Did you know that originally etudes were pieces composed solely for the purpose to practice technique? That's right. They practically weren't even pieces, but rather exercises. Chopin made them become the magnificent pieces that they are. Here are my favorite etudes (all performed by Kissin, since he's probably my favorite pianist when it comes to technical and difficult pieces):

I love the beginning of this piece. The theme reappears again, and I find the contrast almost comical.

I already posted this piece earlier. It is amazing, and though perhaps easier than some other etudes, it is still extremely difficult.

This is Chopin's favorite etude. It is nicknamed "Tristesse" because of the sad and solemn melodies.

I play this waltz!

I learned this waltz mostly on my own (it wasn't assigned to me by my piano teacher). I play it often at my cafe performances.

I actually don't like Kissin's interpretation of some parts of this piece (a little too dry in the beginning, in my opinion). I really like his interpretation of the B major section, though.

My Lessons

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to say something about my lessons.

They are affordable, effective, and fun. My current student, 8-year-old Ivan, has progressed from not knowing any notes to playing a theme from Pirates of the Caribbean using both hands. He also knows Ode to Joy (also both hands), and a other pieces as well. All in a matter of a few months!

Both he and his parents love the lessons, and have been coming weekly.

About pricing -- I prefer not to disclose exact rates to the general public, but I will note that they are MUCH cheaper than all the other music instruction institutions that I know of in Fort Collins. Contact me at d.t.bolsh@gmail.com if you're interested.

Being a teenager, I do not have a college music performance or teaching diploma. My resume, however, is still formidable:

• I passed with merit Level 5 of ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), an international and prestigious examination (the certificate is signed by the prince of Wales), only three points away from passing with distinction.
• I passed the Level 5 theory exam of ABRSM.
• I passed Level 6 of ABRSM, only three points away from passing with merit.
• I have experience teaching.
• I have experience playing piano for extended intervals publicly.
• I can play complex pieces, such as Beethoven's Tempest Sonata (1st movement), and am learning another very difficult piece that I am keeping secret until I can play it well.

So, if you live near or in Fort Collins, and you want to learn how to play piano, please consider taking lessons from me.

Contact me at:
Email: d.t.bolsh@gmail.com
Phone: (630) 605 3704
Message me on my Facebook page

Unique and Amazing Pianos

Hello!

I just wanted to share a few amazing-looking pianos. This is of my own will; none of these companies are sponsors.

The shape of the part under the keys of the final one sort of reminds me of a wineglass :).

I realize that most of these are modern and contemporary -- they just struck my eye. Maybe some day I'll post beautiful pictures of older pianos.

The Best Cellist

Of course, there is no official international ranking of musicians. There are competitions, but even those are annual, and are focused on a narrow portion of music. There are very good pianists, for example, that are internationally recognized, but there is practically no way to rank them other than by pure speculation. And I think that there is nothing wrong with this. For if there was a best pianist, a best cellist, etc. we would stop exploring music, and fix our attention on those performers.

Now, I proceed to offer my opinion on who the best cellist is. I know that this primarily a blog about piano, but I think that a little diversity will do no harm.

This cellist was performing for presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy at the age of seven. He helped write and perform the music for The Incredibles. His expression and technique is so pure that many people think his cello magical (though a Stradivarius, the cellist playing has to be extremely good to coax magical qualities from it). Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for Yo Yo Ma!

Ma's repertoire is extremely diverse, ranging from Bach cello suites to Tango to Jazz to movie soundtracks. The following video is ONE of my favorites of Ma. I simply cannot put all my favorites into one blog post.