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The Haunted Pianists

10/30/2014

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With the help of Google's "halloween-ify" feature... we now have some VERY scary haunted pianists!
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Sid Yoga workshop

10/25/2014

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GUEST POST BY KARA IWANOWSKI
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The mind, body, and spirit work as one when we play music. This concept was not only discussed but executed at Sid Yoga today with some of Piano Prodigies's own students. When we perform, our bodies work by wiggling our fingers and swaying ourselves to the beat. Our mind is telling us what to do, how to be calm or excited, and if you are playing from memory, what you are supposed to be playing. The spirit is giving you the energy and charisma you need to have a stunning performance that stands out from the rest. None of this can happen, however, when we are not exposed to the idea by itself, no strings attached. Today during the yoga workshop, we worked on our balance, coordination, and strength. Those were exercising our body and mind. Our spirit was involved in the motivation to complete that downward facing dog and to relax ourselves enough to remain in the crow position for more than three seconds. (I, however, could not...) When we put the physical aspect of our mind and body working together and add the mentality of having this sense of purpose and confidence, our spirit, we can achieve something much greater than just a concert. We can captivate the audience and motivate ourselves to be something greater than we were yesterday. When our mind, body, and spirit work together as one, we can inhale life, and exhale music.

Kara Iwanowski began playing piano at the age of 5 years old. Now at age 13, Kara continues on her musical journey. Visit her personal website: www.karaiwanowski.weebly.com
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Talent Vs. Hard Work

10/7/2014

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At the conclusion of last Saturday's Piano Prodigies recital, I took the opportunity to address the performers and their parents (and the rest of the audience) with a few thoughts that had come to me during the recital. Certainly, I wanted to acknowledge that we just enjoyed a program of beautiful music. But we witnessed more than music - the recital was a reflection of the time and work that every member of the team (students, parents, teacher) has put in, and a milestone along the path of growth that each of the students embarked on when they signed up for lessons weeks, months, or years ago. Thus, I began with a statement that may have shocked a few folks in the audience (particularly the over-achievers!):

"Congratulations to all the performers... and especially the ones who did not have a perfect performance today!"

Before I even had a chance to explain what I meant, students' hands shot up and they enthusiastically volunteered to interpret why I made this statement.

"Because we kept going!"
"Because making a mistake helps us remember we have more to learn!"
"Because hard work is more important than talent."

Wow. Pretty cool. Pretty deep. And... they do actually hear what I tell them in lessons!

Earlier this summer, while speaking at The International Music Institute and Festival USA I joked that I frequently have headaches at my students' recitals. After the laughter died down, I explained: it's not because of their playing but because of the intense desire I feel for them to have a great performance. The hope for a positive experience. And if (when) they stumble, every part of me wants to come to the rescue and help them: I silently shout "F-sharp!" as they search for the note that eludes them. I consider whispering that they can start over. But I sit there, and wait. And they always find their way through. Sometimes, later, there are tears. I console, I praise, I ask parents to celebrate the effort. And we work towards the next recital, and (always) it's better than the last. 

Performing isn't easy. Doing anything that puts you "out there" isn't easy. The risk of falling is real. 

I liken it to my handstand practice. I keep trying. Sometimes it's better, sometimes worse. I fall a lot. A LOT. But I won't get better if I don't keep practicing, and give it my best attempt every chance I got.  

You can learn a lot from falling, and from "catching yourself." And you can smile through the process. These are some hidden benefits of music lessons that are important skills for for life (and yoga!). When the going gets tough, and every part of you wants to run away or stop... you CAN stick through it and persevere. Acknowledge the feelings of frustration, panic, fear... but keep breathing, keep playing, and then go on and try again. 

I took a moment to ask the parents why they enroll their children in lessons. I asked for a show of hands, "Who signed their child up for lessons so that he/she would become a professional pianist?"No hands went up (That's exactly what I anticipated, though I assume that they aren't opposed to the idea!). They volunteered a few great responses:

"Because I didn't have the opportunity myself."
"Because I want him/her to have an expressive outlet."
"Because I want him/her to benefit from the character growth that music lessons foster."


When folks compliment me after a performance by saying, "you're so talented!" I thank them humbly (knowing that they mean well) but sometimes am tempted to mention that they are, too... and that no successful pianist (or musician, or master of any skill) learns through talent.  It takes work, it takes falling, it takes passion, and it takes perseverance. 

Congratulations to all those who make mistakes and who come out stronger.

Work > Talent.
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Three Centuries of Mozart!

10/6/2014

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You are invited...

Three Centuries of Mozart – Featuring Prodigious Talent!
October 11, 2014, at 7:30PM; Bel Air High School

Sheldon Bair – Conductor

Kara Iwanowski – Piano
Elizabeth Borowsky – Piano
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra

Mozart – Concerto for Two Pianists in E-flat Major, K. 365

This is a chance to hear this rarely played and truly charming work. We'd be thrilled if you could join us for this special concert!

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    About

    Elizabeth Borowsky is a pianist, teacher, and composer. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (Music Teachers National Association).

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I can honestly give Elizabeth the credit for keeping my girls interested in piano lessons. All parents know about those transitional periods kids go through from Elementary school into the Middle school and High school years. Interests shift unless the lesson/subject is fresh. I find this applies to adults, too! Elizabeth grew up on the piano. She has the training, talent, expertise and passion to properly teach students. I have personally watched her develop her teaching skills. Her amazing personality keeps students focused, interested and learning. She's fun, loving, adorable and all around fantastic at what she does and who she is. - Lisa

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  • About
    • About >
      • Piano Prodigies
      • Elizabeth Borowsky
      • Piano Prodigies Family Tree
    • FAQs
    • Student Videos
    • Testimonials
    • Directions
    • Contact
  • Services
    • Lessons
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos Collection
    • Faber Piano Adventures >
      • Videos >
        • Level 1 Lesson
        • Level 1 Performance
        • Level 2A Lesson
        • Level 2A Performance
        • Level 2B Lesson
        • Level 2B Performance
        • Level 3A Lesson
        • Level 3A Performance
        • Level 3B Lesson
        • Level 3B Performance
        • Level 4 Lesson
        • Level 4 Performance
        • Level 5 Lesson
        • Level 5 Performance
      • Order Books
    • Merchandise / Gifts
    • Recommended Accessories
    • Pianos (Rent, Buy, Tune)
    • Free Printable Sheet Music
    • Theory Resources
    • Music Notation Software
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Fun Sites & Apps
  • Current Students
    • Registration
    • Tuition
    • Policies
    • Swap List
    • Online Lesson Setup
    • Practice Tips
    • Blog