Micek Music

Another article by Susan Tomes, a follow-up to her previous piece "All in the mind" . Published in The Guardian, 4/24/07: "I don't think we should confuse good musicianship with the ability to memorise. Yes, there are some musicians who memorise easily and who relish the experience of performing without the score, free as a bird. To hear someone playing by heart with supreme confidence is a thrilling experience. But there are also plenty of intelligent, sensitive people whose musical gifts are actually inhibited by the strain of being made to play without the music." Read the rest of this article here .

By concert pianist Susan Tomes, published in The Guardian, 4/20/07: "I recently went to a party where our host regaled us with a compilation of concert recordings in which famous pianists had suffered from horrible memory lapses. Everyone fell about with laughter at the sound of celebrities going hideously off the rails, but, as a pianist, I found it an uncomfortable experience. The struggles of Curzon, Richter and Rubinstein with memorisation had become a spectator sport. Playing from memory in public is a fairly recent fashion. Before the late 19th century, playing without the score was often considered a sign of casualness, even of arrogance. The custom of playing from memory developed along with the growth of a body of classics that everyone agreed were worth preserving exactly as their composers had intended. Teachers encouraged students to memorise them. Many young players memorise easily, but it gets harder as time goes on. As the pianist Charles Rosen put it: 'With adv...

Today marks the close of my teaching studio for year 2009. This was the 7th full year of my teaching, and growth continues. For me, this was a year of change: In May, I set up my own website to promote my teaching and help make communication with students and parents easier. Soon after that, I set up this blog for another means of cataloguing my thoughts and ideas. In October, my wife and I bought a house in Castro Valley. This has brought great joy and learning for me/us, as well as challenges. We're finally beginning to feel settled. This year my colleague Jason and I jointly organized an inaugural summer recital for our students, with great success. We plan to continue presenting two yearly recitals going forward -- one in early December, and one at the end of the school year in June. I began teaching the art of music composition to a select group of students. This has been a lot of fun for me, and I hope those students were enriched as well. I am always interested in hearing ...

"Note by Note" will make you want to own a Steinway piano. This world-renowned company certainly are skilled at promoting their brand! This is a fascinating peek inside the Steinway piano factory, showcasing the "family" of laborers who construct these intricate machines. Insights from several top performing pianists (all Steinway-endorsed, mind you) provide additional, unique insights.  This is fascinating viewing for anyone with an interest in pianos and piano playing. I have already recommended this film to many people, and all who have since viewed it have thanked me. As a postlude to my review above, here are some thoughts on the documentary from a fellow Netflix viewer named JSkyer: "As a piano technician I appreciate this documentary for what it really is: An extended promotional piece for Steinway. And with the exception of the dramatic opening scene where a team of big burly men use all their strength to force layers of lamination around ...

I'm confident that about 97% of the people I have encountered in life would hate the music Scott Walker currently makes. The man was a teen idol in 1960's Britain with the Walker Brothers, but since then he has taken many an artistic detour. The music he strives after these days is decidedly non-populist. The documentary film "Scott Walker: 30 Century Man" presents Mr. Walker and his work candidly, and with unprecedented access to this publicity-shy man. The film was produced by David Bowie. I can't say that I'm convinced by Scott Walker's recent work. It is extremely experimental, intentionally difficult, and devoid of "anchors" for listeners. Perhaps it's just not for me. But before you shut the man out of a space in your collective psyche, witness these glowing quotes from two outstanding musical minds (excerpted from their interviews for the film): "[Scott Walker is] like an intrepid explorer, or something. Somebody who goes to a pa...

A few days have passed, and I've had some time to reflect on the latest Piano/Guitar recital. I thought the event was very smooth this time around. The quality of performances was good throughout, and everyone seemed encouraged. There are a few thoughts I want to record: - Can we speed up the set-up time for guitarists & bassists? - The Group 2 program was too long! We need a more even balance of lengths next time. - We need more collaborations between guitar & piano students in the future. (These require a lot more lead time - plan months in advance!) - Certificate of Awesomeness? ------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have any thoughts as to what we can improve for future performances? Please email me and let me know: jessemicek@yahoo.com The next recital date is (tentatively) Sunday, June 6 . The goal for these performances remains the same: make each one better than the last. Jesse

From NJFamily.com, August 2009: 1) Music activities boost brainpower 2) Music leads to literacy skills 3) Music adds to children’s understanding of math 4) Music helps children live in harmony with others 5) Music is active 6) Singing helps children stay strong 7) Music supports self-expression Read the full article here .

1. Playing A Musical Instrument Makes You Smarter 2. It Teaches Discipline 3. Playing A Musical Instrument Relieves Stress 4. Sense of Achievement 5. Playing A Musical Instrument is Fun Read the full article here .

From Grebepiano.com, 2008: "Your new piano will be a valued, lifelong companion if you choose wisely. Do not be swayed by a fast-talking salesman, lowest price, or trendy looks. A piano should be chosen just as you would a valued friend. A piano is a musical instrument first, and a fine piece of furniture, second. All fine pianos will have certain characteristics with them. This is a discussion of what to look for." To read the rest of this article, click here .

-- I will not be teaching during the last 2 weeks of December. A regular teaching schedule will resume on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010. Enjoy the Christmas break! - On Dec. 14, 15, and 17 I have to leave teaching early for rehearsals. I will be rescheduling any students I normally see at 7pm or later to earlier times for that week only. I hope to be able to accommodate everyone without too much difficulty. -- The latest Piano/Guitar recital is happening this Sunday, Dec. 6 in the recital hall of the music building at CSUEB. Group 1 starts at 1pm. Group 2 starts at 2:30pm. Admission is $5 for adults without a ticket. Kids' admission (18 & under) is free. Be there or be square, etc. -- I am performing with the Moreau Catholic High School choirs at their winter concert on the evening of Friday, Dec. 4. All pertinent information can be found here . -- Lastly, I am also performing with the Douglas Morrison Theatre Community Chorus for their weekend of concerts on 12/18, 12/19, and 12/20. Al...