March 10, 2004
Practice pays off for area pianists
Piano students take part in testing event held in Traverse City
By
Herald staff writer
After months of practice, study and hard work, piano students from across northern Michigan had a chance to showcase their talent Saturday at the Grand Traverse Music Teacher's Association student achievement testing day.
More than 90 students, in grades first through 12, came for the day of non-competitive testing held at the First Congregational Church.
Students were required to play three solo pieces, from memory, for a judge who provided feedback and a point ranking.
Students also earned points for a series of musicianship tests. The testing includes site reading, or playing a new piece for the first time after having a minute to study the music. Another testing area is aural awareness which involves writing down what is heard, such as identifying a scale as major or minor. Students also demonstrate technique by playing scales, arpeggios and chords. A written test covers basic musical terms, note names and the understanding of music theory.
"This is not just about performing, but about all the skills that will make the students better musicians," said Dorothy Vogel who coordinated the event.
"This testing gives them a goal to work toward, they get very motivated. It's good to hear comments from someone besides your own teacher. Many students come back year after year," Vogel said.
Ten-year-old Sarah Arthur of Traverse City, at the testing for the second year, plans to come back again next year.
"It helps my playing. It gives me a goal to work for," Arthur said.
Eric Raynal, an eighth-grade student from Petoskey, shared Arthur's opinion.
"It presents a challenge, something to work toward throughout the year," Raynal said.
Adjudicator Julie Browand of Whitehall, Mich. noted that all the hard work seems to be paying off for the young pianists.
"I love this opportunity that these kids have. They can really perfect the pieces they are working on. It's a great learning experience. Everyone has been very good, very well prepared," Browand said.