Antimatter: Any substance that, when combined with an equal amount of matter, results in the complete and direct conversion of all substance to energy. (WhatIs.com)

Anti-Masterclass: Any masterclass that, when combined with an equal part of input from all participants, results in the complete and direct conversion of all playing to energy and artistry. (AKA the Not-Masterclass)

pred reality web

Through the years, I have been lead many Anti-Masterclasses and I have had a ball. To me, masterclassses are win-win situations for everybody. Participating pianists learn, the audience learns, teachers learn, I learn. But, there came a time when I didn’t want to just do the same old, same old. (Yes, every student is unique and each class is subtly different but I think you know what I mean.)

So, I decided that I wanted a format that would be more interactive and place the focus of the session on music and artistry rather than on the icky-picky details. I use feedback sheets of various kinds to focus my student’s listening quite often and I have created quite a variety of them over the years. I thought, why not use them in the classes? It would open the participants ears and, at the same time, give the teachers present some new ideas for their own studio classes.

And, that’s what we did and still do. It has worked spectacularly. The performers are much more relaxed. Colleagues and peers are supportive and helpful. After each person plays we go around our semi-circle giving input. I change up the format for each performer, to keep it lively. We use Prediction/Reality Check, draw pictures, say one word that describes a performance, or listen for specific details of various musical elements.

Feedback was spot on back then and now. After fellow students each give their comments to a performer, I give a mini lesson to tie it all together. It is amazing how close the students’ feedback is to the points I have chosen to work on in the lesson segment. Sometimes they have difficulty putting their observations into words but they hear in great detail. They are also very kind to each other. As each student plays during the mini-lesson they nod and say things like, “Much better” or  “Closer but not quite there.” They chatter encouragements to each other and smile broadly.

During one Anti-MC I had older students act as mentors to the younger ones. They were able to help them with the forms and answer questions so that the class flowed smoothly and the participants didn’t get so distracted by the forms that they lost the purpose and the music.

All in all, Anti-Masterclasses have resulted in the complete and direct conversion of all playing to energy and artistry. I can’t wait to do another one!

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