Instruction

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HandsDr. Goldenzweig is the Chairman of the Piano Department in the Extension Division at Mannes College of Music in New York City, where he gives private instruction and master classes.

After studying with Nadia Reisenberg at Mannes, he obtained his Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music as a pupil of Dora Zaslavsky. In 1987 he received his Ph. D. in piano performance from New York University, where he studied with Seymour Lipkin. He also coached privately with Arminda Canteros, who said, “Of all my master students his teaching most closely resembles my own.”

 

Private Instruction

To arrange for instruction, please e-mail hugogoldenzweig@yahoo.com.

Master Classes

Master classes follow the typical master class format, with public commentary and feedback following a performance by a participant. To arrange a master class, please e-mail hugogoldenzweig@yahoo.com.

Seminars

The following courses are offered at the Mannes College of Music, Extension Division, and are also available in the form of multi-session seminars. Depending on the course, the number of participants, and other variables, each seminar could be 3 to 5 sessions of 3 to 4 hours each. The Principles of Piano Technique can be offered in one session of 3 to 4 hours in a masterclass format.

To enroll in a course at Mannes, contact the college. To arrange a seminar, contact hugogoldenzweig@yahoo.com.

 

Principles of Piano Technique

The literature and history of the piano etude will be examined and studied in a group setting. Students will be assigned specific etudes to study according to their ability and level of accomplishment. The goal is to understand and apply sound principles of piano technique that will enable students to perform comfortably and securely. Some of the subjects covered:

  1. Different methods of analysis: phenomenological, morphological, textural, dynamic, rhythmic, and stylistic.
  2. How to resolve technical problems.
  3. Different types of touch.
  4. How to study to avoid fatigue and possible injury.
  5. How to save time and energy.
  6. The four classes of memory.
  7. Concentration.
  8. Use of the pedals.

 

The Complete Etudes of Frederic Chopin

Study, analysis, and performance of the 27 etudes in a group setting. Classes will meet weekly for two hours. Three to six students per class will be admitted. Other pieces by Chopin will be studied, especailly in connection with the difficulties found in the Etudes. The execution of these works will be aided by the use of motions of the hand, forearm, and arm in order to avoid fatique and achieve speed and beauty of tone. Audition required.

  1. The method of Chopin and his plan of composition for the Etudes.
  2. Chopin’s Etudes in relation to the literature of etudes for the piano.
  3. Different methods of analysis: phenomenological, morphological, textural, dynamic, rhythmic, and stylistic.
  4. How to resolve the technical problems: a) the use of the fingers; b) the use of the wrists; c) the use of weight in different parts of the hand and arm; d) the general physiological orientation of the mechanism of the pianist.
  5. How to study to avoid fatigue and possible injury.
  6. How to save time and energy.

 

Survey of Argentine Music

The course will include works by leading composers Alberto Ginastera, Astor Piazzolla, and Carlos Guastavino, as well as lesser known composers. Study, analysis, and performance. Classes will meet weekly for two hours. Three to six students per class will be admitted. Level of difficulty: easy to advanced.

 

Piano Pedagogy

The course is directed at teachers of diverse levels of experience, as well as advanced students. During the last session the participants who wish can present some of their own students. This “live” session will permit the participant to put into practice the concepts, theories, and systems of teaching. This will be a work session in which after hearing each student there will be a discussion of the various problems and their possible solutions.

Because the majority of the teachers work at least part of their time with beginners,a good part of the course will be dedicated to this type of lesson.

Subjects covered:

  1. The relation between the teacher and the parents of the student.
  2. The first lesson.
  3. How to determine the potential of the student.
  4. Planning the repertoire.
  5. Planning the weekly lesson.
  6. The process of learning.
  7. How to practice.
  8. How to memorize.
  9. The benefits of pre-instrumental study.
  10. Teaching groups.
  11. How to teach scales, arpeggios, chords, repeated notes, and octaves.
  12. Theory and Solfege.
  13. Piano Four Hands as part of the lesson.
  14. Sight Reading.
  15. Selection of methods of study.
  16. How to develop musicality.
  17. Philosophy of teaching.