What are you working on?
While Martin is on his family leave, several community members have expressed a desire to have a community-driven challenge as a way of connecting and sharing our musical journeys again. And so, with the authority vested in me by absolutely no one, I hereby initiate the "What are you working on?" Challenge!
So, let us all know what you're working on, and feel free to post some videos (or just sound tracks) so we can hear your progress and support one another.
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Thank you Eric for your initiative(is that word correct?)
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Stefanie Mosburger-Dalz You're welcome! Yes, it's correct (I suspect Marc already said that). I hope we get to hear you play!
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Eric Phillips I hope that my German is correct :-) Despite my Germanic-sounding last name, I really don't speak a word of German.
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Here is my first recording of a piece I have been working on and off for a couple of months. I had a hard time memorizing the piece and the left hand fingering is a bit too difficult for me to play the piece in sight reading. I still hesitate at some places and make some evident mistakes but I am happy that I was able to play it without stopping.
Mauro Giuliani - Op.1, Part 4, No. 3
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Andre Bernier This is coming along well, Andre. (Despite it's apparent simplicity, it's quite a tricky piece!) It looks like you have a very nice recording setup. Are you recording the sound separately from the video? I understand that's the best way to do it.
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David Krupka Thanks David for your comments. I kind of like the rhythm and tone variation possibilities of the piece. I am sure If I keep going back to it on a regular basis, I will make it a funny piece to play.
My recording set-up and process is fairly simple.
I- I just bought a low cost microphone that I connect directly into my google phone
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CN493YHF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
2- I take the video file and use it directly in Bandlab (online software). The software automatically converts the video file into an audio file. I add some reverb, adjust the volume and use an equilizer to adjust the highs, lows or mediums. I generate a final audio file (The length of the file is exactly the same as the original video file.
3- I use Canva (online video software). I load the video file, mute the original sound and add the new modified audio file.
Nothing spectacular but it works and the only investment was the microphone. All softwares are online free applications.
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Andre Bernier Well done Andre. It is coming along well. The tempo is good.
You mention that some of the left hand fingering is a bit difficult, so I paid more attention to your left hand during the video. May I suggest that you turn your left wrist a bit so that the big knuckles on your left hand are parallel to the fretboard. I notice that sometimes when you need to play a note in the 3rd or 4th fret that your finger needs to stretch to get there. By turning the wrist the fingers don't have to stretch so much to reach the 3rd and 4th frets. Also, this may make the left hand fingering a bit easier for you.
I have this habit as well, but it is getting better.
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Andre Bernier Nicely played Andre - it's very well controlled and at a good tempo - well done!
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Jim King Good point Jim. I will try to pay more attention to my wrist and see how this could help me getting a better tempo.
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Ron Thanks Ron
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Andre Bernier Great job, Andre. I am really impressed by how your playing has become so much more musical and confident. This you have a very solid grasp of this piece. this piece.
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Andre Bernier hey! its Giuliani! I cried tears trying to play Giuliani without mistakes or hesitation...and it helps playing everything, its worth the sweat! so...congrats to that video, because it is tricky to play,
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Stefanie Mosburger-Dalz Thanks al lot. I will certainly keep working on it and eventually play it at a more decent tempo.
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Andre Bernier well done André. You keep the melody going, with the steady bass line on the background. Good job.
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Powell - Prelude and Waltz from Suite No 1
Andre Bernier introduced us to this suite for beginners, and I was really taken by its simple beauty. Here is my take on the first two pieces in the suite.
Apparently my dog did not like it, since you will see him walking out during the Prelude. (He was actually walking out because my son was eating in the other room and he was hoping to get some!
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Eric Phillips What a great interpretation Eric. I am really happy you like the piece and your posting will be my guide for the Waltz which I hope to record during the weekend.
Bravo
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Andre Bernier Thanks, Andre. Please do not use my right hand as a guide. I will be the first to admit that my right hand technique is not good. Alexandra Whittingham would be a much better choice for a guide.
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Eric Phillips Well I can't say if your technique is good but it sound very good....
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Eric Phillips Well done Eric. Very enjoyable.
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Eric Phillips Well played Eric - I enjoyed it very much even if the dog found a better option
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Eric Phillips Beautiful playing, Eric. this seems reminiscent of Gulli Bjornson's pieces for TB, at least in character and some harmonic structure.
Thanks for setting up this Community challenge. It is well needed.
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Jack Stewart yes
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Eric Phillips beautiful, Eric. Teach your dog to appreciate more the quiet movements. Like many young children dogs seem to prefer fast and loud music.
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so...still a lot of work but beautiful passages...
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Stefanie Mosburger-Dalz Great to hear from you again, Stefanie! Wonderful singing bass line on this.
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Stefanie Mosburger-Dalz Very nice! You might want to check out Carlevaro's publication, Villa Lobos Masterclass series on the Preludes, published by Chanterelle. Carlevaro has some great suggestions on playing these great Preludios.
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
