#250: Masterclass: Making an Etude Out Of Your Piece

Today’s show is a masterclass, a show where I get to dig in to how to do something. We aren’t just talking big picture concepts; we’re going to get down to the nitty gritty. 

I have to say this is my favorite kind of show to do, because it feels like teaching, almost like we’re right here together in the same room, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help you learn too. I love that.

And I really enjoy this topic too. 

Our topic is how to make an etude from a piece you’re trying to learn. Let’s say you’re working on a piece and most of the piece is ready to go, but there’s one part that just won’t come together. You could take that section and make an etude out of it. Or perhaps the piece you’re learning is really a little above your head, and you’re not really stuck, but the going is very slow. There are etude possibilities there too.

I’m sure many of you already do something like this, whether it’s playing that section in different rhythms or just keeping the tempo slow while your fingers get used to the patterns.

But today, I’m going to show you a different way of doing it, a way that I have found to be more effective and one that will help you get to the music faster. We’re going to look behind the notes to what’s really going on, so that we can find the key to unlocking that passage or technique for you. So grab a pen and paper so you can take some notes and we’ll get started with our masterclass.

Links to things I think you might be interested in that were mentioned in the podcast episode: 

• Renie, Au bord du ruisseau on IMSLP.
• Study with Harp Mastery® Certified Coach. Start here.
• Related resource: Etudes: The Case For and Against blog post
• Harpmastery.com

Get involved in the show! Send your questions and suggestions for future podcast episodes to me at [email protected]

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