LESSON PAGE.  NIKOLAI

May 30

May 30

The 2-5-1 Chord Progression. Major and minor

  • March 30
  • Start simple.  Dorian - Mixolydian - Ionian
  • Incorporate the alternate scales/modes one at a time
Major and minor 2-5-1 basic outline
the_2_-_5_-_1-3.pdf
File Size: 57 kb
File Type: pdf
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Scales.  What scales to practice and how

DAILY PRACTICE ROUTINE
File Size: 62 kb
File Type: pdf
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HOW TO PRACTICE the scales
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: pdf
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  • "Music Chill Games"
    • ​​Bass goes down 1/2 step, then up.
  • Transcription.  On Green Dolphin Street.
    • Making good progress.  Using LogicPro.  Remember, this is not a production assignment, but a performance assignment.  You have to be able to play along with the original recording.
  • Classical repertory:
    • Liebestraum

May 23
LISZT Liebestraum
File Size: 107 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
STATUS OF OUR CURRENT TASKS:
  • ​Technique: Practice the scales according to the model.   IN PROGRESS
    • ​​Add different scale formulas:  Straight and broken thirds 
    • Straight scales organized in 4note groups.  going up ending on the 3rd.  Not going from root to root.
    • Next lesson we will work more on Locrian, Phrygian, Whole-Tone and diminished scales
  • Green Dolphin Street.  Record yourself playing through and improvising two rounds.   PENDING
  • PENDING:  "Music Chill Games"
    • ​Bass goes down 1/2 step for each chord, and improvise on the chords you create
    • Choose a scale.  ​Bass goes down 1 step following each note of the scale.  Improvise on the chords you create
    • Then the same thing but moving UP from bass notes.
    • Nice Nikolai chord progression:  BbMaj7  //. Gm7. //. A7. //. DMaj7
Improving jazz improvisation:
  • On Green Dolphin Street.  Sentimental Mood.  Someday My Prince.
    • Review diminished scales and hole tone scales, to apply to V7 chords
    • Transcribe your own improvisation and write it down so we can analyze it at the lesson
    • Transcription of a recorded solo from this same tune.  Transcription assignment ready. See below.
  • Classical repertory:
    • ​​Learn and play through the classical pieces on the list.  Send recording.
      • Liebestraum

May 16
nikolai_goussev_-_list_of_pieces_for_gigs.pdf
File Size: 51 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
STATUS OF OUR CURRENT TASKS:
  • Recording of classical pieces played through and timed. PENDING
  • Create your own list of jazz tunes.  DONE
  • Technique: Practice the scales according to the model I sent you.  IN PROGRESS: 7-NOTE MAJOR AND MINOR SCALES. + PENTATONICS
    • ​​Add different scale formulas:  Straight and broken thirds
    • Straight scales organized in 4note groups.  going up ending on the 3rd.  Not going from root to root.
    • Next lesson we will work more on Locrian, Phrygian, Whole-Tone and diminished scales
  • Green Dolphin Street.  Record yourself playing through and improvising two rounds.   PENDING
  • NEW:  "Music Chill Games"
    • ​Bass goes down 1/2 step for each chord, and improvise on the chords you create
    • Choose a scale.  ​Bass goes down 1 step following each note of the scale.  Improvise on the chords you create
    • Then the same thing but moving UP from bass notes.
    • Nice Nikolai chord progression:  BbMaj7  //. Gm7. //. A7. //. DMaj7
PLANNING FOR NEXT LESSONS:
If working on improving jazz improvisation:
  • On Green Dolphin Street
    • Transcribe your own improvisation and write it down so we can analyze it at the lesson
    • Transcription of a recorded solo from this same tune.  Transcription assignment ready. See below.
  • Classical repertory:
    • ​​Learn and play through the classical pieces on the list.  Send recording.

NEW TRANSCRIPTION: On Green Dolphin Street. Oscar Peterson Trio (Live at the London House, Chicago 1961)

May 16
Let's start exercising the transcription of a solo.
I have added my own transcription in progress so you can compare and use as reference if you get stuck on a section.

This solo recording starts at timecode 02:18 from the original track
https://open.spotify.com/track/6LTyDzOwTQy7E4LpARAT9P?si=ddd8ad2ec2e648e3
Extracted solo for download (sound file)
On Green Dolphin Street. Oscar Peterson Trio (Live at the London House, Chicago 1961)
File Size: 15291 kb
File Type: mp3
Download File

May 2

STATUS OF OUR CURRENT TASKS:
  • Adapt the information of the model of contract to suit you. DONE:  
  • Learn classical pieces and send me a recording playing through all of them (without repeats).   STILL WAITING FOR IT
    • ​Add Claire de Lune to the list
  • Create your own list of jazz tunes.  LIST READY. PENDING TO SEND IT TO ME
  • Technique: Practice the scales according to the model I sent you.  IN PROGRESS: 7-NOTE MAJOR AND MINOR SCALES. + PENTATONICS
    • ​​Add different scale formulas:  Straight and broken thirds
    • Straight scales organized in 4note groups.  going up ending on the 3rd.  Not going from root to root.
    • Next lesson we will work more on Locrian, Phrygian, Whole-Tone and diminished scales
  • Green Dolphin Street.  Record yourself playing through and improvising two rounds.   STILL WAITING FOR THE RECORDING
  • NEW:  "Music Chill Games"
    • ​Bass goes down 1/2 step for each chord, and improvise on the chords you create
    • Choose a scale.  ​Bass goes down 1 step following each note of the scale.  Improvise on the chords you create
    • Then the same thing but moving UP from bass notes.
    • Nice Nikolai chord progression:  BbMaj7  //. Gm7. //. A7. //. DMaj7

April 25

  • Adapt the information of the model of contract to suit you and be ready in case you need it this summer
    • Let's do this now while I can still help you.  This summer I will be traveling often and may not be able to help you on short notice.
  • You now have my gig folder with most of the scores of classical pieces I use for gigs.
    • Learn these pieces and send me a recording playing through all of them (without repeats)
    • I will listen to the recording and let you know if I find it good enough to be ready for a classical background gig
  • Create your own list of jazz tunes.  If you need help with that, I will send you mine, but it is better if you create your own with the tunes you already are familiar
  • Technique: Practice the scales according to the model I sent you.
    • Our next goal is Major scales only.  No minor yet.
  • Green Dolphin Street.  Record yourself playing through and improvising two rounds.

April 18

Preparing for jazz performance:

  • Have an agreement ready.  Example of the agreement I use --->
  • Have a list of your songs organized indicating the title and the key.
  • Time how long can you play without repeating material
  • If you use an iPad, have also binder with printed copies of the charts.  
    • The client may ask to browse and choose some songs.
    • Your battery may fail and the iPad may die during performance.
  • Next lesson:  We will work on building improv technique on one song:
    • On Green Dolphin Street
copy_of_artist_agreement_model.pdf
File Size: 59 kb
File Type: pdf
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On Green Dolphin Street

  1. Learn the melody
  2. Learn the chords and voicings
  3. Figure out which scales to use to match the chord progressions
  4. Create an improvisation and write it down.  Learn it and be able to play it back
Green Dolphin Street
File Size: 111 kb
File Type: pdf
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Green Dolphin Street GRB markings
File Size: 575 kb
File Type: pdf
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Jazz technique

Here is a jazz technique routine we are going to build gradually.
  1. Scales played in traditional form, hands together, Two octaves.
    1. Major scale
    2. Major scale #4 (Lydian)
    3. Major scale flat-7th (Mixolydian)
    4. Major scale #4, flat-7th (Mixolydian #4)
  2. Scales on the RH while playing the matching chords on the LH
    1. Follow the chart on the margin.  We will discuss how to use it at the lesson.
DAILY PRACTICE ROUTINE
File Size: 62 kb
File Type: pdf
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HOW TO PRACTICE the scales
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

 Preparing for classical performance:

  • Have a list of your pieces organized and ready to play one after another
    • Have a list of titles ready for our next lesson
  • Time how long can you play without repeating material
  • If you use an iPad, have also binder with printed copies of the charts.  
  • If you can, have the binder ready with printed music for our next lesson.  In the case you have no access to printer, have the scores ready in digital form.
    • ​1st assignment:  Send me a recording of 30 minutes worth of classical music without repeating material
1-_solo_piano_classical_2022-05-18.pdf
File Size: 14457 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

March 21

March 21
Check the work of musician Jacob Collier producing his albums from just a room in his mom's house.

​Sampling project:
  • Still working on it
Next project:  Electronic music 
  • Check some old classic names like: Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre
  • Another name to check is MOBI
Other listening references:
  • Mike Dean

March 14
March 14
Ongoing project:
  • Research and implementation of sampling 
If next lesson is in person, we will work on jazz techniques.
​Let me know in advance so I can prepare the material ahead of time.

February 28

February 28
​Next project:

February 21 + Feb 23

February 21

February 14

  • Jazz videos
    • Consider a touch of cross dissolve transition to smooth the edge
    • Give more time to the camera shots before changing them, especially more time to the angle that shows your hands. use the angle of your face to express more emotional sections of the music
  • Landscape assignment
    • Send me a video file when you have it ready
  • Animation
    • Start working on this
  • Urban
    • I will send you this one after landscape and animation are ready
  • Coursera
    • Keep me posted on your advances in the program
  • Planning for the future
    • Fall versus Spring semesters.
      • Fall = more financial aid available. 101 courses generally start in the fall
      • Spring = more time to explore possibilities and be in the right program and right school.  102 courses usually take place in the spring and require completion of 101 level
  • Where do we need to put more emphasis
    • Technical knowledge of Logic Pro X
    • More transcriptions to learn to replicate orchestration soudnsounds in multiple styles

February 7

Landscape vide assignment.

On the right is the same video in which I prepared from a different point of view

January 31. // Update February 3

Here is the movie file for you to compose music.  The entire video is about 2 minutes.  You don't have to score the entire thing.  Select 30 seconds, one minute, minute and a half, or the entire thing, whatever you would like.  You don't have to start from the beginning, start from whenever you feel inspired.
landscape_video_assignment.mp4
File Size: 180983 kb
File Type: mp4
Download File

January 25 UPDATE

Now that you have your new computer, and you are interested in learning about production for audio and video synchronization, I am going to send you an assignment as part of your homework, that will benefit you directly.

Remember the recording session we did at Strathmore?  
I recorded you with two cameras, and then the audio separately.
I edited the classical pieces on iMovie, using the footage from two different angles, then the audio that I recorded separately and I put the three of them together.
The result is what I sent to you and ended up posted on your website.

The jazz pieces are still pending to be edited, but they are much easier than the classical because we used very few takes.  The classical were very complicated and I had to handle pages of descriptions of each different take we took.  None of that for the jazz pieces.

Your homework will be to download the video and audio files that I will send you, and edit them on iMovie, then upload the final cut to your website through a YouTube link.

Your challenge is going to be:
  • The video files will be very large.  You can use them as is, or you can first open them on Quicktime and trim them so only the parts you are going to feature get loaded into iMovie.  That way the files will be smaller and will not tax the equipment as much when editing.
  • On iMovie you will need to make decisions on which angle you feature at what time, and use the footage from the chosen camera.  You will practice merging footage from three different sources.
  • The resulting work will need to be bounced (rendered) onto a mov. file that will need to be uploaded to Youtube, and then the Youtube link posted on your website.
I will be sending you the files through "WeTransfer".  You will receive a notification once the files are uploaded and ready for you to download.
  • RECORDING NOTES
    • ​SOMEDAY MY PRINCE​​​
      • ​​​​Recorded in one take.  Theme plus one round of improvisation
    • SENTIMENTAL MOOD
      • Recorded in one take
    • BLUE BOSSA
      • Recorded in TWO takes.  First take is false.  Second take is good
FILES SENT TO YOU THROUGH "WETRANSFER"

January 24

LOGIC PRO SESSION
Here is the mp3 of the first section I worked in.

January 17

LOGIC PRO SESSION
Excellent work, Nikolai., I am VERY impressed of how much you have done in such short time using the application.

This lesson was mostly dedicated to strategy on preparing the tracks:
  • Reducing the number of effects by using BUS channels
  • Creating markers to make your work flow better and keep your horizontal line organized.
Next lesson we will talk more about creating the sound.

Rather than depending on Zoom sound, which is very compressed and poor, when you have created a sound you like, send me an mp3 of it so I can hear your result.  I will be doing the same work as you from over here.

January 10

  • Consider purchasing an external hard drive to store your projects.  Recommended SSD drive.
  • Practice transcriptions to learn how to create the sound other composers have.
    • Suggested by Nikolai: Hans Zimmer:  "Interstellar"
      • Assignment: select the music track, and trim a short clip of just a few minutes for the transcription
      • Convert to mp3 and send me by email a copy of the short clip so we both have it.  I will listen and tell you if it is doable.  If it is too complex, we will need something less orchestral to start.
      • Then we will both start creating the arrangement at the same time.

December 6
HANON simplified
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

November 29

COURSERA:
  • Art of Music Production.  Enrolled
PRODUCTION ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Waiting to tailor those assignments to those required by your coursework
CHURCH REPERTORY FOR JOBS:
  • Baptist church contact.  is it and report back on impressions you got
CLASSICAL REPERTORY:
  • Do not abandon your classical pieces.  Goal is to have Chopin and Rachmaninoff performance ready in case you need to show them at an audition.  At the same time we need to start working on one or two more.
JAZZ REPERTORY:
  • Prepare 4 to 6 Christmas songs arranged jazz style
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE ON WEBSITES LIKE GIGSALAD / THE BASH
  • I will see if I can find you on that site and see if your profile looks good
YOUR OWN WEBSITE:
  • Good job uploading graphic material, photos, etc.
  • Pending to upload to YouTube and then link the YT video to your main page.
LEVINE JURY:
  • You can still enroll in the YouTube juries.  You have until December 6.  Follow this link:
  • We need a plan:  1. Technique, 2. two jazz arranged tunes.  3. Transcription of a solo.  We don't have time to prepare this (next time).
    • 1. Technique: You can present one classical complete scale routine from level 7. Choose a key.
    • 2. Tunes.  Choose two of them.  They can be regular standards you know how to play, or Christmas tunes from your gig list.
      • They need to be arranged the following way:
        1. Play the theme beginning to end as written in the chart
        2. Two rounds of improvisation
        3. Theme beginning to end
    • You are going to analyze the chord progressions so to decide which scale matches each chord progression.
    • The recording can be done just piano solo, or I can send you accompaniment tracks playing the bass and drums for the songs you have chosen.  Then you would record your playing while playing along the tracks.  Let me know which option asap, because I will not have a lot of time before I leave on my trip.
    • 3. Transcription.  This time we won't have time to prepare one, but we can have one ready for next semester.

November 15

  • Decision on whether you are participating in the juries this semester.  Sign-up ends at the end of the week.
  • You now have all volumes of "The Real Book".  Also the "Jazz Fake Book"
  • You have all the photos we did at the session now week ago.  Work on your website
  • Jazz pianist websites to find gigs: gigsalad.com and thebash.com.  Create profile
  • Christmas music for gigs.  I can't scan my whole book, it has 210 pages.  You will need to actually buy a fake book for Christmas music.  Here below are a couple of songs and information about how to find the book.
BOOK COVER
File Size: 315 kb
File Type: pdf
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Some scanned titles
File Size: 2264 kb
File Type: pdf
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​https://www.enumclawmusic.com/shop/Print-Music/p/The-Professional-Pianists-Christmas-Fake-Book-x58853351.htm
All the assignments listed in the November 1 lesson are still active and I will ask you about them at our next lesson.

November 1

COURSES:
Find out if you will be following the Music Production Specialization, it looks like you can still do it free by auditing the courses.
RECORDING ASSIGNMENTS:  CHURCH MUSIC
  • Traditional:
    • Nr. 15.  Recording was very well done.
    • Playing it live at the required MM was not done, and if you want to get goes, you must do this part also.
  • Contemporary:
    • Nr. 693.  Still pending.
    • RECORDING -1- Solo piano at your tempo
    • RECORDING -2- Garage Band with the following instrumentation:
      • Classical guitar. Pan slight R
      • Acoustic bass. Pan 0
      • Flute (melody). Pal slight L
      • Slight reverb
  • Gospel style:
    • Nr. 384.  MM = 70.  Still pending
    • zWhat is written is what the choir sings.  The piano needs to be more rhythmic than that.
    • Instrumentation:
      • Piano. Pan slight R
      • Gospel organ. Pan slight L
      • Bass. Pan 0

October 25

Your website looks great.  Good job on the concise bio.

COURSES: Pending to enroll on one, possibly two courses from Coursers/Berkeley.
  • Introduction to Music Production
  • Find a second course after you start with the first one
RECORDING ASSIGNMENTS:  CHURCH MUSIC
  • Traditional:
    • Nr. 15.  Metronome tempo 60 for half note or 120 for the quarter note
    • Be able to play at that tempo for our next lesson, as if this was a paid gig.
    • Record with Garage Band using a church organ sound at MM = 120.  Pan = 0
    • Add a trumpet descant Pan = slight right
    • Add light church reverb
  • Contemporary:
    • Nr. 693.  Your tempo is already fine.
    • RECORDING -1- Solo piano at your tempo
    • RECORDING -2- Garage Band with the following instrumentation:
      • Classical guitar. Pan slight R
      • Acoustic bass. Pan 0
      • Flute (melody). Pal slight L
      • Slight reverb
  • Gospel style:
    • Nr. 384.  MM = 70
    • What is written is what the choir sings.  The piano needs to be more rhythmic than that.
    • Instrumentation:
      • Piano. Pan slight R
      • Gospel organ. Pan slight L
      • Bass. Pan 

October 11

Look at jobs related to music that don't require college degree:
  • Campus coordinator for a music school
  • Program coordinator
Energy level after work to study
Practice: 
  • Classical: Chopin, Rachmaninoff and your composition
  • Jazz: Someday My Prince, Blue Bossa, Take Five
Courses in Berklee:
  • Talk to an advisor.  Don't make decisions without knowing about credit compatibility for a program.
  • Be sure anything you register for is compatible and will allow you to transfer the credit in to person learning

Courses to register and start studying:

COURSERA.  
Specialization:
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/music-production

Your new website:

New email address: nikolaigoussev@gmail.com
New temporary web domain: www.nikolaigoussev.weebly.com
​Password to edit the website:  txt Gabriel if you need the password.

Finding work strategy

Finding work in Philly:
  • I should not require a college degree (this will be difficult to find)
  • Music related
  • Work that also teaches a musical skill
  • Well paid
  • Performance oriented
  • Ballet accompanist
  • Choir accompanist
  • Steady Sunday musician for a church
  • Weddings and funerals musician
  • Playing background music in events
  • Teaching (without a degree you will likely only find jobs in studios located in music stores, and not well paid, but still better than low wage jobs)

What do you need to prepare

  • You will need time to practice because there is a lot of repertory you need to learn, PLUS you need to sharpen your reading skills, improvisation skills, and harmonization skills.
  • You will need a website.  Either you start creating one or I'll help you put a simple website together until you can do it on your own.
  • You need a photo.  I can help you if you come dressed for a photo shoot at your next lesson and I bring my camera.
  • You need a demo.  After you learn some of this repertory, you will need to record it and record it well.  We can do that at our lesson and I can bring the equipment we need for that.
  • You will also need business cards, even if they are simple looking.  Some services offer them free as long as their logo is in the back of the card.  Start with that, and check places like "Vistaprint".
  • You will need to also have your sights focused on getting your college degree.  This work strategy is JUST to pay your rent and your expenses, it is not your career.
Let's get started!

Read this to know how to focus your search

One important factor is that jobs that are advertised, usually require a music degree in performance.
If you don't have a degree, at least you need to be able to tell your employer that you are a student working towards a degree.  Some places will hire a "music student" because they have a smaller budget.
Jobs that don't require degrees are usually not posted, they pay less and they are found by word of mouth.  You may need to talk to friends in Philly and find out if they know of churches that are looking for accompanists.

You will need to visit some of these churches in person and bring your business card.  You will do very well in person because you present yourself very well, you are polite, and people will like you right away.  Talk to the musician and let them know you are a music student available to help as a substitute, as choir accompanist, and if they get an opening, you are interested in that.

Jobs in church music: Steady Sunday

Jobs as ballet accompanist
Steady Sunday brings steady pay, and is the best to pay your bills.

​For this type of job, you may have to start at a small church that doesn't require you to have a degree in music performance, don't require to play the pipe organ, or having to direct a choir.  Starting simple will get you the experience to move up into better paying jobs.
  • Church pianist and organist jobs
https://npm.org/jobs/

I was not able to find one in Philly without a college degree requirement.

This one below doesn't requirer a degree but requires experience and to know how to play the organ.

Principal organist at Holy Family Church.  Philadelphia.
Requires experience
https://npm.org/job/holy-family-church-philadelphia-pennsylvania-principal-organist/

Jobs in church music: playing for weddings and funerals

These jobs are not steady but they don't require a degree.  You need contacts or a talent agent.
You also need a solid repertory of music that is played on weddings and funerals and know it perfectly.  No mistakes are allowed on a wedding performance.
I can provide you with all this, but you will need to learn it almost by memory because a lot of things happen while you are playing and you have to adjust to circumstances.

Jobs in music production
Here we could use your previous experience as a ballet dancer.  You already know how rehearsals work and that experience would be in your favor.
Action:
Contact a local ballet school in your area and ask an instructor what repertory you should learn if you want to prepare to work as a ballet-school accompanist.
  • Ballet accompanist.  $55K/year. Requires a degree in music
https://philadelphiaballet.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=39&source=aWQ9MTc%3D​

Jobs in background music

You will need contacts, or a talent agency to represent you and bring you gigs.
You will need a demo, a website, business cards, and ways to be easily found on the web.
​You will need to have repertory, songs you can play to cover about 2 hours of music.

Teaching jobs

Here is one in Chevy Chase, MD.  Perhaps there are similar ones in Philadelphia.  Notice that it does NOT require a college degree but to be enrolled as a student towards a degree.

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/jobs/chevy-chase-arts-academy-d908bd31/music-teacher-6d76f823?enc_campaign_id=e5c5742c&tsid=122004412&utm_source=channel-st&utm_campaign=id-644%7Csearch-Education+

Material to prepare for accompanying and church jobs

Here are some hymns you would likely find at a church service, both Protestant and Catholic.

Traditional choral hymns

Prepare the melody.
Inner notes not essential until you learn it well. Base your playing on structural chords 
Arrange:
1- LH chords, RH melody
2- LH bass, RH mel + chord
​3- Chord symbols
275-a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god.pdf
File Size: 85 kb
File Type: pdf
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836-abide_with_me.pdf
File Size: 65 kb
File Type: pdf
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15-all_creatures_of_our_god_and_king.pdf
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
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In progress
263-all_hail_the_power_of_jesus_name.pdf
File Size: 69 kb
File Type: pdf
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385-all_people_that_on_earth_do_dwell.pdf
File Size: 64 kb
File Type: pdf
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260-alleluia_sing_to_jesus.pdf
File Size: 70 kb
File Type: pdf
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20-all_things_bright_and_beautiful.pdf
File Size: 72 kb
File Type: pdf
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Contemporary hymns. Written accompaniment

COMING SOON

Contemporary hymns. Chord symbols

Vertical playing versus more flowing accompaniment (LH = 1-5-8).  More gentle than vertical
664-morning_has_broken.pdf
File Size: 75 kb
File Type: pdf
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693-though_i_may_speak.pdf
File Size: 67 kb
File Type: pdf
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In progress
172-blest_are_they.pdf
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
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749-come_live_in_the_light.pdf
File Size: 72 kb
File Type: pdf
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450-be_thou_my_vision.pdf
File Size: 74 kb
File Type: pdf
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22-god_of_the_sparrow.pdf
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
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Gospel / Spirituals style hymns

You can swing the 8th notes
Reducing chords to essential motions
Gospel-style movement of chords using the notes of the scale.  Crawling chords
LH can use a more rhythmic bass when chords and melodies are on the RH
384-soon_and_very_soon.pdf
File Size: 77 kb
File Type: pdf
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In progress
66-every_time_i_feel_the_spirit.pdf
File Size: 69 kb
File Type: pdf
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136-go_tell_it_on_the_mountain.pdf
File Size: 237 kb
File Type: pdf
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Material to prepare for accompanying jobs

Classical Performance - related jobs.  Audition material

Draft program of study in chronological order:
Bach: C minor prelude and fugue
(new) Beethoven: 2nd movement from the Pathetique Sonata Nr. 8 in C minor Op. 13
Chopin: Etude Op. 25 nr. 1 in A-flat Major (Aeolian Harp)
(add-on: Chopin revolutionary etude)
(add-on: Chopin F#m Prelude)
List: Consolation Nr. 3
Rachmaninoff: Prelude Op. 23 Nr. 5 in G minor
(Add-on: Rachmaninoff Prelude in D minor)
(new) ​Debussy: Rêverie
Goussev: L'Ouragan

Strategy goals:

  • Create a website
  • Create a portfolio easy to show
  • Talk to a student advisor at the schools you plan to attend in the future
  • Recordings, photos at the piano.
  • Program recital with goals
  • Finding especially: Romantic pieces and Goussev pieces
  • Competitions (require extensive repertory)

Scales.  Levine Curriculum Level Seven
Keys for level Seven:
C, G, D, A, E, B, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major.
A, E, B, F#, C#, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb minor.
Keys for level Eight:
C, G, D, A, E, B, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb Major.
A, E, B, F#, C#, G#, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb minor.
Level 7
lev_scales_level_7_cm.pdf
File Size: 1713 kb
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lev_scales_level_7_am.pdf
File Size: 1631 kb
File Type: pdf
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Level 8
lev_scales_level_8_cm.pdf
File Size: 1846 kb
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lev_scales_level_8_am.pdf
File Size: 2038 kb
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March-22
Level Seven
For next lesson, scale: B Major

The progression for 2c and 3a goes like this:
I – i – bVI6 – vi6 – IV64 – iv64 – I
​C - Cm - Ab - Am - F - Fm - C

To order the book of scales:

 https://levine.formstack.com/forms/piano_books

​CZERNY-Germer
czerny-germer_vol_1.pdf
File Size: 10869 kb
File Type: pdf
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SCHAFER Sight-Reading. Volume 1
SCHAFER sight-reading vol.1
File Size: 1080 kb
File Type: pdf
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SCHAFER sight-reading vol.2
File Size: 3039 kb
File Type: pdf
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​CHOPIN.  Prelude F# minor

July 19
Still working on 4 against 3 as the main issue.  ​
chopin_fm_prelude.pdf
File Size: 1439 kb
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​CHOPIN.  Etude Op25 Nr1 "Aeolian Harp"

July 19
Excellent musicality
​Keep melody finger-legato as much as you can reach with your hand
Think fo the sound before you play it
Phrasing
Mirror notes right before the final arpeggio
Attention to inner notes not to be too heavy when you are playing in "f" dynamic range
AEOLIAN HARP measure##
File Size: 2526 kb
File Type: pdf
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​RACHMANINOFF.  Prelude Op23 Nr5 Gm
RACHMANINOV Prelude Op23 Nr5 Gm
File Size: 1488 kb
File Type: pdf
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poco_meno_mosso.pdf
File Size: 509 kb
File Type: pdf
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Preparing a jazz background gig

July 19
Create your own index and save it in the computer
Create your own collection of charts, no fumbling around charts during the gig
Print all the material in case your electronic device fails.

Beethoven. Pathetique Sonata 2nd mov

Pending to attach the score

DEBUSSY.  Reverie

5/25
First page and a bit of the second page.
​Lots of light touch for the LH and very delicate phrasing for the RH.
Here is some help for the 4 against 3:
DEBUSSY Rêverie
File Size: 267 kb
File Type: pdf
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Next repertory pieces

SUGGESTED PIECES:
BACH Prelude and fugue Nr. 2 WTC 1 C minor (finished)
MENDELSSOHN Songs without Words Op.30 Nr. 3 and Op.53 Nr.1
CHOPIN Prelude Op 28 in C minor
CHOPIN Etude Op. 25 Nr. 1 "Aeolian Harp" (in progress)
CHOPIN Etude Op. 10 Nr. 12 "Revolutionary"
RACHMANINOFF Prelude Op23 Nr5 G minor (in progress)
DEBUSSY Rêverie (on reserve)
​LISTZ Consolation Nr.3 (finished)

​Nikolai, if you already have your own scores, use your own instead of these ones. 
The scores I provide are just to save you time in case you don't have the scores yourself.
BACH Prelude Fugue 2 WTC-1 C minor
File Size: 886 kb
File Type: pdf
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BACH Prelude Fugue 2 WTC-1 C minor
File Size: 1744 kb
File Type: pdf
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MENDELSSOHN S w/out W Op-30_nr.3
File Size: 963 kb
File Type: pdf
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MENDELSSOHN S w/out W Op-53_nr.1
File Size: 3069 kb
File Type: pdf
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CHOPIN Prelude C minor Op 28
File Size: 743 kb
File Type: pdf
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CHOPIN ETUDES op 25 Nr 1 Aeolian Harp
File Size: 1655 kb
File Type: pdf
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CHOPIN Etude Op. 10 Nr. 12 "Revolutionary"
File Size: 2045 kb
File Type: pdf
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RACHMANINOV Prelude Op23 Nr5 Gm
File Size: 1488 kb
File Type: pdf
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DEBUSSY Rêverie
File Size: 267 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
listz_consolations_-ricordi-.pdf
File Size: 7036 kb
File Type: pdf
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listz_grb_notes.pdf
File Size: 5974 kb
File Type: pdf
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JAZZ tips:

II - V - I

2-5-1 in major key
​Build the three left hand chords in the key of C Major:  Dm7 - G7 - CMaj7
Scales for the RH:
Dm7 = D Dorian (same as C Major)
G7 = Option -1-: diminished arpeggio that contains the 3rd and 7th of the G7 chord (B and F)
Option -2-: diminished scale of the chord you are playing
CMaj7 = C Lydian, which is C Major #4 (F#)

2-5-1 in minor key
​Build the three left hand chords in the key of C Major:  Dm7(b5) - G7(#5) - CMaj7(9,13)
Scales for the RH:
Dm7(b5):  C minor (natural)
G7(#5):  C minor (harmonic)
CMaj7(9,13):  C minor (melodic)

Diminished scales
diminished_scales.pdf
File Size: 37 kb
File Type: pdf
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November 2

Send me the improvisation you mentioned at the lesson and I will give you my impression on how it can sound better (unless it is so good that there is nothing I can add)

​The 5 will be the chord producing the real tension.  For this one here is a great trick:

Raise one whole step up  the note of the V7
​For example, if G7, take A
Build a Major chord from this note
Example: A Major (A - C# - E)
Each of these resulting notes are the root of the chord we will be adding to the G7
Examples:
LH plays G7 while RH plays A Major (9, #11, 13)
LH plays G7 while RH plays C# Major (b9, #11)
LH plays G7 while RH plays E Major (b9, 13)

Link to Nikolai's Youtube Channel with his compositions

www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZo1Oy3n_63r7WBaimDVtg

Composition "L’Ouragan" (The Hurricane)

3/16
Analyze your chord progression just like we did today with Bach.  Then decide how the different sections affect the way this piece will be played.  Dynamics, introverted playing versus extroverted, structural section versus transition, how a transition will be played, as a tension that resolves or no tension, just taking you from one place to the next... etc.

​Write as much as you can and send it to me as a way to hold you to a deadline.

Also, watch the enharmonies that call A# minor to whet really is Bb minor chord/section.  You may need to re-name some notes around measure 9.

2/23
Feel free to send me pictures of the scores with your scribbles before committing to transferring the dynamics and phrasings to the editor.  It will save you a lot of time.  I will gladly look at them and give you suggestions.

2/17
Add all dynamics to your piece and send me a PDF with them before our next lesson so we can discuss them.

The sooner before the next lesson the better so it gives me a chance to study the piece before we meet.
​
​2/10
​Score received and attached to the side for our reference.  We will update this version as other modifications may take place.

Next action:
While I go through the piece to see how it sounds, you can start adding all the necessary details to make sure your intentions are clearly stated in the score.  The first one is to figure out how to indicate which notes form the melody.
goussev_“_l’ouragan”-2.pdf
File Size: 409 kb
File Type: pdf
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Pieces already on repertory and ready for performance

CLEMENTI: Sonatina Op.36 G Major. 1st movement

PASSED: CLEMENTI Sonatinas Op. 36
​Sonatina Number 2 in G Major. 1st movement
CLEMENTI Op.36 complete sonatinas
File Size: 3636 kb
File Type: pdf
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PASSED. LISTZ.  Consolation No. 3

5/5
Start section: Beautiful melody. Accompaniment could be a bit lighter
14  beautiful
15 attention to the notes
​21 don't strike to hard
22 lighter
25 no bass Db
31 too hard a strike
33-34 excellent crescendo-deccrescendo
38 remember "pp"
40 and 41 more effect if you started pp earlier
43-44 LH needs to go into pp so melody on 45 can sing easily
47 Attention to accent
48-49 context is "p"
53 16th notes are an extension of the D half note, not a actual melody
56 very good
59-60 evaporate
listz_consolations_-ricordi-.pdf
File Size: 7036 kb
File Type: pdf
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listz_grb_notes.pdf
File Size: 5974 kb
File Type: pdf
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BACH. Prelude and Fugue in C Minor WTC vol 1 (WTC 847)

Prelude

4/7
Still too focused on the individual notes.
Let's try practicing phrase by phrase rather than the complete piece.
One phrase:
- Slowly, as slow as necessary
- Bring out the leading notes (top and bass)
- Think of the shape of the phrase (4 measures)
- Record it as if it was going to be presented in public.  Slow is ok but has to sound musical.
​- You are going to send me a recording of each phrase, but only send me your best.
- For the purpose of learning the notes, practice from both ends.
BACH C minor prelude
File Size: 886 kb
File Type: pdf
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bach_487_gabriel_markings.pdf
File Size: 1744 kb
File Type: pdf
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Extract of Gabriel's transcription
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
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