WhoIsItFor

Hello Forum I am somewhat reluctant to post in this forum because this could suggest that I am in the same legue - as far as piano playing goes - as the other posters. This could not be further from the truth! Having dabbled at the piano as a schoolkid some 40 years ago with some intermediate attemps to get started again, I now want to make another efford. Seaching the internet I ran across the Craft and associates. It seems that I do need a framework that I can operate in, something like structured guidance, in particular on the technical side. While I attempted the easier stuff from Schubert/Chopin/Beethoven, I never really got anywhere. So I wonder, if there would be some advice on whether The Craft would be of value given the circumstances. Greetings ps I just notice that Himself is in my vicinity on a recital tour right now. Unfortunately, I found out a little late.

Hi Tredlie, have you read a book or seen the movie? Sure we can help you, just have to give me more time to compose my answer.And of course othere members can help you based on their expirience! Jovan

Hi Tredlie, have you read a book or seen the movie? Sure we can help you, just have to give me more time to compose my answer. Jovan Hello Jovan thanks for the swift response! I have neither read the book nor watched the movie. I have read about the book in terms of reviews and whatever samples might be available. And I started downloading the DVD demo. Just that. greetings Tredlie

I have studied with Alan Fraser for 3 years and it has been really transformational. it is a very interesting question, what makes his teaching so diferent, and that is not an easy question to answer, especially in few words. I guess it is mostly his understanding of the physical proces. Not just that,he is such an amasing musician.I wish he could've written more about performing(music entesis) in his book, but luckily we have dvd so you can see and hear what is he talking about. Why i think dvd and book are valuable for beginers? Because , things are explained on the right way and that's the best thing to start with.You can not go wrong or develop some strange habits.You are on the right way!If you follow the chapters, lessons, exercises, you will make some serious progress. No up and down, just strait forward!

Dear Tredlie, Given what you say, and given the feedback from other readers, I think the book could definitely be of help. ALthough I often use examples from the virtuoso repertoire to illustrate a point, the technical issue in question is something that even a beginner can benefit from. Better in fact to address these core issues at the start, to avoid more problems further down the line. I hope this helps! Best wishes in 2007, AFF

I have maybe the same kind of question: I started to play piano when I was about 16 and studied a lot every day, went to the conservatory and got my classical piano teachers degree in 1990. I never was able to break to some barrier that I always felt was there (scale speed for example). I played music like WT clavier I and II (Bach), the 1st and 3th Chopin Ballade, some Mozart piano concerto's, but could never play a Haydn or Mozart sonata correctly. I still avoid those as much as possible. It's the fine subtle playing of trills, passage work etc that gives me problems, I can handle playing octaves running and making a lot of chord noise (like Chopin opus 48. nr 2), but could never get Chopin's opus 10 no. 1 up to speed or his opus 25 no. 12. I'm not sure why this is but is there something in Alan's course that could help me here? That would be really great!

I will answer this is Technique and Methods section, in your earlier thread. By the way, i played both Chopin's etudes you mentioned and Prof.Fraser helped me BIG time!

In your case, I think it's a definite 'yes.' Your situation as you describe it is tailor-made for the kind of work I offer in my book and DVD. It is likely that you are not unmusical, have not received bad training, yet, as you say, there exists a barrier through which you cannot move. The film shows you how to set up your hand on the keyboard to give it more potential for movement, and also leads you through ways of developing that feeling internally so your reflexes begin to recognize and use it. The book goes into more detail and gives a more thorough background as to how to develop this hand organization - the two were designed to be used together. Unfortunately Maple Grove Music can only sell you the DVD; for the book you'll have to go to my publisher at . They have a better price than the numerous bookstores on the web that stock it... Good luck and keep us posted as to how things develop. We are always looking for input that will guide us in structuring further educational materials that are now in development... AFF