Just thinking out loud:
1. 40 people for a recital on a Friday night at Cowley is not bad at all.
2. 5 students playing on a master class is great.
3. A studio recital is in the works for next semester.
4. I'm still undecided whether I'll play a full solo recital next semester.
There have been many things that have happened to me these past few months and I have an unction to start practicing again. I do not think that I am to give up my solo performance anytime soon. Check out my other blog if you are curious.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Fruit Bars/Cookies "Recipe"
A few colleagues asked for this recipe for the fruit bars I brought on August 25
1 bag Oatmeal Cookie Mix by Betty Crocker
1 stick of Land of Lakes Salted Butter (the best butter, I think)
1 salmonella free egg
A handful of
1. Coconut flakes
2. Raisins
3. Cranberries
4. Blackcurrants
5. Butterscotch chips
You may substitute or add other dried fruit to the list above using dried apples, apricots, or dates. Add nuts if desired, almonds or walnuts suggested for this recipe. Omit butterscotch chips if you wish.
Directions:
Empty cookie mix into mixing bowl.
Mix fruit (and nuts) into cookie mix. Make sure fruits are coated with the mix. How much fruit is too much fruit? The amount of fruit I use is about 1/3 the amount of the cookie mix.
Add softened butter and egg.
* I was too lazy to shape the cookie dough so I did the quick version and pressed the dough evenly into a greased 9 X 12 pan. I am not sure how long I baked it, probably 12 mins or so.
Bake according to the directions on the bag if you're making individual cookies. Enjoy!
1 bag Oatmeal Cookie Mix by Betty Crocker
1 stick of Land of Lakes Salted Butter (the best butter, I think)
1 salmonella free egg
A handful of
1. Coconut flakes
2. Raisins
3. Cranberries
4. Blackcurrants
5. Butterscotch chips
You may substitute or add other dried fruit to the list above using dried apples, apricots, or dates. Add nuts if desired, almonds or walnuts suggested for this recipe. Omit butterscotch chips if you wish.
Directions:
Empty cookie mix into mixing bowl.
Mix fruit (and nuts) into cookie mix. Make sure fruits are coated with the mix. How much fruit is too much fruit? The amount of fruit I use is about 1/3 the amount of the cookie mix.
Add softened butter and egg.
* I was too lazy to shape the cookie dough so I did the quick version and pressed the dough evenly into a greased 9 X 12 pan. I am not sure how long I baked it, probably 12 mins or so.
Bake according to the directions on the bag if you're making individual cookies. Enjoy!
Back to the Books & Keys
I am hitting the books again after about a year's break. I am beginning my study and research to prepare for a world music class again. I wish there was a class on ethnomusicology theories that I could take. It's a little difficult to figure all of it out from a textbook.
I am also organizing all my media resources at home to prepare for the world music class. I have so many different videos of ethnic performances and many recordings lying around. I think I better start putting them in order and reviewing those which I haven't watched or listened to.
Other than that, I need to start a regular practicing schedule again :)
I am also organizing all my media resources at home to prepare for the world music class. I have so many different videos of ethnic performances and many recordings lying around. I think I better start putting them in order and reviewing those which I haven't watched or listened to.
Other than that, I need to start a regular practicing schedule again :)
Friday, September 3, 2010
If you are curious ...
I started another blog on my real full-time job. Check that out at Musica Ministry Journey.
A Broken Record
I think I'm beginning to sound like a broken record or CD or an mp3 file error in my piano lessons. I understand where the students are coming from and am able to recognize some habits in their playing. I wouldn't have thought of making my students play scales but in fact, YES, I am. I'm not being a tyrant about it but I have to be responsible to fix a basic technical problem: not releasing keys. I appreciate that my teachers took the time to fix this problem. There is no way to play with any clarity or speed without this.
I didn't realize how much I can't stand the sound of notes blurring together until I started teaching. I had not realized how sensitive my hearing is towards that. I think my more advanced students are surprised when I ask them to play a pentascale hands separately. One can tell so much about their playing just from that like what they consider to be good tone and good touch.
Besides not releasing keys, most do not play with a nice basic tone. They skim the keys like I used to do. I liken that type of playing to a singer with breathy tone. I don't think I can play like that anymore because it hurts my muscles! It's nostalgic to go down memory lane with my students. :)
I remember one of my teachers saying that taking lessons is narrowing the gap between what you perceive is true/correct to what your teacher hears. I'm noticing this to be true that my students evaluate and grade their playing very differently than I do. It is scary, I'm beginning to sound like my teachers!
I didn't realize how much I can't stand the sound of notes blurring together until I started teaching. I had not realized how sensitive my hearing is towards that. I think my more advanced students are surprised when I ask them to play a pentascale hands separately. One can tell so much about their playing just from that like what they consider to be good tone and good touch.
Besides not releasing keys, most do not play with a nice basic tone. They skim the keys like I used to do. I liken that type of playing to a singer with breathy tone. I don't think I can play like that anymore because it hurts my muscles! It's nostalgic to go down memory lane with my students. :)
I remember one of my teachers saying that taking lessons is narrowing the gap between what you perceive is true/correct to what your teacher hears. I'm noticing this to be true that my students evaluate and grade their playing very differently than I do. It is scary, I'm beginning to sound like my teachers!
New academic year - Piano Area
Some updates from the piano studio at my college for this new academic year:
- I have a budget! It is small but it would cover the piano library and minor equipment purchases.
- Class Piano I is full and had a waiting list. This year I put all my handouts into a book so hopefully the students will not lose it. The best news is that I will be getting a new communication system (Yamaha LC3) in the piano lab soon.
- Applied Piano, I have 8 students with only 2 beginners in this. I do have one piano major and some advanced students. It is exciting to be teaching a Beethoven sonata and some Bach this semester. I found out that I didn't have any sonatina collections in my piano library. It's good to move beyond beginner literature for a change.
- We will be getting a digital stage piano as well. This will prevent any Clavinova pianos from traveling everywhere.
- My friend, Jeremy Owens, will be performing here and conducting a masterclass for my students in November.
On a personal note, I have been invited to perform for the Ark City Music Club Chopin program in Octoaber and will have to muster up the courage to play the Barcarolle one more time before it is put away for awhile. I will be judging the concerto competition for the Wichita area piano teachers in November too. I am still having plans to perform a recital next April. I also have several students in my personal studio and intend to keep only a handful of students.
- I have a budget! It is small but it would cover the piano library and minor equipment purchases.
- Class Piano I is full and had a waiting list. This year I put all my handouts into a book so hopefully the students will not lose it. The best news is that I will be getting a new communication system (Yamaha LC3) in the piano lab soon.
- Applied Piano, I have 8 students with only 2 beginners in this. I do have one piano major and some advanced students. It is exciting to be teaching a Beethoven sonata and some Bach this semester. I found out that I didn't have any sonatina collections in my piano library. It's good to move beyond beginner literature for a change.
- We will be getting a digital stage piano as well. This will prevent any Clavinova pianos from traveling everywhere.
- My friend, Jeremy Owens, will be performing here and conducting a masterclass for my students in November.
On a personal note, I have been invited to perform for the Ark City Music Club Chopin program in Octoaber and will have to muster up the courage to play the Barcarolle one more time before it is put away for awhile. I will be judging the concerto competition for the Wichita area piano teachers in November too. I am still having plans to perform a recital next April. I also have several students in my personal studio and intend to keep only a handful of students.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Faculty Recital Press Release April 5
Dr. Tham shines during faculty recital
http://www.cowley.edu/news/releases/2009_10/04052010.html
Cowley College Humanities instructor, Dr. Gloria Tham, presented her first faculty recital Thursday in the Robert Brown Theatre on the Arkansas City campus. The piano recital featured solo pieces by Handel, Brahms and Chopin. In addition, Dr. Tham performed two Chinese-inspired pieces by Tcherepnin and Stephen Hough.
Those in attendance were moved by the music on display.
“The evening was absolutely beautiful,” said Slade Griffiths, Cowley College vice president of academic affairs. “I am proud and honored to have Dr. Tham on the faculty here at the college. She is passionate about her music and about student learning – a true professional.”
Dr. Tham was joined by Connie Donatelli, director of vocal music, during a duet sonata by Mozart.
“It was a great experience to work with my colleague, Connie Donatelli,” Dr. Tham said. “We had to make adjustments to our individual playing styles to create this ensemble experience.”
This was the first recital that Dr. Tham has played that was not required of her. That freedom allowed her to experiment with different interpretations, sound colors and technical approaches to the recital.
“I remember that it was in the second half of the recital that it really dawned on me that this recital I'm playing solely because I love performing and I chose to bask in the spotlight at that moment,” Dr. Tham said. “I really wanted to communicate to the audience that classical piano is an art form, a demanding one.”
Dr. Tham said the concert would not have been such a success without the nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano, the wonderful acoustics in the Robert Brown Theatre, and the technical equipment that were necessary for the performance.
“Even the simple items like flowers on stage, make a huge difference in setting the mood for the recital,” Dr. Tham said.
Having graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield summa cum laude in 2002, with a degree in piano performance, Dr. Tham went on to Wichita State University where she finished her masters of music degree in piano performance.
In August 2009, Dr. Tham graduated with a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She also studied abroad as a Chinese language student at the Central University of Nationalities, in Beijing, China in the fall of 2008.
Dr. Tham was thankful to have the opportunity to perform her first recital in Cowley County.
“I am overjoyed to play my first recital after my doctorate as a piano faculty person back here in Kansas,” Dr. Tham said. “A different place would not have been as sweet to mark an important milestone in my musical journey.”
Guests at the recital also had an opportunity to view the Sophomore Art Show in the Earle N. Wright Community Room before and after the performance. A reception was held following the recital in celebration of both events.
http://www.cowley.edu/news/releases/2009_10/04052010.html
Cowley College Humanities instructor, Dr. Gloria Tham, presented her first faculty recital Thursday in the Robert Brown Theatre on the Arkansas City campus. The piano recital featured solo pieces by Handel, Brahms and Chopin. In addition, Dr. Tham performed two Chinese-inspired pieces by Tcherepnin and Stephen Hough.
Those in attendance were moved by the music on display.
“The evening was absolutely beautiful,” said Slade Griffiths, Cowley College vice president of academic affairs. “I am proud and honored to have Dr. Tham on the faculty here at the college. She is passionate about her music and about student learning – a true professional.”
Dr. Tham was joined by Connie Donatelli, director of vocal music, during a duet sonata by Mozart.
“It was a great experience to work with my colleague, Connie Donatelli,” Dr. Tham said. “We had to make adjustments to our individual playing styles to create this ensemble experience.”
This was the first recital that Dr. Tham has played that was not required of her. That freedom allowed her to experiment with different interpretations, sound colors and technical approaches to the recital.
“I remember that it was in the second half of the recital that it really dawned on me that this recital I'm playing solely because I love performing and I chose to bask in the spotlight at that moment,” Dr. Tham said. “I really wanted to communicate to the audience that classical piano is an art form, a demanding one.”
Dr. Tham said the concert would not have been such a success without the nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano, the wonderful acoustics in the Robert Brown Theatre, and the technical equipment that were necessary for the performance.
“Even the simple items like flowers on stage, make a huge difference in setting the mood for the recital,” Dr. Tham said.
Having graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield summa cum laude in 2002, with a degree in piano performance, Dr. Tham went on to Wichita State University where she finished her masters of music degree in piano performance.
In August 2009, Dr. Tham graduated with a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She also studied abroad as a Chinese language student at the Central University of Nationalities, in Beijing, China in the fall of 2008.
Dr. Tham was thankful to have the opportunity to perform her first recital in Cowley County.
“I am overjoyed to play my first recital after my doctorate as a piano faculty person back here in Kansas,” Dr. Tham said. “A different place would not have been as sweet to mark an important milestone in my musical journey.”
Guests at the recital also had an opportunity to view the Sophomore Art Show in the Earle N. Wright Community Room before and after the performance. A reception was held following the recital in celebration of both events.
Faculty Recital Press Release March 24
Dr. Tham to perform faculty recital on April 1
http://www.cowley.edu/news/releases/2009_10/03242010_2.html
Cowley College Humanities instructor, Dr. Gloria Tham, will be presenting her first faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1 at the Robert Brown Theatre on the Arkansas City campus. The piano recital is open to the public and is free of charge.
Selections for the recital include solo pieces by Handel, Brahms and Chopin. In addition, two Chinese-inspired pieces by Tcherepnin and Stephen Hough will be performed. Dr. Tham will be joined by Connie Donatelli, director of vocal music, to perform a duet sonata by Mozart.
“I am very excited to feature Cowley’s Steinway concert grand in a solo piano recital setting,” Dr. Tham said.
Guests are also invited to view the Sophomore Art Show in the Earle N. Wright Community Room before and after the recital. A reception will be held following the recital in celebration of both events.
http://www.cowley.edu/news/releases/2009_10/03242010_2.html
Selections for the recital include solo pieces by Handel, Brahms and Chopin. In addition, two Chinese-inspired pieces by Tcherepnin and Stephen Hough will be performed. Dr. Tham will be joined by Connie Donatelli, director of vocal music, to perform a duet sonata by Mozart.
“I am very excited to feature Cowley’s Steinway concert grand in a solo piano recital setting,” Dr. Tham said.
Guests are also invited to view the Sophomore Art Show in the Earle N. Wright Community Room before and after the recital. A reception will be held following the recital in celebration of both events.
First Faculty Recital Thoughts & Reflections
My first faculty recital came and went on April 1. I realized that my scheduling clashed with Maundy Thursday after the calendar was already set. Next year, I will be very sure to check the Easter calendar before deciding. Although some of my friends couldn't make it, there were many students, faculty and staff who came out to support my recital. I noticed that the audience was super polite (especially the second half) and the hall was totally silent. I could not ask for a better audience.
This was the first recital that I played that was not required of me. I was not playing for a grade, a committee or as part of my job contract. The freedom of not playing to please someone else made a big difference in this recital. I felt very free to experiment with different interpretations, sound colors and technical approach to the recital. I remember that it was in the second half of the recital that it really dawned on me that this recital I'm playing solely because I love performing and I chose to bask in the spotlight at that moment. The spotlight would fade in half an hour :). I really wanted to communicate to the audience that classical piano is an art form, a demanding one. The eleven years of tertiary education to be able to enjoy this moment was all worth it.
This was also the first time that I performed an entire duet sonata in public. It was a great experience to work with my colleague, Connie Donatelli. We had to make adjustments to our individual playing styles to create this ensemble experience. We laughed a lot and an audience member remarked that she was glad that we laughed on stage prior to starting our piece.
I am blessed to have the equipment and the facility to let my imagination be reality. The 9-foot Steinway concert grand which my college owns has barely been broken in and is a beautiful instrument. I call it the luxury race car model of the piano world. It is a piano that most pianists cannot afford and I approach that piano in awe. (If I sell everything I own, including my rental house (which I don't own obviously) I would still not be able to buy this piano.) The Brown Center has wonderful acoustics, a working theater and also the projector equipment. I would not have been able to pull off a video presentation and slide show without the technical equipment in place. Even the simple items like flowers on stage, make a huge difference in setting the mood for the recital.
As for the selections of that evening, John Cage 4'33" was quite a joke to pull off and it was very hard not to laugh for 2 minutes. The final two pieces of the recital were the hardest pieces that I have ever performed. They are not only technically very difficult for a small-handed pianist but demand a maturity for the interpretation, musicality and expression.
Final thoughts: I began my piano performance journey here in the Cowley County area in Kansas as a student at Southwestern College. My freshman year, I dropped my music major because I thought I could not memorize music, had bad stage fright and can't perform. I have to take back every statement I made. I am overjoyed to play my first recital after my doctorate as a piano faculty person back here in Kansas. A different place would not have been as sweet to mark an important milestone in my musical journey. May there be many more performances to come.
This was the first recital that I played that was not required of me. I was not playing for a grade, a committee or as part of my job contract. The freedom of not playing to please someone else made a big difference in this recital. I felt very free to experiment with different interpretations, sound colors and technical approach to the recital. I remember that it was in the second half of the recital that it really dawned on me that this recital I'm playing solely because I love performing and I chose to bask in the spotlight at that moment. The spotlight would fade in half an hour :). I really wanted to communicate to the audience that classical piano is an art form, a demanding one. The eleven years of tertiary education to be able to enjoy this moment was all worth it.
This was also the first time that I performed an entire duet sonata in public. It was a great experience to work with my colleague, Connie Donatelli. We had to make adjustments to our individual playing styles to create this ensemble experience. We laughed a lot and an audience member remarked that she was glad that we laughed on stage prior to starting our piece.
I am blessed to have the equipment and the facility to let my imagination be reality. The 9-foot Steinway concert grand which my college owns has barely been broken in and is a beautiful instrument. I call it the luxury race car model of the piano world. It is a piano that most pianists cannot afford and I approach that piano in awe. (If I sell everything I own, including my rental house (which I don't own obviously) I would still not be able to buy this piano.) The Brown Center has wonderful acoustics, a working theater and also the projector equipment. I would not have been able to pull off a video presentation and slide show without the technical equipment in place. Even the simple items like flowers on stage, make a huge difference in setting the mood for the recital.
As for the selections of that evening, John Cage 4'33" was quite a joke to pull off and it was very hard not to laugh for 2 minutes. The final two pieces of the recital were the hardest pieces that I have ever performed. They are not only technically very difficult for a small-handed pianist but demand a maturity for the interpretation, musicality and expression.
Final thoughts: I began my piano performance journey here in the Cowley County area in Kansas as a student at Southwestern College. My freshman year, I dropped my music major because I thought I could not memorize music, had bad stage fright and can't perform. I have to take back every statement I made. I am overjoyed to play my first recital after my doctorate as a piano faculty person back here in Kansas. A different place would not have been as sweet to mark an important milestone in my musical journey. May there be many more performances to come.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
First Faculty Recital, April 1, 2010
Program:
Handel, Suite in E major - Air & Variations "Harmonious Blacksmith"
Mozart, Sonata in D major for 4 hands,K. 381 (With Connie Donatelli)
Hough/Chen, Pining for the Spring Breeze
Brahms, Intermezzo in A major, op. 118 no. 2
Tcherepnin, Five "Chinese" Concert Etudes, op. 52 no. 5
Chopin, Barcarolle, op. 60
I originally wanted to program Gottschalk's Souvenir de Porto Rico and decided to drop the piece. It would be nice to just play a clean and prepared program. I think it is already fairly ambitious as it stands right now. All these pieces would be just to introduce myself to the college. Since the recital is on April Fools' Day, there will be a prank of course.
This would be my first recital without a teacher. It has dawned on me that this recital I'm playing for myself and not really for anyone else.It is both exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I also have not performed for about a year now since I had to focus on writing and my transition to a new life in Kansas. I decided to use a CD-recorder to record my practice sessions so I can review them myself. I would rather be able to have instant playback but since I don't own the technology, I'll be content with what I have now. I am very happy that my college owns a nice concert Steinway and I'm rebuilding my stamina to handle that piano.
I also worked up the courage to listen to my last DMA recital. I am pleasantly surprised at my own playing and I did better than I thought. I knew that I was playing under a lot of pressure that afternoon, along with being sick.
I know I can play a great recital in two weeks, now if I would just convince myself. :) Confidence is now the name of the game.
Handel, Suite in E major - Air & Variations "Harmonious Blacksmith"
Mozart, Sonata in D major for 4 hands,K. 381 (With Connie Donatelli)
Hough/Chen, Pining for the Spring Breeze
Brahms, Intermezzo in A major, op. 118 no. 2
Tcherepnin, Five "Chinese" Concert Etudes, op. 52 no. 5
Chopin, Barcarolle, op. 60
I originally wanted to program Gottschalk's Souvenir de Porto Rico and decided to drop the piece. It would be nice to just play a clean and prepared program. I think it is already fairly ambitious as it stands right now. All these pieces would be just to introduce myself to the college. Since the recital is on April Fools' Day, there will be a prank of course.
This would be my first recital without a teacher. It has dawned on me that this recital I'm playing for myself and not really for anyone else.It is both exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I also have not performed for about a year now since I had to focus on writing and my transition to a new life in Kansas. I decided to use a CD-recorder to record my practice sessions so I can review them myself. I would rather be able to have instant playback but since I don't own the technology, I'll be content with what I have now. I am very happy that my college owns a nice concert Steinway and I'm rebuilding my stamina to handle that piano.
I also worked up the courage to listen to my last DMA recital. I am pleasantly surprised at my own playing and I did better than I thought. I knew that I was playing under a lot of pressure that afternoon, along with being sick.
I know I can play a great recital in two weeks, now if I would just convince myself. :) Confidence is now the name of the game.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Dear student
Dear student,
Yes, you are right. I am not an expert on learning disabilities or physical disabilities, but one thing I do know: carving a career in music (notice I used the word "carving") is difficult even for the best of talents and the most hardworking of musicians. After spending 11 years in music school, I do know a thing or two, although you disagree. For me to not tell you the truth would be grossly negligent and highly irresponsible of me as your teacher.
Many of my friends who started music school with me and started their careers in music have quit that career path. Music is now their avocation and not their primary means of earning an income. Self-employment allows you great independence, but you would have to provide your own benefits (health insurance, worker's comp, retirement, etc.). Finding employment with an institution is highly competitive. I count myself very blessed to find a job in the year I graduated. Some of my professors' colleagues and classmates who have degrees from prestigious music schools are still looking for jobs.
Teaching is a calling and not just for anyone. Is it rewarding? Yes, it is. If you're worried that you will be made fun of, be prepared. You will have to deal with lots of personalities unlike your own, not only from your students but their parents as well. There is always a stack of paperwork to do, which doesn't directly impact your teaching and at times, you may not be teaching students the level you desire, or the types of classes you want.
If you want to just be a performer and not teach, know that you are committing yourself to a lifelong discipline of practicing and keeping your playing skills. This becomes challenging when other grown up responsibilities encroach on your time. If you're being paid well-enough to just practice, and not have to work, I'll be the first to be very happy for you.
So dear student, please do not think I'm misjudging your capabilities or that I'm discouraging you from your dreams. There are countless other possibilities with music besides a career. I want you to weigh the costs of your dream and be fully aware of the path you are choosing. I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tham
Yes, you are right. I am not an expert on learning disabilities or physical disabilities, but one thing I do know: carving a career in music (notice I used the word "carving") is difficult even for the best of talents and the most hardworking of musicians. After spending 11 years in music school, I do know a thing or two, although you disagree. For me to not tell you the truth would be grossly negligent and highly irresponsible of me as your teacher.
Many of my friends who started music school with me and started their careers in music have quit that career path. Music is now their avocation and not their primary means of earning an income. Self-employment allows you great independence, but you would have to provide your own benefits (health insurance, worker's comp, retirement, etc.). Finding employment with an institution is highly competitive. I count myself very blessed to find a job in the year I graduated. Some of my professors' colleagues and classmates who have degrees from prestigious music schools are still looking for jobs.
Teaching is a calling and not just for anyone. Is it rewarding? Yes, it is. If you're worried that you will be made fun of, be prepared. You will have to deal with lots of personalities unlike your own, not only from your students but their parents as well. There is always a stack of paperwork to do, which doesn't directly impact your teaching and at times, you may not be teaching students the level you desire, or the types of classes you want.
If you want to just be a performer and not teach, know that you are committing yourself to a lifelong discipline of practicing and keeping your playing skills. This becomes challenging when other grown up responsibilities encroach on your time. If you're being paid well-enough to just practice, and not have to work, I'll be the first to be very happy for you.
So dear student, please do not think I'm misjudging your capabilities or that I'm discouraging you from your dreams. There are countless other possibilities with music besides a career. I want you to weigh the costs of your dream and be fully aware of the path you are choosing. I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tham
An-An: The Siamese Cat Pt 2
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