DMA: The most important thing I learned

It hit me about twenty minutes ago. I think the extrovert in me is back in full. I've been an introvert for all eleven years of higher ed. My DMA taught me that I am not an introvert! Priceless, right?

Earlier this evening, I danced on the Quad alone, while others watched. Never did that before in my life! I have never hated being at home, in front of my computer all day than these few weeks. Tonight is tough for the extrovert in me. There's ballroom and salsa dancing on the Quad. My China gang is out for dinner and more dancing at El Rincon. What do I have to do? Edit the document so the "first" draft can be submitted tomorrow. I would prefer planning tomorrow's guest lecture on Cultural Revolution art and music for HY 504. That is way more exciting.

Yes, I found out about more red tape than I wish to care about concerning committee meetings and the like. Duh, I should have known there must be a meeting for the first draft but nobody said anything and it isn't posted anywhere. I wish the School of Music had its own checklist for graduate students writing documents. I found out more about the process through the women's support group I'm in. (Yes, I joined a support group and it's been very informational. No one has been emotional or just complaining. We share all the information we have about research, shortcuts, computers and the like. I heard some guys want to join us but they should start their own.)

It's almost done. Two more weeks of this and I'll put my dance shoes back on!

The answer to your question about what I am going to do next? I'll exaggerate on what I said on my master's commencement since this is the doctorate: I join the ranks of the unemployed, but I have an even brighter future!! (Now I should print that on t-shirts and sell it at commencement ceremonies come May. Could make a buck or two *wink*)

It's done!

Yes, my first recital is over. I should capture the moment. I feel that I did my best out there and I am happy that I played decently. I had a relaxing day and wasn't stressed .. even took a nap without setting my alarm clock. Decided to be traditional and wore black, although this time black silk & Swarovski crystals with a pearl choker.

I wasn't surprised that a note-perfect Bach wouldn't happen today. Monday was a fluke I think. The Haydn was fine, little slips here and there. I don't think I took as many chances as I should have and could be a little more playful. There was something elusive about the Haydn, and I think a friend pointed it out. I think I was lost in the detail of the piece, and didn't project the whole picture as much as I should.

I am proud of the Brahms piece. I have to say that it did rise to the occasion and I took more time rounding off phrases. The transitions were done as I expected. I was true to my interpretation of the piece to the end. The Chinese pieces were fun but I missed a whole run LOL. There was a memory slip in the last piece because there was something wrong with my fingering. Overall, I played with conviction, and managed to elicit as many different colors from the piano as possible. I count that a success!

First DMA Recital

Wow, after all the "I can't memorize", "I get really bad stage fright", "I can't do this" of my freshman year, here we are - three days to a DMA recital. I have played for people several times and have had note perfect renditions lately. It has never happened this consistently before, although it is still not every time it is happening more frequently.

I am ready, I don't think I've ever been more ready to play and play well. Not taking any prisoners this time. I have learned to tune comments and critiques out at this point. I felt that it has been beneficial and productive to just live with my pieces in the last two weeks. They are now growing with me, not against me. I want to communicate, not just play and I pray the pieces will come alive. I'm making no apologies that I am absorbed in my own world.

The recital is in three days' time and I haven't decided what to wear. I have my shoes. This is strange for me. The flowers for the stage are ready. I know how I want the piano to be placed and the lights. I am still fooling around with the acoustics in the hall. Somehow the recording sounds very choppy, so I will have to adjust some more things. The piano tech here has worked closely with me to voice the piano. It sounds so much better and much easier to control because the timbre is evened out.

So here's to more Hanon, practice recitals and delayed continuity practice all at mezzo forte. The fun continues!

T-town Debut

I played at Shelton State today as part of their Terrific Tuesday Concert Series. What a wonderful performing venue and a nice piano. I also had a great audience and there were quite a few people that were dressed up for Halloween. I showed up in my ball gown and it certainly fits the recital. I had a great time on stage although there were some memory slips, more than usual. I will have to practice a little more carefully and get a lot more sleep! For a first time and a first run-through, I am happy with what happened today. It will only get better with my actual recital two weeks away. Tomorrow I have a guinea pig audience and another next week, all in time for the big day. The flowers and guestbook are ready. Now besides formatting the program and turning that in :), "The Facets of Play" is in full swing.

I got IT!!

Yes, the full assistantship with the tuition waiver and monthly stipend. I can afford to go to doctoral school now. I could have screamed that out on the sidewalk after I put down the phone.

I was practicing this morning when I received a call from the graduate coordinator. I met him but I can't remember his name. He called to offer me the full assistantship and asked if I was planning to come to school. I told him I had already made plans to move to Alabama and that I accept the assistantship. My contract is in the mail and now I guess I really have to start packing.

I'm very excited to study with Amanda Penick. I had no idea who this lady is, but she is so incredibly sweet. It'll be hard not to like her. I found out more about her in this article written by her daughter-in-law. Read all about her. I am sure I will benefit from her teaching very much. Hence, I'm still practicing and practicing.

Alabama, Here I Come!!

Yes, it has finally happened. I guess all the practicing and hanging in there paid off finally. I played a decent audition for once. I was very comfortable and played the Italian Concerto really well. I didn't play as well on the Beethoven and Grieg cos I was so dehydrated that day. I had to leave out a few notes on the Chinese pieces too.

After I finished the Bach we had to switch gears and go into a accompanying audition. The voice faculty were present and some piano faculty were present, so there were about 6 people. I played the accompaniment to Gretchen Am Spinrade and sightread an aria from La Boheme while one of the profs sang. He was so loud I couldn't hear myself so I kept fumbling around. I guess I must have never established a key since after I finished the piano prof asked for a D-flat major chord.

Anyway, the piano area coordinator there has accepted me and wants me to study with her. She is a very nice lady and her credentials are awesome, but she was willing to put herself in a vulnerable position when she said, "I hope this professor (hand on her heart) would be loved as much as you do your current professor". She understands that it will be hard for me to leave my professor here.

I think I have all the answers about the university. Words I have been waiting to hear so that I know it is the right school. She did mention that the school strives to work with students individually and also is a nurturing school. She cares about her students very much and I can tell that. I think I will work well with this professor.

So now I will wait to hear news of the assistantship and the official acceptance letter from the graduate school.