Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The most important teacher: Our First, Part 2

1. Name of the teacher and your age when you began working with this teacher.

I began working with Jean Broadfoot in Winnipeg when I was 5 years old and studied with her until I was 22.

2. Subject(s) taught:

Jean was my piano teacher.

3. What were the one or two major qualities that inspired you most as a young person?

Jean was extremely disciplined and logical in her approach and she encouraged me to perform frequently. She never talked down to me and always treated me with respect.

4. Can you briefly describe their teaching method? For example, how did they introduce a subject, plan their lessons, and follow-up?

I began lessons 55 years ago, so teaching was different then. Jean taught me every major and minor scale by showing me how each was related to the other and by having me listen and figure out how to find them myself. She had a series of technique books that I used for many years which introduced wrist rotation, phrasing, pedalling etc. so that these ideas were easy to assimilate into the repertoire. I never worked on a piece for very long unless it was for a special competition. She would drop and bring back out pieces after a few months to polish and rework. This approach always gave me perspective and fresh ideas.

5. How did they respond to special requests?

If I was asked to perform somewhere, she would give advice as to what to play and she would help me with it.

6. Where they a permissive teacher or more focused?

Jean was a focussed teacher without being rigid. I knew a lot was expected of me and I behaved accordingly.

7. How has they’re example continued to inspire you in adulthood?

Jean taught me to have high standards of performance, to feel every phrase, to love the intricate nuances of good piano playing and helped me with repertoire selection for my students. She treated each student individually and talked to us all differently depending on our interests. I try to do the same with my students.


Andrea Battista, ORMTA Piano and Violin Teacher
Artistic Director Rotary Burlington Music Festival

1 comment:

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