The Tao of Music--What I Learned from my Piano Teacher

I took piano lessons from Mr. Shura Chatterjee in 1998-99. He gave me many good advices about playing the soloist in a concerto. These advices could be applied to life as well.

Solo means youth and freedom. It's like say, "I will do as I please."

As a soloist, be bold and stand out.

Play all the notes clearly so each note can be heard.

Listen to every ornament. There's no unimportant note in music.

No hurry. Take your time.

Do not depend on luck. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Always have more technique than needed.

Even as an accompaniment, the music needs to be interesting.

The whole idea of beautiful playing is the ability to join and merge smoothly.

Never phrase from the first beat.

After a long note, play the next one more softly.

If a note is repeated several times, play it differently every time.

When a pattern is repeated, do not emphasize the repeated phrase. Vary it.

Create variety.

Do not just play what is written. Add flesh and color to the skeleton.

Make it clear what you want to express.

Make it clear where you want the music to go. Do not let it stand. Play with motion.

Put your weight in the music. Play emotionally. Play with feeling.