Making music together is one of life's greatest collaborations. Sharing the miracle and wonder of music with friends and colleagues is an incredibly special activity - and teaching, coaching, and helping others develop their skills in this pursuit has long been a passion of mine. It is one of the many reasons that I find my work on the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City to be tremendously rewarding and fulfilling; additionally, it is a perfect match for my own performing in my personal development as a pianist and musician.
Hi-Myung Choo in a master class at the Music Academy of the West
When visiting other schools for master classes, I generally like to work with performers/students who are selected and prepared to work together as a team on whatever song, opera or chamber literature they are assigned. Since making music together is the key here, all of the partners receive equal attention in their roles. They are encouraged to get to know one another's parts in the collaboration and to act and react with each other as equals. Why do the words that are being sung necessarily influence the keyboard approach of the pianist? What role does the bowing of the violinist have in the phrasing of the singer? How does the pianist's concept of pedalling and legato come into play with the articulation of the singer's words? These are but some of the thousands of questions - and the search for the answers can be tantalizing indeed ...
