1095 Telegraph Rd
The piano étude originated as a group of keyboard pieces with repetitive patterns for improving dexterity and technique. These pieces were meant to be played only during practice sessions.
In this class, we learn how the piano étude genre evolved into a mainstream element of concert repertoire in the context of changing concert trends and rising expectations of performers during each musical era. As demands grew for greater technical proficiency by performers, and as composers gradually elevated this genre with more harmonic interests, motivic creativities and overall musical values, piano étude became an important genre in the history of keyboard music.
Specifically, the session includes:
Introduction to the genre of “solo piano étude”
Discussion of background and composers who wrote piano étude, including Cramer, Clementi, Czerny, Moscheles, Heller, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and Rachmaninoff
A live performance by the instructor of selected piano études, to illustrate the unique aspects of this genre and further students’ understanding and appreciation of piano étude.
Instructor: Kay Zavislak
American pianist Kay Zavislak enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, teacher, adjudicator and clinician. As a performer, Dr. Zavislak has given solo recitals and chamber concerts regionally and nationally, in addition to public performances overseas. Before joining her family in Bellingham in 2013, Dr. Zavislak was an Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music. She is currently on the faculty at the WWU Department of Music.
