The Golandsky Institute

Edna Golandsky has been working with violinist Sophie Till to translate the Taubman Approach to string instruments. They have achieved remarkable results and found the Approach relevant not only for solutions to a few string-related problems, but for violin technique in its entirety. Their work has spurred a general movement towards the application of Taubman principles to other instruments as well. This summer, Edna and Sophie will explain and demonstrate their findings.

My experience applying the Taubman Approach to the violin has opened an entirely new world of technical and musical possibilities, and it has completely transformed my physical relationship to the instrument. I have never before come across a body of work that so thoroughly combines technique and music. As a result, my playing and teaching have been propelled to a new level. The Taubman Approach is revolutionary in its potential for string players!

String players are encouraged to register for the Symposium. They will participate in the same events as pianists, and Sophie will be giving them private lessons.

Chopin revolutionized piano music in many ways, including the use of the pedal. John Bloomfield's presentation will explore how a new style of writing required a new style of pedaling, will explain the confusion over pedal marks in early editions and will offer practical advice to help pianists bring Chopin’s vibrant music to life.

Robert Durso will give an in depth lecture/demonstration focused on the most difficult passages from Maurice Ravel’s masterpiece Ondine. The most intricate passages will be analyzed and demystified using the Taubman Approach. Innovative solutions and effective practice techniques will be presented to bring this piece within reach!

Salvatore Rabbio, principal timpanist of the Detroit Symphony from 1958 to 1998, will discuss sound and tone production on timpani, drums that are capable of accurate pitch and are tuned to suit each musical composition.

Robert Schumann's Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) op. 15 are beloved by pianists of all levels. Mary Moran will discuss how the Taubman Approach solves the musical, technical and rhythmic demands in these pieces, helping pianists produce the "wild imaginings and dreams" Schumann experienced while writing the set.

Marc Steiner will discuss and perform Four Pieces, op. 119, the final piano works of Johannes Brahms.

Beethoven’s Bagatelles op.119 and op.126 were completed in the same period that saw the creation of some of his greatest works – the late piano sonatas, the Diabelli Variations, the Ninth Symphony and the Missa Solemnis. Despite the fact that the Bagatelles have been rather neglected, the genre always interested Beethoven. Their apparent simplicity is misleading, for they embody the elements of his compositional genius and, from the musical standpoint, are inextricably bound to his late masterpieces.

Alan Wasserman will discuss the joys and advantages of duet playing and the fun of “monster concerts” for students and their teachers. Taubman principles will be applied to beginning and intermediate duets.

Proper care and maintenance will improve the performance and lifetime of your piano. Mark Love, Senior Vice President of Jacobs Music Company, will discuss myriad factors that impact a piano’s touch, tone, tuning stability and power.

Ron Stabinsky will lead participants through an exploration of Taubman principles as a means of facilitating the practice and performance of jazz and improvisation. The basic material of the Taubman Approach will be demonstrated through the analysis of transcriptions and commonly used musical figures. Participants are strongly encouraged to notate problematic passages from their own work in order to maximize the benefits of attending this exciting series of interactive workshops.

Director Ben Niles will present a screening of his movie Note By Note - The Making of Steinway L1037 and will be available to answer questions afterwards.

Edna Golandsky, Artistic Director, will demonstrate how correct motion is central to curing and preventing computer-related injuries.