Top Tips for those returning to piano playing!

Renowned music publishers Schott Music have, this week, presented three writers in an article containing their top tips for all those returning to the piano after a break.

Published in conjunction with Pianist Magazine, I am delighted to be featured alongside Christopher Norton (composer of the well-known and much-loved Microjazz series and Micro Musicals, amongst many other publications), and Tim Richards (jazz pianist, writer and composer, and author of Exploring Jazz Piano and Improvising Blues Piano, as well as a long list of other books and compositions).

Our favourite tips and recommendations appear alongside videos and other information all designed to help students get back into piano playing and hopefully reconnect with this satisfying pastime. You can read the article here.

And you can explore my new two-book piano course intended for those returning to playing after a break, Play it again: PIANO (Books 1 & 2 are now both available), here.

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My Books:

For much more information about practising repertoire, take a look at my two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO (Schott). Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 progressive pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with at least two pages of practice tips for every piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? (Alfred) is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology (Faber) is also a valuable resource for those who desire a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2uMz5yo

Second + Main – Plans, Prices, Availability

At a Glance

• located at the gateway to Mount Pleasant
• 12-storey mixed-use concrete building
• 226 residences
• 13,000 sq ft commercial space
• 3,500 sq ft artist production space
• 226 residences
• public plaza & cultural space
• walking distance to Olympic Village
• numerous nearby craft breweries

Where Life Intersects

Create Properties brings you 226 smartly-crafted homes, where vibrant culture and community connect at the centre of the City.

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Pricing for Second + Main
This project is currently in its pre-construction phase. Pricing has not yet been made public. For priority access to updates on Second + Main, signing up to our VIP list is strongly recommended.

Floor Plans for Second + Main
Finalized floor plans have not yet been released for this development’s 226 residential units. A mix of 23 studios, 145 1-bedrooms, and 58 2-bedrooms has been proposed. Interested buyers should contact me to discuss plans, prices, and availability.

Amenities at Second + Main
Second + Main has been designed around an outdoor public plaza to give it a maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year. A 3,500 sq ft artist production space fronting East 3rd Avenue is also linked to the courtyard to offer opportunities for cultural programming. A fitness room with an adjoining outdoor patio is located on Level 8. Level 12 features an amenity space with a large outdoor patio that includes two communal tables and a children’s play area. A green roof will also provide residents with garden plots and storage for gardening supplies.

Parking and Storage
Second + Main will provide 297 underground parking spaces, including 48 with electric vehicle charging stations, 19 for visitors, nine handicap, 35 commercial stalls, and four for artist studios. Two Class A loading bays are located underground, while three Class B loading bays are located at grade for residential, artist studio, and retail uses. Secure underground bicycle storage will be available with 329 Class A stalls. Another 12 Class B bicycle stalls are at grade.

Maintenance Fees at Second + Main
Details included with final pricing information.

Developer Team for Second + Main
Create Properties is a Vancouver-based development company dedicated to building exciting places to live, work, and play. By bringing their international finance, development, and construction management expertise together with the finest consultants and partners Vancouver has to offer, they work with the best to Create the best.

Expected Completion for Second + Main
To be announced

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Mount Pleasant, along Main Street, or near False Creek?

Check out these great Mount Pleasant presales!

The post Second + Main – Plans, Prices, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.

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Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: ABRSM Grade 3

Selecting and practising piano exam repertoire continues today with ABRSM Grade 3. I’m selecting contrasting works or those which sit well together, thereby producing an interesting programme.

This element should not be underestimated; examiners are pleased to hear all the repertoire on set lists, but for the student, who might spend a good few months learning these pieces, enjoyment is paramount. It’s therefore a good idea to either listen to the audio CD provided with the piano exam syllabus book, or ask your teacher to play each piece for you, just to make sure you like the sound of your prospective programme before learning begins. Those who enjoy playing their pieces are generally motivated and will therefore practice more frequently.

I’ve included a link to one of the many performances of these works on YouTube.

Here’s my chosen programme of three pieces, each with 5 practice suggestions:

List A: A3, German Dance in B flat (No. 6 from 12 German Dances, WoO 13) by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 -1827)

A dance for couples in quick triple time, the German Dance was popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Articulation (or touch) will prove vital here in order to convey the appropriate lively dance characteristics. Start with the scale and arpeggio of B flat major, to assimilate the key signature.

1. This  energetic piece requires some leaping around the keyboard, so begin by practising hands separately, securing fingering and learning the necessary movements needed to play the piece up to speed with ease, thus avoiding any hiatus or hesitations rhythmically. When moving around the piano, make sure posture is aligned, and use a flexible approach, practising jumps (such as those at bars 5 & 6, from beats 2 to 3, right hand), with a relaxed wrist and arm, learning the distance and ‘feeling’ of the jump (try do this until you can jump without looking).
2. Consistently crisp articulation will determine the success of any performance. The wedge markings under and over notes (for example, the upbeat to bar 1, right hand) are 18th century staccato marks. These can be light, short and elegant, but try to avoid accenting.
3. The second crotchet of each phrased pair (bar 1, beats 1 & 2), needs to be non-legato (or slightly detached) and, again, unaccented, supplying the dance-like character.  Acciaccaturas in the right hand at bars 5 – 7 and 13 – 15, must be clearly audible (resist the urge to rush the short first note), and slightly playful, with the attached crotchet short and light. It’s a good idea to learn note patterns without ornaments, adding them only when those patterns are assured and the pulse, tight.
4. The left hand entry in bar 1 (beat 3), mirrors that of the right hand, and will be more effective if played with deeper sound, giving it prominence and colour as it imitates the right hand material. The sf (sforzando or suddenly loud) chords (bar 2, beat 1), need a decisive touch.
5. Quavers in the Trio should ideally be light and totally rhythmical; when selecting a speed, think about bars 17 – 24 as a benchmark; just how fast can you play this passagework without errors or unevenness? Counting (preferably out loud and to a quaver beat) will be important, and aim to keep quavers legatissimo. As a rule, try to lift crotchets (non-legato) in the Trio, and keep the whole section fairly soft, so when returning to the Da Capo, there will be plenty of contrast.

List B: B 2. Polnisches Lied (No. 18 from Leichte Lieder und Tanze, Op. 117) by Ferdinand Hiller (1811 – 85)

This lovely piece in A minor written by German composer, Heller, provides an excellent contrast to the Beethoven, encouraging expressivity and musicianship. In the minor key, it might be useful to practice the A minor scale and arpeggio first. The tune is played twice here, the second time with a more elaborate accompaniment, and a brief coda at the end.

1. independence (and precise coordination) between hands is necessary throughout. Therefore lots of separate hand practice might be wise, and is particularly important where the left hand contains more movement or semiquaver passagework (such as at bars 15 – 23). Start by learning fingerings, note patterns and hand position changes (at bars 5 – 6, and 17 – 18, for example), using a legato touch throughout. When secure, experiment with staccato (as marked), implementing gentle finger strokes (in keeping with the espressivo marking at the top of the score), as opposed to a short, spikey touch.
2. When practising bars 1 – 3 (and all similar), ensure the first two semiquavers are slightly detached (really semi-staccato) whilst the bass note (A in the left hand) remains held for the entire bar. A miniscule break between the phrases of Bars 1 & 2 will give appropriate space to breathe, and capture the ‘longing’, wistful feel. Legatissimo where possible will help to characterise this work, and provides contrast with staccato passages.
3. Bars 4, 8, 16, 20, 28 & 29, all contain tenuto markings on the second beat of the bar. As this is a recurring feature, aim for a slight ‘lift’ on the first quaver of the bar, sinking into the crotchet second beat, using a fairly full sound and a slight lingering on this chord (as suggested by the tenuto marking); it usually signifies the end of a phrase. This can still be done at bars 16 and 20, where the left hand contains semiquavers.
4. Dynamics are very precise, sometimes with each bar containing crescendo and decrescendo marks. Spend time experimenting with the sound, gradually ‘crescendoing’ up to the second quaver (bars 1 & 2), for poignancy.
5. The sustaining pedal can add resonance if used where the tenuto chords occur (second beat of each of bar 4, 8, 28 & 29, and the last two bars, 30 & 31), but use it sparingly elsewhere, so as not to blur the harmonies or the semiquaver passage work.

List C: C1, Clowns (No. 20 from 24 Easy Pieces Op. 39) by Dmitri Kabalevsky (1904 – 87)

One of my favourite early intermediate level pieces, Clowns, is also a great little contrasting number to the Beethoven and Hiller, and students respond well to its playful character. In ternary form (A – B – A), it effectively oscillates between A major and A minor, which is perhaps suggestive of a Clown’s happy-sad demeanour.

1. I would write most of the fingering in the score, as the speed at which the piece must be played necessitates some finger (or muscle) memory; repetitive separate hand practice with firm fingers, keeping close to the keys wherever possible, will be beneficial here.
2. Pulse is important, so aim to count in semiquavers throughout, preferably out loud; ‘speaking’ every beat will help keep the tempo (providing your beat is similar to that of a ticking clock!) free from rushing or lingering.
3. Articulation plays a vital role in this piece: the right hand staccato markings at the ends of phrases (such as those at bar 1, beats 1 & 3), need a snappy, short approach and a slender accent, colouring the chormatic changes (C sharps to C naturals for example). The left hand notation could be ‘blocked out’ throughout (where the notes in each bar are all played together for ease of learning), then ensure a relaxed wrist when playing the crisp staccato quavers, regularly resting the arm and wrist in order to avoid tension (which can creep in whilst using any repeated movement).
4. Each accent mark (i.e. those at bars 4, 8, 12, and 21 in the right hand, and bars 24 & 25 in both hands), requires a brusque, powerful touch, as they usually signify the end of a phrase.
5. The left hand can be kept soft and light until bars 13, where chords punctuate the melody. Aim for clean fingerwork throughout for a vibrant performance, without using any sustaining pedal.

For more posts in this series, exploring other grades and syllabuses, please click here.

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My Books:

For much more information about practising repertoire, take a look at my two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO (Schott). Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 progressive pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with at least two pages of practice tips for every piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? (Alfred) is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology (Faber) is also a valuable resource for those who desire a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2uvQ71M

Polishing Your Piano Technique: Jackdaws Course 2018

If you fancy a relaxing weekend in the most beautiful English country setting, with scrumptious home cooked food, and plenty of opportunity to hone your piano skills whilst meeting new like-minded friends, you will love the courses held at Jackdaws Music Educational Trust. Situated in Somerset (near Frome), this music course venue (pictured to the left)  is second to none and the courses are increasing in popularity every year.

This is the third year I have run a weekend course at Jackdaws, and I’m always delighted to be working amongst such an illustrious cohort of course tutors. This year, I’ll be focusing on piano technique. After running my course Piano Technique, Sight-reading and Memorisation for the past two years, I realised, from those who came (and some comments from those who didn’t), just how crucial my work teaching piano technique really is; throughout this weekend, I hope to illustrate the possibility of improving your skills irrespective of age or ability.

Students often complain of tension, pain, and discomfort when they play, which probably stems from moving around the instrument in a less than ideal manner, resulting in many technical issues.

During the course, I’ll consider the reasons for tension and examine useful ways of alleviating it, by focusing on establishing freedom and relaxation whilst playing.

Each course member will be given ample opportunity to hone and improve their technique; working at rotational wrist motion, strengthening fingers, and developing completely free arm movement; encouraging the use of arm weight, with the aim of producing a warm, pleasing tone. Scales, arpeggios, chords, octaves, double note passages and much more, will be evaluated and discussed. We will also work on aspects within each student’s chosen repertoire.

Participants are advised to bring two or three contrasting pieces to the workshops, although these do not have to be performance ready.

Course dates are 9th – 11th February 2018, and I really look forward to meeting you.

For more details and booking information, click here.

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My Books:

For much more information on how to practise repertoire, take a look at my new two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO. Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with copious practice tips and advice for each piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology is also a valuable resource for those who desire a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2ulqqRx

Weekend Competition: the winners…

Many thanks to all those who took part in my weekend competition. The prizes include five volumes of the Relax With Series of piano music edited by Samantha Ward and published by Schott Music.

The winners are:

Lisa Lewis wins Relax With Baroque Music

ADA wins Relax With Classical Piano Music

Antonina Lax wins Relax With Romantic Piano Music

Katherine Farr wins Relax With French Impressionist Piano Music

and, Ann Coleman wins Relax With Folk Piano Music

CONGRATULATIONS! Please send your addresses via the contact page on this blog and your book will be on its way.

For more information about each book, click here.

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from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2uB9zND

Weekend Competition: Relax With…

The Relax With series is a relatively new collection of piano music books edited by British concert pianist Samantha Ward (published by Schott Music) and designed primarily to be played at home, simply for pleasure.

Selected for their relaxing qualities, the pieces in this volume range from well-known classics to delightful lesser-known gems. Featuring both original pieces and some arrangements, these books consist of volumes dedicated to the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, as well as the French Impressionist composers and traditional music from around the world. The collections are of approximately late elementary to early advanced level, but a competent amateur pianist will have little difficulty in mastering the pieces.

‘Mindfulness’ has been a popular (even fashionable) topic in music (and other subjects) over the past couple of years, and these publications focus almost exclusively on this concept.

The books are beautifully appointed and printed (as might be expected of Schott), and each one contains a wide variety of repertoire within the context of the various titles. Whilst these books are no doubt a rewarding collection to learn, I feel they would also serve as excellent sight-reading material for the advanced player.

There are five books (pictured above) to giveaway this weekend to five lucky winners! So leave your comment in the comment box at the end of this post to be in with a chance of winning. Good luck!

To find out more about this series and to purchase books, click here.

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from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2tSsekH

The Crest at Queen E Park – Availability, Prices, Plans

At a Glance

• central LIttle Mountain location
• 5-storey residential building
• maximum of 4 homes per floor
• 1-, 2 – 3-bedroom residences
• 9′ to 10′ ceiling heights
• walking distance to recreation, restaurants, shops
• LEED Gold certification goal

A Focus on Community
A boutique collection of 18 well-crafted residences are placed in a treasured Vancouver neighbourhood on an idyllic residential street. Equally defined by the natural habitat of Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest Community Centre and the amenity-rich Main Street, homes at The Crest pay tribute to a balanced, West Coast lifestyle. Enjoy the benefits of recreation, dining, shopping, and culture – you’ll find life fulfilling and truly community focused at The Crest.

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Unparalleled leisure and recreational activities are available from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest Community Centre, Nat Bailey Stadium, Riley Park, and Vancouver Racquets Club. For dining and shopping options, Main Street’s multitude of restaurants, boutiques, shops, cafes, and businesses are within easy walking distance. Upscale shopping choices can be found at Oakridge Centre on the opposite side of Queen Elizabeth Park.

Pricing for The Crest
As this development is in pre-construction, pricing has not yet been made public.

Floor Plans for The Crest
Including one 2-bedroom penthouse and one 3-bedroom penthouse, The Crest offers the following mix of condominiums:

• 5 x 3-bedroom units from 1,335-1,830 sq ft
• 8 x 2-bedroom units from 885-1,610 sq ft
• 5 x 1-bedroom units from 540-755 sq ft

Serious buyers should contact me today to confirm availability and to evaluate relevant plans. Given its proximity to schools, Queen Elizabeth Park, sports fields, and Hillcrest Community Centre, The Crest should be especially attractive to young families.

The Crest Interiors
Enviable Interiors

• Interior design by award-winning Occupy Design
• Customize your home with one of two colour palettes – Wood or White
• Wide plank, European inspired engineered hardwood flooring in the living, dining, kitchen and den areas
• High quality wool blend carpeting in bedrooms
• Sleek roller-style shades on all windows
• Distinctive modern flat-stock baseboards and door trims
• Energy efficient front-loading Whirlpool washer and dryer with adaptive wash technology
• Solid-core suite entry doors, polished chrome lever and privacy lock for peace-of-mind
• Modern panel style doors for bathrooms, bedrooms and closets
• Integrated LED down lighting ensuring just the right ambiance in your home
• Reliable central gas-fired boiler for domestic hot water

State-of-the-Art Kitchens

• Beautiful and durable solid quartz countertop that extends to the backsplash
• Premium stainless steel appliance package including:
  • Fisher & Paykel fridge / freezer (Bosch in 1 bedroom homes)
  • Gas 4-burner cook-top by Bosch
  • Thermal wall oven by Bosch
  • Fully-integrated dishwasher by Bosch
  • Sleek slim slide-out hood fan by Bosch in all 2- and 3-bedroom homes
  • Space efficient over the range Panasonic microwave / hood fan in all 1-bedroom homes
  • Under the counter microwave by Panasonic in all 2- and 3-bedroom homes
• Undermount stainless steel double bowl sink
• Dual-spray pull down chrome faucet by Grohe for sleek look and easy clean up
• Modern flat panel cabinet with soft close hardware for superior functionality
• Thoughtful under-cabinet lighting for well-lit kitchen prep

Spa-Like Bathrooms

• Undermount rectangle sink creates a sleek modern look for all bathrooms
• Distinctive large format porcelain tile flooring
• Relaxing soaker tub in main bathroom
• Ensuites with spacious walk-in shower or soaker tub
• Modern white tiles for tub/shower surrounds in main bathroom
• Beautiful marble mosaic tiles for shower surround in en suites
• Single-lever Grohe fixtures throughout
• Elegant chrome accessories
• High efficiency dual-flush toilet by Duravit
• Mirror vanity in en suite
• Modern flat panel cabinets with soft close hardware

Amenities at The Crest
Residents will enjoy the use of a 24′ x 15′ 9″ courtyard with covered barbecue and eating area. Each home will offer either a patio, balcony, or roof deck.

Parking and Storage
The Crest provides residents with 21 underground parking stalls, of which 14 are standard size, six are for small cars, and one is a handicapped space. Class A bicycle storage in the underground offers 17 horizontal stalls, one vertical stall, and five lockers. In addition to closets in each bedroom, 40 sq ft of storage is available in each home.

Maintenance Fees at The Crest
Approximately $0.36 per sq ft.

Developer Team for The Crest
Since Forrester began developing real estate 25 years ago, they’ve always been focused on connecting with people. And now that impulse to prioritize people and community continues in the homes Forrester Group builds throughout Vancouver. As a boutique developer, they believe in quality over quantity, craftsmanship over conveyor belts, and integrity over profits – because Forrester cares about where and how you live.

Ankenman Marchand Architects is experienced in a broad spectrum of architectural, urban design, and community planning projects, including multi-residential developments, commercial projects, heritage restoration, and resort planning. At AMA, fresh ideas are paired with technical skill, to produce award-winning results. Their multi-disciplinary team finds thoughtful solutions to clients’ needs, using sustainable building practices and building information modelling. AMA’s strengths are in quality of service and the form and function of the resulting architecture, regardless of budget.

Expected Completion for The Crest
Early 2019.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Mount Pleasant, along Main Street, or near False Creek?

Check out these great Mount Pleasant presales!

The post The Crest at Queen E Park – Availability, Prices, Plans appeared first on Mike Stewart.

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Selecting and Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: Trinity College London Grade 2

Today’s blog post continues my piano exam repertoire selection and tips series by exploring the Trinity College London Grade 2 exam.

There’s a wide range of choice on this syllabus with a very definite emphasis on the living composer. I have chosen three pieces which contrast in style and genre. For me, this is an important criteria; these tests provide an excellent opportunity for those wishing to become acquainted with various styles  and different historical periods. It can be a fun and worthwhile exercise to put this all into context, therefore why not take time to explore a composer’s background and output too? I’ve added a performance of each piece from the many on YouTube.

1. Ländler by Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

A notoriously difficult composer to tackle, Austrian master Franz Schubert has written some of the most lyrical music of all time (particularly his songs (or Lieder), of which there are over 550). This little piece is typical of his style, with a flowing, simplistic melody, and dance-like bass. Set in triple time, it is the perfect example of a folk dance.

1. It might be beneficial to begin with the scale and arpeggio of G major, due to the many arpeggio-based figurations in the right hand. These note patterns fit comfortably under the hand; each bar can be isolated and worked at separately. Use fingering which allows for the hand turns; it’s easier to play such passage work ‘in position’.
2. When playing passagework like that of bar 1, ensure all notes are sounding equally. This will be important for both the tone and the rhythm. To play bar 1 evenly, roll the hand and wrist slightly to the right to easily accommodate and support the fourth and fifth fingers (which will play the Ds and E in bar 1, beat 1 – 2), then roll to the left when playing the Bs and G (beats 2 – 3). This is known as lateral wrist motion, which supports the fingers. Aim to apply such movements for all similar figurations.
3. Turning the right hand will be necessary; at bar 3, the hand will turn on beat 1 (C with a 3rd finger to the D with a thumb). This may come as a surprise after the relatively easy movement required in the previous two bars; when playing slowly, exaggerate the movement when turning, using a large hand and wrist rotation. When played at tempo, the turn will use a much smaller movement, but should feel easier and smoother.
4. Try to keep all right hand passagework legato, breaking very slightly at the end of each phrase mark. During the second and third line, pairs of slurred notes (bar 10, beat 1) might need a drop-roll lift, before short detached staccato quavers. Although short, these should ideally be kept in character with the expressive dance-like feel, therefore a softer approach to staccato will work well here.
5. The left hand can be practised a chord per bar, to assimilate hand positions and fingerings. The bass dotted minim (bottom of the chord at bar 9) must be held throughout each bar during the last two lines. Ensure the left hand plays these notes as legato as possible, and aim to use sustaining pedal sparingly. When working hands together, practice a bar at a time, stopping over the bar line (on the first beat of the next bar) which can be helpful for continuity.

2. Willow, tit-willow (from The Mikado) by Arthur Sullivan (1842 – 1900), arranged by Janet and Alan Bullard

A delightful arrangement of an expressive song from the much-loved comic opera written by British composer Arthur Sullivan. In the opera, the song is sung by Ko Ko and is all about an unhappy bird who dives to his death into a river. This piece provides a good opportunity to explore soft colours and musical expressivity.

1. The dotted crotchet beat (6/8) might need some work, particularly as there are a few tricky corners and many rests  requiring careful counting. Perhaps start by clapping the rhythm of each hand separately (whilst counting aloud), and then clapping both hands together; the right hand clapping the top line, and the left hand, the bottom. Particular ‘spots’ to watch out for are bars 3, 7 and 15 -18, where semiquavers and rests must be all in their rightful place.
2. Work at the left hand first, and ensure dotted minims (in bar 1 and 5) are held whilst the notes above are legato and smooth. The same applies for all held bass notes at bars 2, 4, 6, and 8. The left hand chords should ideally punctuate and support the melody in the right hand, so aim to move from one chord to the next smoothly. Fingering and easy, flexible hand and wrist movements will be important in this regard.
3. The melody might need some slow practice in order to grasp the turn (bar 2, beats 1 – 2), which must be smooth without any sense of jerkiness or unevenness. The A (bar 2, beat 1), needs more colour, dying away on the D (Bar 2, beat 2). Each semiquaver group (for example, bar 3 – 4), calls for a drop-roll movement; where pairs of slurred quavers require a very legato drop then lift on the second note of the pair.
4. Where the dotted quaver-semiquaver pattern occurs in bars 9 -14, counting in semiquavers can help for precision and poise. The una corda will be effective for the last two bars (as indicated). Keep the sustaining pedal to a minimum, and observe the rest at bar 14.
5. Tonal colour will determine a successful performance. Try tapering off the sound at the end of a phrase. It can also help to play passages at varying dynamic markings exploring what works before making a final decision. Generally, a crescendo to the middle of a phrase (with a decrescendo towards the end) will highlight the musical line effectively.

3. The Swing Detectives by Ben Crosland (1968 – )

An energetic, dramatic swing piece for all those who enjoy a romp around the keyboard. Written by British educational composer Ben Crosland, this fast-moving piece with heavy accents and insistent rhythm is a lively contrast to the Schubert and Sullivan; those who love jazzy styles will certainly appreciate its colourful harmonies.

1. In order to understand the swing style, it might be a good plan to practice thinking and counting the triplet beat as per directed at the top of the score. The quavers – in both hands in the first bar (an F sharp and G (bar 1, beat 1)), would be played as a crotchet – quaver pattern; think about counting in three quaver beats, then give the F sharp the value of a crotchet (or two quavers), and the G, a quaver. Add the suggested marked accent onto the F sharp, and lighten the G (you can apply this technique to all quaver passages). This should provide the necessary ‘laid back’ swing feel.
2. Coordination between the hands will be important in the first and last line particularly. When practising hands together, experiment by using different rhythms, accents, and touches, listening carefully to each note as its played. Take the notes down absolutely together, slowly at first; it can help to play the left hand with more power than the right (and vice versa!), as the left hand can sometimes feel weaker.
3. The left hand chords from bars 5 – 7 and 9 – 11 might need some attention, as the hand moves out of position and ‘jumps’ fairly quickly. Isolate the chords, and move very swiftly, working at the leaps alone, before playing each passage; first of all, move much quicker than necessary, then work slowly, leaping further than needed i.e. an octave lower than written. When playing at the suggested tempo with the written notes, chords and fingerings should be more comfortable.
4. Left hand chords in the second and third line are effective if played with non-legato (or slightly detached touch), and the tenuto markings at bars 8, 10 and 11 will add an emphasis needed for this style.
5. The key to a successful rendition is an incisive, regular pulse. If you count every beat, syncopations, such as those in bar 12 and 16 will be accurate and full of energy. Ensure szforzandos such as those in bars 12 and 16 are given a real kick too!

For more information on other posts in this series, please click here.

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My Books:

For much more information on how to practise repertoire, take a look at my new two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO. Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with copious practice tips and advice for each piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology is also a valuable resource for those who desire a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

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June 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Full Charts

June 2017 REBGV Statistics Package from Mike Stewart

Demand for condominiums continues to outstrip supply

 

The imbalance between supply and demand in the condominium market is creating home buyer competition across Metro Vancouver.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 3,893 in June 2017, an 11.5 per cent decrease from the 4,400 sales recorded in June 2016, an all-time record, and a decrease of 10.8 per cent compared to May 2017 when 4,364 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 14.5 per cent above the 10-year June sales average.

“Two distinct markets have emerged this summer. The detached home market has seendemand ease back to more typical levels while competition for condominiums is creating multiple offer scenarios and putting upward pressure on prices for that property type,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said.

There were 5,721 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in June 2017. This represents a 2.6 per cent decrease compared to the 5,875 homes listed in June 2016 and a 5.3 per cent decrease compared to May 2017 when 6,044 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,515, a nine per cent increase compared to June 2016 (7,812) and a 4.2 per cent increase compared to May 2017 (8,168).

“Home buyers have more selection to choose from in the detached market today while condominium listings are near an all-time low on the MLS®,” Oudil said. “Detached home listings have increased every month this year, while the number of condominiums for sale has decreased each month since February.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for June 2017 is 45.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 24.5 per cent for detached homes, 62 per cent for townhomes, and 93.2 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Market conditions will vary today depending on area and property type,” Oudil said. “It’s important to work with your local REALTOR® to help you understand the trends that are occurring in your community.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $998,700. This represents a 7.9 per cent increase over June 2016 and a 1.8 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Sales of detached properties in June 2017 reached 1,320, a decrease of 15.5 per cent from the 1,562 detached sales recorded in June 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,587,900. This represents a 1.4 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,905 in June 2017, a decrease of 9.6 per cent compared to the 2,108 sales in June 2016. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $600,700. This represents a 17.6 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Attached property sales in June 2017 totalled 668, a decrease of 8.5 per cent compared to the 730 sales in June 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $745,700. This represents a 10.7 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

The post June 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Full Charts appeared first on Mike Stewart.

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Monogram by Alliance Partners – Plans, Prices, Availability

At a Glance

• 6 townhouses
• 3-bedroom & 3-bedroom + den
• underground parking & storage
• 2 blocks from Commercial Drive shops & restaurants
• near public transit
• one block from bicycle route
• very high walkability

Architecturally Distinct
This is Monogram, a boutique collection of 3-bedroom townhomes in the heart of one of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Located two blocks from Commercial Drive at the corner of Victoria Drive and East Georgia Street, Monogram is close to everything – markets, restaurants, parks, shops, schools, breweries, and access to transit & cycling routes. Monogram is an architecturally-distinct place to call home and features spacious layouts created with families and livability in mind.

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Pricing for Monogram
From $1,199,900.

Floor Plans for Monogram
Monogram offers a choice of six 3-storey townhomes with either three bedrooms or three bedrooms and a den. Interested buyers should contact me immediately to confirm availability and view relevant plans.

Parking and Storage
Each home will have its own underground parking and storage.

Maintenance Fees at Monogram
Currently unavailable.

Developer Team for Monogram
Alliance represents a common vision of two incorporating partners to build a legacy. Growing up in Taiwan, they were brought up in families of developers, builders, and architects. From floor plan layouts for the most efficient spaces, to finding creative development partnership structures, the partners developed a strong sense of hard work and a knack for development from a young age. Today, they have aligned their interests and resources to create the Alliance Group, a multi-faceted investment and development company intended to rebrand the real estate industry.

Expected Completion for Monogram
Selling now. Completion date is yet to be announced.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Chinatown, Mount Pleasant, or Southeast False Creek?

Check out these great Mount Pleasant Presales!

The post Monogram by Alliance Partners – Plans, Prices, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.

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