Explore Classical Music in Our Three Sessions!

Most of us are familiar with the piano from home or school or childhood music lessons, but how much do you really know about this amazing instrument and the range of sounds it can create? Cleveland Institute of Music faculty member Marshall Griffith will give a brief history of this most versatile of instruments as well as a demonstration of ranges and textures.

Have you ever wondered what makes Baroque music, well… Baroque? What are the colors, sounds, rhythms, and pulses unique to the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Impressionist/Modern eras of music? Caroline Oltmanns, Head of the Piano Department at the Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University, will be your guide to putting the piano into the context of different time periods and styles. Whether this is your first-time exploring music history, or you just want a quick, fun refresher course, this session is sure to enhance your understanding and knowledge.

As you can imagine, musicians that are selected to compete in the Cleveland International Piano Competition are among the best in the world. Because they are all outstanding artists, there are measures that jurors in a music competition use to rank contestants to determine a winner. President of Piano Cleveland and 2007 CIPC medalist Yaron Kohlberg will give you an insider’s view on what makes some playing rise above the rest. From technique and touch to interpretation, Yaron will take you through all the elements that make piano playing go from good to great.