Reflect! [Eleganza 2009: Danse Capriccioso]

Thanks to everyone who supported NTU Piano Ensemble Annual Concert “Eleganza 2009: Danse Capriccioso”.

[Aw... I'm not good at saying thank you -_-]

I don’t know whether that was a great success [but this guy said so]. I just know something good happened after the end of each concert.

I would like to sum up what I’ve learnt from being one of the committee and performers.

[Thanks to HP802 =D]

———

As one of the performers, I found that…

Familiarity can reduce nerve.

Being quite familiar with other performers, guest artists, with the place [that was my second time there]… wow XD

Honestly I wasn’t so nervous just before my turn. I knew that I’d make a lot of mistakes [but the inverted rhythms and the extra note... oops... I didn't expect those!]

Ermm… anyway… that’s why I chose that piece =P

Performers progress is like S curves.

Every player has certain boundary where he can’t be “kicked” anymore to be improved a lot. The journey of reaching this boundary may form an S curve or may follow the marginal something in economics theory [it's in HE191 Principles of Economics!].

Higher boundary = More experience = Higher level of study

But that may not be true because of value theory. The theory explains why “some performers just can’t get it” even though an instructor repeats himself a lot. Value can [unconsciously] determine what info to take and what info to leave. If one’s value match with a thing, then he assumes everything is important and “eats” every info from that thing.

Steeper curve = More talent = Quicker to learn -> Usually have higher boundary

Value theory really explains why some pairs do not get along well.

Some pairs can have different perception of the piece they played. If they disagree each other and they make their disagreement big… oh no… “fire”! =P

Sometimes it’s not only about the piece; it’s also about how each of them behave. [Hmm I'm not sure though...]

Unmatched pair like that may look “full of tense” in the booklet photo =P

The only thing that committee can control is skill match. If the performers want value match, um, ……..then performers have to pair with their friends…….

The skill of both players also need to be balanced. Otherwise one of the pairs will have to wait a couple of months… And… oh no, not much progress happens… [then his heart screams "I need variation..."]

Technical skill is the first one to be deteriorated when adult period comes.

Practicing 2 hours every week is a blessing! Playing fast + even scales is a great great blessing!

If technical skills are trained in early childhood, the deterioration during adult period may be reduced. [--> seeing my partner =P]

———

As one of the committees, I found that…

• Prepared preparation [ermm... redundant =P] can help to get more effectiveness, especially for meeting/events.
  Preparation = Classes, rehearsals…
  Prepared = Schedule, identifying risks ahead… 
• Every role is to complement other roles.
• Reluctant to communicate = Different perception of a thing = Not clear = Blur blur
• Any = No direction = “Forest”
• Assertiveness can help to feel better. 
• Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics” really rocks!
  It should be in one of NTU library. I really like the following part:
  Look that that apple. Very shiny. After you eat it, you realize it’s totally empty. 

———-

iFoundMe!

• I need structured, highly predictable environment in order to work well.
  Otherwise, I’ll work alone or withdraw [clearly or vaguely]. I always try to make others’ decision to be considered. [even though, in my current field, I'm struggling to do so........ I've no idea...]
   
• My extroversion comes when I have the freedom to teach and the one taught by me seems to be slightly happier.
  “Extroversion => Happiness” really applies to me.
   
• I am very inhuman; Common sense is something that I have to learn.
   
• I like to work with sounds or pictures/structures. I struggle very hard to work with words.
   
• I work best with familiar people, or at least with less than 5 people.
   
• I know how it feels to have luck and destiny.
   
• I work very well if I’m somewhat hidden.
   
• I feel awkward in the middle of people’s attention.
   
• None is better; it’s just a matter of preference.
   
• Initiatives come from gene and/or experience.
• I rarely make good first impression.
• I have to learn how to celebrate.
   
• “How I do something to accomplish something” is my talent. People can’t follow it entirely, and none can change it. 
• I do too many intrapersonal communication.
   
• My FUN learning cycles:
  I envy someone’s skill, copy it, and paste it.
  I envy someone’s skill, find its weaknesses, and learn about them.
  I like someone’s skill, copy it, and paste it. 
  I hate someone, find his mistakes, and correct them in my attitudes. 
  They’re all towards one direction: –> perfect <–But I can’t be as good as everyone.        

   

  All of the above are common sense. Duh.