Simpedia

Kerry V., Australia

I have been a judge in the St Luke’s Talent Quest for the last three years. The last two years I was judge for the finalists,but today I was judge for the finalist auditions.

Well, the vocal talent is unbelievable and most were children. But what disgusted me, and really upset me were the piano players. They were all, but one, from one piano school and ALL of them, without exception, were appalling. Not because of the mistakes they made, or the choice of material, it was the WAY they played. We were introduced to most of them as having been students for eight or so years! None of them played with expression or vibrance, none showed any interest and not one “knew” their piece.

All pieces seemed far too advanced for them to play at an audition (and yet SM students would have had them down, flawlesssly, within their first year!)

I did not say anything to the other two judges. They both turned and said that the students were not good at all, especially after playing for up to eight years. Before they asked my advice, they said that there should be more self-expression, showing they are enjoying it and surely could be playing more advanced. I confirmed my frustration with this, and that I know people can be playing great-sounding pieces in months, not in years, and play them well with full self-expression. Wow, next year MY students are going to be asked, by me, to compete as they really do have more to offer than these ones.

(After the judging I found out one judge was the Deputy Principal of the school, and the other was in the Administration Department,so I can use this to my advantage!)

I felt outraged that someone can have students for such a long time, and yet have so little to show for it. I felt extremely torn that I knew a way that they could be playing with so much more interest, however I felt I could not say anything to them.

I couldn’t help myself with one family though, and gave them my card. A part of me is hoping they give it to their teacher, and if possible have her learn more about the possibilities SM has to offer. It may not happen, but I really felt like I had to “save” these children. What would you have done in this situation? Kept quiet or conversed in a particular way that would save face for their current teacher, and not make me sound like I was stepping where I should not?

During our break, I just had to play the piano, to show the judges what SM students are playing in months. They were so impressed, and then I continued to play, for my self. It is the first time I had done that. I was on a stage, people milling around, others doing their own thing and it didn’t bother me at all! I was enjoying playing, because I can 🙂 I have played in a few concerts, but that is all preparedness isn’t it? This was so impromptu and great fun.

The two judges want to learn from me and they are happy to put up my flyers. They said that they will contact me if and when their current piano teacher leaves. The organisers want to advertise me in their paper. Worth the fun to go judging somewhere but I certainly hope I see more SM students in “Talent Quests” and show what is possible. It is about time we stepped up to the plate and show all what we have. If you haven’t already done it for your students, go for it.