Perlman as Teacher
As we all get older, our roles and our priorities change. It turns out that this holds true for world-class music performers, as well. The great pianist, Alfred Brendel, retired from a major concert career, and emerged again as a lecturer on musical topics which he illustrates with short samples at the piano. The other day I heard violinist, Gil Shaham, say that he tries to travel less now that he has a wife and two kids living in New York City.
For many years, violinist Yitzhak Perlman traveled the world giving concerts to delighted audiences. He, too, has re-invented himself as a lecturer, teacher, Master Class coach, and the head of the Perlman School. Mr. Perlman had one amazing teacher years ago: He name was Dorothy Delay, and she was legendary in her ability to instruct many of the world’s great violinists with her creative methods.
On occasion one sees that the performing artist actually LOVES to teach. It seems to me that this is the case with Mr. Perlman. He seems to delight in interacting with kids of all ages, and one senses that he derives great satisfaction from seeing the progress that his students make.
Let’s look at some examples:
Here’s a wonderful video of Alfred Brendel in Portrait, as he discusses Beethoven with conductor S. Rattle
Now on to Perlman:
Here is a Violin studio class with Maestro Perlman: The Perlman Music Program in Jerusalem 2010
Now here’s Perlman talking about Beethoven:
Finally, here’s Perlman on Bow Grip
Tags: Yitzhak Perlman, teacher, violinist