Audition Preparation CD / Practice-in-Flow
My former teacher, Bernd Holz, (WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne) prepared a CD of the Mozart Oboe Concerto piano accompaniment to practice at different Tempos. The first movement is at crotchet = 80, 100 and 120. I have found this so useful, I wondered if it could be done for other Audition "Standards". One really worth practising is the Ravel Piano Concerto Cor Anglais solo , as often you are required to play it with Piano. I also found "Orpheus" by Stravinsky much easier to learn when both parts of the oboe duet are played together.
Bernds Mozart "Begleiter" CD (that's accompaniment to you and me) is available on his website. It is pitched at 443. By the way, while you're there take a look at his "Jump" CD. It's his own compositions - pop oboe! Berndholz.de
I can post you a copy of the Ravel and Stravinsky. All I would charge is the cost of the CD and postage.
Visit my Reed Shop for details.
Practice-in-Flow
I recently came across Andreas Burzik, a violinist-psychologist who works in Bremen. He has developed a technique which he calls "flow-technique" in practice. I'll let him explain what he does. I found it tremendously useful, amazing in fact. I look forward to practising, and know that even if I am preparing the same piece for the 97,000th time, that it will be fresh and that I will find something new in it. Flow practice teaches the musician to listen to their body, their instrument and their heart, and not just the head. Take a look at www.practising-in-flow.de for more information. Andreas runs frequent workshops, but also practices from his centre in Bremen. Highly recommended.
I have also worked with British Oboist Karen O'Connor, who also specialises in performance anxiety and problems and apart from playing in the CBSO also is a trained Psychologist. Karen, I have to say saved my life as a musician. I can pass on her contact details on request.
