Shows
Ballet Piano PodcastHow Ballet Pianists Prepare For Ballet Class (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on themselves and their idiosyncrasies when it comes to physical preparation for class. Anything to make life a little easier and to get the best out of one’s self. Grab that coffee as we always do and enjoy the hilarity that will always ensue.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-08-1600 min
Ballet Piano PodcastAsk A Ballet Pianist AnythingIn this episode the team lift the lid on listeners’ questions. The team answer pertinent questions with honest and frank discussion based on what listeners want to know. It’s funny, but very informative, and perfect for pianists that want to get into the field.
This website is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-08-0900 min
Ballet Piano PodcastAsk A Ballet Pianist Anything (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on listeners’ questions. The team answer pertinent questions with honest and frank discussion based on what listeners want to know. It’s funny, but very informative, and perfect for pianists that want to get into the field.
This website is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-08-0900 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Jonathan Lo (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of music director Jonathan Lo. Currently at The Australian Ballet he has conducted at Northern Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and now the world. He’s elegant and well spoken, and you’ll love what he’s got to say.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-08-0200 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Jonathan LoIn this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of music director Jonathan Lo. Currently at The Australian Ballet he has conducted at Northern Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and now the world. He’s elegant and well spoken, and you’ll love what he’s got to say.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-08-0200 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Pas de Deux ClassesIn this episode the team lift the lid on playing for pas de deux, the type of repertoire most desired, and the technicalities as a pianist you may need in order to play this class at vocational level and beyond. Lots of information and context is given, and some very funny pas de deux stories!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-2600 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Pas de Deux Classes (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on playing for pas de deux, the type of repertoire most desired, and the technicalities as a pianist you may need in order to play this class at vocational level and beyond. Lots of information and context is given, and some very funny pas de deux stories!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-2600 minBallet Piano PodcastCommunication Between Ballet Pianists and Ballet TeachersIn this episode the team lift the lid on deeper communications in the ballet studio. It’s a heartfelt and personal approach to the discussion and everyone makes valid points. How can you get your point across whilst sparing everyone’s feelings, staying true to the piece, and having a good time? Find out here.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-1900 minBallet Piano PodcastCommunication Between Ballet Pianists and Ballet Teachers (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on deeper communications in the ballet studio. It’s a heartfelt and personal approach to the discussion and everyone makes valid points. How can you get your point across whilst sparing everyone’s feelings, staying true to the piece, and having a good time? Find out here.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-1900 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Jeanette WongIn this episode the team life the lid on the life and career of Jeanette Wong, the Head of piano at Birmingham Royal Ballet. It’s a really detailed look at the work involved heading the music department at one of the UK’s top ballet companies. It’s incredibly fun, but hard work at the same time. Jeanette handles it like a pro!2024-07-1200 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Jeanette Wong (Video)In this episode the team life the lid on the life and career of Jeanette Wong, the Head of piano at Birmingham Royal Ballet. It’s a really detailed look at the work involved heading the music department at one of the UK’s top ballet companies. It’s incredibly fun, but hard work at the same time. Jeanette handles it like a pro!2024-07-1200 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Pointe WorkIn this episode the team life the lid on what it’s like to play for the pointe class, and how it can differ from that of a regular class. Hilarious as always, it’s full of stories and banter as well as useful information that can be used teachers and pianists alike.
The sheet music for the Radetzky March can be found HERE and music for Lilac Fairy can be found HERE.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-0500 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Pointe Work (Video)In this episode the team life the lid on what it’s like to play for the pointe class, and how it can differ from that of a regular class. Hilarious as always, it’s full of stories and banter as well as useful information that can be used teachers and pianists alike.
The sheet music for the Radetzky March can be found HERE and music for Lilac Fairy can be found HERE.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-07-0500 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Cynthia HarveyIn this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of revered ballerina Cynthia Harvey. From a small town in California to the heights of the world stage in ballet, she has done it all. She’s ballsy, firstly and totally loveable, and so witty!2024-06-2800 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Cynthia Harvey (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of revered ballerina Cynthia Harvey. From a small town in California to the heights of the world stage in ballet, she has done it all. She’s ballsy, firstly and totally loveable, and so witty!2024-06-2800 minBallet Piano PodcastWhat People Don't Know About Our JobIn this episode the team life the lid on…each other really! They reveal all the things about each other that the listeners might now know, making it insightful and funny at the same time. Grab a cuppa for this one. It’s really fun!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-2100 minBallet Piano PodcastWhat People Don't Know About Our Job (Video)In this episode the team life the lid on…each other really! They reveal all the things about each other that the listeners might now know, making it insightful and funny at the same time. Grab a cuppa for this one. It’s really fun!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-2100 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Cyrus GabryschIn this episode the team lift the lid on the celebrated improviser for dance, Cyrus Gabrysch. A man of few words, this episode unpicks his psyche and reveals what makes him tick, and as you will see, he has a sharp wit and great comedy timing.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-1400 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Cyrus Gabrysch (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the celebrated improviser for dance, Cyrus Gabrysch. A man of few words, this episode unpicks his psyche and reveals what makes him tick, and as you will see, he has a sharp wit and great comedy timing.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-1400 minBallet Piano PodcastWhat Makes A Good Ballet Pianist?In this episode the team life the lid on what it means to be a good ballet pianist. A round table topical discussion based on experience and listener’s contributions with funny tales and anecdotes. We’re sure you’ll love it!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-0700 minBallet Piano PodcastWhat Makes A Good Ballet Pianist? (Video)In this episode the team life the lid on what it means to be a good ballet pianist. A round table topical discussion based on experience and listener’s contributions with funny tales and anecdotes. We’re sure you’ll love it!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-06-0700 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Petal MillerIn the episode the team lift the lid on life and career of Royal Ballet soloist, Petal Ashmole Winstanley. What an incredible life she has had, and this episode fully explores all areas. It’s a happy episode and a sad episode but has hope and optimism at the heart of it.
You can purchase Petal's book from Amazon here - https://amzn.eu/d/8QyHw3c
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-3100 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Petal Miller (Video)In the episode the team lift the lid on life and career of Royal Ballet soloist, Petal Ashmole Winstanley. What an incredible life she has had, and this episode fully explores all areas. It’s a happy episode and a sad episode but has hope and optimism at the heart of it.
You can purchase Petal's book from Amazon here - https://amzn.eu/d/8QyHw3c
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-3100 minBallet Piano PodcastDealing With Specific Requests In Ballet ClassIn this episode the team lift the lid on life in the ballet studio where specific requests are made and how as ballet pianists you are expected to deal with them. Things such as specific tunes, rhythm and feel, time signatures, different accents. They are all valid and there are tricks to get around them. It’s hilarious and informative!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-2400 minBallet Piano PodcastDealing With Specific Requests In Ballet Class (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on life in the ballet studio where specific requests are made and how as ballet pianists you are expected to deal with them. Things such as specific tunes, rhythm and feel, time signatures, different accents. They are all valid and there are tricks to get around them. It’s hilarious and informative!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-2400 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Anita Young (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of Anita Young MBE. A former soloist of The Royal Ballet, and a wonderfully eccentric person, she episode is a giggle from start to finish. Buckle up, Anita is about to take centre stage!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-1700 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Anita YoungIn this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of Anita Young MBE. A former soloist of The Royal Ballet, and a wonderfully eccentric person, she episode is a giggle from start to finish. Buckle up, Anita is about to take centre stage!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-05-1700 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying and Arranging Music for Ballet ClassThis episode is a unique one. It features, Chris, Akiko, and Matt all playing musical examples, something which doesn’t happen very often. You will hear how the pianists play the same tune, but in very different ways.
An important skill as a ballet pianist is to be able to rearrange music to make it perfect for the dance, or simply to widen your repertoire by making one tune multifunctional. You can explore time signature, key signature, rhythm, feel, tempo, colour, harmony, and texture. They are all changeable which can make a class tune sound completely different.
Liste...2024-05-1000 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying and Arranging Music for Ballet Class (Video)This episode is a unique one. It features, Chris, Akiko, and Matt all playing musical examples, something which doesn’t happen very often. You will hear how the pianists play the same tune, but in very different ways.
An important skill as a ballet pianist is to be able to rearrange music to make it perfect for the dance, or simply to widen your repertoire by making one tune multifunctional. You can explore time signature, key signature, rhythm, feel, tempo, colour, harmony, and texture. They are all changeable which can make a class tune sound completely different.
Liste...2024-05-1000 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Ballet Variations (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on playing for variation class in a ballet school context. It is a discussion episode with everything you need to know about this topic as well as candid discussion about the history of playing for variations and how music has evolved to keep up with the demands of ballet in today’s world. Always funny, always relevant.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcacastRecording.co.uk2024-05-0300 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Ballet VariationsIn this episode the team lift the lid on playing for variation class in a ballet school context. It is a discussion episode with everything you need to know about this topic as well as candid discussion about the history of playing for variations and how music has evolved to keep up with the demands of ballet in today’s world. Always funny, always relevant.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcacastRecording.co.uk2024-05-0300 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Mavin Khoo (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on Mavin Khoo, a great in the British dance scene as well as in Asia. This episode is poignant on many levels and you can hear that Mavin is completely in charge of his feelings, emotions, and view point. His life and career is completely explored. It’s a beautiful podcast.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-2600 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Mavin KhooIn this episode the team lift the lid on Mavin Khoo, a great in the British dance scene as well as in Asia. This episode is poignant on many levels and you can hear that Mavin is completely in charge of his feelings, emotions, and view point. His life and career is completely explored. It’s a beautiful podcast.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-2600 minBallet Piano PodcastThe Grand Allegro Waltz (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the grand allegro waltz and that particular part of class. What we play, how we play it, and our ever evolving approach to playing the biggest part of class. It can be mined field thanks to the advancement of technique and athleticism.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-1900 minBallet Piano PodcastThe Grand Allegro WaltzIn this episode the team lift the lid on the grand allegro waltz and that particular part of class. What we play, how we play it, and our ever evolving approach to playing the biggest part of class. It can be mined field thanks to the advancement of technique and athleticism.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-1900 minBallet Piano PodcastBallet Studio Communication (Video)In this episode, the team lift the lid on communication within the ballet studio, and it’s importance. From eye contact, visual communication, verbal communication, and everything necessary to build a rapport between teacher and pianist. It is helpful, informative, insightful, and of course hilarious.
Proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-1200 minBallet Piano PodcastBallet Studio CommunicationIn this episode, the team lift the lid on communication within the ballet studio, and it’s importance. From eye contact, visual communication, verbal communication, and everything necessary to build a rapport between teacher and pianist. It is helpful, informative, insightful, and of course hilarious.
Proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-1200 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Convcersation with Philip FeeneyIn this episode the team lift the lid on the life and work of ballet composer Phil Feeney. With a career spanning decades, Feeney has twenty full length, and fifty short works to his name, and the team explore his process in this pod. It’s a beautifully sedate episode.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-0500 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Philip Feeney (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on the life and work of ballet composer Phil Feeney. With a career spanning decades, Feeney has twenty full length, and fifty short works to his name, and the team explore his process in this pod. It’s a beautifully sedate episode.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-04-0500 minBallet Piano PodcastBallet Studio Horror Stories (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on times in the ballet studio where the job has gone horribly wrong. A pod full of horror stories, some funny, some serious, all valid. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and it makes ballet appear a bit more normal. Prepare to belly laugh!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-03-2900 minBallet Piano PodcastBallet Studio Horror StoriesIn this episode the team lift the lid on times in the ballet studio where the job has gone horribly wrong. A pod full of horror stories, some funny, some serious, all valid. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and it makes ballet appear a bit more normal. Prepare to belly laugh!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-03-2900 minBallet Piano PodcastAdvice, Tips and Tricks for New Ballet Pianists (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on life as a new pianist. They have collated some useful tips and tricks for new pianists starting out based on their own knowledge and experiences. New pianists can definitely use this episode to fill their ‘tool’ bags with useful hints to get going.
The sheet music for Radetzky March can be found here balletpianopodcast.com/radetzkymarch
A brief sheet on dancers counts with musical examples can be found here balletpianopodcast.com/dancerscounts
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-03-2235 minBallet Piano PodcastAdvice, Tips and Tricks for New Ballet PianistsIn this episode the team lift the lid on life as a new pianist. They have collated some useful tips and tricks for new pianists starting out based on their own knowledge and experiences. New pianists can definitely use this episode to fill their ‘tool’ bags with useful hints to get going.
The sheet music for Radetzky March can be found here balletpianopodcast.com/radetzkymarch
A brief sheet on dancers counts with musical examples can be found here balletpianopodcast.com/dancerscounts
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-03-2235 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Gavin SutherlandIn this episode the team lift the lid on the life and career of ballet conductor Gavin Sutherland. Former music director at English National Ballet he began humbly in north of England and now enjoys international acclaim all over the world.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2024-03-1553 minBallet Piano PodcastAdvice, Tips and Tricks for New Ballet Teachers (Video)In this episode the team lift the lid on life as a new professional in the ballet world, specifically for ballet teachers. The team have collated some of their most useful tips and tricks for new teachers to help them get off on the right foot when it comes to working with live music for the first time.
A small reference sheet for musicians about dancers counts can be found at https://www.balletpianopodcast.com/dancerscounts
This episode is proudly produced and published by podcastrecording.co.uk2024-03-0826 minBallet Piano PodcastAdvice, Tips and Tricks for New Ballet TeachersIn this episode the team lift the lid on life as a new professional in the ballet world, specifically for ballet teachers. The team have collated some of their most useful tips and tricks for new teachers to help them get off on the right foot when it comes to working with live music for the first time.
A small reference sheet for musicians about dancers counts can be found at https://www.balletpianopodcast.com/dancerscounts
This episode is proudly produced and published by podcastrecording.co.uk2024-03-0826 minBallet Piano PodcastThank youA message of thanks from Chris and the rest of the team!2024-03-0501 minBallet Piano PodcastWe're Back for 2024! (Video)In this episode, the team lift the lid on their lives over the past year and a half, from job changes, career changes, working holidays, cruises, and much, much more. This episode also shares what you can expect from the season including round table topical discussions, and spotlight ‘In Conversations’. This episode is proudly produced and published by podcastrecording.co.uk2024-03-0116 minBallet Piano PodcastWe're back for 2024!In this episode, the team lift the lid on their lives over the past year and a half, from job changes, career changes, working holidays, cruises, and much, much more. This episode also shares what you can expect from the season including round table topical discussions, and spotlight ‘In Conversations’. This episode is proudly produced and published by podcastrecording.co.uk2024-03-0116 minBallet Piano PodcastWe Went LiveThis is the final episode in the current season, and it is the audio recording of the livestream we did on Sunday 10th July. If you were unable to watch along, you can enjoy this episode and hear everything from that livestream, complete with us pianists playing ballet exercises for you. You can also watch the livestream on our website, www.balletpianopodcast.com. Before we wrap up the new episodes and take our summer hiatus, we want to say a huge thank you to you, our followers, listeners, subscribers, and downloaders, for all your support, likes, comments, and interactions wit...2022-07-2154 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Gill CivilThis week’s episode is with dance accompanist, Gill Civil. Her life and career is so off the wall and varied, and in this episode we get to learn all about her work in dance, as we put the spotlight on her.
From New Zealand originally, she has worked and lived in Australia, the USA and Canada, starting off her career in a punk rock band, working with Crowded House and Limbs Dance company, and playing for ballet classes throughout Australia, the USA, and Canada.
She is also a composer of her own music for bal...2022-07-141h 05Ballet Piano PodcastOur Ten Commandments for Teachers and DancersToday’s episode is the second instalment of the TEN COMMANDMENTS, and it’s the turn of the commandments for dancers and teachers as told by us pianists.
Again, it’s a very light hearted episode, where wethree pianists corner David Yow, and read him the riot act, HAHA!
It’s filled with some useful do’s and don’ts for teachers and dancers from a ballet pianists perspective, that we think would make life easier for both, and make the ballet class run smoothly and harmoniously.
We are not the oracle, nor have we ever...2022-07-0726 minBallet Piano PodcastOur Ten Commandments for Ballet PianistsThis week’s new episode is a funny one with all the team members, and we’re talking about some do’s and don’ts of the ballet studio in an episode we’re calling THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. It’s a very light hearted episode with some sincere sentiment, that we feel would make the studio more harmonious, if followed.
This episode is the first of two commandment episodes, and in this episode, David Yow takes the floor and leads us in his ‘ready to go’ tips for ballet pianists from the teacher’s perspective.
We’re not the oracl...2022-06-3019 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Andrea MarcellettiThursday can only mean one thing, and it’s a brand new Ballet Piano Podcast. This week it comes in the form of an In Conversation with a current dancer of Sarasota Ballet, Andrea Marcelletti.
Andrea we feel, is rather a special dancer with a more detailed appreciation for music than most, and in this episode, we talk about his life and career in ballet so far, and where his appreciation for music came from.
Loving referred to as ‘ the assistant’, Andrea as a student was always one step ahead of the teacher and pianist, and was...2022-06-2342 minBallet Piano PodcastHappy EndingsWe have a fantastically funny episode for you today, with a rather tongue-in-cheek title. In previous episodes, we have talked about introductions and what we need to get the exercise going, but what about our needs for the exercise coming to an end?
In this episode, we talk a bit about the structure of exercises so that pianists can identify when the end is coming, and we talk in depth about the things to look out for from the dancers and teachers, so you can finish playing when the exercise has finished.
There are various n...2022-06-1621 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Lorien SlaughterIt’s In Conversation week again, and we have a special guest who we think is very important within the dance world. it’s physiotherapist, Lorien Slaughter.
Lori was a former dancer having trained at The Royal Ballet School, and in this episode we talk to him about his journey form stage, to dancers’ clinic, and how he uses his dance science knowledge and experience to help him in his other job as a ballet teaching.
Lori also talks in depth about the various aspects of dance science and physiology, that can impact a dancer’s career...2022-06-091h 03Ballet Piano PodcastBallet Studio EtiquetteThis week’s new episode is a funny one, but with serious undertones. And it’s all about studio etiquette, the do’s and don’ts of the ballet studio.
Traditionally speaking, ballet is a physical art form, and a discipline, and over the centuries, how dancers, teachers, and pianists behave in the studio has evolved.
We discuss in this episode what we think are the most important aspects of studio etiquette that enhance the art form, both at training and professional level.
It’s quite a funny episode with lots of tongue in cheek st...2022-06-0223 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with John SweeneyWe have a fantastic new episode for you this week, another ‘In Conversation’. We were lucky enough to get together with dance pianist and silent film composer, living legend John Sweeney.
John has the most amazing career in dance accompaniment and silent movies, and we well and truly put the spotlight on him to find out about his life and career, from a person, who on the surface is rather understated.
John is also famed for his extremely varied and sophisticated improvising and that is the life blood of his work as an accompanist, and we as...2022-05-261h 09Ballet Piano PodcastPlaying for Ballet AssessmentsThe whole team are back this week with the addition of baby Hazel, to talk about preparing for, and playing for ballet assessments. It’s quite a niche topic within our industry, but it’s quite important and this episode is particularly insightful.
How does David choose the steps? How does he structure the class? How does he best exhibit the dancers in their best light? How do the pianists decide what music they are going to play? How is the assessment finalised and rehearsed? What happens on assessment day?
The team talk openly and candidly a...2022-05-1929 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Rose AliceWe have another fantastic episode for you this week, an ‘In Conversation’ with enigmatic, charismatic, and all round creative human, Rose Alice, the Artistic Director of International Arts Collective.
With an extreme physical ability and technique, she has captivated audiences all over the world from Europe, to China, and the USA.
We hope you enjoy this episode with the spotlight firmly on Rose, who always keeps it real, and who talks candidly about her serious highs and lows as an artist, and what fuels her every day. Listener discretion is advised, but nonetheless, you will love...2022-05-1251 minBallet Piano PodcastFirst Date NervesHave you ever been on a first date and experienced the sort of nerves you get when you meet someone for the first time? Well as a ballet pianist, and ballet teacher, working with someone you’ve never met before can feel just like that. And that’s what this episode is all about.
We discuss what it’s like to work with someone new for the first time. The sorts of things you might anticipate in a new colleague, the sorts of things you bring to a new partnership, and the little idiosyncrasies you try to read in e...2022-05-0526 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying for Men in BalletAnother week, and another brilliant episode for you! This episode is in response to a message that came in from a follower on the Instagram account, and she wanted to know about how we play for men specifically, and how David chooses music for his classes, and what he likes to hear from music in his men’s classes.
We discuss as a general consensus that we would play a bit stronger, bigger with more space in the music to allow for the men to jump a bit higher, and execute more pirouettes, and to generally dancer big...2022-04-2824 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Chris HampsonWe bring you another gem of an episode this week, an “In Conversation” with the Artistic Director and CEO of Scottish Ballet, Christopher Hampson. Recorded in November 2020 during the pandemic, and on Zoom, this interview is pertinent to that time and climate, but we hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
We celebrate the life and career of Christopher Hampson, from fairly routine training at the Royal Ballet School, to landing a dancing job at English National Ballet, to freelance choreography and teaching, and finally being offered the top job at Scotland.
We ask him about his proce...2022-04-1452 minBallet Piano PodcastQ and A 2022We asked you to provide some questions of ballet and music topics that you wanted answering, and we did! We also ask questions of each other, things about ballet and music we wanted to know from each other’s perspective, and it is very revealing and insightful.
As is often the case on the Ballet Piano Podcast, you can expect lots of laughter, and bickering from the Hobsons, but it’s all in good fun and light humour. We answer your questions as honestly as possible, to the best of our knowledge and experience.
This episod...2022-04-1422 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with James BartonHave we a got a fantastic episode for you this week?! A brilliant ‘In Conversation’ with James Barton, originally recorded in October 2020.
James has had, (and is still having) the most wonderful career having started as a Junior Associate of the Royal Ballet School, trained at Elmhurst school, and graduated into Birmingham Royal Ballet, performing on the west end stage, and then becoming ballet master at Scottish Ballet, he has done it all.
James has worked some of the best people in the business from Gillian Lynne to Christopher Wheeldon, and the stories he can tell w...2022-04-071h 02Ballet Piano PodcastWhen Tunes Work and Don't in Ballet ClassThursday can only mean one thing…a brand new episode! And this week, it’s all about when tunes go wrong. Call this a horror stories episode if you will!
We have quite an in depth discussion about choosing music you think is going to work for your exercise, but turns out when you play it, it is way off and you have to think on your feet about how you’re going to get out of it.
As pianists, sometimes we choose something we think is right, but the teacher wants something much quicker or slowe...2022-03-3121 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Karen MacIverIt’s that time of the week again where we bring you a brand new episode, and this week it’s another ‘In Conversation’. It’s the turn of living legend, Karen MacIver.
We talk to Karen about her life and career in ballet, silent movies, composing, and her authorship of two books about her approach to accompanying dance.
It’s a very interesting episode with so much knowledge, insight, and thought provoking words from Karen about her theory behind accompanying the ‘moving image’. We feel very lucky we get to share her wisdom, and experiences with y...2022-03-241h 02Ballet Piano PodcastMusical Trickery - Moving the Bar LinesWe bring you a technical episode this week, and it’s all about counting music where the strong beat is not where you expect it to be.
Some tunes do not start on the first beat of the bar, and as a result counting them for dancers can be tricky. And so, in this episode we discuss how we overcome this and metaphorically move the bar lines in the music, and play in such a way that makes it easier to hear the strong beat of the melody as the strong beat of the bar.
It’...2022-03-1717 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Jonathan StillLovingly referred to as ‘The Godfather of ballet music’, Jonathan has been involved in the world of ballet and music since the mid 1980’s and his knowledge and experience is unparalleled.
Jonathan has affiliations with every major ballet company in the UK as well as The Royal Academy of Dance, and the world renowned International Ballet Masterclass in Prague.
In this episode, we talk to Jonathan about his life and career at the RAD, English National Ballet, the Prague Masterclass, the lengthy process of writing his PhD, and his freelance career.
Jonathan has the mo...2022-03-101h 06Ballet Piano PodcastDoes Rubato Help or Hinder in Ballet Class? We are discussing the use of tempo rubato and ask the question - Does Rubato Help or Hinder in Ballet Class?
The literal meaning of tempo rubato is ‘robbed time’, and refers to expressive and rhythmic freedom, by slightly slowing down and speeding up at the discretion of the musician as they play.
We talk about where rubato can be useful and how it can help dancers in their technique and artistry, but as David will state very clearly, it can also hinder greatly in dancers that are not advanced and don’t have that understand...2022-03-0316 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with Richard HonnerWe like to think of this as one of the jewels in the crown of Ballet Piano Podcast. It’s an In Conversation with legendary conductor and music director, Richard Honner.
With over fifty years of work in the theatre, we delve into Richard’s life and career from humble beginnings as an administrator at the Royal Opera House, to his work with Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, through to the inception of the ‘Piano for Dance’ course at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
You won’t fail to be taken over by Richard’s soothing tone...2022-02-2547 minBallet Piano PodcastShow tunes - How many show tunes is a show tune too many?We are bringing you a brand new episode today which focuses on the use of show tunes in the ballet class, and ask the question; how many show tunes is a show tune too many?
We talk about how musical theatre tunes can help dancers phrase movement and choreography, with the use of recognisable melodies that they know, and how the association of show tunes with the musicals they are from, can help a dancer evoke emotion, character, and style into their technique and artistry.
We reveal the show tunes we love to play and h...2022-02-1717 minBallet Piano PodcastWe're BackWe’re so excited to bring you this new episode after what feels like forever since we recorded or shared with you, but we’re back with a mini series of ‘coffee break conversations’ about ballet studio etiquette.
Enjoy this episode where we dissect the past year, and round it up, and share with you our plans for 2022, both professionally and personally.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2021-12-2127 minBallet Piano PodcastIn Conversation with David YowOccasionally we will be dropping 'in conversation' interviews with some leading people in the world of ballet. We'll be talking to them about their lives, careers and as always - there'll be funny stories along the way.
This episode is with podcast team member, David Yow, former principal of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2021-07-3051 minBallet Piano PodcastBallet Class IntroductionsIn this episode featuring the whole of the podcast team, we talk about what consists of an introduction for a ballet exercise, and the sorts of things you might play for an introduction. We also talk about the difference between dancers counts and musicians counts, and how this can affect what you may give as an introduction. We talk about the different kinds of introductions including those belonging to complex time signatures.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-12-1821 minBallet Piano PodcastMisunderstandings and Miscommunication in Ballet ClassThis episode is all about the misunderstandings that can happen in a ballet class, including timing, tempo, time signatures, and also when things have been miscommunicated by the teacher or the pianist, and you end up in a sticky patch. Listen as we regale you with our tales of when it all went wrong, and how we got out of them.
We learn from both the teacher and the pianist how best to overcome some of the most common communication issues, through their stories, knowledge and experience. As always, it’s filled with laughter, advice, and joviality.
2020-11-1324 minBallet Piano PodcastPlaying Ballet RepertoireWe bring you an exciting new episode this week, hosted by Matt, and it’s about playing for repertoire, solo, and variation class.
As Chris and Akiko have the most experience with this side of the job, they share with us all the insightful information about what it’s like to play those colossal ballet scores, and how they cope with the different environment of a rehearsal room instead of a classroom. As always, there’s an anecdote or two, and it’s a very interesting episode with the husband and wife team.
This episode is proud...2020-10-0924 minBallet Piano PodcastArranging Ballet Class RepertoireIn the absence of David Yow, the three pianists bring you a Hot Topic episode very close to our hearts, and an essential skill required to becoming a successful ballet pianist. We are discussing Arranging Ballet Class Repertoire. How we arrange existing pieces of music to make it suitable for a ballet class, and ballet phrasing.
We also talk about the ways that musicians count their music, and how different that is for dancers. And how important it is to recognise both in order to understand what the dancers and teachers mean when they count their exercise an...2020-09-1819 minBallet Piano PodcastChoosing Ballet Class RepertoireIn this episode we're lifting the lid on Chososing Ballet Class Repertoire. We talk about how we choose what we will play for class, the many ways you can build your repertoire, and where you can gain inspiration for choosing the tunes you play.
Choosing the right piece of music is essential, so we hope you enjoy this episode filled with useful tips and as always, funny anecdotes!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-08-2126 minBallet Piano PodcastIn SummaryIn this episode, we reflect on the first series of episodes since the podcast’s inception in February 2020, and we talk a bit about what we have learnt from producing the podcast, and the journey we have been on individually, and as a team.
We also talk about the current climate of Covid-19 in the UK, and how it has affected the ballet world in our own country, and globally, and how through the wonders of modern technology we were able to provide live music for classes that required it.
This episode is proudly produced an...2020-07-1727 minBallet Piano PodcastQ and A 2We hope you enjoy this penultimate episode in the ballet class series. It is the second instalment of the Q&A episode where we continue to answer questions sent in to us via email and the social media channels. This episode is slightly lighter hearted with lots of funny anecdotes.
Find out what brand of shampoo David Yow uses, and how the dream team of Mr. and Mrs. Hobson met and fell in love. There are, as always plenty of funny stories relating to our jobs in the world of classical ballet, and it’s an opportunity to lea...2020-06-1950 minBallet Piano PodcastQ and A 1We hope you enjoy this episode in which the team answer your burning questions that have been sent in over the past few weeks. Some are serious and informative, and some are light hearted and fun, but most spark a memory or an anecdote relating to a personal experience. In this episode, you’ll get to learn a bit more about the team, as they discuss the questions and relation to their careers in the ballet world. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-06-1254 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Ballet VirtuosityListen to this week’s episode all about Music for Ballet Virtuosity and the impressive tricks the dancers perform in the studio and on stage. You’ll hear David talk about the various steps and tricks that are considered virtuosic, and the pianists talk about the music typically used to accompany this section of class. It’s what is better known as the ‘coda’, the encore if you like and comes right at the end of class. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-06-0523 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Medium Allegro and Grand AllegroIn this episode we're lifting the lid on Music for medium Allegro and Grand Allegro. the team primarily discuss the biggest jump of all, which is grand allegro, but before that, David briefly rounds up the medium allegro and talks about how he as a teacher, bridges that gap between medium and grand allegro. The team digress slightly into the ways terminology differs around the world depending on training and school of thought, and how steps are called different things depending on where you dance. Also, listen out for the very famous “lame duck” step and how according to David...2020-05-2932 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Petit Allegro and Medium AllegroIn this episode we're lifting the lid on Music for Petit Allegro and Medium Allegro. David teaches the listener how dancers begin to jump in ballet class, and he explains in great detail how dancers prepare to jump through the use of the plié exercise, and some plié relevé exercises. The pianists then begin to discuss all the possible music that can be played for jumps, of which there are many different time signatures and styles of music that can be used. But ultimately, the team agree that at this point in the class when the dancers are fully warm...2020-05-2232 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for PirouettesListen to this episode where the team talk in depth about Music for Pirouettes! David, the podcast ballet expert breaks down a pirouette exercise into its basic form, and teaches the importance of ‘spotting’ to aid multiple turns, and arm positions to help with the balance. The pianists talk about what types of music you can use for pirouettes and the listener will learn that there are many styles that can be used for this exercise with varying accent. The most common style of music generally used is the waltz, but you can play mazurkas, landlers, jazz waltzes, Viennese waltz...2020-05-1526 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Centre AdageIn this episode we're discussing Music for Centre Adage. The team quickly address the current climate of Corona Virus and briefly discuss how they are still able to keep producing episodes remotely through the wonders of modern technology, and how they are coping with the self-isolation individually. As usual, the team throw to David initially to talk about the similarities and differences between the barre adage and centre adage, and how in the centre there are very little restrictions because there is no barre, and more space to move and exploit all directions and lines possible. David also reveals h...2020-05-0823 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Centre PracticeIn this episode we're discussing Music for Centre Practice. David discusses the importance of barre work and how it prepares the dancer for the centre, and how many of the steps and exercises from the barre can be done in the centre. As with most of the barre exercises, the pianists discuss the importance of playing with a little rubato as you begin to accompany dancers in the centre, helping them achieve the steps and exercises without the constraint of music in a strict metre. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-05-0122 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Port de BraIn this episode, David Yow talks us through what dancers experience as they transfer from barre to centre, with Music for Port de Bra. David educates us on the literal translation of port de bras, and how port de bras enhances the footwork to create a complete look for ballet. David teaches verbally how to find the basic arm positions, and talks through some standard port de bras sequences. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-04-2418 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Grand Battement and Grand Battement En ClocheListen to this episode where we celebrate reaching the last barre exercise, and lift the lid on Music for Grand Battement and Grand Battement en cloche! In this episode David gives a brief lesson on the difference between Grand Battement and the en cloche, and gives an example of how he would sing this exercise when he’s setting it for the dancers and pianist. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-04-1719 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Adage and Rond De Jambe En L'airIn this episode we're lifting the lid on Music for Adage and Rond De Jambe En L'air. We talk about being indulgent and inspirational, what we love to play, why we love to play it and more! This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-04-1024 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for FrappeThis week we're lifting the lid on the Music for Frappe. We're striking the match on quick codas, 2/4 and occasionally tarantella. As always, David Yow explains how this exercise is put together, its purpose and the choreographic intricacies. As usual we'll deviate from the subject matter slightly and open up the floor to each other for questions, queries and stories - and also a chance for Chris to confess his love of 80s music and TV themes!
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-04-0323 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for FonduFrom the bottom of our hearts, we hope that this email finds you and yours in good health. In the latest of our pre-recorded podcasts, we’re bringing you our discussion on Music for Fondu. We describe this in many different ways - the eloquent David Yow describes it as melting chocolate over ice cream, Matt describes it as sensual, Akiko describes it as spacious and Chris describes it as ‘when sex first comes into the ballet class musically’. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-03-2720 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Rond De Jambe à TerreIn this weeks episode we’re lifting the lid on Music for Rond De Jambe à Terre. We know that rond de Jambe means rounding of the leg but there’s so much more to the exercise than this. We introduce a port de bra and a balance on the end and discuss how you can support this musically through time signatures, melodies, accompaniment and of course - humour. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-03-2022 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Glissé and JetéIn this episode we're lifting the lid on Music for Glissé and Jeté. We also throw in pique for good measure. Glissé and Jeté are the first exercise where quicker tempo and accents meet in a beautifully crispy, quick and fun exercise. We also discuss how teachers can use pianists experience and musical knowledge and pianists being the unsung hero in a ballet class!
All that and more on this episode.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-03-1323 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for TenduIn this episode we're talking about the minefield that is the Music for Tendu. We open up about our favourite musical styles, David talks us through how he would set the exercise and we all chat about being indulgent to support the tenduness of a tendu exercise.
This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-03-0618 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for PliéIn this episode we're discussing the Music for Plié. When one thinks of ballet - one of the first movements that would come to mind is a plié. However - what is it? What is its purpose? Should it be on a 3/4 or a 4/4 and find out why Chris is having an affair with this particular exercise. All that and move in this episode of the Ballet Piano Podcast. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-02-2820 minBallet Piano PodcastMusic for Révérence and Warm UpWe discuss the first exercise of virtually any ballet class - Music for Révérence and Warm Up. Why is it so scary and why are there so many variations on a theme with this exercise? What music would you play and how would you approach it musically? We discuss all this and more in this episode of the Ballet Piano Podcast. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-02-2117 minBallet Piano PodcastHelloWelcome to the Ballet Piano Podcast. On our first episode we say hello and talk about how we became ballet pianists. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk2020-02-1514 min
The Ian Khan ShowDr. Chris Hobson Cmo Orion Health Talks Technology & HealthcareAll content provided by Ian Khan Ian Khan, National Bestselling Author, Futurist, Keynote SpeakerChris Hobson and I had a great chat at eHealth Canada 2017 just a few weeks ago. He shared his vision of the future and what technology is bringing to the table when it comes to changing the outcomes of traditional healthcare industry. Dr. Chris Hobson, MD MBA is the Chief Medical Officer and chief […]
The post Dr. Chris Hobson Cmo Orion Health Talks Technology & Healthcare first appeared on Ian Khan, National Bestselling Author, Futurist, Keynote Speaker.2017-06-2722 min