> from: [log in to unmask]
> subject: Re: Decline of Anatomy
>
> In defence of 'run throughs';
> Piano playing is stiking the appropriate key at the appropriate time and in
> sequence to generate a pleasing pattern. Having seen a piano keyboard
> operated it becomes easier to understand how difficult it is going to be to
> learn to do it. This is not helped by an explanation that I am now pressing
> this key whilst my foot is on this pedal.
Not quite, I watched my father drive cars for 15 years but had no idea what was going on until it was explained to me, and until I was allowed to do it for myself. I've watched pianists for years but there's no way I could learn a piece by watching them alone. Most of you watch your secretaries touch-type at 70wpm but most of you will be unable to do this no matter how long you stand and watch. There are many similar medical examples (but not as interesting!). I agree practical skills must be learnt in a practical fashion, but they are not learned by watching someone else; you've got to do it yourself, after a full explanation.
Adrian Fogarty
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