02/11/2017
I recently had a query from a teacher saying her student wanted to change the dynamics in one of my compositions and would it be okay with me if he did. Here was my response:
Every so often one of my students asks me something similar. On one level, I am delighted because it means that my student is really thinking about the piece and responding creatively to it. When students start “making it their own” it tells me that they have gone beyond learning just the notes and rhythm and are seeking the heart of the piece.
On another level, I feel it is important to honor a composer’s intent. As a teacher, I often tell my students that every expression mark, whether it be in regard to dynamics, articulation or tempo, is every bit as important as the notes and rhythm. As a composer, my philosophy is the same and I spend a great deal of time when choosing expressive marks because they I feel they define the character of the piece.
So what to do when a student wants to change things up a bit? My response to students who ask that question is usually this: go ahead and play the piece as you would like while playing at home (and occasionally at a lesson) in order to express your vision of how the piece should sound. But for recitals or competitions, play it with the composer’s intent. I feel that approach combines the best of both worlds. By learning the piece both ways, the student is able to release his or her own creativity and play a piece as written.
Now I have a question for you: do you have a budding composer in your studio? Perhaps your student could create his own piece about a storm! If he ever does, I would love to hear it!
