Charles Barnes

Today after the teacher's meeting, Mr Charles Barnes, this year's examiner for ABRSM exams, came up to me and asked me if I agree with what he says and stuffs.... and we continued talking about music and teaching; the right way, the wrong way and all... Then at one point, he was like telling me that I was a fine pianist - and I was like stoked - I mean coming from such a great musician. And When we continued talking about Chopin's pieces; he was like -"Well Those pieces aren't for me" and he said (am paraphrasing it) that pianist of my level can do that and that he'l leave those pieces to one like me/us. I was like stunned and EXCITED; a musician so fine saying that to me is like totally awesome. And when we talked about practicing fast, cos the argument was that if we are to perform the piece fast we gotta practice fast; and he on the other hand is a firm believer of practicing it slow to get it right and then move on to practice fast; well i do practice slow, but upon the advise of Dr. Mark tanner (a professional -and really popular- concert pianist in UK) I started to practice it fast cos if i m to play it fast i gotta practice it fast- but at times i go slow too, so as to correct some mistakes: Well then on this topic he commented "The Likes of you and Dr. Mark Tanner can do that, but me I'l stick to playing slow" And I was like in my mind (i did not speak out loud) " WHAT??? You just compared me to Dr. Mark Tanner??? You put me in the same level as this prolific musician???" Phew today is the best day of my life.............. :) i m stoked.......... :)