Piano performance sophomore Kenneth Broberg received one-on-one encouragement and constructive criticism from award-winning pianist Ksenia Nosikova during a master class at the Dudley Recital Hall on Monday night. | Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar
In an effort to give open opportunities to improve, a three-time award-winning pianist utilized her expertise to teach students during a guest piano master class Monday at the Dudley Recital Hall.
Ksenia Nosikova, an artistic director of Piano Sundays at the Old Capitol Museum and professor of piano at the University of Iowa, has performed in numerous festivals worldwide and has presented more than 90 master classes.
At the hall, Nosikova observed each performance and jotted notes in the students’ music book. Afterward, she worked alongside them.
“I use my knowledge to help the student with what I think needs improvement,” Nosikova said.
“The students play so well, but I hope to convince them to take and understand the reasons for my advice.”
She emphasized the students’ strengths and encouraged them to be open-minded to other ways of playing their piece.
“In such a short amount of time, it’s unfortunate that I cannot work with them long enough to understand their unique characteristics,” Nosikova said.
Piano performance senior Catrina Kim started the evening with a sonata composed by Mozart. With her eyes closed and her fingers running up and down the keys, Kim focused on maintaining a balance between the variations of the music and on making each note distinct and interesting.
After her recital, she was said she was grateful to receive expert advice from Nosikova.
“She helped me reconsider a piece of music that I have known for quite some time,” Kim said.
“For this piece specifically, she helped me rethink how I shaped phrases.”
Although Kim has been working on the Mozart Sonata for about six months, she said she valued Nosikova’s new perspective.
“When a musician learns a piece of music well enough to perform it, she can start to overlook details,” said Kim.
Fellow piano performance sophomore Kenneth Broberg excited the audience with a Spanish themed piece from Maurice Ravel. Instead of concentrating on technicalities, Broberg focused on conveying a character that corresponded with his music.
“She addressed some problems. I need to be more aware of including some rhythmic issues and inconsistencies of touch,” Broberg said.
“I worked on Alborada del Graciosio last summer, and Dr. Nosikova’s advice is very helpful in preparing me for the upcoming recital.”
