Reviews from 2008

I think I can speak for everyone who attended Marianne Ploger's Level One Workshop when I say that we wish we could go back in time. Unanimously the sentiment was - "if only we could have learned this years ago!" Marianne is nothing short of a genius. She addresses an area of music education that is undernourished in almost every professional musician - that is complete fluency and flexibility with the fundamentals of music. She is a consummate musician - pianist, conductor, composer, scientist, and pedagogue. Her knowledge of the brain as well as her understanding of the human mind's intersection with spirit is inspiring. Ultimately, what she teaches is incredibly valuable and meaningful because they are not just "Marianne Ploger's" ideas. When thanking her for this information, her response was "Thank Nature!" Marianne brilliantly, yet simply, reveals the underlying structures of music so that the "Music of the Spheres" becomes inspiring in pragmatic application in daily life as a professional musician. Joel Schoenhals, DMA Associate Professor of Piano, Eastern Michigan University Piano Faculty, Chautauqua Institution www.joelschoenhals.com Marianne Ploger's Intensive Level One Course in May 2008 was a marvelous investment of time and resources for me. As a collaborative pianist-coach, I am constantly dealing with issues concerning pitch, ensemble, rhythm, not to mention sight-reading, sight-singing and general musical confidence. Within three days of completing the course I was already putting more polished skills in these areas to use, at my church job, with private vocal clients, with my own practice. I recommend Ms. Ploger's course to any serious musician without reservation. She is a marvel of knowledge and comprehension, and so very enthusiastic and elegant as well. Katheryn Goodson www.kathryngoodson.com I have long been aware of my own shortcomings with regards to aural skills, so once I found out about Marianne's intensives I signed up straight away. Coming from so far away I decided to do both the Level 1 and Level 2 intensives, and I'm so glad that I did. For me, I found the first week very difficult as there were a lot of concepts new to me, not least of which was solfege which I had not studied before. The musical standard amongst the other participants was also much higher than I expected, which meant that I felt quite out of my depth. After weathering the first week, the second proved to be more enjoyable as I was able to relax more, participate and get more out of the course. Marianne has to be one of the most learned people I've met. Imagine history, philosophy, mathematics, psychology and music professors all rolled together into one person, one who shares her knowledge generously and selflessly. Thanks are also due to Keith for his hospitality and kindness. I very much hope to continue studying with Marianne in the future. Mark Anderson Principal Timpanist, Southern Sinfonia Dunedin, New Zealand Let me express my joy in having had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the Level One and Level Two Intensives this year. I am overwhelmed with the vast amount of valuable information given in these few days. Marianne's teaching method is immensely intense and mirrors the complexity of what every serious musician confronts in their struggle to bridge music practice and music theory. With students from a variety of backgrounds and experience, Marianne quickly establishes an environment that allows each student to work at their optimal comfort and learning level.. Her unique methods and approaches in rethinking music are highly challenging and radically deepen the understanding of all the elements that occur in creating music. Learning from her is a journey to the highest level of awareness. Unexpectedly, there is also the very special and rare opportunity to contact the teachings of the legendary Nadia Boulanger. Marianne, who studied with Boulanger, is quick to place her approach within that historical context giving the students an added level of learning. My time with Marianne and Keith, both in and out of class, will remain one of the highlights of my life. Gro Sandvik,Professor of Flute, Grieg Academy, University of Bergen, Norway Member of Bergen Woodwind Quintet Principal Flute Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra (former)