Seymour is a precious gift to the world of pianists. He has taught me everything I play at the piano from scales, arpeggios, octaves… plus more and more at my age 76. I met him in 1988 and traveled to NYC to study with him for many years. He gave me the confidence and love for the gift of making music at the piano with my own two hands. Much love to Seymour. Brent Johnston.

"I'm going to address different categories...but I'm saving a surprise until the end". 96 years old and knows the marketing tactics of 2020s KZreadrs!

Seymour Bernstein is such a gift to the world

@pedroche20

Жыл бұрын

Amen

@pines3200

Жыл бұрын

Totally!

@walterprossnitz3471

Жыл бұрын

Every single point he makes is right on! But, maybe let's get rid of competitions entirely - they do more harm than good, even at a more elementary level. (Personally, I now know I should have learned more repertoire, rather than "perfecting". a few pieces for competitions... "Perfecting" at age 14 or 15?? Almost 50 years later, I can tell you - what nonsense!) Also, what Seymour says about choreography is essential for everyone to know!!

@ludmilaivanova1603

Жыл бұрын

@@walterprossnitz3471 totally agree!

I met Seymour over 50 years ago. I was an amateur pianist, but he totally changed my life, making music, the center of it. He is a precious gift to students

I love his voice and way of talking. I could listen to him for hours. There's something so calming about him. I wish he were my grandpa lol

15:04 "Now trust me and do it, and don't ask any questions." 😂😂😂 what is there to not love about Seymour! Thank you for all this wonderful advice!🙏🎶

Parents MUST listen to this! Most of the time, the success of the kids is the reflection of the parents' effort.

30:09 The Kissin story is amazing ! Many musicans interprets are also composers and improvisers, but *coming out* is not that easy.

Thank you, Maestro. That's my big deficiency as a lifelong struggling amateur, and now I'll get to work on developing my ear (at age 72). That you're still around more than 20 years ahead of me inspires me to keep working.

@streamofconsciousness5826

Жыл бұрын

I was just thinking the same thing at 56, you could have forty years left Chris..... it's far from over.

@Targeted_1ndividual

Жыл бұрын

@@streamofconsciousness5826 you could have quite a bit more with the kind of advancements that'll be made in the next few decades in medicine.

@Ideyzama

Жыл бұрын

I'm beginning at 65. I learnt music when a teenager but was addressed to guitar instead of piano, which was my true desire. You and Seymour give me hope. I will go on till the end of my life. Thank you for so much good advice!

@rachelpalm7403

Жыл бұрын

I would HIGHLY recommend the Pattern and Rhythm CD from Marilyn Lowe at Music Moves for Piano. Just listening to it on my drives has really helped me with my ear.

I made learning piano my new years resolution last year. I clocked my 600th hour around 11:58 on December 31st. My teacher said I'm a "solid beginner", and I'm working on getting comfortable with ABRSM grade 2 while stepping into grade 3.

@thearm95

Жыл бұрын

Nice work! I've been playing 5 years, at about 1000 hours per year (estimate at an average of 3 hours/day). So about 5000 hours so far, did very well (distinction) in grade 5 about 18 months ago but it's taking a long time and far more work to advance to the level required for grade 6. I don't know whether that is slow or not, but doesn't matter, I'm absolutely loving it!

@Eleutherarch

Жыл бұрын

Well done to the both of you. I wouldn't focus on the total of hours spent practising though. Try to enjoy what you are doing and listen intensely. Intention is translated into touch and then on to sound. An easy piece can be made to sound profound with genuine intention. I've learnt this the hard way.

@OArchivesX

Жыл бұрын

600hrs for grade 2?.... Sorry but youre doing something wrong bro... Time for a new teacher or research on your own. I took 30hrs to be able to do grade 1 test pieces on my own, moved on to grade 2 not that much harder, even grades 1-5 really shouldn't take that long combined.

I distinctly remember crying in the car on the way to piano lessons when I was 8, and begging for my parents to drop me out. They relented, and I went on to graduate from conservatory and cultivate a lifelong love of piano music.

@alyssaskier2656

Жыл бұрын

What happened between quitting lessons at age eight and going to conservatory?

@tekraynak

Жыл бұрын

@@alyssaskier2656 I begged parents to let me quit, they refused, I kept at it and became passionate about it in high school and applied to conservatory for college.

@OnTheFence_

Жыл бұрын

​@Thomas Kraynak I thought relent means to give in

@MrPesht

10 ай бұрын

@@OnTheFence_ You're correct, in his first comment his use of relent implies his parents gave in and let him quit

This video is a precious gem. In fact, it feels morally wrong to even call this a mere ‘video’, it transcends the word ‘video’! It contained so much wisdom and inspiration for all of us to unpack from, to recreate and share such learnings with the world. Thank you!

A radical thinker at 96 years? I love it, and with so much sense and sensitivity. We should all learn from him!

Thankyou so much for this. I gain a lot from every episode of this and cherish them. How sensible his idea of giving all 6 virtuoso pianists the first prize is. All such performers have worked so hard to reach that level… all deserve recognition and all must be given the opportunity to play at concerts . Not just the one, or two.

I'm watching this on my 62nd birthday. I was blessed with a great teacher in my early years but the piano drifted out of my life for many years. I had always planned to return. And then, about eight years ago, with a new life and new wife, I was able to purchase a beautiful heirloom Steinway M, and my passion for practicing and playing returned and has absolutely transformed my life. In particular, I have found absolute joy in practicing Bach. Seymour, you are an true inspiration to me and to so many others. Thank you for the gift that you are!

Happy 97th Birthday, Seymour! 🙂

Such wisdom. And . . . . so true about the parents.

If only all piano teachers were like Seymour! We wouldn't have so many discouraged would-be piano players.

I can't have enough of Seymour, I can listen to him for days. Most importantly is the fact that his teaching and wisdom are applicable to every day life beyond the piano.

such sharp mind at 96!

I cant think of a better goal in life than to be wiser, more self-loving, freer, more present with each year all the way. You are all teaching us this by example, dear Seymour. Thank you!✨💫✨

I am 62 and bought myself a keyboard just to see if I could learn to play piano and also with sightreading. Before I had learned to play mandolin with tablature and playing by ear. I never considered myself a talent. Just about a week or two later I saw a vid with Seymour Bernstein that got me so inspired, that I knew for sure I want to play a real piano and not waste my time on a Keyboard. So I bought myself a Roland FP10 because It was the most close to a real piano within my budget. I am loving every minute of it. I was so impressed with the focus of every detail that he shows in these videos. I took that as a template for my studying. It is all about focus. I wrote this down just to show you how gratefull I am for the people of Tonebase en Seymore Bernstein in particular I wish you all a Happy new year

Wow! Every time I listen to him, I feel like I have learnt something life changing. As a teacher; performer and composer! Thank you Seymour

I started to learn piano two and a half years ago when I turned 70. My only teachers are KZread videos. I'm driven by the feeling of self expression I enjoy improvising, letting out my emotions through the keyboard. I play some "OPM" other peoples music for a couple of reasons. The practice discipline required , because I like the music , and what I learn while learning the music inspires me to play around more, experimenting, improvising . I read music very little I play by ear, I work out basic melodies and build on that. Seymour you would be happy to know I practice every day and part of my practice is technical, things that I learn on KZread. I started by pretending that I could play, not for the sound but to acclimate physically to playing and eventually I learned what keys sounded good together, I learned scales and cords. Now I 'compose. I have no desire to play in any competition, I just play for the love of it. I'm like a kid and a water fountain, I can't pass a piano without wanting to stop and take a sip. Love watching your videos Seymour, Happy Birthday! Sorry I missed you at the 92nd st Y, I used to live around the corner.

You're a gift to the world Seymour, happy New Year!

Why limit your wisdom to the world of pianists? I am a violinist soon to join you in the nineties, and I am totally inspired by your thoughtful presentations. What a treat to be able to witness my heroes on KZread. My sincere gratitude. Nicholette Fetsch

@mitchnew3037

9 ай бұрын

I completely agree with you 😊

Love his enthusiastic plea to stop picking a single winner at competitions, he is so right about it!

I am 81 took up piano 6 years ago then several operations broke my training completely. I got deeply into theory during recovery sessions but practice totally floundered. One can follow theory lying down one cannot play. I am trying to reorganise by playing scale then chords and detailed look at Bach prelude in C major. I saw Mr Bernsteins presentation on Chopin Prelude in E minor. Lo and behold it is I vi ii V but he gives it feeling. Now this advice. I have fond memories of him showing how the 5 reverbrates from the 1 I should have followed him then. Tonebase free trial here I come. Thank You

This was words to carry in your heart. I have been the little child going to the pianolesson, I have been the mother to a child playing the violin. Now Im the senior going for ,pianolesson one more time. Everything said in this video are gold.

Seymour is an American Treasure.

I like his slow and thoughtful words. I watched his movie several years ago in Korea and I really loved it. How amazing he is!

Thank you so much Seymour! Happy New Year!

Intermediate pianist here. Completely agree with Bernstein on resolutions, though I do think it's nice to think about the next year, and consider what pieces I want to be able to play/learn within that year. My goals for example are finishing the F minor Chopin Etude (op.10), finish up the Beethoven C maj (op.2 no.3) sonata and starting a new one (haven't decided yet, but I have some options) and to start playing some late Haydn sonatas as that was my Christmas present. Other than that, I'll probably play a lot more through the months as, similarly to resolutions, I probably won't stick to some of these goals and I will probably also add goals, but it is nice to make a very loose 'planning' for yourself

Have a good new year you both.

I really love his candor!

Wonderful. Three cheers for Seymour!

Thanks Seymour and Thanks to ToneBase for bring such wonderfull interviews!

Happy New Year 2023 from Thailand to Seymour and all @ tonebase. 🙏🏼

Thank you so much dear Ben for offering us this interview for free. Seymour is a true inspiration. He has the courage the name the important things and to point them out.

Seymour’s words have filled me with warmth and enlightenment like no others have.

I consider myself an intermediate pianist, but I definitely relate to what he said to advanced pianists. I can play many pieces. I can play them well, from memory, in tempo and not miss a note. But as soon as someone asks me which note comes after which, I have no clue. Most of the time that I play, I play from muscle memory, but as soon as I start thinking about what I'm playing, and what's about to come next, as soon as I start concentrating too much, I just stop, I can't play any further.

@rachelpalm7403

Жыл бұрын

That is super interesting. Are you familiar with the work of Edwin Gordon and the concept of audiation?

@youtubecommenter2

Жыл бұрын

@@rachelpalm7403 No. Tell me about it.

Spot on Seymour, bravo!!!

Thank you Mr Seymour Bernstein, and Ben, ofcourse. Always a pleasure to see you and learn from you. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, and, please, many more video's!! Love you both!!!

Seymour I appreciate your sage advice as always. I hope 2022 is a healthy year for you. We love you!

Thanks for the video. The sessions with Seymour are always a lot of fun and brimming with treasure. Thankfully, Seymour is good natured and kind and willing to share his wisdom. Musicians will be referring back to these videos for generations to come. Happy New Year Ben and Seymour and Tonebase.

I always feel privileged to enjoy Seymour's (occasionally controversial) opinions. His unequivocal love for music and life always shines through whether you agree or disagree. Here's to many more years for the both of you and all the rest of the tonebase musicians and staff. Thanks for everything.

incredible, thoughtful and necessary suggestions! thank you for this.

I love these Seymour Bernstein videos. Thank you

I always look forward to any video from Ben, but one with Seymour Bernstein is always a treat.

This is so on the money. Just going to play the "Advice to beginning pianists" clip for all my pedagogy students and parents of young beginners. The single finger practice is also very useful. Thank you Seymour and Ben, and Happy New Year!

Thank you very much. Best wishes in the new cicle that has started. ❤

Thank you so very much for all you do. I am not a piano player howerver I play other instrument and grew up around music my whole life. I love watching your interviews with Mr. Berstein. I am so glad to see he is doing well. Happy New Year to you both.

Such helpful advice! As a parent of a 4 yr old, I probably need this reminder every 6 months or so and that advice about the left hand index finger is gold.

I’m a piano teacher! So inspiring. So much great advice. Quadrivium! Thank you Seymour, my students and I love you! (One of my high school students lead me to this video.) happy new year to you ❤

Thank you for sharing this precious moments and thoughts to all of Music lovers and educators. I really appreciate it! Seymour is absolutely an outstanding teacher without a doubt. Wish you always healthy and happy 😊

What a beautiful man and treasure to pianists everywhere. If you read this, Mr Bernstein, Thank you so much for the wonderful interviews here, and all of the wisdom of your long life. You are generous and patient with us who follow behind. 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️

I never comment anything on KZread or anywhere else. Now I just need to do it and have no words. I can't describe how amazed I am at what I've just watched. I play the piano since the age 5 and never knew why. I'll be 33 tomorrow and now I know it.

Kapustin should be included as a great post-Rachmaninoff composer-performer. His renditions of his own work are exceptional.

@KingstonCzajkowski

Жыл бұрын

Yes! The Concert Etudes are crazy

What a treasure! Thank you Seymour for your wisdom and wit 🙂

Seymour Bernstein is a treasure chest of goodness, sincerity and frankness. His sage advice is so inspiring and should be required listening for everyone he mentioned.

my man seymour is absolutely based

Mr. Bernstein is a gem. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and life lessons. Your videos warm up hearts and enlighten minds.

Greetings from Hun-gary! I'm a pianist and composer myself, and learned a lot from these videos. Thank you. Happy New Year!

Muy agradecida.!!!

He is just marvelous.

When I started playing the piano, I always felt a desire to play, but as I got older into middle school, I was always bored of it; however, when I got to high school new pieces continued my inspiration aswell as listening to Seymour.

Such a wonderful teacher, full of wisdom

Love u Seymour!!!

I just discovered Mr. Bernstein the other day. I am, at most, an amateur pianist. My mother was a music teacher who loved to practice both piano and organ. She also played clarinet and taught all the instruments. She was amazing. I attempted to follow in her footsteps but discovered by my second year of college that being a piano major was not a good fit for me. I love to play. There are still pieces I want to learn, but my first love is writing. Without music though, I honestly believe my writing would suffer. Watching Mr. Bernstein and listening to his advice reminds me of the importance to keep that connection to music going.

One of the most inspiring videos I have ever heard. Said by a professional musician and teacher. You have a new happier subscriber.

Thank you so much for posting this video. It has inspired my practicing and I loved the story about Kissen

How magnificent! I am in wonder at such genius.

Love the tip to develop the ear by playing tunes with left index finger. Thank you

Incredibly priceless advice

I didnt think i would agree with anything - more i listened, i firmly agree with everything. testing the piano in competition is awesome advice. Also helps break the nervousness and tension. I wish i did this every time

A real guru.

Thank you so much Gents. Ben, don't ruin your eyes deciphering the microscopic notes in that Dover edition...I have the same one. 🤗

What an excellent documentary! To hear such words of wisdom acquired through the arduous process of time and dedication. Bernstein's words ought to be required for every piano (music) teacher and every student. The picture he paints of practice, determination and reality is what the world used to operate by. That was the norm. Sadly, today we coddle, cajole and let the whines and whims of children dictate our futures. Oh that we might go back to building character through hard work and perseverance.

It was awsome thank you so much♡

Maestro of maestros 👍🎶

Thank you!!!!’n

Inspired!

30:50 "you can't feel and think at the same time" musicians and dancers and actors and performers from all around the world: "hold my beer".

The best music video I’ve ever seen!!

Distilled wisdom from a long lifetime.

LIKED! SUBSCRIBED! I enjoy hearing from Seymour! ^_^

So, on this path, to master the core of the musici-language, I have been listening, and playing for all of my life different comp. And I think mr. S.B. isright in all advices, i.e tempi, (rubato), hairpins, ped.educ. Etc.. Soli Deo Gloria for all the good things..

Gracias por la clase de piano ! De vida!! La pedagogia de la libertad,

Seymore reminds me of my old professor. Sometimes I learned the most when we just talked and I never touched a key.

That really was fantastic! I compose piano works but then I can barely play.The exact oposite of the great player who can't compose.

24:00 ish, I'd be curious for Seymour's opinion on the latest Liszt piano competition in Utrecht, which holds audition rounds all over the world, is structured with a more festival-like approach in the main rounds of the competition, and all 3 finalists are selected winners.

Play by ear‼️💓🙏‼️

I have heard Kissin play his own compositions and I must agree with his original reaction to Seymore advice - "I CAN'T!!!!😩". Kissin knew already he didn't have a natural gift for composing as opposed to playing piano and that's fine. Not everybody, in fact hardly anybody, can be Liszt, Chopin or Rachmaninoff. Happy New Year to Seymour and Ben!

This was crazy good. Sometimes we are lucky to stumble across gems in life…I just did

Seymour is the model of a cultured individual and of the wisdom that comes with the aesthetic dimensions of Life.

A child who has a parent directly monitoring the daily hour of practice everyday and doesn't push back on that plan is a special child for sure

A wise man indeed.

LOL from the description I though it would be about musical resolution, you know, returning to the tonic

100 percent agree with Seymour about the harm of letting only one winner in each competition.

I could listen to Seymour Bernstein all day. And I have never played a musical instrument.