WAAPA music students learn from the pros
There is nothing better for ambitious students than to be able to showcase their work and learn from the best in the industry. This year’s WA International Classic Guitar Ensemble Festival provided unique opportunities for classical guitar students at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to demonstrate their talents and to learn the tricks of the trade from well-respected musicians.
One of the finest guitar teachers in Australia, Tim Kain, headed the most anticipated Perth guitar event this year, the WA International Classic Guitar Ensemble Festival, performing both as an artist and an adjudicator at different schools in Perth.
This year's festival is arranged in co-operation with WAAPA and Edith Cowan University, together with the Classical Guitar Society of WA, the Classical Guitar Society of WA, the WA School of Instrumental Music, and Department of Education and Training.
President of the Classic Guitar Society of WA and lecturer of classical music at WAAPA, Jonathan Paget, together with his students, were stoked to have Mr Kain as host.
“Experienced players or musicians like Tim have lots of things to teach, in terms of their music knowledge, musicianship, also in terms of their knowledge of instruments techniques and all the tricks. They guide you and help you to work more efficiently," he said.
Based at the Canberra School of Music, Kain's presence was seen as valuable input, not just for the students but also for the teachers to get external evaluation.
“Tim is an ideal person to come here. He is one of the most senior and well-respected teachers in all of Australia. He’s been teaching for quite some time, so he can help students to improve their technique and get the best results,” Paget said.
Students of WAAPA's Masterclass had the chance to play and receive feedback. WAAPA student and observer of the Masterclass, Claire Sambell, learnt a lot from Kain’s teaching.
“I can feel that he is very well studied and experienced in all aspects of musicality, performance practice and pedagogy. He is clear and precise in all his suggestions and explanations.
“I learnt a lot from him, such as the ways to improve right hand technique to produce a better tone, very effective approaches to melody and harmony in performance practices, and effective practice techniques,” she said.
Lucy Boubis, currently studying at WAAPA, played a music piece called ‘Capricho Arabe’ by Francisco Tarrega in the Masterclass. She felt Kain’s direction was very useful.
“Mr Kain patiently gave me some useful technical advice for almost half an hour. And that is mostly what I gained from him today but he also gave me some ideas of where to go with this piece,” she said.
Kain was really impressed with the standard of not just the young musicians, but also the teachers’ effort and caring.
“People here love what they do, they are future hopes, and my message to them is: if you want to play better, you really need to get yourself into the music, make music professional and become a professional musician to enjoy your life and make a living,” Kain said.
