Dan Laurin - master class

It is always a good experience to watch a master class. I admire the musicians who have the courage to play in front of the auditors and take the suggestions and try to put them into practice immediately. Each teacher I have watched has a style of his/her own. Dan Laurin did his best to put each participant at ease. He is incredibly knowledgeable, not only about the music but about the various periods that were represented by the pieces that were selected. As I enjoy history, particularly the social aspects, I particularly appreciated his elaboration of the thinking in different time periods and how it affected the music that was created.

His comments ranged from practical suggestions regarding footware and glasses to suggestions regarding ensemble playing and thoughts about interpretation. Dan Laurin encouraged each player to dig deeper into themselves to let the music out. Participants and auditors left with much to think about.