When I was a student at Juilliard, I had a variety of part-time, interesting jobs involving music. They included admin work for a concert manager and archive help for The New York Philharmonic where I got paid to listen to old recordings!
But, the most fascinating job? Babysitter for concert pianist Lorin Hollander’s boys.
When the doorman let me into his building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and I rode up the elevator to the 10th floor of his stunning penthouse apartment, I waited before letting myself in. I listened outside the door, hoping Mr. Hollander would be at the piano practicing, not ready to leave yet.
One time, his boys were already asleep and he invited me in to listen to him practice.
What came out of his piano was completely different than any of the practicing I heard in the hallways at Juilliard. Students working on increasing tempi in Chopin Etudes by moving the metronome up one notch at a time, and repetitively playing the same piece until it was faster, louder, faster, louder!
In complete contrasting style, when I heard Hollander practice, I was brought into a different world, that of a true artist, a master at his craft.
When he was preparing to perform Saint-Saëns’ Egyptian Concerto with The Brooklyn Philharmonic (which I later heard in a magnificent concert), I heard him experiment with the 2nd theme of the 1st movement at least a dozen different ways. All were beautifully shaped and creative, like a painter with a white canvas trying out different colors. The sounds were magnificent. All of them worked, because they were musical.
I imagine, some felt better to him on some days, and it gave him a variety of choices when he walked on stage. That’s what made him a true artist. He was always listening, experimenting and playing with the music.
Little did I know then that it only looked like I was there to babysit. In retrospect, his “practicing” made such a mark on me that I’m applying it to my own teaching.
In The Piano Ninja Tricksters Club, every month I practice in front of members, sharing the details of how I learn music. Last month, I brought in a brand new Schubert Impromptu. This month it’s a more polished Beethoven Sonata. With a little inspiration, I hope to give them a similar experience I had listening to Lorin Hollander all those years ago.
Care to join us? The piano lid is open and we’re welcoming new members to The Piano Ninja Tricksters Club until end of day Dec. 23.
Read more about how I help pianists learn more in less time here.
Side note: Know how I got the babysitting gig? I won the Lorin Hollander Special Award at the Cincinnati World Piano Competition in 1977. I stayed in touch with him through my Juilliard years and got hired.
How very cool, Lisa! You were indeed fortunate to attend Juilliard and come into contact with so many great musicians, and we’re fortunate to have your reminiscences of them.
Thanks Tom. Great memories!
Goes to show, no matter what the duty or job at hand you end up with, a lesson is always given and something learned!
So true!
Reminds me of the time I showed up one hour early for a piano lesson….I was maybe 14 at the time….my teacher was practicing the Schumann Piano Concerto….I just sat on her porch for an hour and listened. My respect for her skyrocketed.
Yep, it’s funny how those experiences are so memorable and life changing!