Dr. Haruko Kataoka and Shelly Wilburn
Master Lesson
Suzuki Piano Institute
University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
12 June 1997

Friedrich Kuhlau, Sonatina, Opus 55, No. 1, Allegro
From Suzuki Piano School Book 3

Print these notes out so you may follow the video. The spoken audio is weak. These written notes help compensate.

Teachers who want to see Dr. Haruko Kataoka's hands more fully while she plays should watch several videos, as they vary in attention given to her hands.

The master lesson Shelly Wilburn had with Dr. Kataoka took place in Recital Hall, University of Louisville, on 12 June 1997. Suzuki teachers seated behind Dr. Kataoka observed. After the bow and performance of the piece, Dr. Kataoka made the following points as the lesson developed:

1. sit more deeply for better balance when not using pedal
2. watch Arthur Rubinstein
3. use an extension foot pedal if available
4. keep pinky finger deeper by playing it like you do in your "Twinkles"
5. pinky meets thumb--just before the 2 legato chords on p. 1, line 2, lst and 2nd measures; take it easy on the chords
6. stop pulling hands off keys--stretch fingers more
7. make sure the left hand is the accompaniment here; but be sure left hand, while soft, is clear, not murky--you must enjoy the beauty of the right hand melody

During her week at the Suzuki Piano Institute, Shelly Wilburn studied with Kagari Tanabi (Suzuki and the Kuhlau recital piece) and Shelley Sparks (Music Theory).

The Video