Rudolf Piernay, Renowned Voice Teacher from London's Guildhall School of Music, to Present Master Class Saturday, April 8, 11 A.M., Kulas Recital Hall Story by Michael Chipman
			Renowned voice teacher and bass-baritone Rudolf Piernay, a professor at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whose studio has produced acclaimed singers including Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, will present a master class slated for Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. in Kulas Recital Hall. During the class, one student from each of Oberlin's six voice faculty studios will sing an aria or song, then receive feedback and coaching from Piernay. This master class is free and open to the public. "For Oberlin's master classes in voice, I am interested in bringing in good teachers from respected institutions where our graduates may go when they complete studies here," says Richard Miller, Wheeler professor of singing and director of the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center, who was instrumental in bringing Piernay to Oberlin. "Students who attend these classes can learn a lot and will almost always hear good information from a source other than their own voice teacher. Even if what the master teacher says is different from what a student hears from his or her own teacher, it is valuable food for thought." Miller says there are many different kinds of master teachers. "Some are great performers and artists, and there is a lot of gold to be mined in a master class by someone with that kind of experience. Others great teachers were never great singers. It is not necessary to be a great singer to teach well -- a good teacher just needs to have a good ear and know how to diagnose and fix problems. "Much of the master class experience depends on the student," say Miller. "A student has to be open to new ideas, willing to accept criticism, and not be an excuse-maker. Also, students should not sing a 12-minute aria." Miller offers a few qualities to look for in a good master class teacher: Someone who has good rapport with students Someone who is not out to prove anything, but who wants to further the career of the student. The ability to jointly address technical and musical factors. The ability to diagnose and prescribe solutions. Specificity of language in describing the diagnosis and prescription. Uses time efficiently; does not indulge in many anecdotes. Shows measurable results. Someone who is able to deal with singers at all levels of artistic and technical development. "Rudolf Piernay has all of these qualities and has produced many good singers, among them the Welsh bass-baritone, Bryn Terfel" says Miller. "I met Piernay many years ago when I was giving lectures and demonstrations in England. He was a very young teacher who was interested in physical aspects of voice pedagogy. Over the years he also visited me in Salzburg and other places. He is himself a fine musician and singer and has a lot to offer students at Oberlin."
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