Nicole DiPaolo, Pianist, Composer, Teacher, and Music Scholar, shares her musical background and early experiences with classical piano. They discuss music theory and teaching using historical approaches. The hosts explore Italian composers and the potential of teaching kids with partimento music theory. They also talk about upcoming events, collaborative pianists, and developing piano solos for adult students.
Nicole DiPaolo integrates partimento and schema into her teaching approach to make it easier for students to perform and compose music they love.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of listening to great music from the Common Practice Period to immerse students in the language of music.
Nicole incorporates tonal elements into her teaching materials for adult students who prefer a serious and challenging approach to learning piano.
Deep dives
Nicole's Musical Background and Early Start in Piano
Nicole began studying the piano at a young age and showed a talent for composing from the beginning. She initially studied with a teacher who used the Suzuki method, which influenced her current focus on music. She went on to join the Pre-College Program at the University of Michigan, where she had the opportunity to work with various teachers and won several local music competitions.
Nicole's Music Theory Journey and Composition Experience
Nicole's interest in music theory developed during her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. She majored in music theory and took composition coursework alongside her piano studies. She continued her composition studies at Indiana University, where she obtained her masters and pursued a PhD in music theory. She explored the concept of schema and partimento and its application in teaching music. Nicole's compositions range from solo piano works to piano trios and reflect her love for the romantic style.
Teaching Approach and Interest in Partimento
Nicole's teaching approach includes integrating partimento and schema into her lessons. She believes in making it easier for students to perform and compose music they love by teaching them stylistically authentic techniques. She uses resources like the Isamart book and Feneroli compositions to introduce students to these concepts. Nicole also emphasizes the importance of listening to great music from the Common Practice Period to immerse students in the language of music.
The Future of Composition and Interest in Tonal Music
Nicole envisions a future in composition where originality is not forced, but rather a natural development that comes with experience. She acknowledges the dismissiveness towards tonal music in certain circles but believes that attitudes are changing. Nicole embraces tonal music and incorporates tonal elements into her teaching materials for adult students who prefer a serious and challenging approach.
Recommendations and Projects
Nicole recommends exploring the Anna Magdalena Notebook, which contains classic teaching pieces by Bach and other composers. She also suggests exploring compositions by Russian composers like Alexander Gedike, who pays attention to healthy technique development. Nicole has her own compositions, such as the 'Venturing Beyond' piano series, suitable for more advanced students. She has upcoming concerts as a solo pianist and encourages people to visit her websites for more information and updates.
I’m very happy to introduce my guest today, Pianist, Composer, Teacher, and Music Scholar, Nicole DiPaolo! She is an online Adjunct Lecturer in Music at Indiana University, a faculty member at a Cleveland-area multi-teacher music studio, the Principal Theory Teacher at Liberty Park Music, an online-only video subscription-based music school, and a sought-after online instructor of piano, music theory, and composition.
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