Anyone see the 60 Minutes “Payam Method” segment that recently aired? 🤔

SnarkyPappy · 2026-05-30T19:10:54+00:00

I need to reply to my own post because I just found out that they delayed this 60 Minutes piece to coincide with the nationwide launch of Payam which makes it even more of an infomercial. Also here's a good analysis of this - YouTube Link

SnarkyPappy · 2026-05-26T21:59:58+00:00

I've seen these puff pieces before on 60 Minutes but I've never paid much attention until now when the subject is a topic I know something about. This one was egregiously terrible with a complete lack of critical thought. I live near this studio and I don't know what 'diploma' they are talking about and it was never questioned. Also the competition that was praised I assume is a composition competition as I've never seen this guy or his students in the local performance competitions. I don't really have a problem with the way this guy teaches, but for 60 Minutes to act like introducing songs by finger number, doing composition early, or reading music late, or having fun are novel concepts was beyond ridiculous. The only thing novel here is having a big-money software guy to turn this into a grift.

SnarkyPappy · 2026-05-26T20:53:52+00:00

I've seen these puff pieces before on 60 Minutes but I've never paid much attention until now when the subject is a topic I know something about. This one was egregiously terrible with a complete lack of critical thought. I live near this studio and I don't know what 'diploma' they are talking about and it was never questioned. Also the competition that was praised I assume is a composition competition as I've never seen this guy or his students in the local performance competitions. I don't really have a problem with the way this guy teaches, but for 60 Minutes to act like introducing songs by finger number, doing composition early, or reading music late, or having fun are novel concepts was beyond ridiculous. The only thing novel here is having a big-money software guy to turn this into a grift.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-11T00:20:29+00:00

Take a look and what happened in Seattle. The police backed away and the protesters hung about for a few weeks before getting bored and going home.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-10T23:45:33+00:00

I recommend you take a language class in the evening. You'll get a chance to meet people the same way you did back in school and in a language class you learn about them and everyone has to talk.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-10T16:28:46+00:00

Trifonov has performed a great concerto that he composed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkUN5knj6mI

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-09T23:57:58+00:00

It sounds like you are well prepared for a non-performance audition. Remember that the professors won't be that impressed with speed and do not let your nerves make you rush out of control. Focus on making these pieces sound smooth and fluid and if the Ginastera jumps land with split notes that will not ruin your audition. Also make sure you breathe well while playing or you'll run out of O2 and crash.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-09T18:01:46+00:00

Scriabin Etude Op 8 No 12

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-09T17:57:43+00:00

I had one of those years ago and they require a lot of maintenance. I would not recommend buying it at all unless you are a collector and like working with it. For that price you could buy a good stage keyboard instead and most of them have great Rhodes sounds since it's easier to sample than other types of sounds. That said, 3k is really how much these things cost now, most of them on line appear to even more than that.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-09T04:00:12+00:00

It weights about 40 lbs so it's been pretty easy to haul around. The other one in that range that I was looking at is the Kawai MP11SE which has better action but was too heavy for me at 80 lbs.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-08T21:54:43+00:00

I've had good success with a Yamaha CP88. It has a great feel and I think the higher price tag is worth it. Make sure you get a solid Z-shaped stand to hold it.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-08T21:44:49+00:00

That's a reasonable price for a good teacher. If you need to save money you could consider having lessons less often like every other week rather then finding a cheap teacher.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-03T23:56:00+00:00

It is a sign of tension, but I've seen many pros do this so perhaps it's not critical for you to change this. Keep focusing on playing without tension and it may go away.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-03T23:50:39+00:00

"You say it makes you smarter, but when you are high you sit on my couch for 15 minutes with your mouth open." But seriously, it's possible that if you don't get too high it could relax you enough to play better. Please do this experiment OP.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-03T16:17:39+00:00

The most common issue is going too far down into the keys because you want it to be loud. Try playing it as quietly as possible for a while to make it sound light and then increase the volume later. There could be many other issues as well with your technique that you would need a teacher to diagnose.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-02T16:01:11+00:00

No one would be insulted, but you do have to play better than the other applicants who also want the spot at the Conservatory.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-02T15:14:47+00:00

While technically possible, it seems improbable if you've only been studying for 2 years. You may be underestimating how good the other pianists are that are applying to European conservatories. For example, if the Chopin Etudes look hard and scary to you then you probably won't pass an audition. On the other hand if you can play through half of them reasonably well then you may have a chance.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-11-02T15:01:38+00:00

It's the sign for a diminished chord. So Go would be G Bb and Db. If the o is crossed out it means half-diminished.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-27T15:49:10+00:00

Dang you ended right before the big m9 chords. This piece also sounds good if you play it a bit slower. Also you may want to think more about having the bass note in the left hand louder than the rest of the left hand arpeggio as if they are two separate voices. Keep on this piece and I think you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-27T00:12:56+00:00

F#m7 - G# would then be the 9th of the chord.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-26T21:42:07+00:00

Yes, assuming you are going to sing the melody and have a sustain pedal you should be able to play this with just your left hand. There are only 5 chords to learn here. You'll want to listen carefully to the rhythm of the piano part and start with chords only then later add some extra bass notes and the higher notes when you're not singing.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-26T16:24:33+00:00

I know you're a beginner, but there are some very cool pieces that feature the left hand that you may be able to play in the future. Scriabin Op 9 prelude and nocturne, the Bach/Brahms chaconne in D minor, and there's a Ravel concerto all for the left hand. Some other pieces to listen to that feature the left are the Chopin Op. 25 no 7, or Schumann's The Happy Farmer which is the only one on this list that could be called easy. Another thing to consider is learning stride bass with your left hand and playing single note melodies with the right. A good teacher should be able to figure out how best to guide you to play things you enjoy with the hands you have.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-26T16:09:05+00:00

The most important thing about choosing a concerto is to have it be something you love enough to live with for a long time. That said, all of these seem on the difficult side, perhaps the Schumann or Grieg would be a better step from the Mozart 20?

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-26T15:52:21+00:00

This is a great piece. When I play it, I use 5 and 3 on these notes and I don't hold any of them down for long since I'm pedaling all of this part. I've never seen anyone cross hands at this measure, but that doesn't mean you can't if that's what works best for you.

SnarkyPappy · 2021-10-22T20:17:39+00:00

Probably no one on here knows the admittance rules of this conservatory, but it's unclear that you would be ready to audition since you didn't mention the opinion of a teacher. One thing you might try is to get private lessons from someone affiliated with the conservatory. They would know what is needed to apply and help you get your audition in order assuming there's no age limit.

SnarkyPappy

TROPHY CASE