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Stefan with Davyd Antipov of St Peter’s College (Auckland) Students from Westlake Boys High School listens with Stefan
Kawai Pianist Inspired Young Students
In February, KBB Music was pleased to bring Australian
Kawai Piano Artist, Stefan Cassomenos into local New
Zealand schools to inspire young pianists.
Considered one of Australia’s most talented virtuosic
pianists, Stefan shares his knowledge and experience
with aspiring piano students in a series of masterclasses
that he gave at Westlake Boys High School, St Peter’s
College, Wellington College, Hutt Valley High School
and KBB Music’s Piano Showroom in Auckland Central.
“It was a pleasure to work with students during
masterclasses in New Zealand,” says Stefan. “We
worked on many facets of piano playing, naturally
including obvious technical pointers, but especially
on some of the more elusive aspects of performance
such as the sorts of sounds which are appropriate to
different compositional styles and context, and also
on developing an awareness of the importance of
atmosphere and how one can really draw the audience
into the music, creating a truly imaginative experience.”
KBB Music believes in the importance in giving as
many aspiring pianists as possible the chance to work
with someone of Stefan Cassomenos’ calibre. “We are
very pleased to be able to bring Stefan into our stores,
schools and communities,” says Andrew Chamberlain,
KBB Music General Manager.
“The masterclass was a great opportunity and it
was a great pleasure to play for Mr Cassomenos. His
expertise really helped me perfect the piece I played. I
was impressed with his knowledge and by the way he
explained everything to the group. I am hoping to go to
another of his masterclasses in the future”
- Davyd Antipov, St Peter’s College
“Stefan was a delight to work with. He had such
a positive encouraging manner with our pianists -
regardless of their level or experience. Each student was
given personal advice and two of our junior students
have been particularly inspired by him in their piano
playing. It was particularly interesting for me to hear
Stefan promoting the use of pedal in Bach - I agree!!
We are very grateful to KBB Music for making this
masterclass possible.”
- Raewyn James, HOD Music,
Westlake Boys’ High School
“Mr Cassomenos was very friendly and put us as
ease. He taught me a lot and it was helpful for me
to be allowed to take part in the masterclass. The
most important thing was that he was able to explain
everything very clearly. He gave me some new ideas to
work on. I hope to be able to play for him again in the
future.”
- Leon Liu, St Peter’s College
Do you have students that could benefit from instrumental masterclasses? Let us know!
Email jennifer@kbbmusic.co.nz
8 Random Notes Musical Instrument Specialists since 1888