What Piano Study Can Offer in a World of AI
One of the most frequent questions we hear these days is: If Artificial Intelligence (AI) can carry out complex tasks flawlessly – and even create impressive artworks – what’s left that’s truly human? As piano teachers and musicians, we feel this challenge keenly. What does AI mean for our work, our artistry and the choices we make in the studio?
In this video presentation, William Westney explores these timely questions with clarity and heart, showing how this unprecedented cultural moment offers a bracing opportunity to revisit our intentions, reaffirm our values and rediscover why the human element in music matters more than ever.
Click here to read a write-up of a version of William’s “UnMasterclass” which took place in London.
New Video Series – Self and “No-Self”
In William’s latest set of videos, videos William Westney goes beyond the notes and the piano, to share the core ideas that have shaped his approach to a lifetime of performing and teaching. Click here to view the series index on the Online Academy!
Other Videos
- Practising for Long-Term Results – In this video, William Westney demonstrates a remarkably easy technique for mind and body to truly “digest” (and remember) what we’ve practised – Click here
- Warm-Ups Revisited – In this two-part video lecture, William Westney re-thinks warm-ups and demonstrates an effortless process that takes only a few minutes to ensure successful daily practice – Click here
- Luxuriant Piano Playing – In these excerpts from his presentation at NCKP 2021, William Westney shows that whether we are concert performers or beginners, we can all luxuriate in free-flowing, generous, comfortable, unfettered, and unforced movements that “feel great” at the piano – Click here
- The Body – Wiser than the Mind? – When we make music we experience fascinating integration of body and mind. As essential as it is to master certain well-defined skills (just as athletes do) there can also be moments when we manage to “get out of our own way” – and everything seems to fall into place beautifully. This series takes a practical look at this exciting possibility for all students of piano – Click here
- Inside Bartok’s Mikrokosmos – In this video series, William Westney illustrates in detail why Bartok’s Mikrokosmos has long been his indispensable, uniquely effective “power tool” as a teacher. Always refreshing musically, it hones the skills of pianists from beginners to pre-professionals – Click here
- Finding Effortless Speed – William Westney demonstrates his unique approach to scales for pianists of all levels which uses a simple exercise that can be applied to any fast passage in the repertoire – Click here
- Making Friends With the Notes – William Westney shows how to implement a fun, liberating and rewarding approach to mastering any classical piece – Click here
These videos in addition to the new series, Self and “No-Self”, are all available with an Online Academy subscription or alternatively can be purchased as a stand-alone collection from our store.