About
Welcome to a transformative journey through tempo and notation, designed to enrich your approach to music. This course is tailored for musicians of all levels—from beginners to professionals—seeking to deepen their understanding of how tempo shapes musical expression. Why is tempo so critical? It is the cornerstone of musical interpretation, influencing articulation, phrasing, dynamics, and, most importantly, the character of the music. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring Mozart’s Sonata Facile or a seasoned performer sensing something “off” in your playing, this course equips you with tools to identify and resolve tempo-related challenges. At the heart of the course lies a systematic exploration of Beethoven’s symphonies, works that have shaped our musical heritage. By analyzing each movement, you’ll uncover the structural note values that determine tempo, connect them to Italian tempo terminology, and place metronome markings within their historical context. Beethoven’s principles of tempo selection influenced composers like Brahms and Chopin, and this course empowers you to apply these insights to any repertoire. A key feature of the course is the Whole Beat Metronome Practice (WBMP), a historically informed method for interpreting metronome markings. For those familiar with our work on YouTube, this approach will feel like a natural extension; for newcomers, we guide you step-by-step through its application. Practical demonstrations on the fortepiano, in collaboration with Alberto Sanna, illustrate how tempo choices shape a piece’s character. These examples offer concrete guidance to refine your interpretative skills. With over 70 videos, this comprehensive yet accessible course allows flexible learning. Whether you have two hours or two months, you’ll gain tools and insights to confidently approach any score with clarity and precision.
You can also join this program via the mobile app. Go to the app