It became a course of learning sound, technique, and artistic collaboration in a masterclass at Hunter College when Tessa Brinckman, a renowned flutist, and Kathleen Supové, an acclaimed pianist, taught an immersive session to students. Last week’s free event at Lang Recital Hall made it possible for aspiring musicians to improve their craft with two of the most innovative performers in contemporary music. The flute and piano masterclass, attended by music students and enthusiasts, was an opportunity to learn about performance, technique and music.
“I’m quite new to the flute, and while one masterclass is part of the curriculum for my degree, I want to know more, more, more,” said Jordan Harnar, a first-year music student. She chose to participate in the masterclass for both an academic obligation and a chance to improve oneself. This was the attitude of others in the audience, eager to learn from experienced performers.
Brinckman shared some tips on breath control and timing. “When I am coming up for a solo, especially a soft, exposed one, I listen to how many bars it has and how it rises and falls,” she said. “I match my breathing, incoming and outgoing, to the piano. I think that for a lot of people, it can be tough to find that balance and keep it throughout the whole performance,” she said.
Supové told her students to try understanding the meaning of dynamics and articulation. Dynamics and articulation refers to the length, volume, and other aspects of playing music that influence the emotional expression of a performance. “In each section, really think about the differences between triple piano, double piano, mezzo piano, and forte,” she said. “And the touch at the beginning—I love that fluttering quality.” Supové’s feedback focused on the art of control to make a piece of music come alive through expressive variation.
The masterclass, moderated by Geoffrey Burleson, the director of piano studies, took an interactive approach. Students participated in the discussion, asked questions, and observed demonstrations of technique improvements. The session illuminated the technical aspects of playing the flute and the piano and the artistic and interpretative features of a piece of music.
By the end of the class, students of all levels gained insight into the effort behind a polished performance and the value of lifelong learning, leaving grateful for the guidance of musicians like Brinckman and Supové. “I think Kathleen Supové made it safe to experiment, emphasizing that it’s okay to exaggerate, maybe even to the point of being ridiculous,“ said David Xu, a first-year graduate student. “That helped me feel less tense on stage, and I still think I could’ve allowed myself to relax more and just perform. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have played on stage for such an amazing pianist.”
The masterclass was a good example of the immense effort and exactness required to become a professional musician. At the end of the session, the students gained technical knowledge and an understanding of the musical art. It demonstrated the importance of mentorship, hard work, and artistic interest, which will continue influencing their musical development and growth.
