Before and After: What to Listen for in Assessing Our Students.

The article highlights a session presented at the collaborative conference of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations, Music Teachers National Association and The Royal Conservatory of Music on March 23, 2007. The session focused on assessment and evaluation of musical practices using excerpts drawn from student performances recorded in various locations in the U.S. and Canada. The excerpts were played back on a Yamaha Disklavier synchronized with video. Clinician Janet Lopinski acknowledged the support of Yamaha Corp. of America and Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. There was also excerpts shown to demonstrate how the fundamental issues of rhythmic precision, pulse awareness, tempo control and reliable memory are essential ingredients in creating a successful performance.