The Few Vids I've got

I believe I mentioned that I'm the only one in my immediate family who likes to play piano. For this reason I have very few videos of myself playing (save for recent practice videos which I won't terrify visitors of this site with, haha!). Anyway, here are two I found in my baol (trunk/chest), for those who'd like to be assured that I'm not some fly-by-night piano tutor.

So yes, I do have some idea of what I'm teaching. :p

From "Remembering Marina" Concert held at PCIB way back 2007. A tribute to a late piano teacher, the much respected pedagogue Marina Leogardo-Escano. She was the one who taught me "technique" - the thing that many don't notice and take for granted. She also taught me to recognize technical problems and formulate solutions: a priceless gift.

The piece is Frederic Chopin's Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20, No.1.

Taken from my Chamber Music Recital in 2011. After coming home from my 2-year teaching stint in Bahrain I enrolled for post-graduate studies at St. Paul University's College of Music and the Performing Arts. One requirement for a Master's Degree in Piano is a Chamber Music Recital. This is an excerpt from that recital. This is Francis Poulenc's Sonata for Piano Four Hands.

The beautiful and wonderful pianist beside me is Melissa Gacutan Taqueban.

Amusing anecdotes:

• In the Chopin video, although it may not be obvious, I was so nervous my knees were shaking. So bad that my right foot kept threatening to slip off the pedal.

• In the Poulenc video, the red shawl isn't mine. I was chased with it because the gown I was wearing showed off my tattoo. After the recital I specifically asked the Dean of Music - one spunky, sassy, awesome nun named Sister Anunciata - if I could wear whatever I want on my Graduation recital without fear of being chased with a nun's habit. She said I could wear whatever I want off-stage. Heh. I like that nun.