PRESENTERS' COMMENTS:

"One of the striking features of Karpoff's approach to the masterclass forum is the facility and authority with which he conducts the class. He moves the event along swiftly and efficiently in a caring manner that seems to put the students at ease, thus creating a positive and nurturing atmosphere where real learning can take place. Students' enthusiastic response to Karpoff's teaching is exciting, and produces long-lasting results.

Karpoff possesses a poetic and logical musical sense, which he demonstrates with equal brilliance in his teaching and playing. The experience he has gleaned from years of vigilant self-scrutiny has equipped him with the ability to accurately assess physical inefficiency in students' playing. More importantly, he has a genuine interest in using his knowledge to assist students of every level."

"The Schumann [Symphonic Etudes] is a very difficult piece. You don't get to hear it very often, and it's a treat to see someone perform it. It is devilishly difficult and full of gnarly technical challenges that Fred Karpoff just threw himself into with great ease. His workshop talked about wellness in teaching, wellness in playing, and he was able to demonstrate that in his performance by negotiating some terrifying passages. It is wonderful when you have a teacher who can not only teach, but do."

"Fred Karpoff's master class was a real highlight of the school year. He has wonderful musical insights and a complete understanding of the most natural and efficient way to play the piano. His enthusiasm inspired my students to approach their study with renewed vigor, and they are still talking about his master class!"

"Fred Karpoff's interactive workshop on the topic of "interdependent" piano technique was a refreshing and illuminating session that I will not soon forget. He challenged several commonly accepted technical concepts in an original and thoroughly convincing manner that had all those in attendance examining anew their own approaches to the instrument, both as performers and teachers. His demonstrations at the piano left no doubt that his technical approach actually works in performance."

"As coordinator of a unique piano festival for pre-college students, I realize the challenge facing our adjudicators (hearing 2 memorized pieces, scales and other technique, and conducting a musicianship interview in 10-15 minutes). Most barely manage to hear a complete audition while writing comments, but not Fred! He not only gave every student the opportunity to fully present his or her material but worked with each one in a very personal way, leaving them with a special sense of accomplishment and something meaningful to take home. I heard glowing comments such as, "it was like having a lesson;" "I learned more than I ever have from any audition;" and, even, "I wasn't happy with my playing but he showed me some things that really helped and I actually felt good coming out of there!" I only wish Fred was available in Wisconsin on an annual basis; he added a positive spark to the day which gave students and teachers, alike, tools to use far beyond one playing experience!"