Thomas LaRatta Master Class

August 23 and 24, 2008
10 am to 1 pm

Application Form

The class will cover all aspects of piano performance, including such topics as principles of touch and tone, problems relating to practice, memorization, interpretation and stage presence. Works by Bach through contemporary composers will be performed, with constructive criticism offered, as well as discussion of the repertoire, its history and texts. Students may perform music of their choice from the standard solo or concerto repertoire.

The class is open to both performers and auditors. Performers should be high school or adult pianists. Performers under high school age may enroll by audition only and with permission of instructor. For details, please call (650) 574-4633.

Thomas LaRatta, Artistic Director of The Crestmont Conservatory of Music in San Mateo, is internationally recognized as pianist and master teacher in the United States and Asia, where he has appeared in both capacities. He has appeared as soloist with the Chicago and San Francisco Symphonies, and locally with the Peninsula and Canada Symphonies, and the Master Sinfonia. He has also performed frequently in recital both here and abroad. Some of his prize-winning students have gone on to receive national and international acclaim as performing artists of importance. Many of his students hold major teaching positions in music schools in this country. Mr. LaRatta is constantly in demand to conduct master classes both for students and teachers, and has served as adjudicator for numerous piano competitions at the national as well as local level.