Soyeon Kate Lee on playing an unfamiliar piece like it’s Beethoven
The Juilliard pianist on character, pedal, caution and why no phrase should sound like a template.
Soyeon Kate Lee joined the piano faculty of the Juilliard School in 2022. She won first prize at the Naumburg International Piano Competition and the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, and performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician.
Here are nine of her best tips, taken from feedback she gave young pianists after live performances, with a link to each moment on video.
1. Treat an unfamiliar piece like Beethoven
Whenever I approach a piece that’s not as well known, it’s really helpful to approach it like you would any Beethoven or Schumann: really look at the details, look at how it’s made, and really make it pop.
Soyeon Kate Lee
2. Know exactly what each piece is saying
The danger with pieces like this is that they can all sound beautiful and atmospheric. It really helps to have a very concrete character in mind for what you’re trying to convey with each piece.
Soyeon Kate Lee
3. Triplets are there for a reason
Be careful that we don’t just take time, because when composers write triplets, it’s there for expressive punctuation.
Soyeon Kate Lee
4. Shape the section, not every phrase
Sometimes it’s over-shaped. Instead of trying to shape so much within each phrase, take it so that the shaping is within each section.
Soyeon Kate Lee
5. Save some pedal for later
Play around with different kinds of pedaling. Maybe don’t use so much early on, so that when you actually get to the big moment you can use more.
Soyeon Kate Lee
6. Be less cautious
It felt well played but a bit cautious. Feel free to let go a little, exaggerate things at the very beginning, and get the overall character of the movement. I think all the details that you have will fall into place.
Soyeon Kate Lee
7. Orchestrate the piano
You can orchestrate it. Think of the second theme as woodwinds; it’s a different sort of attack.
Soyeon Kate Lee
8. Not all half notes are equal
Not all half notes are equal. It depends on the context, the dynamic marking and what instrument you imagine for that phrase.
Soyeon Kate Lee
9. Don’t let a phrase become a template
The way you approached each of these phrases tended to be very similar. It would be wonderful if it didn’t sound like a template or a habitual decision.
Soyeon Kate Lee
Quotes are lightly edited for length and clarity. They come from Ms. Lee’s comments as a judge at the 2023 Piano Star International Competition. You can watch the full performances and feedback on the Piano League YouTube channel.
Quick question
Which of these do you do most?
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