Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Unexpected Problem (2)
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"So, to summarize."
They selected the Benderlin siblings, who had decent skills among the students, to attend advanced lectures.
And now, they're acting arrogant because they think they've received special treatment.
They basically look down on other students.
They even refuse to listen to Erdi's words.
Seriously, shouldn't they at least listen to a professor?
Is it because of the pride they feel from being acknowledged by me and Victor?
But they're wrong.
The more the rice ripens, the more it bows its head.
They probably want to show off that they've "cultivated" something, even though I've never gotten my hands dirty either, but I know this much at least.
The problem doesn't end there. I had Erdi observe the academy, and...
Apparently, there were a few students who felt they were being treated unfairly.
It was a small number, though.
We didn't fail to explain the advanced class system properly.
Everyone should have understood.
Plus, the skill test itself was conducted in a public setting.
The skill level of the three of them should have been more than enough to convince everyone.
Isn't the academy a place where anyone can secure a good position as long as their abilities are recognized?
Originally, I heard a story when I met Oscar in the north.
He was the second son of a baron, but he was the student representative.
I'm not misunderstanding anything.
Yet, if there are voices of discontent, it's safe to say the Benderlin brats' attitudes are the reason.
They puff out their shoulders as if they've become something great and mock other students. It would be more surprising if strange rumors weren't spreading, like 'Aren't they in a special relationship with their professor?'
They probably think I'm giving them special treatment exclusively.
That's what happens when you don't know humility.
I need to correct this.
How?
Easy.
"We will hold another skill test exactly one month from now."
I stood on the stage of the lecture hall where everyone was gathered and made that declaration.
"As before, the theme is free. There are three grading criteria."
First, technical proficiency.
Precision and sense of rhythm.
In addition, I plan to focus on checking finger movements and pedaling.
Second, musical expressiveness.
How well they brought out the mood of the piece.
I will observe the level of dynamics and phrasing, and judge whether articulation interpretations like staccato and legato were appropriate.
Finally, emotional delivery.
The first two are about technique, but this should be considered stage presence.
The performer's posture and expressions are also included here.
Since they're presenting music on stage, what's visible is just as important as what's heard.
If any one of the three is overwhelmingly outstanding, I plan to put them in the advanced class.
If they don't particularly stand out but express the music well-rounded, I also plan to put them in the advanced class.
Of course, there is a standard.
If they fall short of the standard, they'll have to relearn from the basics.
"For the next month, Professor Korsolin and I will be teaching you. However, simply following the lectures won't improve your skills. The results depend on each individual's practice."
We invested a significant amount of money to provide one affordable piano to each student.
I hear rumors that we scattered grand pianos for some reason, but that's not true.
Even that level of expenditure is a stretch for me.
Anyway.
All dormitories are now single rooms.
Since the soundproofing is thorough, it shouldn't be difficult to practice during spare moments.
"I'll take questions."
"Um."
A male student sitting in the front row raised his hand.
"What happens to the three who already entered the advanced class?"
"That's a good question. They will not take the re-test. However, until the advanced class members are reselected, they will attend the basic class lectures with you."
There's no need to check their skills again.
With their level, they should be able to pass the second test in a month without difficulty.
Since they've had the experience of being highly evaluated, they'll pass even if they perform the same way.
I have no intention of making them go through the trouble twice.
First, it's a hassle.
And more than anything, it's unfair.
However, until the advanced class lectures resume, I plan to have them review the basics with the other students.
It's a compromise of sorts.
It's not an entirely nonsensical plan.
It’s also meant to help the Benderlin siblings rediscover their original mindset.
Reviewing the fundamentals is a practice method that already exists.
In fact, for performers who have reached a certain level,
it's common to set a period and restudy simple techniques they learned long ago.
This process is necessary periodically.
That way, the tower they've built with great effort won't crumble.
To improve one's skills, it's important to take time for self-reflection.
The Benderlin siblings looked displeased, but after I explained in detail, they grudgingly accepted it.
If they still act arrogant after this?
Let's just let it slide for now.
I have another plan for that part.
"Professor? I have a question too!"
Then, a female student sitting in the middle raised her hand.
'That's Serena.'
She has no distinctive features, but since she's been following me around so much, I've even memorized her ordinary facial features.
"Um... what exactly do you learn if you enter the advanced class?"
Another good question.
"Let me put it simply. From now on, you will learn basic techniques and music interpretation skills in the basic classes."
They probably already know this much.
"In the advanced lectures, we will, of course, teach more advanced skills. How to control the pedals and keys with precision. How to learn difficult passages efficiently using unconventional fingerings. Extended chords and difficult arpeggios. Cultivating depth and expressiveness in performance..."
Ah, right.
I stopped midway as I felt I was talking too long.
That should be enough for them to understand.
There are also curriculums to improve creativity and bodily sense through understanding harmonic progressions and improvisation practice, but...
They'll find out naturally once they enter the advanced class.
Serena, who seemed to like my answer, lowered her arm and nodded.
Now that I think about it.
I forgot something important.
"Entering the advanced class doesn't mean you're receiving special treatment. You're simply gaining the right to move on to the next stage faster than others. I know there are students who feel this is unfair. However."
Everyone held their breath, waiting for my next words.
"I believe that for those who work hard to prove their abilities, a commensurate reward must be given. The opportunity is open to everyone. Please do your best."
Moreover, of course.
Just because the advanced class exists doesn't mean I intend to teach the remaining students half-heartedly.
This is a distinction based on skill, not favoritism.
Besides, Erdi is in charge of the other side.
I am in charge of the basic lectures.
If you want to attend my lectures, it would be better to completely fail the test.
Then I wouldn't know either.
I might even provide one-on-one tutoring, saying, 'You really can't be helped.'
Anyway.
Everyone was staring at the piano on stage with determined expressions. It seems my speech worked quite well.
It doesn't look like anyone is seriously planning to fail.
Well, of course.
For a performer, there's no greater joy than being acknowledged for their own music.
That's enough for now.
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And so, for the next month, I continued the lectures on the fundamentals.
Theory class, practical class.
"When sitting on a chair, it's good to straighten your back and hold your spine upright. Of course, you might get sloppy when you're immersed in emotion, but for now, try to be conscious of it while you play."
First, the posture.
Many of the great masters don't follow a precise posture.
But that's only possible because they have transcended the basics and rules.
At the beginner stage, it's most important to learn a posture that suits your own physique.
Next, place your arms, wrists, and fingers at the right angles and lay them neatly on the keyboard.
This is the first step of performance.
"In that state, practice the sheet music I distributed to each of you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time."
"Professor."
Thinking someone was desperate for my help, I turned around and saw Victor.
What is this guy doing here?
Isn't he supposed to be in the middle of teaching right now?
"Please come here for a moment."
"Yes."
I followed him to a corner.
"It's about Dirk."
"Dirk Benderlin?"
"He's quite insincere. His sister, Beatrice, is somewhat better, but Dirk won't even try to attend the class. I thought you should know."
If Victor came personally to tell me, it must be pretty serious.
He didn't show it in front of me, but it seems he's utterly disgusted at the thought of reviewing basic education.
I can understand that feeling.
But.
Ultimately, he's ruining his own future.
Anyway, the advanced class is practically already set, and he's declared he won't take the re-test.
If he just follows along like this, he'll be able to play the keyboard with much better technique in a month.
So why is he refusing the class?
'I expected to learn something special, but I'm dissatisfied because he's teaching something so obvious.'
If not that, then...
Does he hate being treated the same as others?
Then why did he even enroll in the academy in the first place?
I've done everything I can for him.
No matter where you go, there are always people like this.
People who try to use the sacred place of learning, the academy, as a stage for their own self-aggrandizement.
"If he's this stubborn, he'll eventually be surpassed by other students."
"I think so too. There's nothing more important than the basics."
Victor should know this better than anyone.
He said he heard my music and ended up relearning the piano from scratch.
You need this level of passion to get scouted by the main academy.
Dirk is the complete opposite.
A personality that only sees the trees, not the forest.
I was hoping the basic lectures would help him find his original resolve, but maybe I need to take a stronger approach.
Of course, it's too early to conclude.
After all, I'm the one who caused this in the first place.
I need to investigate further.
"Let's change the lecture for a day and go observe him."
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Just then.
A commotion erupted from one corner of the practice room.
It was Dirk's group.
As Victor said, he wasn't practicing. He was just sitting on a chair, crossing his arms and watching the other students.
His sister, Beatrice, was practicing, but she also had a look of disdain on her face.
They were clearly looking down on the other students.
"Hey."
I approached Dirk and called out to him.
Dirk flinched for a moment, then looked up at me with a defiant expression.
"What is it, Professor?"
"I heard you're not attending class. Is that true?"
"I just think my time is better spent practicing on my own than listening to those boring lectures."
"Boring?"
"Yes. I've already learned all that. It's a waste of time."
I see. So that's how it is.
He thinks he's already past the basics.
"Alright. Then show me. Your 'practice.'"
"What?"
"Play something. Any piece you want. Let me see how much you've improved on your own."
Dirk's expression hardened.
He probably expected me to scold him, not ask for a performance.
"..."
He hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked to the piano.
He sat down and placed his hands on the keyboard.
He chose a fairly difficult piece.
A piece that requires fast fingerwork and strong dynamics.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Chopin Polonaise Op. 53
[High Speed, High Power, Technical Showpiece]
He started playing.
Technically, it wasn't bad.
His fingers moved quickly, and the sound was loud.
He was putting on a show of his skill.
However...
It was shallow.
The notes were just being hit. There was no story, no emotion.
It was like a beautifully decorated doll with no soul.
And his posture...
His shoulders were tense, his wrists were stiff, and he was hunched over the keyboard.
It was a posture that would lead to injury if he played for a long time.
He was trying to show off, but he was only revealing his flaws.
The performance ended.
Dirk, breathing heavily, looked at me with a proud expression, expecting praise.
I looked at him coldly.
"Is that it?"
"...What?"
"I asked if that's all you've got. Your technique is just a mess of speed and force. There's no control, no nuance. You're just banging on the keys."
Dirk's face flushed red.
"Wh-what do you know! You're just a composer!"
"A composer who knows more about music than you do. You say the basic lectures are boring? A player who neglects the basics will never become a true musician. You're just a noise-maker."
"You...!"
"You think you're special because you were chosen for the advanced class? You're just a frog in a well. You don't even know what true skill is."
I turned my back on him.
"Reconsider. Whether you want to stay in the advanced class or not. But if you continue to act like this, you'll be expelled from the advanced class immediately. And you'll have to start over from the absolute basics with the other students."
Dirk was left speechless, trembling with anger and humiliation.
I walked back to where Victor was.
"That was harsh."
"It was necessary. He needed a reality check."
"Do you think he'll change?"
"I don't know. But I've given him the choice. It's up to him now."
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The month passed.
The day of the re-test arrived.
The lecture hall was filled with nervous students.
On the stage, there was a piano and three chairs for the judges: me, Victor, and Erdi.
"The rules are simple. You'll play a piece of your choice. We'll evaluate you based on the three criteria I mentioned before."
The students lined up.
The first student went up.
Then the next.
One by one, they played.
Some were good, some were not.
But I could see a clear difference from a month ago.
They had practiced. Hard.
Especially Serena.
Her performance was still lacking in technique compared to the Benderlin siblings, but it was full of emotion. It was truly touching.
Then, it was Dirk's turn.
He walked up to the stage with a determined look.
He sat at the piano.
And he played.
The piece he chose was... Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 16.
A fundamental piece, a classic.
His performance was...
Completely different from before.
It was calm, controlled, and precise.
The technique was solid, but it wasn't showy.
Most importantly, there was music in it. A clear intent behind every note.
It was a performance that showed he had truly reflected on my words.
The other students watched in surprise.
Beatrice also looked at her brother with wide eyes.
When his performance ended, the hall was silent for a moment before erupting in applause.
Dirk, wiping sweat from his forehead, looked at me.
His eyes were no longer arrogant. They were filled with a thirst for knowledge.
I nodded silently.
✨ LEVEL UP! ✨
Mindset Changed
+ Dirk's Willingness to Learn +MAX
+ Sibling's Respect +High
+ New Skill: True Understanding of Basics
The test ended.
The final selection for the advanced class included Serena and Dirk, along with a few other students who showed great improvement.
The Benderlin siblings, who had already been in the advanced class, also maintained their positions with solid performances.
The advanced class lectures finally began again.
The atmosphere was completely different from before.
Everyone was focused, eager to learn.
Dirk, in particular, was like a completely different person. He listened intently to every word I said and practiced diligently.
I looked at the students in the advanced class.
They were the future of this academy, and perhaps, this world's music.
"Alright, everyone. Let's begin."
I sat at the piano.
"Today, I'll teach you the most important skill for a performer."
I placed my fingers on the keys.
"The art of making the piano sing."
And I began to play.
It was Debussy's "Clair de Lune."
A piece full of moonlight and dreams.
The students' eyes widened as they listened to the beautiful sound filling the room.
Their journey into the world of advanced music had just begun.
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