Meet the Pianist

Name: Winnie Dubail

Age: 15

Winnie’s Repertoire includes Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”, Chopin’s “Waltz in C# Minor” op. 64 No. 2, Bach’s A Minor Invention and Sinfonia No. 15, along with music by contemporary composers such as Robert Vandall, Robert Starer and Mary Leaf. She has played many duets with her sister Lucy, has participated in two Monster Festivals, and is preparing for her third in April 2022, competed in MaineMTA’s Biennial Pine Tree Competition in 2020 and has performed in most of Jacqui’s events and recitals.

1. How long have you played the piano?

I started playing piano when I was 6 years old, so about 9 years.

Monster Festival Prep 2018

2. What are the greatest challenges in your piano study

For a long time it was really hard for me to consistently practice. I think that COVID really helped me develop a routine for piano practice.

3. What is your favorite part of your piano study?

I really enjoy learning both the music and the history behind why it was made and the composer who created the piece.

4. Do you enjoy performing? / What do you get out of performing?

I do enjoy performing. I think that I gain a lot of self-confidence when I perform because I put a lot of energy and time into learning a piece of music and then I have to trust myself to go out and perform it without stressing out about it.

5. How often do you practice? What is your practice routine?

In a good week I will practice an hour a day. Normally I will practice before school for 20-30 minutes, then I will practice when I get home from school and if I am bored/don’t have any homework, I will practice after dinner.

6. What kind of music do you listen to? Who are your favorite artists/composers?

I listen to a lot of classical music, jazz, and showtunes. I listen to a lot of Chopin, I love his nocturnes. My favorite jazz albums are Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and Giant Steps by John Coltrane. My favorite musicals are Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanasen, In the Heights, and Newsies.

7. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to study the piano?

Don’t “forget” to practice your scales and create a practice routine. It took me a while to understand the importance of both of those things, and trust me they are important.

8. What are some other likes and dislikes you have. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I love to read, I play alto saxophone in concert and jazz band, I play softball and was on the indoor track team, I am a freshman at Gorham High School.

Meet the Pianist

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