Adams uses the Disklavier as a teaching tool in several ways. Because he says he is not a particularly adept pianist, most of the disks he uses for student accompaniment are recorded by his colleague, Dr. Alan Mason. Every musical nuance of his performance—from his sensitive playing, masterful pedaling, and his beautiful musicianship—is captured by the Disklavier, which he calls a "technical wonder."

     In his studio, Professor Adams has a library of piano accompaniment ranging from Handel to Whitney Houston. Students are free to borrow disks to use in practice rooms equipped with Disklavier pianos.

     Students can practice with existing selections or can choose accompaniments from tailor made disks. Adams has found that art songs such as Samuel Barber's "The Daisies" work much more effectively when using the technological capabilities of the Disklavier - Adams actually sings the piece while Dr. Mason plays the accompaniment. This way, any interpretive voices - a breath here, a rubato there - are woven into the accompaniment recorded onto the disk. These ensemble recording sessions also allow Adams to tailor the arrangements to the needs of his students and the performance situation by allowing him to repeat or drop sections, skip or add verses, and alter the tempo as needed. This feature in particular, he has found, helps the developing singer find an appropriate tempo for their ability.

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     "More importantly," he says, "the Disklavier allows me to do what I do best—teach voice without worrying about supporting the student with my merely adequate piano skills."

Medical Center
Patients Relax To
Classical Music

tep into the lobby of the Royal Oak Medical Center in Royal Oak, MI, and enter a new type of doctor's office. M. George, M.D. has created a 21st century anti-aging health center within his growing and popular medical practice. He believes that preventing disease by helping his patients stay healthy is the way medicine should be practiced. Teamed with Chef Jim D'Annunzio, he's created the Healthy Harvest Patient and Guest Café which features tasty yet healthy treats, and offers cooking classes that focus on teaching patients and guests the simple secrets of creating healthy meals at home. Recently added to the lobby is a Yamaha Disklavier® DC2IIXG programmed to continuously play classical music to relax and soothe patients and guests.

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