All the even ones :D
Why thank you, Elly. (Was that sarcastic? The world may never know.)
How long have you been studying music?
I think I’m going on ten or eleven years now. That’s not counting how long I practiced piano when I was a kid. To be honest, I have no real memory of learning how to read music.
What do you need to work better on in your music?
Definitely sight-reading. Also proper articulation is tough for me for some reason. Phrasing. Working on better using my airstream.What is your ultimate have to play piece?
Either Concerto by Arutunian, Shostakovich Symphonies 5 and 7, or Mahler Symphony 1. Take your pickWhat is a funny story related to music that you know?
One time my teacher sat down on stage at the Met because he can’t wear hats because his head like literally steams but since the herald trumpet part was onstage and had a costume he had to wear a hat and he started getting faint halfway through and the Met people got so mad at him but he like didn’t care because he’s one of their number one contracted freelancers so they like couldn’t do anything about it because he’s just too damn usefulWho is your favorite alive artist?
Besides my teacher you mean? Where in the world does your favorite traditional music come from?
This is really hard to answer because I like a bunch of traditional styles. I really love carnatic music (which is from India) and traditional Japanese styles played by geiko (commonly known as geisha). Of course, I’m very partial to German works as well. Also traditional Jewish music is always fun for me.What would you advise a person who is struggling with their music learning?
There is always an area to excel in and, conversely, to not do well in. For example, many jazz musicians I know have a really, really tough time with theory because they’ve tended to learn everything by ear until they get to college, and thus have a really hard time applying concepts they know innately to visual theory. Many people who are brilliant on their primary instruments struggle with piano. Additionally, most people love playing but struggle with practicing! It takes commitment and dedication. Always be in the space of what you’re trying to do. Don’t let yourself be distracted. Take breaks, but don’t let those breaks turn into abandonment of a task. I try to practice skills in half-hour sets.Have you tried composing your own music?
A little, when I was younger, and I really liked doing it! If I had more time now, I’d probably be doing it more, as it was something I really enjoyed and now I have the needed theory skills to back it up.Do you know of many female composers?
Unfortunately no. I know of Nannerl Mozart, Clara Schumann, and that’s all I can think of at the moment unfortunately.Have you played anything by an alive composer?
Last semester I played Bolcom’s First Symphony for Band!What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned through your music lessons?
Probably this: that everyone is different, and you can probably do more than you think you can. My teacher assigned me what he thought was the most difficult movement of the Haydn concerto for my jury last semester and didn’t let me know he thought that until a week or two before, and by then I’d done very well with it. I was stunned, but knowing that made me feel really confident!When do you feel the happiest, music-wise?
Probably in my chamber rehearsal, with my brass quintet--we’re a great bunch! I also love being in lesson with my teacher. But otherwise, I think I’m happiest when I’m playing slow, soaring phrases. That’s something I do very well in because my tone is pretty good. (You gotta own up to stuff like that. Being humble is not the same as being ignorant to your own strengths.)What was your absolute worst performance?
Oh my god, definitely the very first day of college. We have to do placement tests every semester and I didn’t practice enough and I legit burst out crying onstage. That was my worst day. Thankfully, it was my first day. And I’ve been getting better and better and I’m confident where I am now! No more bursting into tears!Has anything embarrassing happened to you, regarding music?
See above, honestlyDo you practice every day?
Nominally. Since it’s summer I’m practicing a little less, like every other day, but normally I try to practice at least six days a week.Have you ever cried because of your music learning?
I have, in a sense, already answered thisHave you every cried because of a beautiful piece?
Not to my memory, but I have gotten teary-eyed. What do you feel when you stand in front of the audience when you take a bow after your performance?
Usually I don’t really feel much towards the audience. My performances are for me. I know a lot of people who feel differently, but for me performing is a personal thing. Not in the sense that I’m unwilling to share, but in the sense that the final destination is a personal goal.How was your best teacher? What made them different?
My current teacher is an amazing human being and I could go on about him for hours. I truly enjoy his company, his musicianship, and his teaching style. We click like puzzle pieces.I didn’t realize how important the teacher/student relationship was until I got to college and it is extraordinary. Its importance in my life cannot be underestimated. I truly admire my teacher. He’s at the top of his field (NY Phil and Met Opera and basically any high-level freelance job you can think of--the Easter service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a great example) and I’m extremely lucky to be in his studio. I adore him, I really do, and I hope I get to enjoy his friendship long after I graduate.
How do you memorize a piece?
I usually go phrase by phrase. Especially if it’s repetitive. It’s not helpful to memorize bars or lines at a time, but the brain can remember complete phrases with beginnings and resolutions.How do you sight sing?
Poorly.How is a normale practice session for you?
About an hour and a half long, usually. Long tones, loooottts of lip slurs and tonguing exercises. My teacher likes us to focus on fundamentals and basics. And it helps, it really does.
What is the hardest piece you’ve played?
Uhhhh probably the HaydnHave you played in a non-classical band?
Yes! I’ve played in some jazz and some non-classical situationsWhat is your favorite chamber music piece?
Uhhhh...I guess this one Pezel piece I did last semester?Have you performed for 50+ people?
Yes!Have you performed for 200+ people?
I can’t say with a certainty but I’m pretty sure I haveHave you performed a full (1hour 30min) recital programme?
Not yet! But I will within a few years! And I’m going to try to do a joint recital with a few people next semester.Has music ever helped you dealing with non-music related situations?
ALWAYS. Music has literally helped me get two non-music jobs because I talk about the skills music has given me in terms of teamwork and innovation and detail and stuff.Why do you love music?
Because music is the one thing that connects all forms of human innovation and achievement. Because music is the bridge between intellectualism and primitive emotion. Because music is the breath of life and poetry without words.Â
