1. Tell us about your background and journey.
My childhood was very hard, I was abused and neglected and ended up in foster care for several years. After moving in and out of 11 homes, I was adopted and that’s when I started taking piano lessons. Music gave me a sense of empowerment, something I could create that was uniquely mine that nobody could take away from me.
Over the years, music became a focal point in my life and allowed me to express myself and navigate through the healing process from my early childhood trauma. At age 15 I moved to Michigan to study piano at a boarding arts school, and those were some of the most influential years of my life.
I subsequently decided to pursue music in college and there I learned about piano pedagogy, started teaching my first students, and immediately fell in love with the process of learning.
After college I moved to Seattle, Washington, and started teaching full time. It’s been 28 years since I started playing piano and 11 years since started teaching, and I am very lucky to have a career in a field that I love.
2. What inspired you to become a pianist?
My relationships with my piano teachers over the years heavily influenced my decision to become a pianist and teacher. They were always so supportive and encouraging, offering wisdom in their teachings that spilled into other areas of my life.
My teachers challenged me to be better, to look at myself critically and grow from my mistakes, as well as support my own unique individual musical expression. I wanted to share these tools with others, and by becoming a piano teacher and pianist, I can share these things with my students and audiences.
3. Describe the best preformance you have ever given and what made it special?
In 2012 I was invited to play a concert on a Bösendorfer Imperial grand, it was gilded in gold and is one of the most impressive instruments I’ve ever seen. I played a program of Mozart and Chopin pieces to a wonderful audience, and it was such a privilege to perform on such an exquisite piano.
4. What is the most challenging and rewarding of being a pianist?
The most challenging aspect of being a pianist would probably be the high standards in which our music is expected to be performed. Classical musicians are often perfectionists, and it’s difficult to execute everything perfectly, especially when you’re dealing with thousands of notes in a piece.
Harsh critics are nothing new in music, but the internet is full of them, and many are not shy about offering their two cents. Putting myself online means I am accepting the fact people may say things that I don’t necessarily want to hear. The most rewarding aspect of being a pianist is making a connection with my audience.
If I’ve made an impact on them in some meaningful way, then I’ve done my job well. As a teacher, influencing my students to use music in ways that enrich their lives is my primary objective, and that is the most fulfilling part of my teaching experience.
5. Who is your favourite musician and why?
My favorite musician is Martha Argerich. She is not only one of the most amazing pianists to ever live, but she is also a brilliant and wonderful woman and mother.
6. What message would you give to aspiring pianist?
I think embracing the art of practicing, preparing yourself for long hours of dedicated work, and sensible goal setting are all things an aspiring pianist should do. If you truly feel passionate about music, then it’s much easier to throw yourself into the work aspect of it.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
My favorite book is probably my Mozart Sonata book I’ve had for 20 years. Does a music book count? It’s a constant source of joy to replay old pieces and learn new ones.
Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya
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