October 2010 -
October has been insanely busy - to the point where I was afraid I’d get a hand injury if I continued practicing. It’s a scary thought for a professional musician, and something I’ve never experienced. I had a performance (sometimes two!) every single weekend, but it was also exhilarating. New Spectrum’s concerts were hugely successful, and it allowed me to remember why I love what I do.
I also started teaching at the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View. It was an unexpected opportunity, but one that I’m glad I took. I’m enjoying teaching, and everyone I’ve met has been wonderful and supportive.
Aside from my jobs which keep my pretty busy most days and nights, I’ve been spending nearly all my spare time looking for a new place to live! More on that later...meanwhile, happy November!
September 2010 -
Life as a musician! I signed on as a staff collaborative pianist at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and I’ll be working with Tim Day and his flute studio on all matters related to flute and piano! I am excited for this opportunity to learn new rep, and of course, to perform. NSE started fall rehearsals with fabulous new members (Joseph, Pei-Ling, Sophie, Elyse) and old friends (Kathryn & Calisa). I can already tell this concert is going to be amazing. I’ve also expanded my teaching studio just a bit with a few more intermediate students. It is difficult to find a perfect balance between teaching and performing - and each has its own appeal - but I’ll get there...someday.
June 2010 -
Two pieces of good news - First, I am thrilled to have finished all of the requirements for the doctoral degree, and will be receiving my diploma from Northwestern University in August. Second, New Spectrum Ensemble received its first funding from the American Composers Forum. The grant supports three performances of Kay Rhie’s I Hear the Sound of Trees for mixed ensemble and soprano. Stay tuned for details in the fall.
May 2010 -
What a month! Three concerts, two trips to Chicago, and a dissertation defense! I had a blast collaborating with the amazingly talented flutist Calisa Hildebrand on the Pierne Sonata. I also had a taste of what it feels like to be a touring artist, as I performed a solo program in Palo Alto, CA and Evanston, IL, four days apart. Most significant of all is my first experience with the magnetic resonator piano, created by the composer Andrew McPherson. Check out a performance of “Secrets of Antikythera” for solo piano on this unique instrument here.
March & April 2010-
We launched New Spectrum’s debut concert series in SF. Preparation for the concerts were exhausting, but we had a great turnout. We were honored to collaborate and perform music by Jen Wang and Dan Becker. I also love that it was some people’s first exposure to contemporary music, and they want more (imagine that!). There is hope after all.