I was a fan of Adam Schlesinger, co-founder of the band Fountains of Wayne, who passed away due to covid-19 on April 1. Brian and I particularly enjoyed this song, “Valley Winter Song,” and recorded it as a tribute.
Interested in learning remotely?
Like so many others, I have moved my work online. It is proving to be a lot of fun and a wonderful way to stay connected with my students during this tumultuous time. Since many students and adults are now at home for the foreseeable future, I am opening up my schedule to new students interested in learning online. Contact me for more information! Below, my student Sophia in her virtual lesson yesterday.
Winter Recital X: A Success
A wonderful time was had by all at my 10th Annual Winter Recitals on January 4! This year I hosted the recital at Fairlington Presbyterian (a new-to-us space as Convergence undergoes repairs after a recent electrical fire incident). It was wonderful for the students to experience performing in a different hall. Some of the selections performed included Introduction and Rondo Cappricioso by Saint-Saens, the first movement of the Stamitz Viola Concerto, and the beautiful Sicilienne by Paradis. Here are a few snapshots of the day!
Recital TOMORROW!
I’m so looking forward to my Winter Recitals tomorrow at Fairlington Presbyterian. It’s such a pleasure to help students set their performance goals, and to assist them in sharing their accomplishments with friends and family. Here’s a short clip from our December music- and merriment-making with student Kaitlyn.
Winter Recital Prep Underway!
I finally finished arranging the last of my students’ recital solo “special requests.” I try to honor their requests for specific pieces they’d like to learn whenever possible. Isn’t one of the joys of music having the ability to play your favorite tunes on your own instrument? I arranged this one for my 10-year-old niece Wendy to play on double bass. Vince Guaraldi’s music is not easy! Wish us luck!
Cherry Blossom String Quartet busy at work
One of the joys of playing for around 70 weddings a year is that I’m able to see and play in some of DC’s most gorgeous spaces. One of my favorites is the Carnegie Institute on 16th and P Street, where we frequently play on the second level of the gorgeously ornate rotunda.
All hail, dear Alma Mater!
So fun to see my student Parris rocking some U. of Mary Washington gear!
West Potomac Spooktacular!
I was so happy to be able to attend my students’ orchestra concert yesterday evening. West Potomac High School hosts an annual Halloween Spooktacular complete with costume contests, face painting, and of course, spooky string music. Four of my high school-age students performed yesterday. Such a fun show with a big Monster Mash finale to wrap it up!
Student Performances
It’s been a wonderful few months with some fantastic student performances. My annual spring recital went beautifully back in June, with performances of the Bach Double Violin Concerto, Danse Macabre by my graduating senior student, Duke, and Viotti’s 22nd Violin Concerto played by Jaelyn. Last weekend, one of my adult students, Peggy, held a recital at her home and invited one of my youngest students, Timmy, to perform. So proud of all these musicians. Now onto preparing for fall auditions and our next recital!
Graduation time!
My student Duke, whom I’ve taught since he was in kindergarten, performed for the South Lakes High School Senior Recital this week. It was a fabulous performance and I’m so proud of him!
The Beanstalk Library live
The Beanstalk Library performed at Gypsy Sally’s this weekend for the Ben Tufts & Friends Tribute to 1969. We covered 5 songs from Neil Young’s album “Everybody Knows this is Nowhere.”
Winter Recital 2019 Highlights
Enjoy a small selection of some of the student performances from my January and February recitals!
Winter Recital 2019 Highlights
Recitals complete!
Students are breathing a sigh of relief and satisfaction now that everyone has performed in my Winter Recitals. Some of the beautiful works performed included Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnol, Mozart’s Concerto No. 3, Bruch’s Romanze for Viola, Faure’s Apres un Reve, and many many more lovely pieces.
Recital preparations…
My Winter Recitals are this weekend, January 12-13 and all the students are putting the final touches on their performance pieces. Here’s a sneak preview of one soloist who will be performing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3!
Mendelssohn d minor Piano Trio
Patriots Day Concert at St. Veronica
I had a wonderful time preparing and performing the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in d minor for a benefit concert at St. Veronica’s in Chantilly, Virginia. Donations from the concert benefited Fairfax County Volunteer Firefighters. Here’s the trio in rehearsal. What an amazing piece of music and such a pleasure to perform!
Junior Recital
This year my student Duke prepared and presented a Solo Junior Recital. The repertoire included a movement of unaccompanied Bach, Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saens, and a piece called "Revolving Factory" which Duke transcribed himself for string quintet. The performance included brief lectures prior to each piece that provided background information on the works. He worked hard to prepare for this and did an excellent job!
Spring Recitals 2018
Here's a photo of one-half of the students from my Spring Recitals! This year I split the students into two separate shorter recitals. It made for a more intimate performing and listening experience for both groups and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. This picture is of the 3:30 performers. I'm having some technical difficulties locating a picture of the 1:30 group!
Playing at the Kennedy Center!
My band, The Beanstalk Library had an amazing opportunity to play on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. The KC offers free daily performances on the Millennium Stage at 6 pm, 365 days a year. We had a great crowd and really enjoyed the show. A few of my students and their families even came out to see us!
