Master of Music, University of Memphis
Where are you from originally? Memphis, TN
What has been the coolest or most fun concert or musical experience you have participated in to date? There have been so many! I remember when Pablo Casals came to Memphis to conduct his Peace Oratorio that he had written – he was in his 90’s at the time, and it was a very big deal. I think that was the same year Duke Ellington came. I think one of the most challenging and fun pieces I did with the orchestra were probably the Stravinsky ballets. The very first concert I ever played with them included Firebird. Soon after, we did Petrushka and then…Rite of Spring! Totally fun stuff for a wind player.
Although your primary instrument is the flute, you are also accomplished in piano. As a matter of fact, many of your piano students participate in Festival, NCMTA, CPTF auditions and CPTF recitals in addition to Academy concerts! Why did you feel it was important to study the piano? Every instrument has its pros and cons, but I always wanted to play piano, but didn’t get lessons till late. I spent most of my time in college hanging out with piano majors. I have always loved the power and versatility of the piano – you need friends to play with for the other instruments. Also, I am pretty sure that piano playing has developed strength in my hands that “pure” flutists don’t have. They seem to complain about a lot of ailments and pains that I have never had to contend with (so far). Flute playing involves very light touch and fast movement. There is very little movement in the body when playing a wind instrument, which can contribute greatly to stress injuries. I also think that coordinating the 2 clefs, 2 hands, feet, and all the spacing issues involved with piano are just plain good for the brain.
You make many performance and evaluation opportunities available to your students. Why do you feel these are important? Performance opportunities are so important for developing confidence, poise, and a refined work ethic that allows one to complete a specific goal in a specific amount of time. I call them allergy shots – once you’ve done enough of the many ways available for performance, all those other things in life that people worry about, such as speaking in public, are a piece of cake!
Any advice to parents on helping their children achieve a regular, effective practice routine? Music study should be given the same priority that other academic assignments get. It should not be an afterthought in the day’s schedule. Many times, with heavy homework loads and busy activity schedules, it is difficult. That is when I suggest splitting up the assignments into small bits and interspersing the practices with the other activities/homework/chores/etc. For example… do English homework, practice for small amount of time; do math homework, practice another bit for small amount of time, etc. If time is a problem, rotate the practiced things so everything gets at least some attention each week. That is pretty much how I got through college, and it seems to work for those will try it.
Anything else you would like to share about your music education/performance career, inspiration for students, etc? There is nothing like the feeling one gets performing well either alone or with others. Research has shown so many ways that music education helps brain development, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the feeling of accomplishment after a good performance. For me, and I believe also for many others, the confidence that performers develop make other challenges seem achievable. I think that is one of the biggest values music study can offer.