Musical Life Studio

While I'm away this summer, Allison Renner is at home working with some of my studio as our apprentice teacher.

Allison is a former violin student of mine who is studying piano pedagogy at Cedarville University. Before I left, she came in so I could acquaint her with some of my students and the physical and digital tools available in the studio. I love seeing her growth and transition from student to teacher.

Watching Allison teach invited me to reflect on my own work and growth as a teacher over the last decade.

I was proud of my kids. It was insightful to take a backseat and watch them work with someone else. How would they show up for her? What would stick from their study and practice? What about those deeper layers and structures we explore in their work---listening, theory, form, improvisation? So many of them were comfortable and confident.

And I was proud of myself, because I am an excellent, highly creative, intuitive, and responsive teacher.

I really enjoy this experience of mentoring a younger teacher, and I would love to do more of it!

Congratulations to Liz, who shared her art song at the Ohio Art Song Competition and won the prize for Audience Choice! We are so proud of your artistry and courage to share your music. ❤️