In celebration of our 60th anniversary, we will feature NSMS alumni as part of our Alumni Spotlight series throughout 2020.
Which years were you at NSMS?
I was a student at NSMS from 2007-2016.
Who was your teacher?
Rebecca Pennington
What is a favorite NSMS memory?
A favorite memory of mine from NSMS would be my weekly piano group classes. I loved hearing my peers perform and learning new things about music theory and music history through our pieces. I still remember so many of the historical anecdotes that Mr. Blickenstaff would tell us during PEPS classes; these stories added so much context and meaning to the music that I was playing.
What are you doing now?
I am currently finishing up my music education undergraduate degree at Ithaca College and I just recently completed my student teaching placement in Brooklyn, New York. I'm preparing for my college piano studio recital as well as my senior piano recital, both of which I am greatly looking forward to. I'm very excited to be graduating this coming spring!
What role does your education at NSMS play in your life today?
NSMS greatly prepared me for the undertaking of my music education degree at Ithaca College in terms of theoretical as well as performance knowledge. I continue to use the warm-ups and practice techniques that I learned throughout my years at NSMS in my daily piano practice at school. I was able to excel in my music classes because of this strong foundation that NSMS gave me. I also frequently think back to the way my teachers at NSMS taught me in order to inspire my current pedagogical tactics. My time at NSMS was beautiful and being able to look back on my memories of it brings me great joy!
We are look forward to hearing more about your budding career as a music educator, Julia! Congratulations on your upcoming graduation.
Are you a NSMS Alum? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete this alumni connection form.