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 2004-2016.
Who were your teachers?
Margie Nelson and Marvin Blickenstaff
What is a favorite NSMS memory?
As a student at NSMS, I knew that every time I stepped in the door to the school I would be surrounded with music. I will never forget the sound of the piano filling every corner of the building. It didn't matter if it was a 5-second beginner piece or advanced repertoire being practiced by a teacher--and sometimes you could hear both simultaneously from adjacent rooms!--this was a place where piano music of all levels came alive.
What are you doing now?
I just completed my Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. In the fall, I will begin my Master of Music degree in piano pedagogy at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
Here is a video of my playing for a recent studio project: https://youtu.be/HcGkUMBBdUk
What role does your education at NSMS play in your life today?
The New School for Music Study has been one of the major influences in my life, and has provided me with a solid foundation for my continued education in piano. Because of the huge impact my NSMS teachers had on me, I have pursued my own path to teach piano, hoping to have a similar impact on my own students. I owe so much to the faculty at NSMS, who made me fall in love with the powerful bond that people share through music at the piano.
Maria, we are so proud of you, and it is so rewarding for us to see you pursuing piano pedagogy. We have no doubt that you will have a positive impact on your future students!
Are you an NSMS Alum? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete this alumni connection form.