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 2015-2018.
Who was your teacher?
Dr. Kairy Koshoeva
What is a favorite NSMS memory?
First and foremost, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Koshoeva to perfect and develop pieces. She went above and beyond to help me improve my playing - at times even opening up the New School on days off to have a lesson with me, or even arranging masterclasses with her conservatory professors. Dr. Koshoeva’s dedication to teaching and music had a long lasting impression on me and I am very grateful to both the New School and Dr. Koshoeva for the opportunity to learn with her. Additionally, I enjoyed learning about how to add musical nuance to my performances through the PEPS program - working with Mr. Blickenstaff and Dr. Louw.
What are you doing now?
I am a 2nd year student in the six year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City - which is coincidentally the alma mater of my teacher, Dr. Koshoeva!
What role does your education at NSMS play in your life today?
Musical education at the New School was not limited to learning about techniques or finger exercises, all of the teachers I worked with ensured students learned the story of the pieces and composers that wrote them. It is this aspect of my NSMS education that I believe has the biggest role in my life at the moment. Whenever I listen to a particular piece that I either previously played or heard my PEPS classmates perform, I am reminded of the many anecdotes and stories of the piece which makes for a quite an enriching listening experience.
Click here to see a video of Shiva performing Chopin's Tarantella at one of our PEPS Recitals.
What a beautiful tribute to your teachers!
Best of luck in your studies, Shiva.
Are you a NSMS Alum? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete this alumni connection form.