This is a letter I wrote to Music in the Mountains in support of their education programs, with a focus on the Young Musician's Competition they hold every year. For more information on this small-town organization's critical work: www.musicinthemountains.org/education
The first time I went to the Music in the Mountains Young Musician's Competition Showcase Concert I got to see Chiara Coombs play Salzedo's epic "Whirlwind" on her gigantic pedal harp. Her hands flew over the strings and the instrument towered above her head - needless to say it made an impression. The next year I decided, "why not," and entered to perform on my own little lever harp. My teacher encouraged me, and come spring I was sitting in front of the judges myself, nervous as they scribbled notes while I played. (I shouldn't have been - I realized once I read them that the comments were all very kind and helpful.) When I found out I was a runner up and got to play in the showcase concert myself, I was filled with unbridled excitement.
This was the initial spark of my involvement with MIM's education programs, which were absolutely integral to my development as a musician. Getting to compete in YMC every year gave me a goal to work toward, gave me a community of young musicians to connect with, and gave me confidence in my abilities. Had I not had the opportunity that MIM provided, I would never have had the guts or wherewithal to enter in larger harp competitions or, later, complete the college audition process. Most importantly, the experience allowed me to see all these experiences not as means to an end, but as learning opportunities, where I gained valuable feedback and honed my skills no matter the outcome.
I urge you to continue offering the educational opportunities you have provided for years to the young musicians of your local community. For these students, private lessons are valuable but do not always nurture an appreciation for the work of one's peers or an understanding of the time that goes into truly perfecting a piece. As an organization, inspiring youth to develop as musicians should be high on your agenda; it is those who know intimately the effort and artistry of playing classical music who will attend your concerts, volunteer their time, and become future donors.
Thank you for all the support you have given me, from that first inspiring performance by Chiara to the development of my composing skills to the opportunity to play in SummerFest for the past two years. It is thanks to you that I am sitting here in the harp studio at Carnegie Mellon University, surrounded by the music I love and itching to get back to my instrument. I know there are many more students like me, who are young musicians in need of support and inspiration to follow their own dreams. I hope Music in the Mountains will be there for them, too.
The first time I went to the Music in the Mountains Young Musician's Competition Showcase Concert I got to see Chiara Coombs play Salzedo's epic "Whirlwind" on her gigantic pedal harp. Her hands flew over the strings and the instrument towered above her head - needless to say it made an impression. The next year I decided, "why not," and entered to perform on my own little lever harp. My teacher encouraged me, and come spring I was sitting in front of the judges myself, nervous as they scribbled notes while I played. (I shouldn't have been - I realized once I read them that the comments were all very kind and helpful.) When I found out I was a runner up and got to play in the showcase concert myself, I was filled with unbridled excitement.
This was the initial spark of my involvement with MIM's education programs, which were absolutely integral to my development as a musician. Getting to compete in YMC every year gave me a goal to work toward, gave me a community of young musicians to connect with, and gave me confidence in my abilities. Had I not had the opportunity that MIM provided, I would never have had the guts or wherewithal to enter in larger harp competitions or, later, complete the college audition process. Most importantly, the experience allowed me to see all these experiences not as means to an end, but as learning opportunities, where I gained valuable feedback and honed my skills no matter the outcome.
I urge you to continue offering the educational opportunities you have provided for years to the young musicians of your local community. For these students, private lessons are valuable but do not always nurture an appreciation for the work of one's peers or an understanding of the time that goes into truly perfecting a piece. As an organization, inspiring youth to develop as musicians should be high on your agenda; it is those who know intimately the effort and artistry of playing classical music who will attend your concerts, volunteer their time, and become future donors.
Thank you for all the support you have given me, from that first inspiring performance by Chiara to the development of my composing skills to the opportunity to play in SummerFest for the past two years. It is thanks to you that I am sitting here in the harp studio at Carnegie Mellon University, surrounded by the music I love and itching to get back to my instrument. I know there are many more students like me, who are young musicians in need of support and inspiration to follow their own dreams. I hope Music in the Mountains will be there for them, too.
Warming up for the 2009 Young Musician's Competition concert. Photo credit: Jane Kesselman
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