Each summer, I have my students expand their studies to include not only solo literature, but also collaborating with other musicians to play in duets and ensembles. On August 14th, we hosted our third Studio Chamber Music Recital, and it took place at Merriman’s Playhouse in South Bend, Indiana.
Students worked hard all summer to prepare their pieces, because I kept telling them that when you play with another musician, you have to know your part better than you’ve ever known your solos! Performing with another person is a unique challenge, and something that I believe is a fundamental skill for all musicians to possess.
I created duets, trios, and quartets from students in my studio, their families, and friends. The program included:
- Marching in the Snow (Anna B., student/teacher piano duet)
- Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair (Ginny M. & Alyson D., harps)
- Robot Dance (Rylie W., student/teacher piano duet)
- Prairie Song (Mark B. & Anna B., brother/sister piano duet)
- Wildwood Flower (Yarden K. & Emma H., student piano duet)
- The Dreamland Tree (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
- Stormy Sea (Alyse C. & Mark B., student piano duet)
- Celtic Charm (Claire C. & Joseph D., student piano duet)
- Cuckoo Waltz (Emma H. & Yarden K., student piano duet)
- Berceuse (Mary Kathleen A. & Camille A., sisters piano & cello duet)
- Fire Dance (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
- Mountain Wildflowers (Joseph D. & Alyson D., brother/sister harp & piano duet)
- Lazy Afternoon in Dallas (Camille A. & Hadas K., student piano duet)
- Trio in F Major, Op. 159, No. 3 (Megan B., violin; Gabby M., cello; Jacy S., piano)
- 3-Point Play (Mark B. & Alyse C., student piano duet)
- Flower Duet from Lakme (Jacy S., student/teacher piano duet)
- Balloon Pop Polka (Hadas K., Yarden K., Emma H., Camille A., piano quartet)
After the recital was over, everyone enjoyed made-to-order ice cream sundaes!
I offer piano & harp lessons to students of all ages and levels in my home studio in South Bend. Visit the lesson pages of my website for more details: