Arts Alive San Antonio

Professor of piano at Trinity University, Soloist and member of the SOLI Chamber Music Ensemble

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor

Tell us about your early history with the piano.
I began my studies with my mom, Marilyn, when I was around 5. She and my dad, Wesley, were in one of the first classes of doctoral piano performance majors at the University of Michigan. They met there, got married, and I was born three years later in Ann Arbor. Dad finished his doctorate while mom stayed at home with me, and soon after a move to Missouri, my sister was born. Mom started an independent piano studio with four students: three of my friends and me. I don’t really remember life before my sister Tell or before playing piano. I studied with my mom until I graduated from high school, got my bachelor’s degree with my dad at UCM and was fortunate to receive a Rotary Scholarship to study in France with Eric Heidseick. Eventually, I got a master’s (University of Maryland) and a doctorate (Eastman School of Music), both with my aunt, Nelita True.

At what point did you decide to make it a career?
I loved what my parents and aunt were doing. They performed, they taught, they traveled; it seemed like a dream to get to do that! So, the answer is: I never thought of doing anything else.

You have been a teacher& professor for a long time now. What appeals to you about teaching? And what are the challenges?
I love inspiring new musical voices. Each student is so different from the previous one and the one to follow. Helping each one to find his/her “happy place” at the piano, guiding them to know that harvesting their intellectual and musical curiosity is the way to succeed.

Is performing more fun?
I’ve been asked for years which I prefer- performing or teaching. And I must say, I prefer whatever I’m doing at the time. I love performing and sharing live music with all sorts of audiences, and I adore watching my students grow and improve.

Who are your favorite composers?
Again, whoever I am studying/performing! I always love late Beethoven. The melancholy melodies of Rachmaninov, and discovering new composers.

Are you interested in composing?
I have too much respect for composers. I do some arranging, but mostly for pedagogic purposes, not for public consumption!

Which music events in town do you always attend?
The SA Phil. I am thrilled with the work they have been doing and I am happy to watch the community embrace its local professional orchestra. The Symphony and now the Philharmonic, have been an integral part of our community for such a long time! Without a professional orchestra the smaller chamber groups would never have been born. The success of the Philharmonic trickles down to the success of every other musical arts organization in town.

Beyond teaching and performing, what are your interests and responsibilities?
I love reading, movies, hiking local trails, traveling. I serve in leadership roles and contribute in various ways to the Music Teachers National Association and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.

Do you have a family?
I do – I have a wonderful husband and two terrific step-children.

What recent arts developments in San Antonio do you value and appreciate?
I have been amazed by the work of the SA Philharmonic. Hiring Jeffrey Kahane as artistic director is phenomenal, embracing our entire community, connecting with students all over the city… It’s just been extraordinary watching them rise like a Phoenix!

What do you like to do for fun?
Get together with friends and family.

What advice do you give to your children and students?
Find your voice! Don’t be limited by the paths of your parents; find your own way.

Do you have favorite places/areas in San Antonio?
The Botanical Gardens, parks, SAMA and the McNay…, so many!

Do you have a favorite vacation sport and why is it favorite?
Montana and Wyoming. I love the mountains. I love the sound of springs and creeks going over rocks; I love the spaciousness and am in awe of the scenery. And I love Paris!

Here’s the usual final question: If you were the absolute, all-powerful monarch of San Antonio, what would you change, implement or initiate for the good of the city?
I would establish a $100 Million endowment for the SA Philharmonic. I would most hope that everyone would learn and celebrate playing in the sandbox together, and throw away petty, egotistic problems which have nothing to do with making and understanding art.