Reflection on my 1st year of Masters (USA)

6/24/2019

Master of Piano Performance and Literature

Piano - Classical

Weekly hour lessons with Dr. Rochelle Sennet
Felt like I really improved my sound, learning repertoire much faster, listening to more recordings and having a deeper connection with the piano. I’m glad that some of my research subjects allowed me to use my current repertoire and interests.
Performance highlight: Studio performances (including playing my concerto piece with Dr. Sennet), audition and concerto competition with Mike

Wow! This has been a big year. Click through to read more about what I've been up to...

Piano - Jazz

Weekly hour lessons with Prof. Chip Stephens
I started off taking 30 minute lessons with Professor Stephens in my first semester due to his very busy timetable, then I was thankful that he offered to teach me for an hour a week in the Spring semester. I record all our lessons on my phone and then listen back and take notes/practice during the week. This has been extremely helpful. I compare my sound to his sound, and how his comments relate to what I’m playing. Usually what I hear after reflecting is different to what I experienced/thought I was playing during the lesson.
Performance highlight: Early Morning (original composition) re-arranged and premiered at Women Composers in Jazz Concert, Iron Post. Also performed by my Jazz combo. Performing with my combos at the Iron Post and Krannert Center.

Theremin and Collabs

Kuroshio Quartet performance at 2019 Immersion Festival (Jason Finkelman, ..) Really enjoyed meeting the quartet, as well as Jake Metz
Boxout: Tongue Melts release (Singing and Song-writing)
Theremin Trio (Shubhang beatboxing, Vio Rapping and break-dancing) with Aymen (Videographer)
Performance highlight: Union with Theremin Trio, Jordan (Boxout),

Other Courses

I’ve tried to make the most of my Graduate Tuition Scholarship
First semester: 16 credits, then 19 credits in 2nd sem.
4.0 (Straight As with 3 A+) grades maintained, very happy
Piano Literature (Dr. William Heiles), Grad Music History Review Pre-1750 (Dr. Steven Wilson), Jazz Forum, The Art of Beatmaking (Lamont Holden - The Letter L Beats), Res & Bibliography in Music (Prof. Katherine Syer).
I enjoy the flexibility of this degree and all the teaching has been exceptional.

Ensembles:

3 jazz combos over the year (Wilson Poffenberger, Jose Guzman, Barkey Bryant (Tito Carillo’s combo)
Hip-Hop Collective (Prof. Rudolf Haken) (Theremin/piano/singing/rap/production)
Visiting Improvisors Exchange Masterclasses/guest workshops (Theremin/piano)

Clubs and Societies:

Electronic Music Club Exec Board
Learning how to DJ (EMC)
starting the Music and Fitness Club/ Run Club (more details TBA) w core team: Grace and Marc
A little bit of involvement with Urbana Dance Company, Illini Swing Society, Dancing Illini. Latin American Dance

Friends

Exploring Campus

Mentors

Challenges

Hand Injury from biking around Chicago- then Emergency Room trip plus $$$. Couldn’t play piano for 3 weeks at the start of my first semester. Thankfully UIUC has a injured musicians clinic which helped me alot. It was fully recovered by a month and I am extremely grateful.
March audition for 2nd year’s scholarship

Life lessons/growth

Particularly over the Summer break, I’ve become more interested in learning how to cook

Travel:

Where next?
Upcoming Collabs:

SYDNEY updates to keep an eye on:

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Send a message