Marshall Kirkpatrick interviewed me as part of his gig at Netsquared. Great work Marshall! He also interviewed the East Coast Michael Stein, who I see also plays an instrument (violin). My degree is in music performance and the flute was my instrument.
Seeing the photo of Michael Stein made me remember I had an old photo (almost 30 years old) of me and my flute. So, thought I'd get it into flickr. It was tucked away in my Marcel Moyse etude book - he was my most influential teacher.
I studed with Moyse about 30 years ago, after I discovered he had retired to Brattleboro, VT. I hiked up the hill where his house was located and knocked on the door. I asked him if I could take private lessons with him. He was close to 90 at the time and wasn't doing any private lessons - just a few master classes. He yelled at me and kicked me out.
I hiked up the hill again and knocked on the door again. He answered, "You again, go away." I decided to try it one more time and the third time he greeted me, "I guess you won't go away until I teach you. Okay, let's see what you can do."
I played a Bach solo sonata for him. He yelled at me -- telling me I was too young to play Bach and really know how to express the music. A humbling experience. We started on his 24 melodic etudes - which is about how to express ideas in music versus finger technique. (I had the latter down, but need to learn the nuances of more musical playing." It was a great six months. Each of his etudes had visual imagery and a story ... it was wonderful.
My flute teacher: Marcel Moyse
It also made think that there is some connection between technology thinkers and music. I know a lot of colleagues from music school who are working in the technology world now.
It has also made want to listen to classical music again.
Technorati Tags: music flute marcelmoyse classicalmusic
Beth, I think you're right that there is a connection between technology thinkers and music. I played piano for ten years (not that well, but I enjoyed it) and now I consider myself a professional technologist... no current income, but I'll address that lack later.
I'm so glad you wrote this because I watched Master & Commander last night and meant to look up the classical music that was on it. It was beautiful. Going to go do that now!
Posted by: Anne Zelenka | February 05, 2006 at 02:24 PM
I may be playing bassoon again - sooner than later! I was asked to come partake in a wind symphony this Weds. Now I am a snob about wind symphonies but this one plays a lot of new pieces and the players that told me about are very good. So we will see - in the meantime - I hate the trips that music teachers tend to do - Moyse sounds wonderful but do you really think he was right about your ability to play Bach? Love the pic - you look gorgeous. I can't say that the pic I have of me playing bassoon is nearly as attractive - something about the big instrument...
Posted by: Lisa Canter | February 05, 2006 at 10:41 PM
Thanks for the picture - and even more for the story.
I seem to have abandoned classical music for the time being, and am really caught up in old-time fiddling. I go off to weeklong fiddle camps when others we know go to Tag Camp and the the like. But my brother-in-law and I are about to start workng on the Bach double-violin concerto together. We are threatening to give the family a recital next Christmas.
Posted by: Michael Stein | February 06, 2006 at 04:40 PM
HI Beth,
I'm really interested in your lessons with Marcel Moyes. My father was a professional flutist for 35 yers and now retired from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He often talks of Moyes and I had the idea of finding a DVD or video of him. Do you know where I might get a copy of the film made by Blanche or any other film. I've tried the New York Public Library but they've only got three fragile films that they can't copy.
I live in the UK.
Thanks,
Noel
Posted by: Noel Kingsley | June 13, 2006 at 08:33 AM