Check out the Super Saturated Sugar Strings (and their new album):

Thursday, May 17, 2012 7:00pm
Out North CD Release Show – [details]
Out North Contemporary Art House – Anchorage, AK

My mom made me start lessons when I was 7. Admittedly it was not a self-motivated desire to start playing the piano but I became hooked instantly. I loved the challenge in reading music, using my brain and moving my fingers. I still can’t shake that desire; precision and technique are a never-ending process.

How’d you get started teaching?

When I first studied theory extensively during my first semester of college, I found it to be surprisingly difficult. I knew I was a musician but for some reason had a hard time conceptualizing the theory. I soon realized that the only way I would ‘break on through to the other side’ was if I found help. I befriended two ‘study buddies’ who essentially saved me. They were so kind and patient, always did their homework with me, helped me whenever I needed, and honestly dedicated way too much of their time to my success. I promised myself after that first semester that I was forever in debt to the music gods and began to offer free tutoring in the UAA Music Department. After tutoring for several years, I saw a flyer for Hillside Music and decided to take it to the next level.

Who’s your favorite artist & why?

I don’t have a favourite artist because I simply listen to too much music and too many different types. When it comes to classical, I admire Stravinsky quite a bit; “The Rite of Spring” blew my mind away the first time I heard it and it still does. When it comes to pop, the Beatles will always have my heart; I was deeply affected by my parents divorce and, after listening to the White Album in its entirety, found strength and solace and in someway my identity. I relate quite a bit to film scores and am hugely inspired by Bernard Herrmann; he scored almost all of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, who is my favourite director.

What’s your favorite music to exercise to?

Anything with a lot of bass. Electronic music for sure. My ‘power’ song for long runs is Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”, it gets me moving every time and is always nice to hear at mile 4 or 5.

When you’re home alone with your instrument, what music do you love to play?

I play a synth keyboard in my husband’s band, so that takes care of my need for a ‘rockstar’ outlet. I usually end my personal practice with improvisation, just playing anything that sounds good in the moment. Most of what I create ends up sounding like really dramatic film scores [I absolutely love cinema and the function of music in film]. All that said, I primarily practice classical, metronome and all. There is something very sacred to me in classical music and the art of interpreting what someone else wrote hundreds of years ago. I find the most sense of accomplishment when I have mastered a classical piece, even more so than writing my own music.

What do you love about teaching at Hillside Music?

Hillside Music is the birthplace of my teaching career and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart. David McCormick will forever be a pivotal character in my life because he took a chance with me and believed in my success. I have always appreciated the sophisticated atmosphere at Hillside, and that it is not pretentious or patronizing. Every teacher at Hillside has their own unique style and sincerely wants each and every student to succeed at their own pace.. I assure you that you wont find another music studio in Anchorage that can offer such adaptability.

It started with a $4 microphone, the beginning of what was to become a new digital recording studio. Two years later, teacher Matt Brenna and his band have finished their first CD. It’s self-titled, Big Fat Buddha, and includes 12 songs written by Matt. It’s available on iTunes, or at bigfatbuddhaband.com Congratulations Matt!

I started simple. I performed solo at church talent shows and recitals. (I’ll tell you stage-fright can be quite a rush.) But I enjoyed it! I used to be shy and my public speaking skills were not the best. I found that with a guitar between me and the audience, I could come out of my shell easier. I guess I thought that I could always use it block the tomatoes and broken glass being hurled.

Since then I have run an open mic, been in three local performing bands, been a member in several jazz and classical ensembles, performed at events, and partook in countless “jam sessions”. I couldn’t be happier with the boosts in confidence and communication ability that performance and group practice has given me. I can’t leave out how crucial group play is to developing rhythm and awareness.

Seeking out venues to play in front of people is not hard in this town. There are several places that run a weekly open mic. Tap Root, Organic Oasis, Phillys’s, Kaladi Brothers are just a few of them. Almost any church would gladly welcome someone interested in playing during the services or as a special.

I encourage you to get outside your comfort zone and try something daring. Realize potential you never thought you had and take the next step in developing your musicianship and your character. Ask if your teacher is putting on recitals or for tips on how to find groups and performance opportunities.

I have no idea where this idea started. Acoustic guitars are generally much more difficult for beginners. They’re harder to hold because they’re bigger and wider, and harder to make notes and chords on because the strings are farther from the fingerboard and under more tension. Electric guitars are simply easier to play, and if a child wants to play rock styles there is no way to get a rock sound from an acoustic guitar.

So my recommendation to parents is always to consider what sort of music their child listens to and wants to play. If you’ve got a daughter infatuated with Taylor Swift who wants to strum chords and sing modern country music, she’ll want an acoustic guitar and will be inspired to overcome its initial awkwardness. If you’ve got a son into metal or classic rock, there’s absolutely no reason not to start with whatever electric guitar he thinks looks coolest. Self-motivation is the most important factor in musical success, so shop with an eye for whatever guitar your child seems most excited about spending time with.

In terms of cost, there is very little difference. A small amplifier loud enough for any house can be purchased for less than $100, and both electric and acoustic guitars are available in serviceable models for less than $200. These aren’t instruments that would satisfy an advancing player, but they’re a lot better than the first couple of guitars I learned on.

Finally, be very careful about buying used guitars unless you’re an experienced player. I have no reservation about recommending used digital pianos from pawn shops or Craigslist because electronic devices made of plastic are much less prone to damage from temperature and humidity changes. And trying them out is very simple – they either work or they don’t. Guitars, being made of thin woods, are much more fickle, and any guitar that’s been sitting unplayed for awhile is likely to have repair issues that wouldn’t be evident to a beginner. Guitars bought new will often require minor adjustments after a few weeks also, but that’s a service most stores will provide as part of the purchase.