Recent Happenings: Artina McCain Workshop

On February 14, the Longy School of Music of Bard College hosted a workshop connected to a three-day residency of Artina McCain, entitled “Who’s That?”, an invitation for teachers to expand their repertoire knowledge and experience.

Artina made a strong point about composer advocacy and recognition when she reminded us that Bach was largely unknown until Mendelssohn became his champion. This is an encouragement to be a “champion” for a composer you have found, or may personally have known. Now is a great time to not worry about what someone said about a composer. Let time and exposure be the test.  It could release great musical joy into the world to recognize a new composer’s work, as well as support the work of these creatives.

Specifically for pianists and piano teachers on that day, she assigned  the challenge to create programs for Intermediate piano students, and again for advanced piano students. These programs included works that are well-known, and also new composers. Participants submitted their ideas, which she added to a large Google sheet she has been building with every workshop of this title she has led over the past few years.

She sent out the link to this generous resource, with permission to share it.  If you are interested,  please contact me, Valerie Stark at president@mmta.net, and I will be glad to share the link with you.

Let’s keep growing in our exposure to and practice of music new and old.  It’s a big world out there.  And you do not have to stop including your “favorites” in your programs, just add a few new “favorites”.