Masterclass Reflections: Insights from the CMPI Community

The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) masterclasses continue to inspire and shape our young musicians. In September, students had the unique opportunity to learn from world-class artists, including Rachel Barton Pine, Antoine Tamestit, Jennifer Gunn, and Adam Walker. These masterclasses provided invaluable lessons, offering participants both technical guidance and artistic inspiration. We are sharing reflections from some of our talented students who performed in these sessions.

CMPI is proud to provide these invaluable opportunities, connecting students with renowned artists and fostering their musical growth. Each session leaves a lasting impression, equipping our musicians with skills and insights to refine their artistry.

Emphasizing Technique

David Roche reflected on his experiences with Rachel Barton Pine and Antoine Tamestit. His key takeaways were the importance of maintaining a strong hand frame and experimenting with bow speed and vibrato to highlight musical lines and characters. “I’ve been focusing on Schradieck exercises and working on varying my vibrato in my concerto,” he shared.

Maximizing Expression

Neena Agrawal, who performed the Stamitz Viola Concerto for Antoine Tamestit, focused on developing methodical phrasing and exploring character transitions within the music. “Planning phrasing in advance and practicing smooth transitions has been my priority since the class,” she noted.

Finding the Sound

Olivia Doolin, inspired by Antoine Tamestit’s guidance, discovered a deeper connection with her instrument. “I really started to notice my bow and felt like I was learning not just how to play, but how to make my instrument truly sing,” she said. Olivia is also working on projecting her sound and managing performance anxiety, adding, “It was amazing, and I would love more opportunities like this.”

Focusing on Musical Detail

For Lily Yoshihara, her session with Rachel Barton Pine was a reminder of the importance of revisiting minor details in well-rehearsed pieces. “With repetition, certain nuances can be overlooked,” she explained. Lily now practices with her sheet music alongside video recordings of the class, generously provided by CMPI. “The videos allow me to pick up on every detail and discuss them with my private teacher to get the most out of the experience,” she shared.

Engaging the Listener

Kaylee Johnson participated in masterclasses with Jennifer Gunn and Adam Walker, where she focused on musicality and communication. “Jennifer Gunn taught me to emphasize specific elements in the music, while Adam Walker helped me focus on dynamics, style, and phrasing to captivate the listener,” Kaylee explained. She plans to review her notes and videos from the masterclasses, record her progress, and ensure her playing reflects the guidance she received.