Kathryn Allen Graduates
Having attended CYM for over 16 years, Kathryn Allen’s love of music never waned. Her parent’s dedication to nurturing Kathryn’s interest in the piano and violin, and her teacher’s support propelled her artistic abilities. Congratulations to all as Kathryn graduates this season! Below are their reflections:
Kathryn, what is your earliest memory of being at CYM? I remember taking the toddler music class when CYM was on the second floor on Beaver Street across from its current location. What is your favorite memory of making music? When I got to improvise on the piano with Brett Williams during a community concert! What encouragement can you give to a student who is having a hard time practicing? Select a song that you really love – it makes practicing more fun! What part has your music education played in helping you manage the challenges of high school and in taking your next steps in life? I have found it calming to have music as an outlet. Describe a time when you used music to help another person get through a difficult time. I cannot recall a particular time -I am always listening to or playing and sharing music of all varieties. What are your plans after high school? I plan to study psychology and get my PhD to become a therapist.
From Kathryn’s mom, Rachel: Briefly describe your lessons, a special performance, or other highlights from your tenure at CYM. We remember her first performance at Light Up Night – she was really young and so excited to get dressed up and play her Christmas piece. We also loved when she played on the radio show which was broadcast from the Children’s Museum. Describe some of the attributes your child has developed through their education and/or relationships at CYM. I think she has developed a wonderful appreciation for all types of music, I think she has learned to see the progression of improvement when you consistently practice and play an instrument for many years, and I think she has learned to explore – for example, she took up the violin in high school in addition to the piano and the saxophone. What can you share with parents of younger students in regard to what you see as the benefits of “sticking with it”, now that your child has graduated from high school? By staying with the instrument you hopefully instill in your child a life long love of an instrument and you also give them something to enjoy for the fun of doing something in the midst of school work and other obligations.
From former piano teacher, Sonia Tripathi: “Dear Kathryn, You were only 5 years old when you started piano lessons with me! Time has flown hasn’t it? Right from the start you were completely in love with the piano. Your sweet and cooperative demeanor, and a genuine interest in wanting to do the work to succeed with your music, created amazing momentum for us and we got so much accomplished in every lesson. You were so fired up about playing the piano that you pushed right by the 200 day challenge, going all out to practice for 1000 days! You were the first of my students to actually finish that challenge. Your parents and I were so inspired by your work habits! I remember that you were drawn to piano pieces that were rhythmically intricate and challenging, and that you particularly liked to play jazz music. Kathryn, I fondly remember our years of learning together, you were a total joy to work with, and I wish you the very best in the future.”
From current piano teacher, Grace Burns: “Over our past 6 years of study together, it’s been a delight for me to see how much Kathryn has contributed to the CYM community. Kathryn has played at innumerable concerts over the years, including Christmas concerts at Wintergarden, pre-shows before the Nutcracker at the Benedum, duet and solo concerts, and even was featured on the radio as part of the Saturday light brigade radio show. Kathryn’s wide ranging musical interests have allowed us to work on so many different types of pieces, and we have had a great time working on everything ranging from classical, christmas, to jazz. I’ve always been so impressed at how she’s willing to try anything I throw at her – so many types of pieces and projects I’ve suggested have been met with an “Ok, sounds fun!” One of my recent favorites was a multi-tracking project where she learned both parts for a duet, recorded them, and layered them over each other in sound editing software. She’s gotten to the point in her score reading, musicality, and musical instincts where she will be able to carry music into her adult life in whatever way she would like. She will be attending Fordham in the fall and will be studying psychology. They are so lucky to get her natural curiosity, good humor and talent. We’ll miss you Kathryn!”
From current violin teacher, Christopher Sforza: “Kathryn ventured into the violin world later in life than most young students. After performing in the 2019 CYM Ensemble Recital, with many years of piano lessons, Kathryn was inspired to try out a new instrument and add it to her repertoire. Violin lessons with Kathryn have been a great joy and always filled with music, fun, and tons of laughter. We started in traditional lessons right before the 2020 Pandemic hit, converted to Zoom for what seemed like 7,000 years, then migrated back to the classroom, first with masks, then later without. This ever changing experience never deterred Kathryn however, and she remained committed to her violin studies. Over our time together we have gotten to explore an array of music ranging from Suzuki to American fiddle, to Top 40 Chart Hits and musical theater. I will always cherish our lessons together and I wish Kathryn the best in her next life chapter. Hopefully, the violin will make an appearance from time to time.”
Congratulations Kathryn!
