Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Carly Consoletti
F E A T U R E
Interview with Carly Consoletti
How old were you when you first got interested in music, and when did you start clarinet/piano lessons?
Music has been such an integral part of my life, it’s hard to remember a time when I was not interested in it. I was introduced to classical music very young, with Boston Symphony Orchestra and Pops recordings and concerts, as well as listening to and attending musicals. My Grandma taught me a few songs on the piano from an old copy of John Thompson's piano method, and the piano was later transported to my house via my Grandpa’s farm tractor. I think I started really asking for lessons around age 8. The school district started its instrumental music program in 4th grade, and I was very interested in being a part of the band. I began clarinet lessons at age 9, joining the beginner band. At age 14, I started piano lessons as well.
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
Clarinet and piano are my main instruments, but I also have years of experience performing keyboard percussion instruments in the marching band front ensemble, jazz ensembles, and a cover band, as well as singing in various choirs and choruses. With my degree in music education, I have learned basic technique skills for most woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
There are many teachers who have inspired and guided me throughout my life. I am from a very small town, with an amazing music program, and I consider myself very lucky to have developed such close and valuable relationships with my teachers in elementary and high school. Ronald Bibeault and Russ Arnold hold a very special place in my heart. In college, I had the opportunity to study under more great teachers, with Nadine Shank being my piano professor, and Michael Sussman being my clarinet professor at UMASS Amherst.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
Classical and contemporary classical/jazz-influenced music are probably my favorite genres to play on both clarinet and piano. I really enjoy challenging myself, and typically, classical has more technical challenges to work through. Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Crumb are some of my favorite classical composers. I love the contemporary music of John Fluker, Ludovico Einaudi, and Philip Wesley, and the film scores of Howard Shore, Rachel Portman, Dario Marianelli, and Hans Zimmer. I grew up singing along to Barbra Streisand, Carole King, and the ‘big’ Broadway musicals of the 1980s and 1990s. Almost any genre is fair game as far as listening. Jewel, Brandi Carlile, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Still Life Still, Muse, A Perfect Circle, Mumford and Sons, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Christina Perri are my top favorite artists.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
I practiced clarinet somewhat regularly as a kid, and probably went through phases at different times, depending on schedules and everything else I was involved in. When I started piano at 14, I practiced for very long periods of time. My Mom most likely still hears certain songs in her sleep. One thing I did struggle with as a child/teen was reading and playing certain rhythms. I relied heavily on my ear. In my freshman year of college, I sat myself down in the practice rooms and really forced myself to painstakingly understand how to read and play all rhythms. It was a major turning point for me. As a professional, I practice almost every day, focusing mostly on piano.
What was your most memorable music performance?
There have been many performances that were memorable throughout my life, but the marching band finals competitions are hard to forget. There is nothing like standing in 30-degree weather, barely feeling your fingers, and walking onto the field in Giants Stadium to perform. Performing in Symphony Hall with the Wind Ensemble, or Mechanics Hall with the All-State band also ranks high on the list. More recently, I have to say that performing in a nursing home and trying to hear myself play over shouts about the clam chowder was considerably memorable as well.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
Teaching kids is so rewarding, regardless of their level of understanding and ability. The little ones are always very cute and come out with the funniest things sometimes. The older kids are great to teach because their brains are developing in a way that they are able to start thinking more abstractly. It is so fun to watch a student comprehend new concepts; and be able to noticeably progress both musically and technically. I like how every student is different, each has their own strengths and weaknesses, different interests, and questions.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their singing?
It is great when a student wants to learn a new instrument, but I think it’s really important to let them follow their passion. So many kids are forced to play an instrument they don’t really enjoy, and it leads to disappointment and a lack of desire to continue. Different personalities definitely gravitate towards different instruments, and it’s neat to be able to look at a student and know what instrument they should try out. As far as improving, progress does not happen immediately. It takes a long time to become proficient at a skill, and it can often be frustrating. The most important thing is to have fun while learning. I like to describe myself as the most mellow music teacher. Sometimes you have to take it note by note until you get it, just like some days, you need to take it step by step. Sometimes you need to take small breaks and clear your head, later returning to try again. But the end result is always worth it.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
In addition to music, I am also an artist and actor. Pencil, charcoal, oils, and watercolors are the usual mediums I work in. I’ve been addicted to books since I was a young child and would beg for books instead of toys. I would rather be outside than inside, and enjoy hiking, biking, and snowboarding with my boyfriend. We take day trips almost every weekend to explore either new places or our favorite spots. Growing up in a large and close family, it is very important for me to see them often, and I’m lucky enough to be able to spend so much time with my loved ones.
Learn more about our Clarinet and Piano teacher Carly Consoletti in her Teacher Page.
Music has been such an integral part of my life, it’s hard to remember a time when I was not interested in it. I was introduced to classical music very young, with Boston Symphony Orchestra and Pops recordings and concerts, as well as listening to and attending musicals. My Grandma taught me a few songs on the piano from an old copy of John Thompson's piano method, and the piano was later transported to my house via my Grandpa’s farm tractor. I think I started really asking for lessons around age 8. The school district started its instrumental music program in 4th grade, and I was very interested in being a part of the band. I began clarinet lessons at age 9, joining the beginner band. At age 14, I started piano lessons as well.
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
Clarinet and piano are my main instruments, but I also have years of experience performing keyboard percussion instruments in the marching band front ensemble, jazz ensembles, and a cover band, as well as singing in various choirs and choruses. With my degree in music education, I have learned basic technique skills for most woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
There are many teachers who have inspired and guided me throughout my life. I am from a very small town, with an amazing music program, and I consider myself very lucky to have developed such close and valuable relationships with my teachers in elementary and high school. Ronald Bibeault and Russ Arnold hold a very special place in my heart. In college, I had the opportunity to study under more great teachers, with Nadine Shank being my piano professor, and Michael Sussman being my clarinet professor at UMASS Amherst.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
Classical and contemporary classical/jazz-influenced music are probably my favorite genres to play on both clarinet and piano. I really enjoy challenging myself, and typically, classical has more technical challenges to work through. Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Crumb are some of my favorite classical composers. I love the contemporary music of John Fluker, Ludovico Einaudi, and Philip Wesley, and the film scores of Howard Shore, Rachel Portman, Dario Marianelli, and Hans Zimmer. I grew up singing along to Barbra Streisand, Carole King, and the ‘big’ Broadway musicals of the 1980s and 1990s. Almost any genre is fair game as far as listening. Jewel, Brandi Carlile, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Still Life Still, Muse, A Perfect Circle, Mumford and Sons, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Christina Perri are my top favorite artists.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
I practiced clarinet somewhat regularly as a kid, and probably went through phases at different times, depending on schedules and everything else I was involved in. When I started piano at 14, I practiced for very long periods of time. My Mom most likely still hears certain songs in her sleep. One thing I did struggle with as a child/teen was reading and playing certain rhythms. I relied heavily on my ear. In my freshman year of college, I sat myself down in the practice rooms and really forced myself to painstakingly understand how to read and play all rhythms. It was a major turning point for me. As a professional, I practice almost every day, focusing mostly on piano.
What was your most memorable music performance?
There have been many performances that were memorable throughout my life, but the marching band finals competitions are hard to forget. There is nothing like standing in 30-degree weather, barely feeling your fingers, and walking onto the field in Giants Stadium to perform. Performing in Symphony Hall with the Wind Ensemble, or Mechanics Hall with the All-State band also ranks high on the list. More recently, I have to say that performing in a nursing home and trying to hear myself play over shouts about the clam chowder was considerably memorable as well.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
Teaching kids is so rewarding, regardless of their level of understanding and ability. The little ones are always very cute and come out with the funniest things sometimes. The older kids are great to teach because their brains are developing in a way that they are able to start thinking more abstractly. It is so fun to watch a student comprehend new concepts; and be able to noticeably progress both musically and technically. I like how every student is different, each has their own strengths and weaknesses, different interests, and questions.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their singing?
It is great when a student wants to learn a new instrument, but I think it’s really important to let them follow their passion. So many kids are forced to play an instrument they don’t really enjoy, and it leads to disappointment and a lack of desire to continue. Different personalities definitely gravitate towards different instruments, and it’s neat to be able to look at a student and know what instrument they should try out. As far as improving, progress does not happen immediately. It takes a long time to become proficient at a skill, and it can often be frustrating. The most important thing is to have fun while learning. I like to describe myself as the most mellow music teacher. Sometimes you have to take it note by note until you get it, just like some days, you need to take it step by step. Sometimes you need to take small breaks and clear your head, later returning to try again. But the end result is always worth it.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
In addition to music, I am also an artist and actor. Pencil, charcoal, oils, and watercolors are the usual mediums I work in. I’ve been addicted to books since I was a young child and would beg for books instead of toys. I would rather be outside than inside, and enjoy hiking, biking, and snowboarding with my boyfriend. We take day trips almost every weekend to explore either new places or our favorite spots. Growing up in a large and close family, it is very important for me to see them often, and I’m lucky enough to be able to spend so much time with my loved ones.
Learn more about our Clarinet and Piano teacher Carly Consoletti in her Teacher Page.
