Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Amy Thomason
F E A T U R E
Interview with Amy Thomason
How old were you when you first learned to play an instrument?
I started playing the piano when I was 4 or 5. No one in my family played, but there was a piano in our home, and I was naturally drawn to it. One of my earliest memories is deciding I would learn to play “Heart and Soul” after hearing it. I figured it out, and soon after my parents enrolled me in piano lessons! Music quickly became my “thing”, and I began vocal lessons a few years later.
What is your favorite genre of music?
It sort of depends on the day! I enjoy music from so many genres, but I really connect to folk or bluegrass music. I call it “belly music” because it feels like the stories and melodies are coming from something so human and raw. I also adore a lot of nineties female rock- Paula Cole, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple. These women are so inspiring to me. And of course, I regularly turn on Musical Theatre albums to belt and dance my heart out! “The Last Five Years” is my favorite musical.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
Greg an English middle school choir teacher and one of my private piano teachers such a massive role in my musical foundation. I am forever grateful for the care and attention he showed me. Ann Baldwin helped me build confidence as a performer and vocalist, and my college acting teacher, Lance Marsh, taught me everything I know about connecting to character and story.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
There were a couple years I hated sitting down to “practice” as a kid, but for the most part, I was so drawn to playing; it never felt like a chore. I was in chamber choirs and ensembles theatre productions and private lessons. It was really all I did. When I came home, I would play to relax or have fun as well. Now, I have to be a bit more intentional about practice. Take the time to sit down and make sure the muscles get moving frequently so they stay strong. Pre-pandemic, a lot of my job as a dueling pianist was learning new material. That’s the part of practice I find the most exciting, but the tedious exercises are so important as well.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I am so impressed by young musicians. They have a curiosity that is contagious and inspiring. I feel so fortunate to watch them take in new information, digest it, and come up with astute questions over and over. Witnessing excitement and sweet smiles when a young musician fully begins to understand a new concept or has a little extra fun with a piece of music is just the best!
When you are not performing or teaching, what do you like to do?
During the summer, I try to be near a lake or the ocean almost daily. I love swimming, paddle boarding, camping, and kayaking. I take a lot of trips to the mountains to hike and shop for antiques. This winter, I’ve been learning to quilt!
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Amy Thomason in her Teacher Page.
I started playing the piano when I was 4 or 5. No one in my family played, but there was a piano in our home, and I was naturally drawn to it. One of my earliest memories is deciding I would learn to play “Heart and Soul” after hearing it. I figured it out, and soon after my parents enrolled me in piano lessons! Music quickly became my “thing”, and I began vocal lessons a few years later.
What is your favorite genre of music?
It sort of depends on the day! I enjoy music from so many genres, but I really connect to folk or bluegrass music. I call it “belly music” because it feels like the stories and melodies are coming from something so human and raw. I also adore a lot of nineties female rock- Paula Cole, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple. These women are so inspiring to me. And of course, I regularly turn on Musical Theatre albums to belt and dance my heart out! “The Last Five Years” is my favorite musical.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
Greg an English middle school choir teacher and one of my private piano teachers such a massive role in my musical foundation. I am forever grateful for the care and attention he showed me. Ann Baldwin helped me build confidence as a performer and vocalist, and my college acting teacher, Lance Marsh, taught me everything I know about connecting to character and story.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
There were a couple years I hated sitting down to “practice” as a kid, but for the most part, I was so drawn to playing; it never felt like a chore. I was in chamber choirs and ensembles theatre productions and private lessons. It was really all I did. When I came home, I would play to relax or have fun as well. Now, I have to be a bit more intentional about practice. Take the time to sit down and make sure the muscles get moving frequently so they stay strong. Pre-pandemic, a lot of my job as a dueling pianist was learning new material. That’s the part of practice I find the most exciting, but the tedious exercises are so important as well.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I am so impressed by young musicians. They have a curiosity that is contagious and inspiring. I feel so fortunate to watch them take in new information, digest it, and come up with astute questions over and over. Witnessing excitement and sweet smiles when a young musician fully begins to understand a new concept or has a little extra fun with a piece of music is just the best!
When you are not performing or teaching, what do you like to do?
During the summer, I try to be near a lake or the ocean almost daily. I love swimming, paddle boarding, camping, and kayaking. I take a lot of trips to the mountains to hike and shop for antiques. This winter, I’ve been learning to quilt!
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Amy Thomason in her Teacher Page.
