Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Sarah Mitchell
F E A T U R E
Interview with Sarah Mitchell
What is your favorite music to perform?
I love singing in different types of choirs. Much of my experience has taken me to workshops and courses in Renaissance and baroque styles. I have performed vastly different genres as well, however, including singing in a symphonic rendition of the Legend of Zelda video game show!
What are your early memories of music?
My grandmother had a large vintage record player shaped like a long chest. As a little girl, I listened to and learned all the Christmas music, Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, Motown's Greatest Hits, and orchestral music like Peter and the Wolf designed for children. I was also just turning 3 when The Little Mermaid was released; that and other Disney movies quickly became an obsession. I used to put on small plays at the top of the staircase balcony which overlooked our living room!
When did you begin to study music formally?
I was very eager to become involved in the music programs offered in my school beginning as a 10-year-old 5th grader playing the trumpet in the band. We had an after-school chorus but it only met infrequently, so my singing training wasn't too extensive until 9th grade. I feel that the Solo and Ensemble Festivals in my state were huge learning experiences for me. Even though I was intimidated to perform for a judge when my lesson training was limited at best, I would read their comment section throughout the year and think of what the best steps would be to improve my skills for future festivals. Unfortunately, taking lessons from a studio like Note-Worthy Experiences was simply not an available option for my family, and other options were also very limited in my area. I was so lucky to have a great school band program for growing up in such a rural area before YouTube and other internet sources were widely available to guide your own learning!
What do you hope students of today discover in music study?
The creative experiences and flow that can be achieved when you’re practicing music is so amazing, undoubtedly wonderful for your brain and humanity which you can take through with you for the rest of your life. To get to that level, however, a lot of steps requiring discipline, or at least an amount of regular routine, are needed. If you play in an ensemble and feel bored during repetitions, find a way to challenge your ear by filling your part into the larger texture. Or, increase your dynamics or phrasing. These are such great times to experiment with increased musicality. If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum where everything you’re working on is new and challenging, remember it is normal to feel at times that details are tedious. They are all important, and what you focus on today will become automatic tomorrow! I can’t stress enough how fun it can be to spend time listening to live performances and recordings of music as often as your busy schedule allows. It will enrich and amaze you, and make everything worth it.
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Sarah Mitchell in her Teacher Page.
I love singing in different types of choirs. Much of my experience has taken me to workshops and courses in Renaissance and baroque styles. I have performed vastly different genres as well, however, including singing in a symphonic rendition of the Legend of Zelda video game show!
What are your early memories of music?
My grandmother had a large vintage record player shaped like a long chest. As a little girl, I listened to and learned all the Christmas music, Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, Motown's Greatest Hits, and orchestral music like Peter and the Wolf designed for children. I was also just turning 3 when The Little Mermaid was released; that and other Disney movies quickly became an obsession. I used to put on small plays at the top of the staircase balcony which overlooked our living room!
When did you begin to study music formally?
I was very eager to become involved in the music programs offered in my school beginning as a 10-year-old 5th grader playing the trumpet in the band. We had an after-school chorus but it only met infrequently, so my singing training wasn't too extensive until 9th grade. I feel that the Solo and Ensemble Festivals in my state were huge learning experiences for me. Even though I was intimidated to perform for a judge when my lesson training was limited at best, I would read their comment section throughout the year and think of what the best steps would be to improve my skills for future festivals. Unfortunately, taking lessons from a studio like Note-Worthy Experiences was simply not an available option for my family, and other options were also very limited in my area. I was so lucky to have a great school band program for growing up in such a rural area before YouTube and other internet sources were widely available to guide your own learning!
What do you hope students of today discover in music study?
The creative experiences and flow that can be achieved when you’re practicing music is so amazing, undoubtedly wonderful for your brain and humanity which you can take through with you for the rest of your life. To get to that level, however, a lot of steps requiring discipline, or at least an amount of regular routine, are needed. If you play in an ensemble and feel bored during repetitions, find a way to challenge your ear by filling your part into the larger texture. Or, increase your dynamics or phrasing. These are such great times to experiment with increased musicality. If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum where everything you’re working on is new and challenging, remember it is normal to feel at times that details are tedious. They are all important, and what you focus on today will become automatic tomorrow! I can’t stress enough how fun it can be to spend time listening to live performances and recordings of music as often as your busy schedule allows. It will enrich and amaze you, and make everything worth it.
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Sarah Mitchell in her Teacher Page.
