Hi there,
I’m still glowing from Sunday’s studio recital.
I used to feel stressed at student concerts, worrying whether someone might have an unexpected disaster on stage. But I don’t worry about that anymore. Ever since I started sharing the neuroscience-based practice and performance prep strategies I learned from Dr. Molly Gebrian, everyone seems so much more secure and confident.
This time, I genuinely enjoyed the entire event. It might have been the best recital we’ve ever had—at least, several people came up and told me so 😁
The music was beautiful, but even more than that, there was a deep sense of connection in the room. Most performers have been studying with me for five years or more, and the audience was full of familiar faces—friends, family, and long-time supporters. Students who weren't performing came, and some even brought their friends. One drove 90 minutes to be there.
One student, a professional photographer, made beautiful programs featuring an image she had taken. Two guys brought homemade cookies they’d baked themselves. It felt like everyone was contributing in their own way, adding to the shared joy of the afternoon.
Even one student who had to sit this one out found a way to join in spirit. He told me he opened all the windows at his house and played his piece straight through, just so he could feel like he was part of the program. I thought that was so sweet.
There were musical highlights too. Jeff Li played the first movement of Kapustin's Sonata No. 2. It will be the cornerstone of his winner's concert from last year’s Boston International Competition.
Another student, S., worked with me to help Jeff develop the jazz feel—S. was a jazz pianist for many years but is now working with me to refine his classical technique. S. used to describe himself as a “banger”—someone who played loudly all the time—but on Sunday, he played the quietest, most delicate notes of anyone. When I complimented him afterward, he said, smiling, “Yeah—I think I’ve got that now.”
And another of my longtime students played with more expressive freedom than I’ve ever seen from him. I've mentioned him before - he used to play in physical and emotional pain, often withdrawn and silent, barely speaking to anyone.
But on Sunday, he performed two difficult pieces with ease and beauty. Several audience members came up to thank him afterward, and when I congratulated him, he said, “Yes—I felt like the music was really flowing through me.” Then, in a moment that absolutely floored me, he told me he’d like to host a future performance workshop at his home. For someone who once kept so much inside, that kind of openness and joy is an extraordinary transformation.
If you’ve been longing for a space where your growth is supported, celebrated, and shared, that’s exactly what we’re building inside my online community. We’ve started live performance workshops where members can play for each other and get comfortable performing in a safe, encouraging space. The next workshop is June 25. One member is doing a runthrough of her Grade 8 exam program on the 14th as well.
I’ll be posting recital highlights on YouTube soon—can’t wait to share. But more than that, I’d love for you to experience this kind of warmth and progress yourself.
With appreciation,
Rebecca
P.S. If you’re not in the community yet but would like to be, just reply to this email and I’ll add you to the waiting list. I’ll probably do a flash opening for waitlist folks before I reopen to the general public.
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Get comfortable to play better
Mini course with 9 short videos + 15-page PDF will help reduce tension and increased ease and comfort. Learn the best bench height, sitting distance, foot and leg alignment, and how to position your arms and elbows.
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