I am now back in PHX (aka, the centre of the sun) and am reflecting on the past few weeks of musical activity at the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices.  This program is geared for the “large” voice (think Wagner!) and I was a faculty pianist for it.  The first few days of any music program I have attended always seem overwhelming and never-ending as I adjust to new schedules and musical expectations.  Then, routine sets in and time flies by as lessons and coachings are given, ideas absorbed, and goals set.  The last night of the Institute featured a concert that showcased all of the 21 singers.  Each one of them sang beautifully and demonstrated the rewards of all the hard work over the past 3 weeks.  I had a great time here in Reno and feel very fortunate to have been invited to collaborate with the other faculty; all are top music professionals and are genuinely good people to boot.  All of us observed that we all actually LIKE each other and ENJOY being in each other’s company (case in point: some of us spent our free time hiking together and exploring the gorgeous natural scenery around us).  I intend to use the positive musical momentum from this program to kickstart my career in Phoenix; as anyone who has ever relocated knows, it can be challenging to restart one’s career in a new city, especially when social networks and contacts are lacking.  (That said, if any of you readers know of people or musical organizations in Phoenix that need a pianist, piano teacher, or accompanist, please forward my name to them!)

(Photo 1: Reno Riverwalk.  Sadly, the river level was pretty low this summer.; Photo 2: the iconic Reno arch; Photo 3: beautiful “cotton candy” clouds I saw during an evening walk; Photo 4: another gorgeous night sky!)

(The above 4 photos are from a party that the Institute attended.  Our host had an amazing property; he built his own Wild West-themed town from scratch….he also designed and built his own 18-hole mini golf course.  And let’s not forget the actual working train that encircled the entire property!  Amazing party house!)

(Photo 1: beautiful flowers during my hike up Mt. Rose; Photo 2: top of Mt. Rose, NV, elevation 10,700ft (3261 m)!  Lake Tahoe is in the background.)

(Before the final concert!)