Judith Olson, piano
M.S., The Juilliard School
B.M., The Juilliard School |
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Judith Olson began learning piano as a required
instrument during her first semester of college at age 17. "I
had no choice. I was majoring in violin and biology and was
required to take secondary piano." Two years later, in
her second year of college at the University of Redlands in
California, Judith auditioned and was accepted to The Juilliard
School on both violin and piano.
"I aim to teach the student, not just the subject, tailoring
my approach to each individual personality," says Judith
of her teaching style. She emphasizes reading skills so that
"my students will continue to play throughout their lives.
I also want my students to be exposed to a huge range of styles
of classical music and I insist that they all perform."
Judith's studio includes children as young as four. With younger
students Judith utilizes "pre-reading" exercises and
games before the staff is introduced. "I generally write
my own materials for the beginning stages." She is also open to teaching adults and often
uses the same methods as with her younger student. "I find that many adult students enjoy feeling
like a kid again."
Judith emphasizes performance with her students and often organizes
concerts in which her students are featured not only as soloists
but also in ensembles. In the past Judith has commissioned works
for her students and also supports students who want to compose
themselves by programming their works in recitals. She also
encourages her students to participate in the Bloomingdale Performance
and Concerto Competitions.
As a performer, Judith is both a solo and collaborative musician,
and has toured throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and
Korea. "The solo literature is endlessly fascinating. There
is always more to explore. Because of my early years as a violinist,
I have a special affinity for working with them. I also enjoy
working with living composers on their pieces."
One of Judith's most memorable experiences at Bloomingdale was
the concert she organized as part of the school's Children's
Concert Series in 2003, "Music for Small Hands." All
of her students at the time participated in the event which
featured the music of the Armenian-American composer Dianne
Rahbee. Judith also recalls a concert in 1997, "Music for
Multiple Bad Pianos" in which she performed the Bach Triple
Concerto with faculty members Marc Peloquin, and Sarina Ohno.
The purpose of the concert was to raise money to replace a number
of upright pianos at the school "I have never heard such
sounds as came out of those three instruments. It must have
proved the point though, since the money was raised to buy the
new pianos."
Judith also continues to pursue a long-time interest in ballet.
In her ballet classes she is constantly reminded of "what
it feels like to be a student." She also enjoys playing
with her three cats and collecting non-commercial jazz tapes
of artists such as Bill Evans and Dorothy Donegan. |
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