Ever since I started this blog, I’ve come to appreciate even more how difficult it is to write about music and to articulate what it is that moves us musicians and inspires us. So I was incredibly grateful and, to be honest, blown away by the recent article that Jeremy Denk, a very busy and successful concert pianist, wrote for The New Yorker called “Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Life in Piano Lessons.
He encapsulates so beautifully the complicated, lifelong (and life-altering) nature of the most powerful student-teacher relationships. It was a delight on so many levels to read this – as former student, as a teacher, and as a performing musician. I hope you’ll take the time to check it out if you haven’t already come across it! There is also a video of Jeremy talking about his notebook and essay that is worth watching. Jeremy also writes a few extra thoughts on his blog.
Enjoy!
About Angela
French hornist Angela Cordell Bilger enjoys a freelance career as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. She recently moved to the Chicago area from Philadelphia where she was second horn with Opera Philadelphia. She plays frequently with The Philadelphia Orchestra where she spent the 2008-2009 and 2016-2017 seasons as acting fourth horn. She recently joined the Chicago-based Sapphire Woodwind Quintet and coaches chamber music at Northwestern University and Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. During her years in New York City, Angela performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and in many Broadway shows. In addition, she spent several summers at the Marlboro Music Festival and toured with Musicians from Marlboro. Angela has served as adjunct faculty at Montclair State University, Drexel University, and Temple University. She lives on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband, trumpet player David Bilger, and their two children.
