On April 16, 2024, violinist and composer Curtis J. Stewart was kind enough join us for a SOUNDS Academy Master Class to visit with and perform for our Collective Composition Class members. This opportunity was made possible by the The Phoenix Symphony.
During a Master Class, students perform for a professional musician (The Master) and receive live feedback in front of an audience. What made this Master Class particularly impressive was the fact that Curtis was able to give meaningful feedback on pieces that were being premiered for the first time (usually the “Master” has the opportunity to study the piece since the piece has already been written and performed multiple times).
“It was great to work with the kids! I was impressed by how they were so ready to go, creative, and fearless.”
-Curtis J. Stewart
Curtis impressed far more than just the students!
Miss Janie, who teaches the composition class, said:
“Curtis Stewart had a presence that engaged creativity just by sitting in the room. The way he spoke, expressed himself through his instrument, and interacted with the students allowed dialogue that left us all in a state of reflection at the end of the night. I truly believe it opened the door for students to discover what ways they can authentically express themselves through their writing and composition and that was exciting to witness.”
And our Program Director, Matthew Fox, said:
“Seeing Curtis live and in action was truly a treat. His ability to take a two minute composition and provide twenty minutes worth of feedback and constructive collaboration and criticism was a testament to his experience, level of inspiration, and creative personality.”
Click here to see the full album of photos!
About Curtis J. Stewart
Praised for “combining omnivory and brilliance” (The New York Times), four-time GRAMMY Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart translates stories of American self determination to the concert stage. Tearing down the facade of “classical violinist,” Stewart is in constant pursuit of his musical authenticity, treating art as a battery for realizing citizenship. As a solo violinist, composer, Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, and member of award-winning ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, he realizes a vision to find personal and powerful connections between styles, cultures and musics. Stewart’s 2023 album of Love., a tribute to his late mother Elektra Kurtis-Stewart, has been nominated under Best Instrumental Solo in the 2024 GRAMMY Awards.
An avid teacher, Curtis Stewart teaches Chamber Music, Improvised Chamber Music, and “Cultural Equity and Performance Practice” at The Juilliard School; directs the Contemporary Chamber Music program at the Perlman Music Program; served on the board of Concert Artist Guild; conducted several orchestras and opera pit orchestras; and for 10 years led all levels of music theory and string orchestra at the Laguardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City.
You can learn more about Curtis by visiting his website: https://curtisjstewart.com
Related Articles
0 Comments
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
