During my masters, I began learning about classical music by Mexican composers and decided to apply for a Fulbright grant to study music in Mexico.
You might wonder: What do pianists do all day? Every day is a little bit different. When I’m in Oregon, my work consists of going to local high schools to rehearse with choirs in the morning, teaching piano students in the afternoon, and sometimes another concert rehearsal or performance at night. Here in Mexico City, my schedule is more flexible. After getting ready for the day, I usually spend a few hours practicing piano for my upcoming concerts. I’m currently preparing a recital of piano pieces by U.S. composers to perform at the conservatory. In the afternoon, I do research at music libraries or attend classes at the conservatory. Some of my favorite classes are Mexican Music History and Mexican Music Performance Workshop.
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, with around thirty million people! In my free time, I enjoy taking in the city’s beautiful art and culture. My husband Sam and I enjoy going on walks in a nearby forest park called “Chapultepec” (a name that means “hill of the grasshopper” in Nahuatl, a native language spoken by some communities in Mexico). There are several museums in this park, including an impressive castle that is now a history museum. I feel very lucky to get to live in Mexico this year and to share my experience with you!
