1. When did you start playing the piano?
The piano in our house was a wedding gift to my parents. I was very eager to learn how to play it especially when I heard my older siblings play. The teacher in my hometown thought that 5 was a little too young, so I finally began to take lessons when I was 6.
2. Why did you decide to become a professional musician?
Being a professional musician has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Music was a very serious hobby and a significant part of my life through my school years.
I studied Economics and Statistics in college but it did not make me happy. It took moving across the world to make my dream a reality and I have never looked back.
3. Tell us about your musical and educational background.
I consider myself very lucky to have had some very special music teachers. Ms. Norma in my hometown Mumbai lit the initial spark and taught me how to love music. Dr. Nosikova at The University of Iowa guided me through both my B.M. and M.M. degrees. I completed my doctoral degree with Dr. Wang at Northwestern where she shaped me into a critical thinking, goal-oriented musician. These passionate and dedicated artists have influenced my approach to both music and life!
4. Can you share with our audience your experience in working with Child's Play Foundation in Goa? How has that experience impacted you?
Child’s Play Foundation is a music charity in Goa, India that takes its inspiration from the El Sistema model in Venezuela. Music lessons and training are offered to students from challenged and underprivileged backgrounds. I observed lessons and worked with the teachers to improve the efficiency of their teaching methods. In addition we worked together on a chamber music festival and concert. The experience was unforgettable not only because of the beautiful location but also because of the warmth and friendliness of the teachers. Perhaps the most profound impact of this experience has been the realization of the tremendous positive effect of music in the lives of these children. Music education should be available to all and not just an elite few.
5. What do you love most about teaching?
I love the “aha” moments when my students finally understand a concept or have a musical breakthrough. It also delights me when they have worked hard and are proud to show me the progress they have made.
6. Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students?
The most effective practice is thoughtful, consistent practice. However on days when motivation is lacking, it helps to promise yourself a little treat as a reward for practicing. This could be as simple as a piece of candy or some time watching your favorite television show.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you're not teaching, practicing, or performing?
I love going to museums and theatre productions whenever possible. I also have fun cooking a nice dinner for my friends and family!
Dr. Evelyn enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities and are accepting new students. Contact the New Mozart office to schedule a trial or on-going lessons with her.
Dr. Evelyn's Bio:
A wedding gift from her grandparents to her parents, the piano was the obvious instrument of choice for Dr. Evelyn. No one in her family, though, could have predicted that this gift would be the catalyst for a career in music that has included performances around the globe, from her home in Mumbai, India, to the Czech Republic, France, and the United States.
An avid chamber musician, she assisted renowned flutist and composer Gary Schocker in the 2014 world premier of several compositions at the National Flute Association conference in Chicago. Recent highlights include an appearance with violist Dr. Amanda Wilton at the 2016 American Viola Society Festival and a series of concerts in India with acclaimed British violinist Madeleine Mitchell in 2017.
Evelyn thoroughly enjoys teaching and has served as an instructor at Northwestern University, Chicago’s Merit School of Music and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. In 2017 she joined forces with the students and faculty of Child’s Play (India) Foundation. She is very excited to join the New Mozart team.
Evelyn completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University where she studied with Dr. Sylvia Wang as the recipient of a full scholarship. She also holds degrees from the University of Iowa and Mumbai University.