Vicki Ray is a Professor of piano and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at the California Institute of the Arts. She is also an accomplished concert pianist who has performed works written for her by composers such as John Adams, Paul Dresher, Arthur Jarvinen and Donald Crockett.
Vicki Ray, from the California Institute of the Arts, gives advice about living the creative life. Ray explains that it is a hard life. However, she stresses not to let anyone say that one's dreams are unreachable.
Vicki Ray, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about her background. She always hung out with composers. While getting her Master's Degree, Ray joined the New Music Ensemble and got hooked. Ray explains that she loves playing new and old music. Working with living composers is something she enjoys as well.
Vicki Ray, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about the importance of breathing while playing the piano. Ray points out that pianists are bad at breathing. They leave no room while playing. Therefore, Ray explains she tries to have pianists think like they're playing another instrument. Working with other instruments is encouraged.
Vicki Ray, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about developing one's sounds and skills as a musician. She explains that musicians develop their sound gradually. Ray covers how she recognizes people's performing styles as a combination of technical aspects and interpretive quirks, such as how they approach the keys and the type of piano they prefer.
Vicki Ray, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about the importance of teaching a balance of new and old music. If one only plays one or the other, one's playing is only going to go so far. Therefore, undergraduate students have a balanced diet of new and old. However, Ray points out that graduate students often come to Cal Arts specifically for their contemporary music. Thus, the grad students are allowed a bit more freedom. Either way, Ray points out that each student is different. Ray explains that Cal Arts decides the appropriate balance on a student-by-student basis.
