During private studio recitals at MIM, students perform and tour the galleries
Mary Cota (left) and one of her students perform on the Steinway Model B grand piano during a private studio recital in the Founders Room.
MIM supports musicians at every stage of their musical journey. Professional musicians across a wide range of genres perform hundreds of shows every year at the MIM Music Theater and during Signature Events, and student musicians receive opportunities to perform at the museum during private studio recitals. These student performers and their families are also invited on a guided tour of the Geographic Galleries.
“Recitals are a natural extension of educational programs at MIM,” says Brian Dredla, MIM’s chief engagement officer. “Student musicians are able to share their hard work, gain valuable performance experience, and then explore the galleries to discover musical instruments and musical traditions that young musicians just like them are learning in countries around the world.”
In February, piano students from the private studio of Mary Cota performed on the Steinway Model B grand piano that usually sits in El Río but was moved into the Founders Room for the recital. Fifteen students played works by Bach, Beethoven, and other notable composers for dozens of family members and friends.
“This event was special to my students,” Cota says. “Even the youngest students had the rare opportunity of playing on a top-of-the-line instrument in a beautiful hall, and the tour afterward was a fun and immersive culmination of the entire event. Young people are very hands-on, and being able to perform and explore in one event was impactful for them.”
MIM’s recital program is available to music teachers with studios of 10 or more students under age 18. For more information, contact the education team at [email protected].
