Teacher Spotlight: John Glew, violin and viola
October 3rd, 2016
Interview by Erin Cano
John Glew joined MIC in 2009.
What led you to become a Suzuki teacher?
The impressive work of my good friend and colleague, Rolando Freitag, inspired me to pursue teacher training. Shortly after we met, Rolando began long-term training with Allen Lieb in New York. I saw the effect of this training in the high level of playing Rolando inspired in his students as well in the confidence and professionalism he brought to the management of his studio.
My Book 1 training, with Allen, had a profound impact on me. His "Twinkle"-level students played so beautifully. This was artist-level training with young beginners. It opened my eyes to what could be accomplished and lit a fire in me.
Which one of your teachers inspired you the most? What aspects of their teaching have you integrated into your own style?
Debra Moree, my viola teacher in graduate school, is an exceptional person and a huge inspiration. She heals and empowers through her teaching. I find her playing transcendent; her performance of Colgrass' Variations for Viola and Four Drums was a highlight of my time in Ithaca, a tour-de-force. When I teach, I try to be as kind, nurturing, and encouraging as she was with me. Teaching goals!
What is your favorite piece to teach?
I love teaching the beautiful Lullaby tonalization pieces in Book 4 by Brahms and Schubert. Book 4 is such an exciting time. These beautiful miniatures give students a chance to reflect on all that they've learned - to luxuriate in tone, vibrato, and sensitive phrasing.
You’ve had the opportunity to give premiere readings of pieces by renowned contemporary composers Which of these pieces did you particularly enjoy playing?
The new piece I've most enjoyed performing is Franghize Ali-Sade's "Crossings II." It's a fascinating amalgamation of traditional Azerbaijani music and 20th century compositional techniques. The opening is a variation on a single pitch, beginning with violin and viola. It was a fantastic challenge, calling for all sorts of colors, vibratos, and bow strokes. I found it utterly magical!
What’s on your listening list right now?
I've succumbed to "Hamilton" fever, and I listen constantly to the soundtrack. (Thanks to my student, Alex Flojo, for telling me about it!) I'm listening like crazy to the band Rhye and the solo artist Roisin Murphy in anticipation of their appearances here in Chicago this fall. I love YouTube because it gives me access to all sorts of live performances by favorites such as Frank Peter Zimmerman, Kim Kashkashian, Miklos Perenyi, the Dover Quartet, and the Berlin Philharmonic.
