Teacher Spotlight: Mary Drews, Suzuki piano
January 6th, 2017
Interview by Erin Cano, violin
What led you to become a Suzuki teacher?
Soon after relocating to Chicago from Hannover, Germany, I began looking for freelance accompanying work. I met Danielle Charboneau, a Suzuki violin teacher at MIC, and Emily Abraham, our Dean, who was teaching Suzuki flute at the time. The encounters with them, their studios, and the Suzuki program in general led to teacher training with Doris Koppleman at CSI and subsequently to engagements at MIC and DePaul University.
Which one of your teachers inspired you the most? What aspects of their teaching have you integrated into your own style?
Constance Koehne, my high school piano teacher, was and remains my inspiration. She embodied the nurturing, loving, and generous qualities that Dr. Suzuki also embraced. Hers were life lessons, not just piano lessons.
What is your favorite piece to teach?
My favorite piece to teach would have to be Allegro in Book I. That short little gem opens up a world of emotion and expression to the beginning student. It's fun to see that musical spark ignite. They love playing it and practicing it!
You've served as a collaborative pianist at renowned international competitions and music festivals, not to mention countless Suzuki Sundays. What is one of the most memorable experiences you've had at a performance or rehearsal?
My life flashed before me trying to answer this question! I thought of all of the wonderful musicians I've met, the countries I visited, the venues where I performed, and the countless pieces I've played. It has been a journey where one experience only enhanced the next.
Do you play any other instruments besides the piano? If not, what other instrument would you like to play?
I would love to play the cello. One summer, I accompanied Gilda's cello workshop in Ithaca, New York. During a class, the students decided to teach me to play Twinkle. Aaron Kaplan (who was a cello student at the workshop and is now the conductor of MIC’s Preludio Orchestras) accompanied me. Gilda praised my bow arm. I think I am ready for French Folk Song!
