For students under the baton of Professor Michael Tilson Thomas, every note becomes a masterclass in brilliance.  

“I was in shock for the entire reading, unable to fully comprehend the legend standing in front of me!" Zoe Yost, an SFCM viola student said. "Despite all the beautiful music we made during the reading, my favorite part was the story he shared, about himself and Leonard Bernstein—or 'Lenny'—singing and shouting passages from Stravinsky's Les Noces in a restaurant. Such anecdotes make historical figures come alive to new generations, and I am so grateful to him for sharing these personal insights with us.”  

Students work with MTT in the Concert hall.

Yost was one of more than a dozen SFCM students recently working with MTT in the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall on the music of American composer Aaron Copland. A native Californian, MTT has boldly championed, worked with, and recorded the pioneers of American music, including Copland. MTT joined the Conservatory as Distinguished Professor of Music in April of this year and has returned for several visits and coaching sessions with students.   

The students played through Appalachian Spring, an American ballet created by the choreographer Martha Graham and Copland, later arranged as an orchestral work. "The way he talked about the music made it obvious how well he understands the composition and music in general," said Kate Mayfield, a violin student. "I felt very grateful to be in the presence of the legend himself! I soaked up every bit of wisdom he had to offer and wrote as many notes as possible," she added.

Michael Tilson Thomas.

For flute player Lyric Rivera, the experience proved transformative. "His connection to the music helped me have a deeper understanding of what Copland wanted to tell us through his music," she said, adding that her favorite moment was "listening to MTT talk about conversations he had with Aaron Copland himself. That was a very unique and inspiring experience to have!”

For many students, it was the first time meeting the composer, music director and conductor, whose multimedia, award-winning Keeping Score program includes a comprehensive presentation on Copland. 

"Being able to play and learn from MTT is definitely a big highlight in my time at SFCM," said violinist Shintaro Taneda. "Hearing stories about his time with Copland, and gaining insightful knowledge of the work, is a precious moment I'll remember for a long time.”

SFCM Music Director Edwin Outwater was also on hand for the reading. "Watching MTT inspire our students with his musical insights, anecdotes, humor, and warmth was very moving," Outwater said. "Especially since I have benefitted so much from his mentorship. I was so pleased that he was happy with our musicians and is very eager to do more. We're so fortunate that he is now a part of the SFCM family."

"It was incredible to work with him," said bassoon player Fabio Valery Villanova, who had only seen MTT through several documentaries. "There is nothing more valuable than to hear his stories with Aaron Copland and to get from him all the knowledge and wisdom on how to take this music, which we all love, to another level," Villanova added. 

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