Manhasset, NY

This is a difficult question, as it's hard to pick just one.  One of my favorite recordings is of Anner Bylsma playing the Bach Cello Suites on the "Servais" cello.  The sound is simply amazing!

I love to be outside (hiking, biking), and I am a foodie, with a special fondness for dark chocolate!

Sharon Mann, Paul Hersh, Laurette Goldberg (harpsichord)

"Waiting is Not Easy!' (Mo Willems)

I think there is no one specific question I wish students would ask. Rather, I strive to create a comfortable environment so that students feel any and ALL questions are appropriate and valid!  (If I had to pick a specific question, it would be about fingering - it is important to understand why a specific fingering is helpful for executing a passage!)

When I was a very young child, around age 5, my family stored a piano for someone in our living room. I remember being attracted to it like a magnet, and begging for lessons.  I don't think there was one defining moment I realized I wanted to pursue music as much as an understanding from a young age that there was no other path that attracted me as much as being a pianist.

I met Sharon Mann in my late 20s and studied with her for over 5 years. From working with her, I was introduced to the principles of the Taubman technique, which was life-changing!

I am fascinated by psychology, and what makes people tick.  It is also incredibly important to understand the mental "inner game of music" when preparing for performances!

Hard to pick only 3, but 1) J.S. Bach - with no other composer do I feel such a sense of awe and spirituality.  2) Brahms - especially the late, shorter piano works. 3) TBD as this may change from year to year?!!!  Perhaps Schumann, in this moment.

I told myself years ago that when I reached a certain age, I would tackle the Goldberg Variations.  This of course will require huge amounts of time that I still don't have, but I hope to chip away at it year after year!

One of my most important collaborations is 1) with my fellow pianist and 4-hand partner, Jennifer Peringer. We have been playing together for 20 + years, and have an amazing friendship and musical connection! 2) It was a thrill to play with clarinetist Richard Stolzman.  Just hearing him play long tones gave me chills.  He was wonderful, and a joy to play with!  3) When playing in Cassalmaggiore, Italy as an accompanist, I had the amazing pleasure to work with a talented singer and vocal coach who brought us to the Opera house, to rehearse there and allow me to experience playing on an incredible concert grand Fazioli.  The piano was the most amazing instrument I have ever had the pleasure of playing. It transformed our concept of the song, and we were able to recreate the magic even on an inferior instrument at the performance the next day. It was a transformative experience, and taught me how just powerful intention can be, even when performing on a somewhat limited piano.

https://www.laurencony.com/recordings