Comments from Summer Festival participants
This
is the single finest musical festival I have ever attended. Your personal
care, interest, and generosity at every phase of the festival is unequaled
in my experience. You both have gone so far beyond the "extra mile"
to help every single duo!!"
"I
came away with a great blend of technical and musical ideas -- the best
part is that it's not a "do what I do" approach, but one that helps
you unearth your own creativity and ability to make fearless choices
with your music"
"We
set out with very specific goals for what we needed to get out of coaching
and master classes. We got everything we had hoped for and much, much
more. The dam has burst -- watch us go!"
"Most
master classes I have attended are stuffy, competitive and stressful.
Your festival is the complete opposite. I was able to let me true self
shine through. I was comfortable with where I was musically, personally,
mentally & physically. There was no pressure or competitiveness ...
just joy and great ideas and fun. So much to be gained!"
"The coaching sessions were outstanding. My most valuable experience.".
"You
should run a master class on how to run a master class!"
"The
positive creative energy here was so stimulating, and the personal &
musical intimacy touched me. Many thanks. It's been a truly spectacular
week in every way."
Comments from Summer Festival 2005
participants:
"These
master classes & coaching sessions are unlike any I've ever attended.
Participants receive coaching at the highest artistic level without
the pressure or devastation and competition. Jan and John revel in the
success of others!"
"We
are profoundly moved at your ability to affirm performer’s strengths,
and to diagnose and prescribe help for areas that need to be addressed.
You create a very special atmosphere of respect and consideration of
feelings, yet also the honestly and evaluation that we want and need."
"Thank
you for who you are and what you are! I look forward to this all year
and appreciate you for all that you have created! Cedar Rapids is so
fortunate to have you and so are we! Thank you for your support and
encouragement and of course, for believing in me."
"I
learned that I create my own musical niche. I don’t have to rely
and expect that the only way I can play is if I join a group or audition
for opportunities. I can create them myself with some networking and
be my own boss! I also learned that when I put myself or surround myself
in a supportive environment, I come alive!. This is good stuff!"
"I
gained my confidence back!".
"The
coaching sessions were at the highest level. Focus was always on musical
progress, not a flute or guitar lesson."
"Coaching
sessions continue to be the most valuable part of the week for me. The
more time, suggestions, and teaching I can get, the better! You both
have contributed so much to my playing."
"The
coaching sessions were so very helpful – the best thing about
them is that all the coaching is geared towards bringing out our own
innate musicality, not forcing the coaches ideas on us."
"The
participant performances gave the ensembles the opportunity to support
the local community and try to put into use the skills/ techniques from
the coaching sessions. The venues selected were small, intimate and
did not cause a feeling of pressure or stress."
"I loved our concert at The Iron Works Gallery! Great hosts and
what fun to play music underneath a huge spider!"
PHOTOS FROM FESTIVAL 2006
Comments from Summer Festival 2006 participants:
J.
J. “You both are wonderful and incredibly inspiring! Thank you
for doing what you do and being who you are. The world needs you, and
you are such a role model for others. I value the time I get to spend
with you because you help me to believe in myself and in my dreams.
You are the example of how a dream becomes reality. I appreciate you
both very much!”
L.S. “Thanks again for a fabulous week – I feel so supported,
and ready to take on the world again! This year's festival was very
special! I learned so much from everyone."
K.F. "Thank you for a wonderful experience. We loved the fellowship
and the music making! It was an amazing week for us and we’re
so grateful."
A.H.
"Thank you for another great week of flute and guitar immersion.
The coaching and master-classes continue to be my highlights."
FROM FESTIVAL 2007
Comments from Festival Participants 2007
“Ingenious approaches. Creative & stimulating master classes.
You really want us to improve and succeed.”
“The
atmosphere you created was completely non-competitive and cooperative.
I learned a lot."
“Definitely
one of the best weeks of my musical career.”
"I
received lots of inspiration! This is a very unique event. The sharing,
performing, coaching & socializing is intense and creates a learning
environment that is superior in a non-threatening atmosphere.”
“We have never played so well together. You really know how to
help us draw the music off the printed page!”
