Meet Blake Zimmerli, an Austin High School senior bursting with musical talent, crafting symphonies despite COVID-19 challenges. Delve into Blake’s journey from piano lessons to composing, culminating in the performance of his masterpiece “Brouhaha” by The Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Former MacPhail Student Reiki Hall to perform at First Avenue
MPR’s Carbon Sound Hosted by Macie Rasmussen features Reiki Hall, one of MacPhail’s former students, who will be playing in First Avenue’s Best New Bands show this Friday.
A MacPhail Story: Vladimir Tsiper
As the son of a gifted pianist, Vladimir Tsiper’s musical journey began at a young age. Learn about his journey.
Prelude: Singer-Actor Lab Alums Perform Into the Woods at the Guthrie Theater
Former Prelude students began a two-month run of ‘Into the Woods’ at the Guthrie Theater on June 17, 2023. The cast and crew featured three of the program’s alums: Andy Kust (’06), Cat Brindisi (’07), and Anna Hashizume (’11).
A MacPhail Story: Matt & Crosby
Diana Bearmon, piano instructor at MacPhail, strives to make her lessons student-centered because she believes that their learning experience should be uniquely about them. With 30 plus years of teaching …
A MacPhail Story: Claire Miller
Twenty years ago, before Claire Miller was an accomplished violinist, pianist, orchestral performer, and chamber musician; before winning numerous competitions, and earning several academic degrees in music, she was a …
MacPhail Story: Rylan Hefner
Reflecting on his 17 years as a MacPhail student, Rylan Hefner had this to say, “(MacPhail has)… always been a driving force behind my musical teaching and learning and everything I’ve done related …
MacPhail Story: Holly & John
From chorus, to clarinet, cello and beyond, Holly MacDonald and John Orbison are no strangers to trying new things with 5 instruments between them including voice. While their recent endeavor …
MacPhail Story: Brian and David Muhs
Heidi and Merrill Muhs knew they wanted their sons to get into band in high school. Thinking ahead, they brought their son Brian to MacPhail when he was in 5th …
When Little Things Lead to BIG Possibilities | Sophia Kickhofel
The little things. That’s what Sophia Kickhofel enjoys most about life. If she could trace all the little things back to childhood, she would realize they brought her to where …
MacPhail Center for Music’s “Light in the Well”
Five years ago, Ferol Grode showed up to her first day of music therapy in a “Life is good” T-shirt. Her mother, Patty, had one on, too. To a stranger, …
‘Music never really stops’ – Austin Daily Herald
MacPhail Austin student, Blake Zimmerli, has been using the extra time during COVID-19 to work on his symphonies. He’s currently working on his eight symphony and describes the hobby as, …
Small Moments, Big Accomplishments
Beth, age 12 , Music Therapy Student Stories: Beth When Diene’s twelve-year-old daughter Beth continually expressed a passion for music, constantly asking it to be played throughout the house, Diene …