This week marks marks the close of PMAC’s fall semester and a fresh start for what’s ahead in 2025. As we gear up for a new semester filled with creativity and inspiration, it’s the perfect time to reflect on artistic goals and aspirations. We asked some of our faculty members and staff: What are your 2025 artistic resolutions? Their responses are sure to spark ideas and inspire you as you set your own creative intentions for the months ahead!
To (finally) learn a new technique on upright bass that I have been scared to work on: Slap bass. Slap bass on upright is associated with rockabilly, but has its origins in New Orleans. It’s a challenging right hand vocabulary that is completely different from ordinary pizzicato.
Nick Phaneuf | Teaching Artist – Guitar, Bass
To start singing more classical pieces/artists. I’ve personally been singing a lot of musical theatre/pop over the years but would love to explore different colors of my voice like I did in college.
Hanna Street | Teaching Artist – Voice
Three pronged!
To create in the present. Too often I find myself getting hung up on the past, or anxious about the future. This could be in something as compact as an improvised solo, where I might worry about the note I just played, or the chord change that is coming up. This year I want to be present in the moment by letting go of the past and focusing on the now, without worrying too much about what comes next.
To learn new music. This is a recurring gift to myself each new year. I resolve to learn new pieces I’ve never played before. I’ll look for pieces that I’ve never even heard before. Finding new music keeps life exciting. I can’t wait for what I discover next.
To be kind and grateful. I don’t want to waste my energy on negativity. I love making music with others and I’m grateful for every musical interaction. Being kind includes being kind to myself. I won’t beat myself up if I miss a week of practice because life gets in the way. I’ll forgive myself and pick up where I left off. I’ll be grateful every day that I get to make music with and for so many wonderful people.
Russ Grazier | CEO
To get better at bass guitar!
Maddy Shimko | Teaching Artist – Flute, Piano
To play a piano and cello piece with Eli! Also I would like to take an adult art class.
Kathy Fink | Teaching Artist – Piano
To connect with my instrument on a more intentional level – setting aside time to focus on pieces I’ve always wanted to play, rather than just learning what’s next on the performance calendar. As they say, “There’s no time like the present!” And with as much wonderful repertoire as there is out there, I’m excited for the joy that will come with finally picking up those pieces I’ve always set to the side.
Eli Kaynor | Chief Development Officer, Teaching Artist – Cello
To perform 4 successful viola & piano recitals in 2 states! One will be at PMAC on Saturday, August 2 at 4 p.m. Although I perform frequently, it is usually within an ensemble. I haven’t put together a full program like this in a looong time, and so I am challenging myself to practice differently.
Sally Wituszynski | Teaching Artist – Strings
To practice everyday!
Katie Grazier | COO (Taking drum lessons with Mike Walsh)
To grow my collaborative skills in Irish traditional music through participating in an ensemble as part of my MA studies.
Madelyn Morrell | Teaching Artist – Violin, Fiddle
To become more comfortable and coordinated when my hands are moving independently on the piano.
Melissa Schultz | Director of Marketing (Taking piano lessons with Mike Effenberger)
