Roger W. Nelson
I feel I am constantly learning from my students as well as helping them learn.
Which courses do you teach?
I teach a variety of courses including, Music History (Classical Era). Music History of the 20th and 21st Century, Private piano, Piano class, chorus, orchestration, madrigal or vocal ensemble, composer/performer ensemble, conducting. Obviously I cannot teach all of these at once or even in the same year.
Why do you teach?
I think the most rewarding aspect of teaching is being involved in, participating in the growth and discovery process with my students. It is particularly exciting to do this in the world of music.
What brought you to Cornish?
I came to Cornish from Belgium where I had been living for two years working as a freelance musician.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from many sources. As you can see from the variety of courses I teach that I have many interests in the music world. But I get much inspiration from nature. I garden and I am enthusiastic outdoors person.
What drew you to your field?
I began piano studies at age 4. As a youth I was also active as a singer and French horn player. I would put it another way: Try as I did, I could not stay away from music.
Tell us about your creative process:
I write fiddle tunes and other assorted works. Often the ideas come in nearly completed form. I cogitate for quite awhile before I actually write the ideas down. As a pianist, I study the score extensively but ultimately try to find my own way of expressing the ideas that I feel are emanating from the composer.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am writing a work for cello and piano for me and my daughter who is 13. I plan to go to Ketchikan, AK to conduct OLIVER, which will be my 11th production in that town. I frequently accompany for singers and instrumentalists, a collaborative effort which gives me great pleasure.
What do you do for fun?
I ride my bicycle all over Seattle and elsewhere. I enjoy hiking and climbing. I garden, coaxing flowers and vegetables to grow in splendid fashion.
What do you like most about Cornish?
Having taught at Cornish for 27 years I have seen it change and grow. I enjoy the questing minds of the students and the interaction I have with them. I have a great deal of academic freedom at Cornish and truly comprehend that not all college professors in other locales have that kind of freedom. I feel I am constantly learning from my students as well as helping them learn. The entire interchange is never completely predictable and I find that stimulating.