Robin talks about her favorite concert, carnegie hall, gershwin and new age music.
DM) You mention in your CD booklet, "Thanks to: my fans
on the Internet". How much of an impact has the Internet
had on your career?
RS) I was an early advocate of Internet correspondence. I
had an AOL account in early 1993, and used it to access various
music newsgroups. It was before my first record deal, and almost
all of the radio airplay I received were from DJ's I had 'virtually
met' over the net! In fact in 1994 Billboard Magazine did an
article on how I, and some other independent artists were 'scoring'
radio airplay in this manner.
Since having my website up (it opened August 1995), I have
had the pleasure of hearing from and corresponding with fans
from all around the world. I think it is so terrific that a fan
in Australia can access my concert schedule in just 17 seconds...or
hear a sound clip from my new record. Often, I hear from music
lovers who are just discovering my music and can't find it in
their home town or country--the Internet allows my office to
take orders for CD's and music books. I will even, upon request,
personally autograph copies that go out from here.
I am very grateful to so many people who have been writing
me in support of my music My Internet fans have been largely
responsible for my concert schedule---a suggestion from a fan
to perform in a certain locale is often the seed for next year's
concert schedule!
DM) What do you see as the next step in using the Internet
for your music?
RS) Eventually I will offer real audio samples of my music
on the Internet, video clips and interviews (with voice). I actually
had real audio samples set up a few years ago, but discovered
that most home computer users did Not have the gear to access
them, so I switched back to .wav and .aiff Files. Eventually
people will become pretty used to ordering items and Discovering
different types of music on the net----many already are, but
Eventually everyone will!
DM) Can you have a career almost exclusively based on recording
and the net?
RS) I don't think so. I live for touring!
DM) What was your favorite performance?
RS) I'd have to say my Carnegie Hall debut on March 15, 1997.
It was a magical evening in every sense of the word. The hall
was sold out, I received several standing ovations, more flowers
than my arms could carry, and played a very clean program.
DM) Would you call your music, New Age, Classical or another
term?
RS) Hmmmm... this one is tough. In the music stores like Tower
and Borders, you can find it under 'new age', but I refer to
my music 'contemporary classical'. Basically it is new music
for piano and piano ensemble. It has its roots in American Musical
Theater, pop, rock and classical. You combine those elements
and you get... my music! Not the easiest thing to label!
DM) And what styles do you listen to usually?
RS) I have a pretty eclectic collection of music. I adore
the singer/songwriter genre (Indigo Girls, The Nields, Dar Williams,
etc) as well as rock. I listen to this kind of music on road
trips mostly. I was raised learning music from the American musical
theater and also love theater songs and music from film. In my
home office I usually listen to contemporary instrumental music/new
age & classical.
DM) What's the last concert you've attended?
RS) New Jersey Symphony Orchestra outdoor concert this past
weekend in a George Gershwin tribute.
DM) Was Gershwin an influence?
RS) Not particularly, although the year I learned Rhapsody
In Blue ( I was a teenager), my parents treated me to an all-Gershwin
concert which featured that piece. It was a memorable experience.
DM) Were you forced to take piano lessons as a child or was
it your own choice?
RS) My sister is two years older than I am and was given lessons
at age 7. So at age five I was just begging for lessons! I fiddled
around on the keyboard and picked up a lot by listening to my
sister, but wasn't given formal lessons until I turned 7 (second
grade).
DM) Some people say you can only be a virtuoso if you start
young and others say you can start at any age. What do you think?
RS) As far as being a 'virtuoso' is concerned, I believe you
need to start playing your instrument very young. It is pretty
rare for a person to achieve technical mastery of an instrument
without being introduced to that instrument at an early age.
This is because of the eye-hand coordination involved---we tend
to do well with that kind of learning early on in our lives.
In a way, it is like language. You certainly can learn new languages
at any age, but 3 and 4 year olds can learn many rather effortlessly
if exposed to them.
DM) Have you ever inspired somebody to play piano?
RS) Yes, many. I get many letters from young students as well
as adults who have heard my music, purchased the songbooks and
have told me that I have 're-awakened" their interest and
passion for music. It is a wonderful feeling.
DM) Who inspired you to play?
RS) I don't remember--I was so young! I actually have an early
memory of me standing up and reaching up to reach over the keyboard
to pluck out notes. It was kind of 'in my blood' I suppose!
