Arlene was my AMP Piano professor my freshman year (2019-2020) and we stayed in touch through COVID and up until this spring through email exchanges about music and life. I am so grateful to have had the chance to learn from Arlene’s musical expertise, and to have been one of the many students she impacted personally as well. When I took lessons with her, she held me to a standard that she knew was in my reach and did not settle for less from me. To hear her praise made me believe in myself, and to hear her feedback was always exactly what I needed to take a piece to the next level. At the same time, she was deeply empathetic and had an unwavering support for my musical interests and endeavors that went beyond being just my professor. One fond memory I have is when I had an idea to put together a performance with an artist friend. Arlene not only connected me with people that could help but showed up on the concert day and shared with me photos she took afterwards (like a proud mom). To put it simply, she was the special kind of person who truly cared for and wanted to see her students grow. I am lucky to have known her, and to have been impacted by her.
Thank you,
Claire